turnerlifearound

Always Better

2012-02-21T20:13:00.001-05:00

Life is so good right now and it seems to be getting better. That makes me realize that in life, there is always more. When I started drinking I realized- wow life is so much better when I'm drunk- I can talk to whoever I want, I'm confident, at ease and everything is so much more fun. That clearly didn't last...when I stopped drinking the first time I thought- ok now things are better- I'm not hungover and sick all the time- this is ok. Again- didn't last. I drank again. That was an exception to my theory because those months that I was back out drinking were not better in any way shape or form. But, when I stopped drinking again in September 2008 things took a huge turn for the better. I started working an AA program, making friends that were sober, staying away from old friends and places that would not keep me sober and really learning how to live a life without alcohol. Over the past three years I've been extremely happy sober but I still had an eating disorder hanging over my head, constantly making its way into everything I did or felt. I took up running once I got sober and that seemed to help with my overall self image. You never realize that you are being held prisoner by something until you're let free. Alcohol ruled my life at one time and now it doesn't, and for awhile that was amazing for me.
For years I've been thinking- this is as good as it's gonna get- I have this eating disorder, its never going away, and I'm pretty happy, so I guess this is good enough. I was wrong.
A huge hurdle for me in beginning the recovery process for alcoholism and bulimia has been my fear of change. I lived drunk for so long I didn't know what life would be like without it and I didn't want to try. The same thing goes for bulimia- I have depended on bulimia for years- I don't know why but I have, and I was afraid to try living without it.
I am so glad that I did. You never realize you are being held prisoner by something until you're free.
The fact that I can go days, even hours without thinking about food, feeling guilty about what I did or didn't eat, worried about if I would have a chance to throw up- everything, is absolutely amazing.
I feel like I have my life back and I didn't realize how much I was missing.
Two of my best friends came down this weekend for the Blacksburg Classic- ten miler in Blacksburg. I had such an a wonderful time with them because I was able to be fully present while they were here. My mind was not constantly in another place. We went out for fro yo both nights they were here and it was amazing and I didn't regret or feel guilty for a second. I could sit after dinner and talk with them for hours without worrying about when I could get to the bathroom.

These are from last year but they perfectly depict my happiness and excitement when I'm with these girls:)

We did so many of my favorite things- ran, ate, talked, laughed, watched movies, laughed more and I didn't let bulimia ruin my time with them.
No matter how good I think things are- relationships, how I'm feeling, what the future looks like- it can always be better.
I could write an entire blog about all the terrible things that I think about myself on a daily basis- the least favorite parts of my body, comparing myself to other women, what could be better. If I apply that same theory- I will never ever be satisfied. If I woke up and was the hottest person on Earth- I would still find something wrong with me...and who's to say who the hottest person on Earth is? I'm slowly starting to feel better and happier about myself and I continue to have hope that that will get better too.

Got to finally meet Nicki from http://runningnicki.blogspot.com at the race this weekend!!

Talk About It

2012-02-15T12:23:00.001-05:00

A while ago I wrote a post about why I keep this blog. To me, it's like a journal- its just all over the internet for anyone to read...really private huh?...but although it's a journal for me to keep my thoughts, feelings, accomplishments, all those little things I want to remember down the road- it's also a place where I can share those things with other people. Maybe 3 people read it, maybe 30- I have no idea, but since it is based on thoughts and feelings- maybe one person will relate and it will touch just one person. I hope that ten or twenty years down the road I can look back and remember what it felt like to get sober, or train for my first marathon, or whatever other little thing happened that I felt was important enough to make note of in my life.
It's easy to talk about all those positive things because I don't want to forget anything about them. What I tend to do though, is block out the things I don't want to remember and that can be dangerous. If I forgot how terrible it was when I was drinking then I might think- hey I should go have a few beers for fun, and I'll relive all the hell I already went through. The reason I was able to get sober is because someone else talked about how terrible it was for them and showed me how it could get better. I was in a place of total doubt and fear that life could never be good again, until other people showed me that it could. But I always have to remember where I was and share it with other people.
That applies to more than just alcoholism. For years I've been battling bulimia and I have never once talked about it. I ended up in the same dark, fearful place with an eating disorder as I did with drinking. I felt like an absolute freak- disgusting, weird- like no one would ever get it if I told them. That's because no one had ever talked to me about it before. It's barely talked about at all. I'm a hypocrite now for not talking about it on here yet because I've said the phrase "I wish more people would talk about it" a million times in the past few months.
This is a lot for me to put out there but I'm ready to now. I'm in the recovery process and it's not easy but I can honestly say now that I am in such a different place than I was a few months ago. I wondered if I was ever going to be able to live like a normal person again and carried this big secret around for years. I couldn't tell anyone because I didn't really know anyone else that had gone through it and I didn't want to stand out even more. When I finally opened up about it, I was treated like anything but a freak. I have more love and support from family and friends than I ever thought possible. It's hard to talk about with someone that can't relate whatsoever- why would you throw up your food?! But they don't have to understand every psychological aspect of the disease- just that I'm struggling and I need some help and support.
I am still growing and learning and changing and you can't go from being bulimic to being normal over night- it's a long process. I can say though that I am so happy now. I can't count how many times I would wish I could go back to early high school or before that when I didn't think about food any more than I thought about the next thing. I just wanted to be normal again. For years my mind was consumed with thoughts about food, weight, stress, anxiety, secrets so many terrible things that took away from actually living life. Today, things are unbelievably different and better.
Why did I want to put all this out there? Because I'm absolutely not a freak, or close to the only one who's dealing with this. It's amazing how many people- not just girls, have at some point experimented with some type of disordered eating and just kept it to themselves. I can't explain how much it helps to talk about it. Even to tell one other person is an enormous weight lifted. I appreciate every single blog post that I've read where someone has been honest about their own eating disorder- it's helped me feel normal, feel hope, and see that there is a way out.

So Cliche

2012-01-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

A lot of times I brush of those cliche type sayings that I hear. Not that I don't want to hear them but just because it's like those kind of things you hear so often you don't stop to take the time to think about what they really mean. AA has a lotttt of those types of sayings.
One day at a time
Easy does it
Live and let live
Keep it simple
The list goes on and on and on...sometimes I don't even hear them in meetings because I hear them so much. The other day though, I thought of one that I absolutely needed to work in my life.
Act your way into right thinking.
Before this week I had two full weeks where I ran 12 miles total. I'm almost embarassed to write that but I just wasn't feeling it, focusing on other stuff, doing different stuff at the gym, whatever. But I wasn't running.
I got to the point where I kept thinking about how hard the first run would be because it had been awhile, and that led me to put it off even more. I would get on the treadmill in the morning and immediately have to poop (sorry I'm not sorry) and get so frustrated that I'd just quit right then.
Last Sunday I decided I was gonna turn things around and headed out for a semi-long run, even though I haven't done one in awhile so I was doubting what I could actually do. I got about 4 miles in and completely wiped out right after I had crossed over some railroad tracks. I ripped up my hands and was covered in mud and ended up walking to 7-11 to call Corey. He didn't answer, so I just said F it and ran towards home. Needless to say it was a really shitty run. That did not help my whole running attitude.
Tuesday once I stopped acting like a baby and the sun came out I decided to go for a run. I thought of that AA saying "act your way into right thinking"- I wasn't going to have a good run ever if I kept telling myself how terrible it would be...the first few miles of every run are always tougher and maybe this first one wouldn't feel fantastic but I'd do it anyway. And I did. And then I ran again, and again and got myself back into the routine. It's really amazing to me how much my mind can screw with me and control me.
At some point I had to just suck it up and get started- the first part is always the worst, and it always gets better.
I'm planning on doing a long run tomorrow since, oh ya, I have a marathon coming up in a month and a half :/ I get stressed out following a training plan because it sets me up for success and failure- if I had been religiously following the plan I intended to the past few weeks I would have to give myself an F-. I'm not training for the Olympics and the whole marathon thing is really for me and for fun and I'd like to keep it that way.
I do have a ten miler coming up in a few weeks which will be a repeat of last year's fun :) Can't wait to see these two beautiful girls

Instead of stressing myself out more than I already have, I downloaded Bossypants, Tina Fey's book on my Ipod and mapped out a route for tomorrow morning. Annnnd I get to wear my new shoes that just arrived today :)

Are you Freaking Kidding Me!?

2012-01-14T15:33:00.000-05:00

For Christmas I received a subscription to Healthy Cooking magazine which I was very excited about...I always look at recipes online, intending to print them out and use them, and somehow forget. So this way I"ll have great recipes that I can take directly to the kitchen and use in the near future. There are some fantastic recipes and ideas throughout the magazines and I love it, however reading my first issue I had one complaint. You know those sample menus they put in- giving you examples of what to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and desserts in order to lose weight/maintain weight. I consider those helpful for specific recipe ideas but have never followed one specifically- it just seems like too much work to me, but I believe there are plenty of people out there that do. I also think it can be a recipe for disaster (pun definitely intended...dork) - setting such strict guidelines for a diet plan can instantly set you up for failure. As someone who struggles with perfectionism, and seeing things in black and white, I would use this as my guideline and either succeed or fail for the days plan. Now, if you're not like that- then it's fine, and you can use the ideas how you please, but I think it can be a problem...especially if the snacks they suggest for you look like THIS:

Are you freaking kidding me?! TWO wheat thins?! Is there a new type of wheat thin I haven't seen yet that's bigger than the big wheat thins- like the size of a napkin? Who opens the box, gets out two and says "ohh this looks like enough- I wouldn't want to be full!"

Or half of a string cheese?? Please tell me if you open your string cheese, pull the delicious cheese strands halfway down and then stop, fold the wrapper over and save the other half for later...maybe you do but to me thats nuts and totally unrealistic. I can not think of a single time in my life when I have eaten two wheat thins. I think it's great to give examples of snacks and what they're worth calorie-wise but make them realistic ideas. Maybe cut a little bit out of a different meal in the day and allow for 5 or 6 wheat thins for the same calorie intake?? I was seriously pissed when I saw that. I've seen stuff like that with stupid small portions but this was ridiculous. If you're gonna eat two wheat thins (which I still don't know why you would) don't count that as your afternoon snack- just eat your two effing wheat thins and have a different afternoon snack.
Does anyone else find this outrageous or is it just me?!

When You Think You're Alone

2012-01-11T15:22:00.002-05:00

I don't know if I've written about this in the past, but I'm not too concerned because I'm feeling an overwhelming amount of love and support right now.

We all have our own battles and struggles, one of mine being alcoholism, among others. For so long, I kept it to myself- not that it wasn't absolutely obvious to those around me, but I fought the battle completely alone, or rather- denied fighting the battle. I was a collage-aged, middle class girl- in college (and doing well might I add-somehow) with lots of friends and a seemingly great life- but I was an alcoholic (I still am don't worry)...I felt like a freak.

When I was in an AA meeting with 30 strangers I was completely comfortable...there could be a 75 year old man who could be my grandpa, a younger woman covered in tattoos and piercings, a lady who has been on and off the streets and can barely read...and they got me like no one else ever had. I did not belong here- I belonged with that group of girls that looked, dressed and talked exactly like me. But I couldn't even talk to those girls. As much as I hear that "we all have our own secret struggles", it's hard not to feel like a complete outsider. I have reached out to friends about alcoholism and eating issues, thinking they would look down on me, judge me, gossip about me- and I have always received nothing but absolute love and support.

I know it's my insecurity doubting their reactions, because they are all amazing people, but I have still been overwhelmed with their responses.

The hardest thing has been just opening my mouth and saying the first words- I need help, and really being honest about my situation- and it all gets easier from there. And life gets better.

A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.

William Arthur Ward

Almost 3 years ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received an enormous amount of love and support from family, neighbors, doctors and nurses, but most importantly from her friends. Some of them she's known for decades and they continue to be there for her like mine are for me. I hope...no I KNOW that I will have that years from now.

When she had started chemo she expected the whole hair falling out thing and decided to nip it in the bud, shave off what she had and find herself a wig. All of these people were with her that day at the wig store. Sat with her while she watched her hair fall to the ground and tried on half of the wigs in the store. She was more beautiful that day with no hair than I have ever seen her. These are true friends. They are still by her side today, as a survivor :) I truely believe that God puts people in our lives for very specific reasons and I am thankful for exactly who he has decided to put into mine:)

I Wish I Was a Friend

2012-01-04T12:39:00.001-05:00

I can proudly say that I own every single episode of Friends, have seen everyone who knows how many times and annoyingly quote Friends all the time. During times when I've been depressed and felt alone during my drinking I used Friends to cheer me up. I could watch it over and over and would have given anything to go to a taping when they were still on. I love Friends. I just saw this on Pinterest and was dying reading it to myself at school (probably should be doing something more productive). If you don't love Friends, this won't mean much to you, but if you do I think you will enjoy it :)

New Year, New You

2012-01-03T13:28:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! In every AA meeting lately we've been talking about resolutions and pretty much every single person in those rooms can relate to making a resolution to stop drinking, including myself. I made daily resolutions to stop, of course, but New Years day seemed like a great, memorable day to do it. But then, I would think of someones birthday within the next few weeks, or an event in the coming months and decide- ohhh no I can't quit right now, I'll just wait til after that event...you can imagine how long that went on.

It was so relieving to hear all those people reminiscing about those days and know that I didn't have to make that resolution this year. I also realize that I am 100 percent, perfectly happy ringing in the new year with a glass of sparkling cider and going to sleep approximately 14 minutes after the ball drops- no shame here. We had an amazing evening with Corey's family eating delicious food and playing Wii Jeopardy and I loved every second of it.

Since I've quit drinking, and for as long as I can remember, I've had another life long resolution that has never lasted- to stop biting my nails. Last New Years eve I made it again and lasted through March and loved my new pretty long nails and got manicures and it was glorious...and then I bit them all off. Who knows why, but I did. Now, a year later, I have long nails again and I think they're really here to stay this time! They say it takes 21 days to break/form a new habit and I'm a few 21 days through now and have broken the habits of putting my fingers in my mouth, biting the skin around them, anything related- so here's to another year of long girly nails! (plus, how terrible does it look having an engagement ring with your 8 year old kid nails?!)

Now that I'm sober and have long nails (what more could you want?!) I do want to have some sort of resolution to focus on this year. However, I want it to be a positive resolution, such as DO something, rather than STOP doing something. This year I want to focus on loving myself. I just read recently that by criticizing others we're taking away time that we would be criticizing ourselves. I am absolutely guilty of judging and stereotyping others, all the while thinking it makes me feel better about myself...no. It's not only unproductive and just mean, but you miss out on opportunities and relationships with great people and loose time that you could be focusing on improving your relationship with yourself. I have extremely hard on myself in more ways than one and I want to make 2012 different and learn to love myself like I would love someone else.

On another note- here are a few pictures from the rest of our trip up to NOVA for winter break...

Wizards opening night

Meeting the man himself, Gheroghe Muresan, all 7 and a half feet of him

Wedding cake tasting

Catering tasting

Back downtown for the Caps game

Making Room

2011-12-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

Last night I attended my absolute favorite (and one of the only :/) church services of the year- Christmas Eve church...I love everything about it- the traditions we have with our family and my best friends' family and neighbors,

the singing, the candle lighting and Silent Night and trying to hold in our laughter as all the kids make jokes throughout the service. I'm not really one to preach religious kinda stuff but the homily that I heard last night was so relevant to my life and exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. She talked about Mary and Joseph's relatives making room for them in their stable the night they needed a place to stay and reminded us that we need to make room for Jesus in our lives. That can be taken many different ways and for me it made me think about how I need to make room for people and things in my life. I have spent too much time talking the talk and wishing I had more time to do productive, worthwhile things rather than wasting my time on unhealthy habits and unproductive things. I can't even count how many times I've said "I wish I read more" or make some sort of resolution about how I'm going to take Cooper on long walks...and I end up doing anything but that. This past week I've taken some time to actually enjoy reading. Getting up a little earlier to sit at the table and eat breakfast and read or turning off the tv and reading a book...I'm pretty much guaranteed that if I turn off the television I'll be able to catch a repeat of Real Housewives at some other time.
I've begun to think about how many amazing, loving people I have in my life that tell me they would be there for me at any possible moment- and actually would. Would I be that person for someone else?? Would I actually drop everything and be there for someone no matter what? Sadly I would have to say that many times I may be too selfish and reluctant to be there at that moment. Not to say I'm a terrible daughter/sister/friend, but I do tend to think about myself a lotttt and that can get in the way of other important things in my life.
This Christmas has been amazing. We have a house full of people and dogs,

more presents than anyone needs, we've spent the last few days relaxing and enjoying break and I got to go for a great run outside in my new Brooks jacket earlier today :)

I truly feel like I'm making some room in my life for those things that really matter. I won't have to look back at pictures from this years Christmas celebrations and try and remember bits and pieces, or regret stupid things I did after drinking way too much. That is an amazing feeling.
I was stressed earlier this week because I hadn't run in a few days, and was on track for my lowest mileage week in as long as I can remember and I was feeling really bad about it. Would I loose everything I've worked for running wise? No. Would I balloon up to 250 pounds because I didn't run very much? No. Did I get to spend some very valuable time with people I love and that love me to death and focus on areas of my life that truly need work and care. Yes.
I'm really working on making room in areas that need a little extra attention to make me a better person. I feel very blessed to have had such a wonderful Christmas and I hope everyone else has too :)

Opening up

2011-12-21T12:08:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how much easier life is when you can just be honest. Hand in hand with any type of addiction there is lying, cheating, stealing, hiding, closing off, running from, shutting down- so many negative avoidance techniques and lifestyles that can creep up into all areas of your life. Think about how stressful it is to tell one lie...I think back to high school when we would plan some stupid event for a night that we knew we couldn't go to but would figure a way around it. Everyone had to lie to their mom, but all of the lies had to be the same- down to every last detail, and back up plans had to be made in case one part of the plan went wrong. If we're all lying about sleeping over at someone else's house and we're not actually at any one of those houses- what if one of the moms decides to call another mom to check in on the girls or "just to talk" One mom wants their daughter to check in from a house phone so we have to change the plans and visit that house before to make the phone call and then add another lie for why we're leaving the house...holy hell thats a lot that goes into one night of fun...and is it really fun when you have all that stress about the lies hanging over your head? Maybe yes because you get so drunk you don't have to think about it! Then all of the sudden you get caught and its just like...oh shit.
I'm not sure what the actual physical repercussions of all that stress and anxiety are, and i'm not a doctor or a doctor that's writing a blog so I'm not going to go into it but I know it's a lot!
I have lied about hundreds, thousands, millions of things in my life...not just to other people but myself too. One lie leads to another and another and before you know it you're lying for no reason. I've created stress for myself for years and years that didn't need to be there.
I've found in these past few days that opening up and being honest about EVERYTHING has lifted an enormous weight off of my shoulders. I feel like a new person, in new relationships and have new hope for my life and my future.
I am a perfectionist. I see things in black and white. There is no middle ground. It's still hard for me to ask for help. I don't want to show that I am vulnerable.
When I let my guard down, I find that no one shuns me, no one disowns me, all those people that I know love me prove that they love me even more. I judge myself way more than anyone else judges me. I'm too hard on myself. Everything is better when I am honest and open about everything.

Christmasy Weekend and the Most Random Thing That's Ever Happened On a Run

2011-12-05T15:14:00.000-05:00

First off- I love Christmas time. I got my NSYNC Christmas CD out before Thanksgiving and I was ready to decorate our apartment for the first time weeks ago (we waited until Thanksgiving-ish though) I'm so excited to have our own tree and wreath and lights outside. Cooper's grandparents stopped by the other night and said Santa stopped them and gave them this adorable ornament for our little family's first Christmas

One of my absolute favorite things about moving has been the small-town community feel of the area we live. Last year I got to experience Dickens of a Christmas for the first time which is the Christmas festival in downtown Roanoke with a parade and horse-drawn carriage rides and crafts. I didn't even know that Salem had their own Christmas festivities! Friday night we went down to Main Street (I love the fact that there is one Main Street where we live) and watched the community parade- evvvveryone in Salem was there- like in the movies- if you wanted to rob a bank Friday night you'd probably be good to go) I saw a bunch of my middle schoolers in the band and all of the local businesses and groups...and ofcourse Santa!

we even ran into Corey's adorable cousin Olivia :)

I made sure that Cooper is all ready for Christmas in a timely manor as well...he loooooves this sweater and scarf cant you tell? (if it's not clear what he's doing in this picture he is ripping the scarf off and almost got the sweater off by himself too)

On to a completely random story from this weekend...I ran outside yesterday for the first time in over a week and it was glorious. I've gotten in the habit of running on the treadmill at the gym but it was so nice out and I wanted to do a long run so I set out in the middle of the afternoon. There were tons of people out (there was also a Toys for Tots motorcycle parade that came through town for about 15 minutes) so I wasn't alone or worried about my safety by any means. A few miles in a nice homeless-ish looking man rode by me on his bike, cigarette hanging out of his mouth and a John Deere duffle bag hanging off his handle bars. I did that kinda smirk/not really a smile but trying to be polite when we made eye contact and went on my way. A few minutes later I look over and he's riding back towards me. I got a little nervous but I picked out a few houses that had people outside if I needed to get away from him. He rode over like he was going to talk to me and I noticed that he had a box of chicken in his hand...like the kind from the grocery store in a plastic container
I figured he wouldn't be asking for money since I was clearly out running without a purse or anything on me (plus he already had chicken so he seemed all set)...instead he held up the box and yelled "wanna box?!"

...."Um...no thanks!"...and then he was gone. I ran on and was just dumbfounded by what had just happened...so weird- by far the most random thing that has ever happened to me out on a run!

My Life To-do List

2011-11-27T23:09:00.000-05:00

The other day I saw a Groupon type deal for 2 tickets to see Ellen live for half price! Granted, half price was still a few hundred dollars, but still a great deal...if I were made of money that would be on the top of my Christmas list. I could've sworn that I had written "see Ellen in real life" on a "bucket list" I made in high school, and wanted to find it to see what else I had written. When I was home last weekend I found my journal from Student Government class in high school where I knew we had written a life list at one point. Well, here are my big aspirations as a 17 year old. (I guess i thought of the Ellen idea in my head?)

I was born in Italy so I've always thought going back to see where I was born would be very cool- not sure if I really want to live there though? Maybe I thought it was mandatory to do some kind of backpacking through Europe during your college years...not quite how my college years went.

As of senior year in high school I had never been to Disney world, which I have since fulfilled, once for fun and once to run my first marathon! On that note, I never, ever, ever would've thought that running a marathon would be something I would have any desire to work towards, much less complete.

The whole traveling to Spain thing goes along with the Italy idea, except I took 7 years of Spanish so I really wanted to take lots of trips to practice it- which I did get to do once in the Dominican Republic (cross off tropical vacation and the swimming with dolphins on that one too)...unfortunately I stopped taking Spanish after a reallllly hard literature class in college/paired with the fact that I wasn't very present in college so all my Spanish went out the window. That is one thing I really wish I had kept up with- along with playing the piano, so I'll keep those on the list.

I still hope to have kids- but now I'm not so picky as to how many. As more and more of my friends have kids and I realize that life isn't exactly like playing house, I will be very grateful if Corey and I can have healthy children in our future. I also plan to keep taking tons of pictures throughout my life and to make home videos of our memories. Looking through old pictures and watching home movies is one of my absolute favorite things to do and I want my kids to have all of those memories too.

Since reviewing my high school-Gwen bucket list I've decided to make a new for current day-Gwen:

Raise a family

Stay sober

See Ellen live

Have my own classroom

Visit Italy and see where I was born

Go to Hawaii

Go to Australia

Be an extra in a movie

Go on a cruise

Try Bikram yoga

See a flashmob in real life- yes I would looovvvve that

On a related, completely dorky note- this made me think of the part of A Walk to Remember where one of her dreams was to be in two places at once

I may or may not have cried during this scene...

What's on your life to-do list?

A fun website to look at is http://www.bucketlist.net ...check it out and see how many you can cross off or add to your own list

Star City Half Marathon Round 2

2011-11-22T15:14:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday I ran my 8th half marathon! It was my second time running the Star City Half Marathon and they've changed a few things since the first time I ran it.

Last year we started at 9, which they switched back to 8. Had it been last year this would've been great since it was pretty warm for a November morning, but this year it was freeeeezing when we started. The night before I was out at Corey's regional semi-final game in freezing temps, however I was wearing 2 pairs of tights, 2 under armour long sleeves, a winter coat, hat and gloves :) so I was pretty comfortable. Saturday morning i was in capris and a tshirt- not the same. Luckily we got started right at 8 and since it's a fairly small race I parked really close to the start and waited in my car until the last possible minute.

They also changed the course slightly, which I was kind of indifferent about. Last year's race had us climbing a hill at mile 11 which I was not excited about...I remember turning a corner and when the police officer pointed us toward the left I looked up and said "are you serious!?" Now I look back at this elevation chart and I think I was a huge baby...but I promise it was a rough hill and I was tired after 10 miles...

This year they led us up a hill toward the middle of the race and even though it looks ridiculous on this elevation chart, I didn't think it was bad at all when I was running. Yes it was slow and gradual but I guess it wasn't as noticeable for me this year...hmmm

Overall, the course was great- I love Roanoke and the surroundings are beautiful so it's pretty scenic the whole way. There was plenty of water and Gatorade and Gu at one water stop so I don't think it would be too necessary to carry your own water unless you prefer to. I do wish there had been more people along the course but it is a smaller race and it was pretty dang cold so I can understand why you wouldn't want to stand outside for hours voluntarily. There was a lot of support towards the end and I was more than happy to see Corey there waiting for me at the finish line! I am extremely lucky that I have such supportive family- Corey and his parents being at this race and almost every other one I've run and my mom and brother who came to watch me run the Marine Corp Marathon and will be back for the Rock and Roll USA full in March!

I ended up finishing at just about the exact same time as my half marthon PR at the National half this past March, which kinda bummed me out- but I know I can't PR every time. Plus, compared to last year (even though the course was changed) I took 3 minutes off of my time for this race- so that's something! I ended up finishing 4th in my age group (9th last year) so there was no need to stick around- I grabbed some food, got home to take a quick shower and then Corey and I got back in the car to drive up to NOVA for my Great Aunt's 80th birthday party. It was so great getting to see allll of my family- including my new favorite addition, my cousin Nigel! He was definitely the highlight of the trip :)

No big races coming up in the next few months so I'll keep on running for fun...minus one more 5k this Thursday before a big Thanksgiving dinner!

Thank Goodness for Technology

2011-11-17T18:17:00.000-05:00

I have so many thoughts and questions going through my head at any given moment. Thank goodness for Google. Seriously- what did we do before Google and the internet. The other night Corey and I were talking about candy we used to eat growing up and trying to figure out the difference between a Butterfinger and a 5^th Avenue bar…all we had to do was pick up our phones and figure it out…random? Absolutely. But I think it’s amazing that you can literally find out anything at anytime, anywhere, with your phone in your hand. I find it especially helpful with my students at school- they’ll ask me something that I have noooo idea what the answer is, which I’m honest about, but I can quickly pull up Google on the computer or my phone and we can find out together. So cool. One kid last year asked me what a jellyfish was and within 2 minutes we were watching a video of jellyfish on YouTube. A 7^th grader this year wanted to know how old Obama was, and then John McCain (which holy crap do you know how old that guy is!?) Those are not facts that I know off the top of my head, which the students assume that I do since I’m the teacher, but I can give them the information they’re looking for in a few seconds. As much as technology frustrates me on a daily basis (projectors not working, computers restarting in the middle of tests) it really is completely amazing to me.

The fact that my grandpa, who uses his computer solely for email (and now an occasional Facebook check- even though he doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing) can now get on the computer and Skype with his son and newest grandson every day is fascinating to me and it really warms my heart to know that they can be so close when they’re so far away.

I connect with my high school friends through email and Facebook atleast once every single day and I can honestly say that without that luxury, I would not still be as close to some of my best friends today. We write email chains of 6 or 7 people that continue all day while we're all at work, usually about completely silly things, and it feels so good to have those connections on a daily basis which make me so thankful. I can not imagine life without all of this technology we have available to us today and I'm certainly glad I don't have to.

any of the faces in these pics look similar? (but older and wayyy hotter of course)

I love love love my friends

On a totally random note...I ran into a neighbor that runs the other day and we were talking about the NYC marathon and how ridiculously fast Geoffrey Mutai ran, and won, the marathon. I guess this isn't so random cause I went straight to Google on my phone to check out his stats)

He finished in 2 hours, 5 minutes and 6 seconds- breaking the course record. This guy's 30 years old, a little taller than me and weighs less than I do- so needless to say he's pretty light on his feet. When I watch the elites run I personally think they make it look so easy so to me it doesn't look like their going that fast, I think just because it looks so effortless. I'm not stupid though I know they're all fast as hell. Mutai's pace in that race was about 4 minutes and 45 seconds per mile...meaning that he was running a little over 12 and a half miles per hour. Do you understand what that means?!
Next time you're at the gym- go ahead and click the up arrow on your pace until you get up to 12.5...oh wait you can't!? cause some treadmills don't even go that fast...even if yours does go up to 15- put it on 12.5 and go ahead and try and knock out a few miles...holy cow that's fast- I won't lie I feel like I'm gonna fly off that back when its above 9.5....I'm impressed.

Just Can't Get Enough

2011-11-07T22:34:00.000-05:00

Last weekend's marathon was an amazing experience and although I had thoughts during the marathon about how hard it was and how I thought I couldn't go any farther, a week later I'm ready for another one!! I went into it without a set goal in mind because my first marathon experience was very different, because it was run through all of the parks of Disney World. We stopped to take pictures with Disney characters and pose infront of of Cinderella's castle

so finishing was our main goal then.

My finishing time for Disney was 4 hours and 21 minutes. Being my first one, I had no idea what to expect and I was happy with my time but I knew I could do better if I focused more on just running on a different course.
My half marathon time has been around 1:50 so I was hoping to break 4 hours in the Marine Corp. I knew I'd be happy with anything but the thought of finishing with a 3 in front of my time instead of a 4 would be so awesome. In the end, I finished in 4:00:56. Yeah. 1 minute away from the 3's. I can't say I wasn't frustrated and dissapointed. I've had a hard time being proud after the marathon because I'm so wrapped up in the time. That's not the way it should be. Time aside, I absolutely loved the Marine Corp experience and I loved the Disney just as much- all the training, everything about race day, the feeling after it's over- all of it. And I want to do more! Not just to prove to myself that I can break 4 hours but because I love it.
Months ago I registered for the Rock and Roll USA half marathon (which used to be the National Half Marathon) Well today, I called and changed my registration over to the full :)
So, on March 17, 2012 I will be running my 3rd marathon

Shortly after, on April 21st I will be running the Blue Ridge Marathon here in Roanoke! (I did the half of that one last year too)

My goal now will be to get faster but to remember that it's not all about the time! Especially for the Blue Ridge Marathon seeing that the website describes it like this:

"Local runners have crafted one of the most challenging and beautiful marathons on the east coast. In 2010 the full marathon course included 3,076 feet of total elevation gain and 6,140 feet of total elevation change, but that just wasn’t enough.
The 2012 course includes 3,620 feet of total elevation gain and 7,234 feet of total elevation change. Kind of gives new meaning to runner’s high." http://www.blueridgemarathon.com
Yikes!
I guess you could say I've traded my addiction in for a runners high and I love it :)

MCM 2011 in pictures

2011-10-31T22:50:00.000-04:00

Is it weird that I'm already sad that it's over?? When can i register for next year?! It's funny how quickly you forget the pain and the moments when you're cursing running and everyone around you thinking you'll never ever do anything like this again...so much for that...I loved this day and everything about it :)

Couldn't Have Done it Alone

2011-10-30T22:16:00.003-04:00

This morning I finished my second marathon in DC at the Marine Corp Marathon. WOW what an amazing experience

Before I forget all of the amazing things I want to remember about today I wanted to write it down. I am so so so grateful tonight that I had so much love and support going into this race, throughout all 26 miles and the second I was done.

Corey and my parents prepared some motivational quotes and notes ahead of time for me to attach to my running belt. For almost every single mile of the marathon I had a note to look forward to (that I hadn't read ahead of time) and the words on each one were exactly what I needed to hear at every moment. I won't lie- by mile 24 when I wanted to punch everyone I cursed having to read when I didn't want to be doing anything at all but I would read amazing words of encouragement that pushed me that much harder.

***forgot to add the fact that my mom got this idea from my amazing friend Karen's blog, who I mention later in this post...thank you kaaj!!!***

My best friend Jackie had me as a guest at the pasta dinner her company, HP, was invited to and then I got to stay in her fancy hotel room at the official MCM headquarters which made the commute in the morning so much better. In addition, she kept all my stuff, got me anything and everything I needed before and after I was done and was amazing :)

At mile 17 I was finishing taking a GU and looked up and saw my name on a sign! Then I saw my mom!! With that many runners and that much of a crowd I was doubtful that we'd actually see each other and I screamed when I actually did! Then she and my brother were right at the finish line :) Having them to look forward to was so helpful and meant so much.

I knew one of my other best friends, HungryMom would be there supporting some of her running buddies and I was hoping I'd see her sometime. Well, I did get to see her once around 13 or 14 which was exciting enough. But then when she showed up at mile 20 and ran to 21 with me when I wanted to die it was exxxxactly what I needed. Exactly. And here's a little example of her doing just that with another friend :)

I am so so lucky and so grateful and can't say thank you enough for having such amazing people in my life. THANK YOU!

Being Tested

2011-10-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

I am definitely a creature of habit. I love routine, I love planning and I get anxious when my perfect plan doesn't go so perfectly. This is something I need to work on desperately. I think God knows this and therefore he decides to throw little tests at me now and again, right when I need it, to get me feeling a little uncomfortable, but making me all the better for it.
Last night I layed out all my running stuff, was in bed by 10 and had a great 6 mile run worked out in my head to get started right about 6:15 the next morning. This morning came..I got up, got dressed, strapped on the Garmin, kissed Corey goodbye as he headed out to the gym and at about 6:20 I walked outside...to rain.

Son of a *&#&$(@&! This is the second morning this has happened on our planned workout morning. My fault partly for not planning extra ahead to have my gym stuff ready in case of rain. I stood there for a few minutes and Corey reminded me that last time I was able to relinquish all this control I had over my plan and get some other things done around the house before work, like cleaning and food prep for the week. I reluctantly went back inside and low and behold, two hours later, was leaving again for work after getting lots of stuff done! I cleaned the kitchen, cooked chicken to use for dinner, ran the dishwasher, got to spend some wonderful time with my little man, made some coffee and got to work early.

I have my stuff packed for the gym so I can head straight there after school.

Was this what I wanted to do today? No. Was I dissapointed, uncomfortable, anxious, frustrated and a million other now seemingly ridiculous emotions because my plan didn't go how I wanted...yes. But am I ok now? Will the world go on with a life that's slightly out of routine? Absolutely. I'm excited to get a good workout in after school and then feeling good and successful leaving the gym, head home to make a warm dinner and snuggle with little Coop...and it can rain all it wants :)

How do you feel when your plans don't go how you want them to? What do you do about it?

Back in the Day Part Dos

2011-10-06T23:17:00.001-04:00

A few months ago I did this post on lots of different toys and games and stuff that brought me back to my childhood...I often read a blog called Imremembering.com (I highly recommend you check it out) and it brought up some memories of some more favorites. This is more for my own nostalgia and enjoyment but hopefully it'll bring up some good memories for you too :)

I remember actually having my mom babysit these stupid things when I was little

I would also make sure we visited every McDonalds in the surrounding area to collect whatever the girl toy was that week...apparently I was quite the demanding child

ha...this thing...please watch dane cooks take on it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoCIF6Pz7Xs

Can't even count how many times I played this game

PJ Sparkles! We had a lot of good sleepovers

I kept everything in this...there may still be one at home with scrunchies in it...

Man I loved these girls...wet paper towel and her make up went on and then off...little ridiculous looking now

Spent many quality hours out on the driveway with the Skip It

loooovvvvve this game

I remember getting to ill out a birth certificate and do a hand print and cut off a lock of their hair...just like a real mom!!

And now a few that I wasn't fortunate enough to own but would be all over if I were babysitting sometime (yes, as a 26 year old)...

Thank goodness one of my best friends owned this one :)

Any more winners I've forgotten?!

Rundies

2011-10-06T10:06:00.001-04:00

Browsing the Runners World website this morning I came across this lovely product for all you runners out there:

These are called Rundies made by a company called Oiselle. I thought all of my 4 running followers would appreciate this find :) A little combination of a love for running and the nostalgia of elementary school...and so helpful when you get up in the dark on those cold mornings and forget what's on the schedule...just peek at your undies and you're all set!

Making the Cut

2011-10-04T10:08:00.001-04:00

The other night I was at one of Corey's football games with one of my friends, Haley. She kept laughing at me for bouncing around and clapping along with the cheerleaders and said she could totally see me as a cheerleader. I laughed and said, "well I didn't make the cheerleading squad so I don't think I'm quite cut out for it". The great thing was that I said this laughing and felt no resentment or any negative feelings about it. One of my best friends and I decided on a whim to try out for the winter season. We video taped ourselves doing cheers and Russians in my basement after school for hours. Honestly I think I was more in love with the idea of wearing the uniform to school than anything. Unfortunately, I wouldn't get to put on that cute little uniform- but Karen did. I was really jealous at first- but clearly I'm over it and I can't even picture myself cheering at a basketball game. I wouldn't call myself a natural born athlete, but I can hang- but I deffffintely wouldn't say I'm your typical, peppy cheerleader. So, while I was embarrassed for a while and a little bitter, I survived the rest of high school without a cheerleading uniform.

Field hockey on the other hand, was a different story. Freshmen year I showed no interest in playing field hockey because "it was too much running" and did not go out for the team. After seeing the love my friends showed for the sport, the team camaraderie and the whole experience though, I decided to try and pick it up and try out at the beginning of my sophomore year. I had played lacrosse in the spring and the coaches were the same so I figured I had a decent shot. I borrowed field hockey equipment from some of the older girls who had taught me to play lacrosse and went to tryouts that August.

When I went in to the locker room for cuts, I came out pissed off. Two other friends of mine who had gone out for their first time as sophomores didn't make it either and we all got really sarcastic and really angry. I know now that this was my way of covering up being upset. I put my field hockey bag- stick, shin guards and all, out on the front porch and put a sign in front of it that said "Free". I remember crying and laughing with my friends and riding our bikes up to Pizza Hut after that....random I know. I was bitter for a long time. Once I got comfortable with my lacrosse coaches years later I would joke sarcastically with them about what a great field hockey player I was and how greatful I was they kept me on the team. Was that immature- yes. But I deal with hurt and embarassment with humor I guess.

The whole reason I'm writing this is because I look back now and realize how insignificant these seemingly life changing devistations are in my life now. To a high school girl, getting cut from a sports team is a nightmare. You feel left out, lonely, not good enough, jealous, bitter...you think your world is over. But did I make it out of high school alright? Yes- I had lacrosse, I got involved in student government, did some volunteer coaching and overall I really enjoyed my time in high school. It's hard to see a direct connection with how not making the field hockey team impacted my life today but I know that there was some reason that I went down the exact path that I did. If I had made the cheerleading squad or the field hockey team, somehow things would've turned out differently.

This morning I got back from a great run before it was even light outside...I took little Coop outside to play and we watched the sun come up and I just thought about how unbelievably happy I am right now where I am in my life. I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my daily life, a great job, a great place to live, an adorable new puppy, and so many incredible things on the horizon.

I would trade a high school cheerleading uniform for that any day.

New Baby Boy

2011-10-01T23:00:00.000-04:00

Coops been home for a little over 24 hours and we are soooo in love. I took the day off work yesterday so that I would be extra prepared. I got up and did my last 20 mile run of Marine Corp Marathon training. It was my 3rd 20 mile (we did 1 for Disney so I'm feeling much more confident and prepared). Since that took up most of my morning I came back, showered and got ready to head to the airport with Corey.
We were beyond antsy waiting there for the plane to come in and them to get our little guy out to us.

Finally they brought out this little tiny crate and we met Cooper!

He was a little cautious at first and spent a lot of time checking out his surroundings but by no time he was all over the place. So far he's been like a dream dog- he cuddles up with you as soon as you sit down and when you wanna get up and play he's all about it.

look how tiny :)

Potty training will be a little bit of a challenge (not to mention its hard to tell if he even goes to the bathroom since he gets lost in the grass) and he's sleeping well at night so far (1 for 1, but that still counts right!?)

We're quite the happy little family of 3:)

On another note...after our family dog of 13 years, Bandit, passed away, Foxy's been kinda lonely at home with my mom and dad. So guess who moved into my parents house today...

meet Molly!

So many exciting new additions!

Too Young

2011-09-27T21:44:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure I ever officially said it on the blog but this year I'm working in a middle school in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. I am loving it so far, much more than I ever expected I would. For someone who has always wanted to teach kindergarden, 8th grade is a little bit of a change. I really am loving all the grades so far, each for their own reasons. One of the reasons I love sixth grade is because they're still relatively young and innocent. The other day one of my 6th grade girls came up to me to show me her loose tooth- that is 6th grade to me- you're still loosing teeth- you're a KID. A few days later this same girl asked me about how I liked her eye shadow- that was cute I thought- it was obviously something new and different for her and it was like bright blue- I did the same thing in 6th grade- no big deal.

Today that very same little girl got a little deeper into conversation with me and looked at me concerned and said "Ms. Turner do you think I'm skinny?" She explained to me how she had weighed herself and was EIGHTY pounds. To her this was a big deal- "because I used to be 75 pounds!" she said. I was a little taken aback with such a young little girl being so concerned about this and was kind of at a loss for words but I did my best to let her know that she was beautiful and that number does not matter. I told her she was a growing girl and ofcourse her weight is going to go up because she's growing! I told her not to worry about what that number said it wouldn't tell her anything. I told her that as long as she was comfortable and happy, her weight and weather or not she was "skinny" didn't matter.
I couldn't believe that someone who's still worried about how much money the tooth fairy would leave her was also so concerned with her body already. However, I can completely relate. It put things into perspective for me. When I was in late elementary and middle school I was SO SO uncomfortable with my body. I would not say I was fat but I was definitely chubby.

check me out front and center

I remember my mom telling me time after time that I would grow up and thin out some...which I did. I wish I could take back all the time I wasted as an 11, 12,13 year old worrying about how I looked so that some asshole guy (who would probably end up doing nothing with his life cause he was too concerned about being cool) would pay attention to me.
Some of the stuff these middle school girls are wearing blows my mind. I can see how being surrounded by tons of girls who are so obsessed with how they look can influence you to care more about your own body image but it's sad to me how fast these little girls are growing up. I feel like an old woman complaining about "kids these days" since in some ways it feels like I was just in 6th grade, but its hard to see. I love the idea of programs like Girls on the Run for elementary school girls. I'm hoping to get involved with the track team at the middle school this spring and maybe contribute a little to the girls' knowledge of fitness and nutrition and not just "being skinny".

A family of 3 :)

2011-09-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

No, I will not be having a baby anytime soon...but this Friday we will have a very exciting addition to our family!! Cooper will be coming home to Salem Friday afternoon, all the way from St. Louis! I hope he's not too traumatized by the flight!

Corey and I know this is a very big undertaking but we will are going to prove to Cooper's somewhat doubtful grandparents that we are ready for the challenge :)

I am so excited to have this little guy joining our family...and would appreciate any new puppy parenting tips and tricks :)
Can't wait to see you Coop!

Queen of the Crockpot

2011-09-15T23:07:00.000-04:00

In a recent effort to make some changes in my life and Corey and I's lives (not sure about the grammar there) I've been doing a lot of cooking at home lately. The goal is to avoid eating out--->save money to use for important necessary things while cooking healthy foods and getting more in touch with what and how I'm eating. No, I'm not dieting or anything and I don't think I need to but by cooking at home I'm able to take part in the preparation rather than just sitting around putting off cooking until it's too late and giving in to head out to dinner. I feel better about myself when I'm making good, healthy food choices and I feel a sense of accomplishment and success when I've produced something like a delicious meal [especially when I get the thumbs up from Corey :)]

So this week was the beginning of doing meal planning, much more specific grocery shopping and doing some cooking! One night last week I made calzones using crescent rolls (they didn't have ricotta cheese though so they were more like strombollis or just pizza folded up)...loved them- more filling next time though

Monday was when the crockpotting began...the recipe I used came out of Womens Health Magazine and didn't have a title...see?

So I just called it Mexican chicken and rice.

I forgot to take a picture while it was in the pot but these were Corey's leftovers the next day...it resembles barf a little bit but I promise it was much tastier :)

Wednesday I did some meat sauce (not witches brew as it appears in the photo)...again in the crockpot ...

I rushed a little and may have miscalculated when converting my ounces into cups (we're still reviewing in math class, give me a break) so I ended up with a little too much tomato juice and slightly runny sauce but it was still good- and made tonnnns so we have 3 more meals of it in the freezer- love that!

Finally, tonight I did a teriyaki chicken recipe that turned out very well (I know this because Corey said "I may have a new favorite!" yessssss)

When I found the recipe and started I was picturing the delicious teriyaki chicken at the hibatchi steakhouses, which unfortunately it wasn't like at all...but another successful evening.

Tomorrow night's a football game so dinner's shot for Fridays. You may also notice that Tuesday was missing...we were invited out to eat with Corey's parents and we couldn't turn that down!! Overall I found that I actually loved cooking more and it was actually a lot more exciting to go out to eat at a restaurant when it isn't a regular thing. I've been getting up before school to run so that I can get home after school and get started on dinners so I'm ready to hit the hay...I didn't take the time to post all the recipes but I'd be happy to share them if you wanna send me an email...all 6 of you that are reading this gwendolynjturner@gmail.com

Anyone have any recipe ideas to share that I can use for next week?!!?

1095 one day at a times

2011-09-07T22:32:00.000-04:00

This past weekend marked 3 years of sobriety for me and I couldn't be happier. It was slightly ironic that when the clock struck midnight on September 4th I was standing in a bar butttt atleast I had a dcoke in my hand :)
A little over 3 years ago I was a total mess in every way possible.
This blog post can give you an idea of what drinking did to me physically- yuck.

(for a lot of girls, especially in college, if you can't figure out why you can't seem to lose those last few pounds...its probably the alcohol)

Three years has been a journey and it certainly didn't get better right away...I still remember going to class (being dropped off at class because my mom and dad wouldn't let me drive because they didn't trust me anymore) and shaking so much I could barely take notes...I felt like shit, I looked like shit and I couldn't wait to feel better. But yes, it did take some time.
Now, three years later, I can happily wake up before the sun comes up to run (ok maybe not always happily)
I don't feel and look swollen and numb
I don't have to lie all the time
I can read a book or more than one book and remember what I read because my brain isn't all fuzzy
I don't call into work "sick"
I don't try and get out of obligations because I'm just so unmotivated
I control my schedule and my life now...alcohol does not.

New Run, New Shoes

2011-08-23T22:03:00.000-04:00

I got an email the other day from our local running store, Fleet Feet, talking about a run they were hosting on Mill Mountain where a shoe company, Montrail, would come and runners could demo their shoes. I thought it was would be fun to do a group run, but a) i don't love running late in the day and b) my first thought was- I can't go by myself?! Why am I like a seven year old sometimes? As a 26 year old, I'm definitely still working on becoming a comfortable, social adult on a daily basis. I emailed a few local runners whose blogs I follow (as a result of googling race recaps) and ended up making plans to meet Lauren, from TheRunningCook. Driving towards Mill Mountain I forgot how daunting that thing can be (but I've done it before all the way up so I knew I could do a run around the trails.

it's not so far off...right??

When I got there they were just wrapping up handing out their demo shoes and I was lucky enough to get a women's pair in my size

I wore the Montrail Rogue Racers. They were super light and very comfortable to run in. Had I not been on such a rocky, uneven surface (or maybe if I were a more regular trail runner and used to the terrain) I would've enjoyed them more, but running downhill so much my toes kept hitting the front of the shoe and it was pretty painful. Ofcourse, running for the first time in any shoe can be a little different so I would definitely give them another chance.
I had a great time running with Lauren and getting to know her better! We may have gotten a little behind and thought we were lost for a few seconds but hey, thats what makes it fun!
The trail was pretty tough to run on- there were patches of more level gravel and dirt but some spots that were so rocky I felt like I was running on marbles...it definitely takes your mind off how far or fast you're running though, when you have to pay so much attention to your feet!

I felt great after the run but my feet were a little sore...when I got home I took my socks off and when I looked down I just thought, uh ohhh...

big toes...reddish/purple areas...all blisters

...any suggestions on that??

Thankful

2011-08-16T23:02:00.000-04:00

I honestly can't remember what inspired this blog post but I started mentally making a list of things that I love about running. Of course there are all the things that running does for me, but I was thinking of things that I'm thankful for that make the run.
I just thought of the thing that made me think of it- a four way stop sign. That sounds silly, but while you're out running traffic can be a big issue. When I approached a four way top this morning, even though there were no cars, I felt a little safer knowing that at least the cars would all be stopped if they were to be there (not to say they're all paying attention). I have come to really really really appreciate good, mindful, attentive drivers. You become very aware of how many rolling stops, running red lights and drivers just generally not paying attention, there are out there. So thank you to all the good drivers.

hows this for a random google picture...??

Along the same lines, I love friendly people. Moving to a more southern part of Virginia, I noticed a huge difference in how friendly everyone is. When Corey visits my hometown he naturally waves at all the neighbors and says hi, and as terrible as it sounds, thats really not that normal in Northern Virginia. Yes thats a huge stereotype, and there are tons of friendly people, but a more natural response to a stranger saying hi to you is to think "do you need something? do i know you?" (maybe thats just me...but I doubt that)...I love passing other runners or drivers and getting a wave or a hello (a honk or some ridiculous yell of some sort does NOT count). Therefore, thank you to all the friendly people out there on my route.

do you love these pictures?!

A recent discovery I made before doing my last long run, is listening to an audio book while running. I still say book on tape, but lets face it the only person I know that still listens to cassette tapes is my dad, gotta love him (bet you didn't know there was still someone out there that did). What's even better is that many local libraries let you checkout audio books, usually for a 1-2 week period (download them to your computer and sync to your Ipod) so it's FREE! Last week I downloaded Sisterhood Everlasting which is a sequel to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series (when they're all grown up) and I highly recommend it. Until about 11 miles in, it was fantastic entertainment/a great distraction during my run. Sometimes with music you can just kind of zone out, but with a book you have to focus, so it takes your mind off all those negative thoughts during a run. So thank you....library...for my book.

Public parks with their bathrooms and water fountains. Don't need to explain that one in too much depth...but when you gotta go, you gotta go, and that open bathroom is the best thing you've ever seen.

Thank you...ice bath.

Never thought I'd say that. Last week after my 16 miler I took my first ice bath ever. I HATE cold, seriously, hate it. I mean I loved sledding and stuff in the winter as a kid but honestly as I get older I become more and more of a baby- I'd just rather be warm. My best friend played college lacrosse and soaked her shin splints in ice baths all the time and I couldn't even comprehend doing that voluntarily. But, after reading blog after blog and article after article about the benefits , I thought I'd suck it up and give it a try...and I loved it. I probably spent more time setting the dumb thing up than I actually did in the bath but I wanted to make sure it was perfect. I got my lap top all set up with Netflix, set up outside the tub, layered up on top to keep warm, got myself some coffee and hopped in...next day- my legs felt great! I highly recommend one for anyone doing long training runs!

What are some things you have come to love on the run?

Not a PR but a MPOM

2011-08-15T21:53:00.000-04:00

Let me start by saying this past Wednesday I did a speed workout with Corey at 5:30 in the morning (on a day when I didn't have to be up for anything but he had to get to work) and I was a nasty nasty person to be around. I don't know if it started when, after getting to the track, I realized I had lost our house key, only to find it minutes later in the other little key holder pocket inside my shorts...I chucked my water bottle on the ground (really cool Gwen, now you have mud all over the cap for when you're thirsty)...I just was not in a very positive mood. Sometimes you can't really explain why, and this was one of those mornings. We did 1x1,000...2x400...2x200.

As we do more and more of this speed work stuff I'm realizing how much I hate pushing myself. I know now why I enjoy long runs so much more, because I can run at a comfortable pace. (Yes I know I could be going faster each mile, but I'm not headed to the Olympics, so I'm ok with it)...when I'm doing shorter distances (5ks, 10ks and shorter "sprints") I have to push myself as hard as I can and test my limits. The longer distances we had similar paces but when we got down to the shorter sprints, Corey was killing me and I was not having it. He kept saying "you can push yourself harder...you're not pushing yourself hard enough"...I honestly wanted to scream YES I AM!...but am I? I really feel like I am trying really really hard, but I know deep down I'm not...because it's uncomfortable. I hate being uncomfortable. In any situation. I don't like being around a ton of drinking, because I feel like I have to explain myself (yes almost 3 years later, I'm stilll doing that)...I don't like trying new things that I'm not very good at (for example, a lovely experience at the driving range, or several games of tennis :/) But we have to push ourselves to overcome.

This Saturday Corey and I ran a 10k in Salem. We had a great time at the first 10k we did together so I was hoping he would have as much fun as he did at the last one :) The course was definitely much different, aka hillier.

getting ready to race

The course was out and back and we were mixed in with everyone running the 5k. I felt like everyone went out reallllly fast (but I just figured those were the 5k people) but I did my best not to blow it early. By about mile 3 I had found my place in a group with 3 other women. I stayed pretty close behind until about halfway through the fifth mile and had plans to try and burn them all at the end :) This is where the whole uncomfortability issue comes in- when do I start to turn it on (I sound like I think I'm some sort of speed demon- but this is all relative here) I knew we had about a half mile left so I kept thinking to myself- "don't push too hard cause you don't wanna burn out before the end and get passed again, save some, save some"...but save it for what?? after the finish line when you're walking over to get water? When I listen to my amazing running friend Karen talk about racing, she'll push it til she's puking at the end. Ok, no I don't necessarily want to throw up, but it is a RACE so you're supposed to try as hard as you can to win right? So I just pushed it as hard as I could dowwwwwwn the last hill, and then up that nice surprise hill to the finish line. I knew that I was alittle ahead but I think the nervousness of having them on my heels really helped me not to let up. In the end, I beat those other 3 women :) :). While it was not a PR for me, it was definitely a Most Proud Of Myself moment :)
Even better, Corey and I both got 3rd in our age groups!

Fun Facts

2011-08-10T22:58:00.000-04:00

Corey and I always watch Food Network while we're eating dinner- to get us in the mood i guess? Usually it's Chopped or some kind of competition show but the other night we ate earlier and watched Unwrapped, which is one of my all time favorites. I learned a very interesting fact during the episode- one of those kinda things where you hear it and go "whoaaa i never knew that?! did you know that??" (and usually someone else thinks its completely common knowledge but oh well- cool fact for you for the day)...Marc Summers taught us that those little stickers on fruit....are edible!

....am I the only one that did not know this? (besides Corey...)

That made me think of some other fun facts I've learned over the years, that to me were absolutely mind boggling when I found out, and in reality are probably common knowledge to some people...like...

There's a little arrow on your fuel gage in your car that points to what side the gas tank is on (could've saved myself a lot of time there!)

Across the U.S., interstates with even numbers run East to West and odd numbers run North to South (I've actually known that one for more than a few years but I remember thinking it was really cool when I learned it)

route 50 actually goes all the way from the Eastern shore in Maryland alllll the way to the coast in California!

Exit signs on highways are placed on the side of the road that the exit is on...so if the sign is above the far right lane then your exit will be on the right...far left lane...left side exit!

In addition...here are a few everyday phrases that I have spent years using incorrectly. Sometimes you see things written down and realize- ohhh that's what it is!! (you know how sometimes it just sounds like one thing...but its not that at all...

Play it by ear (not play it by year)

Might as well (rather than mine as well)

For all intents and purposes (not for all intensive purposes)

Toe the line is another random phrase I've heard used many times but until I had actually seen it written down I didn't fully interpret what it meant

I hope everyone has been enlightened by this completely random collection of facts :) What are some fun facts that you have to share??

Dress Shopping!

2011-08-07T22:43:00.000-04:00

Continuing with our wedding weekend...Friday morning we set out to go dress shopping!!! It was honestly a surreal experience. Growing up with had racks and drawers of dress up clothes that my mom would get from Goodwill type places and we could seriously spend hours in the basement playing dress up. I was even a bride for Halloween once and wish more than anything I could share that picture with everyone but its at my parents house. Being a true teacher at heart I put together a scrapbook of wedding ideas- very cutesy, colorful and divided into sections- dresses, bridesmaids ideas, flowers, etc...(I am a huge dork I know)

So I brought my wedding book to show to consultants at the places we visited.

The first place we went was David's Bridal.

I have definitely heard varying opinions on Davids- mostly because it's more of a chain and some people want more upscale when they're shopping for their big day. Personally, I felt like I could easily find something there that was beautiful and still reasonably priced. I would much rather spend more of our budget on things like the photography, decorations and food :)
I thought Davids was great- I gave my cool scrapbook to our consultant and she got a feel for the type of dress I was looking for (I ripped out tons of similar type dresses, even ripped out 3 of the same dress at different times) so she had a good idea. She brought me a few and gave me the first one and said this one came to mind when she saw the pictures...putting on a wedding dress for the first time was a surreal experience...I almost couldn't take myself seriously, and felt like I was playing dress up. I instantly fell in love with that first dress and when I walked out the waterworks started with the moms. I tried on probably 7 or 8 more but nothing compared to that one. We had another appointment scheduled at a different place so we thought we should take advantage and check out their selection too just in case. Two of my best friends/bridesmaids met us there and we had a lot more fun with the whole experience- since I was pretty much set on that first David's dress we picked out half serious dresses and half not so serious :) I don't wanna put too many pics since Corey reads this and we dont wanna give away the goods :) but here are a few fun ones...

this was a favorite and it even had pockets!

and heeeerrrrre is my favorite one of all! this thing seriously weighed like 15 pounds- so much beading and toile I could barely walk...but it was so much fun

How was your wedding dress shopping experience? Did it take you awhile to find a dress? Did you know your dress was the one??

Girls Wedding Weekend :)

2011-08-04T23:21:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was a ridiculously fun mix of family, friends and planning for the future :) Corey's mom, sister and I headed up to Northern VA on Thursday with lots of wedding planning activities on the schedule. We arrived Thursday afternoon and headed out shortly after with my mom to see our rehearsal dinner venue, which also happens to be George Washington's house!

The rehearsal dinner will actually be at the Mount Vernon Inn, another building on the grounds, so we're not actually eating in George and Martha's kitchen but still- very cool. The whole atmosphere of the restaurant stays with the colonial theme- even the waiters and waitresses are dressed up like the Washingtons' would be :) Corey's a much bigger fan of history than I am but I still think its a really awesome place to visit and especially to host an event when you're in the DC area.

The next morning we set out for a day of wedding dress shopping...but that will get its own post :)

Saturday afternoon we visited hotels that guests will be staying at and then took Corey's mom and sister over to see the wedding venue...we'll be having it at a local country club. When we visited earlier this year I fell in love with it and just felt like it was the place. Luckily, after several more visits, I still feel that way :) (I also love smiley faces). Here are a few pictures of pictures I took awhile ago of the venue set up during a wedding...

Please don't rain!!!!!
Don't worry, there's a back up indoor plan if it does.
Even though we still have several months of planning and patiently waiting, I'm getting very very very excited! What's the best wedding advice you have?!

What is your Work of Art?

2011-07-31T22:49:00.001-04:00

Corey and I have been on a running kick lately...big time. He read Running on Empty and then Born to Run and I followed short after...I just started Running on Empty and it's great so far and Born to Run was fantastic- it's really well written and just a really interesting, enthralling story.

While I was out of town Corey found Running the Sahara on Netflix and then watched it again with me. Charlie Engle, who is also a recovering alcoholic and writes a blog, here, and 2 other men, Kevin Lin and Ray Zahab literally run across the Sahara desert (duh), doing over 2 marathons a day for over 100 days straight...its intense.

We kept browsing through Netflix and found Without Limits, which is one of two movies about Steve Prefontaine and I absolutely loved it. It was one of those movies where you are left wanting to read and learn all about the person afterwards- I highly recommend it!

Steve Prefontaine had a fantastic outlook on life and definitely his own, unique confidence when it came to running and racing but he was one of those people you could tell was just born to do it. One of my favorite quotes from the movie when he's talking with his coach, Bill Bowerman, the founder of Nike was:
Bill: Nothing would please George Young more, or the crowd, you’ll be giving the crowd the performance they want and him the one he expects.
Pre: Well, you can call a race any God Damn thing you want, but I wouldn’t call it a performance.
Bill: What would you call it?
Pre: A work of art.

I loved this. I know, personally, when I go out to do training runs, I'm not headed to the Olympics. I, unlike Pre, was not a natural born, sought after runner. To me, Pre talks about this idea of a "work of art" as his greatest success and happiness. So I thought, what is my work of art?
I certainly was not "supposed to be" a basketball player (despite the 2 points I scored all of freshmen season- I know, awesome.)
I'm not the greatest lacrosse player you've ever seen- but I loved everything about it- I knew I wasn't going to play in college, but I had fun doing it.
I wasn't one of those child prodigies that sat down at the piano and played Beethoven by ear.
I do think that I am supposed to be a teacher. I love everything there is about teaching and working with kids and seeing them get excited about school and what they're learning about. When I see a child get it, when you can see that lightbulb go off in their eyes, or a project they created on their own that they're so proud of, I feel this sense of joy and pride and success. To me, that is a work of art.

What is your work of art?

Not a Problem

2011-07-30T23:26:00.000-04:00

I've read in plenty of places, including the current training plan I'm using that your long runs should be done at a comfortable, slower pace- not your normal, during the week run speed. Well lately that has not been a problem for me at all. There has been one major change in my runs lately and it doesn't really have much to do with me...here was this weeks weather just to give you an example of the temperatures we're experiencing around here...


Hi	89°F
Lo	72°F

Precip (in)

0in.


Hi	91°F
Lo	73°F

Precip (in)

0in.


Hi	96°F
Lo	79°F

Precip (in)

0.24in.


Hi	94°F
Lo	76°F

Precip (in)

0in.


Hi	98°F
Lo	80°F

Precip (in)

0in.


Hi	102°F
Lo	83°F

Precip (in)

0in.


Hi	102°F
Lo	83°F

Precip (in)

0in.

...eww.

I love summer time and I honestly do not mind running in the heat at all. I love finishing a workout and being dripping with sweat and just feeling like I've gotten some good time out in the sun. The problem is though, that ALL of my runs are slowing down. It's understandable when you go out one morning and your pace is a little off- ok you're just not having a great run day. But when you go out a few more times and your pace feels like you're going around an 8:30 mile and you glance down at your garmin and it says 10:30...it sucks. It's just very discouraging- I mean yes it's great to be out and running before some people have even gotten out of bed, but shouldn't I be getting faster after all this time?! Not all my runs have been this way, don't get me wrong, but I've just frustrating when you feel like you're going so fast and you're not.
Since Corey's started running, I'm getting to relive some of the "beginning of running" experiences again. It was hard to see him get frustrated with a run early on and trying to tell him- ya it sucks now, but it will get better (which it has- he's out running on his own all the time :) It's a good reminder for me that not all runs are great and when you overwork yourself one week you are going to get tired out. The other day he brought up the point that the pace you go out at pretty much sets the tone for your run. That's one thing I still haven't figured out. I can go out at a 5k race or a random day and run my mile splits in the 7s and feel great doing it. Other days I'll feel just as fast and my miles are in the 9s. If I were running 9ish minute miles and tried to start running in the 7s it would feel like I was sprinting my ass off. I.don't.get.it.
I'm really hoping that this heat and humidity has a lot to do with my pace lately and would love to hear anyyyyones thoughts/opinions/knowledge about it?!

Actually Following a Training Schedule

2011-07-25T20:23:00.001-04:00

Two weeks ago I officially started my marathon training for the Marine Corp Marathon on October 30th in DC. This will be my second full marathon, the first being the Walt Disney Marathon in January. I participated with Team in Training and raised over $3600 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. One of the benefits of training with a group like that was getting a training plan and lots of teammates to train with. I can't speak for everyone with TEAM but it seems as if the majority of the participants are participating more for the experience/fundraising/camaraderie/to finish rather than to go out and set any world records, so the training plan they gave us was pretty basic.

During the race we had fun, took in our surroundings, talked, laughed, stopped to take pictures with characters...by no means was I disappointed with my time (it was a PR for me no matter what!) but now that I'm all geared up to do another I know I can cut some time off. I did some googling and found this training plan that is pretty similar but steps it up a notch and adds some speed work in. Plus I'll have one more 20+ mile run this time which I think will help since at Disney I found the 20-26.2 mile period the toughest.

source

The hardest part of following a training plan for me, is actually following the training plan. You know how it feels once you get into that zone where you wake up and go for a run and you get so used to that feeling of feeling great- its hard to take those days off, or cut your run short, or just do whatever the training plan says just because it says to. Clearly I did my own thing the first two weeks since I was mostly running random distances and did no cross training or speed work- whoops :)

So last week I changed things up a little bit and decided- hey maybe the training plan is written this way for a reason. I did my first day of speed work over at the local middle school track and it was tough. I realized the reason I keep doing the runs I want to do is because they're not necessarily tough- doing a 5 mile run around the neighborhood isn't what I would call easy but it's definitely a lot more routine for me now so I don't really have to push myself- so doing four 800s and having to push myself through that was actually trying, but I left feeling fantastic.

I've been keeping up with my long runs but up to this point the longest has been about 10...this weekend I did 14 and I felt it the next day but I honestly love that feeling the day after...nuts I know.
Since last week I've also done my designated cross training days and I actually forgot how much I like doing those machines at the gym! Sometimes it's nice to switch things up and sweat a different way. Today after 30 minutes on the elliptical I decided to do some laps in our pool :) I love swimming! I grew up on the summer swim team but really haven't done it in forever and it's so relaxing and such a nice change...maybe I'll do a triathlon one day after all :)

sexy huh??!

Do you follow your training plan how its written? What's your favorite "day"? Any other marathon training tips to share?!

Week in Tahoe

2011-07-18T20:49:00.000-04:00

We're finally back on the east coast after a fantastic trip to Lake Tahoe :) We had an amazing time with family (26 one night for dinner!) and spending tons of time outdoors. I tried paddleboarding for the first time which I lovedddd (great core/butt/leg workout) and got some great runs in while we were there. The views in Tahoe are absolutely breathtaking so it makes sense that almost everyone is outside being healthy and active, which I love. I decided the week would better be summarized in pictures so here goes:

Going to the Fair

2011-07-12T01:25:00.000-04:00

This week I got to experience one of the most fantastic things that Salem, Virginia has to offer.....the

Not only is it the most incredible people watching location on the planet- seriously I wish it was acceptable to take pictures of strangers because I would have tonnnssss to share! The first night I was back we mostly walked around so I could take it all in. I got to see the tiger exhibit

And then we headed over to the games to try and win a goldfish...and we got two!! (Now we're leaving for vacation again and immediately regret the decision since we have to find a babysitter for Phillip and Roberto...whoops!)...also- the kid working at the fair named the goldfish btw

The second night we bought wrist bands so Ches and I could go on alllll the rides we wanted...all of which are super sketchy just because they were basically set up in a week- but they, that last group of people made it off alive, whats the risk!? right?? I just kinda pushed that thought out of my mind and hopped on...and had a blast!

not sure why I look terrified to be on this...?

This one was a mistake

I'll leave you with this gem :)

We're heading back up to Northern Virginia tomorrow then out to Tahoe!!!

NOVA part 3

2011-07-08T23:27:00.000-04:00

I'm finally back down in Salem after 2 weeks at home, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. But first- after running the Tim Harmon 5k two Saturdays ago I got sucked into the whole local race thing while I was up there, so I added a few more :)
Heres a lovely race photo from the Tim Harmon race...looks like I'm either miserable or about to die- but really it wasn't that bad, promise!

Last Saturday I ran the Run for Independence 8k in Leesburg with my friend Jen. It was a pretty small race and much hillier than I hoped for but I did like that it was an out and back course and the weather was really nice (since it started at 7:15). Plus, I've only ever run two other 8ks so I was excited to see how I would do. I finished 3rd in my age group and took 4 minutes off my last 8k time! I'll take it!

Picking up my award for 3rd in my age group

After finding out I'd still be up in Northern Virginia for the 4th of July- Jen and I decided to register for another local 5k on Monday :)
I did the Firecracker 5k last year with Corey so I knew the course already. I had an idea from last year's that there would be a lot of people so my chances of any kind of awards weren't looking too good (why I care about that I don't know) but I was excited to see how I would do against myself compared to last year. Turns out I was right about the showing- the man who finished in first did it in 14:50! Yikes- he was done when I was passing the halfway point....when they got to the age group awards and the first two had times in the 19s I was pretty sure I wasn't in the top 3...someday :) I did however, improve my time quite a bit from last year...last years time: 26:00...this year: 23:43...and I have to add that my Garmin said 3.21 when I finished so even better than I thought...so really it's not all about those prizes at the end- it was a victory for me anyway :)

I got to celebrate the 4th of July at our neighborhood picnic just like I have every year of my childhood, which was really fun. It's different now though cause it's a whole new generation of kids...and they've stepped up the entertainment a little bit...check this baby out...

Ending the night with some smaller, legal (boring) fireworks

My trip home ended on a not so happy note. After 13 wonderful years we put our 14 year old big guy down. I can't say I wasn't prepared for it but it was still really hard to say goodbye. When you're so used to having someone, even if it is a dog, at your feet everyday, the house gets pretty lonely and quiet :( I know he's in a better place now and not suffering anymore and he was an amazing dog

NOVA part 2

2011-07-03T17:52:00.000-04:00

After an eventful bridal shower my mom and I packed up and headed up to Bethany Beach for a few days. It was so great to get there, even though it was a quick trip. I love the atmosphere at Bethany- the boardwalk, lots of families, active community. Usually if we go for a full week we get a house about a block from the beach but this time we stayed in a little motel right on the water. This was a great view to wake up to each morning:

The first full day there happened to be my first day of training for the Marine Corp Marathon in October...I was more than happy to get up and run around here :) I even did a little more than the training plan called for during the 3 days we were there (which I'm really gonna need to focus and control cause I don't wanna overdo it and injure myself) But really- who wouldn't wanna go out for a run around here??

and do this all day afterwards?! yes please.

The night we got back we had a super fun dinner planned with two of my first/best childhood friends and their moms...we all three got engaged within this past year and will be getting married within the next year or so- our moms (who have been best friends for years) are loving this! We don't get a chance to get together with the whole group that often because of busy schedules but we made up for lost time...I'm not sure our waiter loved us very much since we arrived at 6:30 and left about 11, and was also forced to serve as our group photographer (don't worry we gave him a very good tip)

This picture makes me smile :)

The following night I had another exciting outing with my mom to see...

If you've never seen it- GO! Find somewhere around you that's showing it and get tickets for you and your mama. We've pretty much unofficially made it an annual thing cause everytime they come to our amazing local outdoor theatre, Wolftrap, we get tickets (I think this was our 5th??)

Perfect way to spend a nice summer evening

Sidenote...While visiting my fam, we took the opportunity to take my car in to get some stuff looked at and long story short it's back in over the long weekend and I'm still here with a rental car. I miss my other half very very much but I'm still taking advantage of my time up here and enjoying myself. Tomorrow morning's another race and then I'll recap both the Run for Independence 8k and the Firecracker 5k!

NOVA part 1

2011-07-02T23:01:00.000-04:00

This past week(+ a little more) has been spent "up north". Now that I'm such a southerner :) coming up to the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia is a big trip! I came up last Thursday and headed right out the door to have dinner with some friends that I've spent years working with at camp/preschool. Jenn had twins about a year ago and since I've moved I've only met them once or twice- and now they're walking, babbling little people (and so cute!!)

Friday night I met my favorite running friend Kristen and we got our packets for the next day's race :) We met Sat morning for the Tim Harmon 5k race. It was a great, decently flat course around the Government Center and with the little out and back offshoots that they had added onto the main loop, it went by pretty quickly. I wasn't expecting to place or anything since the races up here are usually much bigger than down in Roanoke- but I ended up getting 2nd in our age group :)

After the race I headed home to help get ready for my best friend Jackie's bridal shower that my mom hosted. It was so fun to have old friends, neighbors and family all crammed into our house (definitely worth the heat and close quarters) I think she had a great time and I even got to pull out some old notes and pictures to embarrass her :)

She and Brian are set for life on kitchen supplies

Time for bed but I'll continue later with more about the beach, engagement dinner and another race :)

I Feel So Loved

2011-07-01T11:34:00.001-04:00

The other day I was reading through blogs and saw that NeonBlondeRunner had one of those cool blogger awards that you can award to blogger friends that you enjoy reading and the first thing I thought was- man that’s so cool I wish I could get one of those…well guess who she picked as one of hers?! Thanks Katherine!

I thought it was ironic that what she wrote about me and my blog was “honest and candid”…I love that I can say I am an open and honest person now but I was NOT for a long time. I wouldn’t call myself a liar, but when you let addictions or alcoholism take over your life it’s easy to hide, retreat, avoid and even lie when you have something to “blame” it on and somewhere to go to wipe it all away…if that makes sense at all- imagine lying or being dishonest in some way- a normal person would feel guilty- well that’s what all the alcohol’s for! You drink and drink until you aren’t thinking about whatever that terrible thing was and you’re good to go…right? Oh right- then you wake up the next morning and have to start over again. I am so happy to say I don’t have to live like that now.

So I’m supposed to share 7 facts about me and pass this Versatile Blogger award onto 15 of my fav bloggers…

1) I’m coming up on 3 years of sobriety in September

2) I will be marrying the love of my life in less than 1 year, on June 30, 2012

3) I have never had the chicken pox

4) I could put peanut butter or honey mustard on pretty much every single thing I eat (each work better with certain foods obv but either way I’m obsessed)

5) I am also obsessed with the show Friends, own every season on DVD and have honestly seen each episode somewhere between 25-100+ times??

6) One of the greatest compliments I got recently was when my brother and my best friend both told me that I reminded them of Kristin Wiig ha

7) In elementary school I could never get the National or Presidential fitness awards because of pull ups and the mile...today I've finished 7 half marathons and a full marathon earlier this year :)

Here are a few of my favorite blogs that I think deserve to have this

award given to them :)

Hungrymom!!! (one my very best friends and hero...she cooks delicious food, eats like a real person, shes fast as hell, all while taking care of her 3 adorable babies :)

Paula @ Eatwatchrun (hilariously real and honest- always entertaining)

Bess @ Bessbefit (girl after my own heart- puts pb on everything :) great fitness and food tips!)

Vanessa@ Gourmetrunner (such a variety of personal stories, recipe ideas, and workouts- plus a great weightloss story to inspire anyone!)

Lindsay@ lindslovesmiles (another teacher-love reading about classroom stuff- and great workout logs/tips...LOVE her top 10 lists about everything from personal issues to working out)

Caitlin@fitfiercefabulous (another blog full of personal stories, great pics, lots of fun guest posts (im biased cause she featured me:) - a blogger i def think would be a bff in real life)

Ashley@redonkulousrunner (one of my favs- i felt like i was reading about myself when i found her blog- very honest and real about training and just finished her first marathon!!)

They Tried to Make Me Go To Rehab...

2011-06-21T22:16:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not talking about myself...I actually never went through the rehab experience, and it actually scares me a lot- but I think it is a great thing for those who need more than just recovery meetings to get sober. Amy Winehouse, on the other hand, could possibly use a stay at a rehab where she's under a little more supervision...this video makes me really sad. Yes it's kinda funny, terribly embarrassing and gross, but it's hard for me to watch because I as much as I don't want to admit it- I've been that girl.

Not the celebrity performing on stage in Europe somewhere, but the completely wasted beyond belief to the point where there's no way in hell she's going to remember any of that and is going to hate herself when she sees the video footage afterwards. Luckily, I don't have any video footage to see, but the stories I've heard and the bits and pieces I remember from nights when I went wayyyyy overboard are enough to make me cringe. It's almost like you can see how alcohol as a poison or whatever drugs she is on have completely taken over her body and almost completely shut her down.
I remember a specific weekend when I had gone to visit my boyfriend at the time during college and since we were drinking with all of his college teammates, I of course wanted to make sure i kept up and showed them that I could drink for a girl- terrible choice. The next day he asked me "do you remember when you were eating Chinese food off your plate without using your fork, or your hands?"
Um...WHAT?! That means that I was literally eating like lomein and crap off my plate straight with my mouth like I was in some sort of eating contest- that is FOUL...and I'm sure all those guys were realllllly impressed. Gross.
I'm sure I've said it before, but there was a point when the stories went from funny to just enough. I thought everyone blacked out and got to hear hilarious stories about what they did the night before- nope...just me?
Enough about that.
I had an interview this morning for a 6th grade science position and I'm really working on trying to move on and just accept how it went and wait to see what happens- I thought I did well and had some good, honest answers, so there's nothing else I can do now- it's up to them and I just have to wait. That is so hard. They told me I wouldn't know til probably Friday....do you know how many times I've checked my phone to make sure I didn't miss a call from them?! Ha...for now I'll just try and enjoy the fact that it's summer vacation and I have no obligations other than laying out at the pool :)
I can also spend time being excited about going home later this week for the first time in over 2 months for a bridal shower for my best friend and a trip to one of my favorite places, Bethany beach with my mama next week :)

I'll get to see these faces :)

Enjoy these views...

And I can guarantee about 75% of the trip will look like this.

And I'll realllllly be missing this guy when I'm gone for almost 10 days :O!

True Friends

2011-06-14T22:08:00.001-04:00

This weekend was one of the most amazing I've had with my girlfriends in awhile...I've talked about how close my group of girlfriends from high school was, and I was extremely fortunate to have had that.

Each of these girls is exceptionally strong, motivated, intelligent, independant, and has her own special talents and strengths. So I wasn't surprised that everyone truly persued their own dreams (one moving out to Colorado on her own, one up to New York, one now raising a family of 3 adorable children, etc). One of the hardest things about growing up and going your separate ways is the committment it takes to keep in touch It's inevitable that you're not going to remain as close as you were when you were together every single day through english class, lacrosse practice and every weekend. I feel guilty a lot of the time because I'm thinking "should I be calling so and so since i have a free minute" "well now its been so long since i've called that it will probably be more awkward if i do"
I will absolutely admit that I've never been a fan of making phone calls/initiating conversation...hence why I drank and it became so easy. It's like I think they're gonna think its random that I'm calling without anything particular to say- but if one of them called me I'd be thrilled- so why all the worry? Thank goodness for facebook and blogs- it keeps me very up to date with everyones busy lives on a daily basis. And that's just it- we're all busy! My girlfriends are not sitting at home on their couches doing absolutely nothing waiting for me to call- they're busy too! But one of the greatest things about true friends is that you can go awhile without catching up on the phone, or go without seeing each other for over a year because you do live hundreds of miles apart- and when you finally do reunite- its EXACTLY like where you left off. I love that.
This weekend we celebrated my best friend Jackie's bachlorette party. Ten girls in an incredible lake house in beautiful Bumpass, Virginia :) We spent all day Saturday out on a pontoon boat enjoying the sun, listening to music, laughing, eating, drinking and catching up.

We had some seriously good conversations during the few hours we were floating there in the water and back at the house that night and the night before. I got to talk to a few of them about how the whole drinking thing was going sitting at a bachlorette party where almost everyone else is drinking...I was happy to say that I felt very confident about not taking part but more than anything just self-conscious that everyone else was thinking about it- which they assured me they were not. I have some of the most honest, straight forward friends and they assured me that they would much rather have me there in my best state doing whats best for me, than just joining in just to say I was a part of.

The thing I love the most about these best friends I have is that no matter how long we go without talking, how many years it has been since we've seen each other- when we're back together, it's like we've never been apart. I LOVE that. I think that truly defines what a true, best friend is and I am so so lucky to have them in my life.

Don't Be Stupid

2011-06-08T22:12:00.000-04:00

I'll be the first to admit that the thought "that would never happen to me" have crossed my mind several times. I think that is the reason I drank and drove so many times because as many times as I wasn't caught I figured "hey I've got this thing, I can go from A to B quickly without looking suspicious- I'll be fine"

I cringe everytime I hear someone say- I'll be fine - because what they (and I) don't realize is that it doesn't matter AT ALL if you think you're fine- you can blow a .08 on the breathalizer and you're screwed.

Besides drinking and driving I seem to think I'm invicible in other areas as well- I grew up in a nice, safe neighborhood (think Pleasentville) and now living in a completely different part of the state, I still feel perfectly safe at home. There have been plenty of times I haven't locked my car, left valuables in it, gone on runs without a cell phone in a new area- the list goes on and on, and the commonality between it all is that I just thought- ha nothing will happen to me- that kinda stuff doesn't happen here, around me.

WRONG

A few years ago I headed to the local YMCA for a normal workout, took my stuff in, threw it in a locker and headed upstairs and ran or lifted or whatever I did for about an hour, maybe. When I returned to the locker room I checked the locker I had carelessly thrown my stuff in- then proceeded to check the 500 other lockers around it to see where my purse (with my life inside it) had gone?! Obviously I just remembered the wrong locker number (maybe I was too busy reading that sign that says "Lock your valuables, we are not responsible for lost or stolen items" and laughing it off, thinking what a waste of time to have to bring a lock, put it on and then go do your work out- a whole extra thirty seconds, no thank you!) Seriously Gwen?!

Luckily my car keys and phone were the only two things that were sitting underneath my purse in the locker so I was able to call my mom, the police, the credit card companies, go to the DMV, etc, etc, etc and get home after it was decided that my purse had definitely been stolen out of the locker.

The worst part about this whole story is that after talking to the credit card companies the ONLY thing that had been used was one debit card, directly next door at CHICK-FIL-A for FIFTY dollars

Are you kidding me?!?! If you are that desperate for a gourmet meal at chick-fil-a just ask me nicely and I will hand you the fifty dollars to go blow it however you want, if it means not having to start at ground zero getting my life set back up.

But whose fault was this? Mine- 100%. It says loud and clear LOCK YOUR LOCKER- but do I need to lock my locker? Ofcourse not- nothing will ever happen to my stuff!

Do I lock my locker every single time I'm at the gym now, even if its for 10 minutes? You better believe it.

Cut to last night- I met Corey's fam at the park and ride by the interstate so we could hop on and drive down to Blacksburg for the State quarter final game. We had a great time at the game minus the loosing part and the girls played great...we laughed and talked all the way home, talking about how we were all starving and couldn't wait to eat...We pulled into the park and ride to find......

this.

That would be my car, minus the window and one TomTom gps that used to sit right out there in the open in the windshield :(

We spent the next hour and half with the police/watching my incredible future FIL cleaning up all the broken glass and taping up my window. I will admit the police officer dusting for fingerprints was pretty cool but that is not the way you want to end your night...or spend the next day on the phone with the police dept/insurance companies/body shops trying to figure out the damage...honestly if a random person had walked up to me and said "here are your options- either i smash your window and screw up your day and life for the next week or so or you hand me your gps and i leave" I would GLADLY hand it over- I mean really what are you gonna take it to a pawn shop and get $25?

It's so frustrating to know that you could've avoided something so damaging and time consuming by making one smart, safe choice- even if it meant taking an extra minute to pack up your gps, put away your ipod, or carry your wallet/purse in with you when your hands are full.

I'm happy to report that I'm now cruising around in a cute little Chevy Cobalt for the next few days and will likely take it up to Lake Anna this weekend for my best friends bachlorette party!!!

Six Pack Summer

2011-06-05T23:01:00.000-04:00

I don't know about anyone else but I think of summer time as a big drinking time. I personally think that everything is better in the summer- spending time outside in the sunshine makes everyone happier and its just...better.
As far as drinking- it sounds much more appealing to get dressed up in a cute sun dress and sit outside at the beach while the sun goes down with a fruity drink in your hand than it is to have to get bundled up to go out in the snow to get a bar in the winter (and it sucks even more now for the people that smoke that have to go outside and smoke in the cold blahh)
Now that it's barely June and it's been in the 90s for the past few weeks we've been spending a lot of time at the pool...I've actually taken a job as a "pool attendant" meaning I do what I normally do at the pool and watch the gate at the same time (take money for guests, some cleaning, opening and closing the pool- not life guarding however- so its basically the easiest job ever)...what I have noticed during my time at the pool these past few weeks is how much drinking goes on- I'm talking all hours of the day, all kinds of stuff- beer, mixed drinks- honestly who knows what some of those people have in their cups...but whatever it is I can't help but be drawn to the attractiveness of it all...a lot of the reason I drank and drank like I did was to make me feel more comfortable in my own skin and around other people- so this is like the ideal social situation for me- out in the sun with friends and a drink to allow me to be whoever I want to be and say whatever I want to say.

A lot of talk about "glamorizing the drink" goes on in meetings- the glamour of drinking and just how much its all played up to look so sexy and appealing...just this evening at a recovery meeting in fact a man spoke about how easily we forget all of those bad memories- the waking up hungover, throwing up, pounding headaches, having to be up early the next morning for something and feeling like absolute death...not very glamorous at all.
One thing I do know about myself is that I would never, during the days that I was drinking, or if I were to try it now, just sit and sip one or two drinks and then call it a day- if I was drinking, I was drinking to get drunk- because duh thats what its for. When I think back on that summer day drinking I did (you know where it starts at the pool around lunch time and before you know its 2 in the morning and you wonder how you're even still conscious?!)- those ended up in some of the biggest disasters and lets just say I wasn't getting up early the next morning to do any long runs. When my drinking got to its worst my whole life was a puke and rally...and it sucked.

As sexy and appealing as it looks to sit by the pool with a beer in hand, the next time I'm at the pool I'll remind myself of one of the hundreds of embarrassing, disappointing, immature, not worth it things I did after a few of those "sexy" beers.
If I were still drinking on these gorgeous, warm summer nights I would not be able to

enjoy beautiful, relaxing days on the beach with my love doing absolutely nothing (including puking!)

Witness my brother's proposal to my now sister in law (and not embarass myself/ruin it completely)

Wake up early for fun summer races

Planning the wedding that will take place here juuuust about this time next year!!!

This may sound like a lot of rambling to a lot of you but I did tell myself I would write this blog for me and to inspire/help others out there...sometimes it helps to hear from someone else who has had similar experiences...has anyone dealt with these issues? If so, and even if not, this goes to show that it is absolutely possible to have an amazing summer and life without needing to depend on alcohol or something else to make you who you think you need to be.

Appalachian Power Festival 10k

2011-06-01T21:59:00.000-04:00

In all of the 30-some races that I've done over the past year and a half(ish) I have only done two 10ks. For some reason I had an idea in my head that I didn't like the distance after the last one I did on Thanksgiving morning. However, when Kristen and I went into the Ashburn 10k on Thanksgiving day, we knew we wanted to take it kind of easy because we were going to do 12 additional miles afterwards to finish our long run for the week. That made it a little bit more daunting, but I ended up finishing 3 minutes faster (52 minutes) than my first 10k (55 minutes).
So even though I wasn't in love with the 6.2 mile distance, I was super excited about the fact that it was going to be Corey's first 10k race (and the longest distance he's ever run!) The night before his girls' soccer team had just won the district championship so he was on a high from that and ready to race too! By 8am though it was already hot and humid (we apparently skipped spring all together and it's been in the 90s this weekend)
The course was an out and back along the Greenway (where a lot of the local downtown Roanoke races are) and pretty flat for the most part. I like races with turnarounds cause once you start seeing the first place people you can watch them fly by you and it keeps your mind off your own running (plus you can count how many people you are away from first place...ha)...sidenote: one thing I always try and remind myself and repeat to myself over and over throughout a race is that "they went out too fast and I'll get them at the end"...I try my best to start out slower than I want so that I can save some for the end- and usually it works and I can pass atleast a few girls within the last quarter of the race.
When I crossed the finish line my Garmin only said 5.99 which is always a bummer but my time was 47:03! So even if you add that extra .2 back on I still PRed by a pretty good amount :)
More importantly though was the fact that Corey (who was hoping for "under 1:15" ) finished in 57:58!!! And he actually said he had fun! I couldn't be more proud and happy and excited that he's starting to get into this whole running thing :)

The after-race stuff was pretty good cause Festival in the Park was going on downtown so there was music, crafts, a really awesome magician and lots of food all weekend. The food post-race, however, was pretty bad. They had water right at the finish line but then you had to walk a few blocks and wait in a pretty long long to get bananas, oranges or bagels- not very ideal when all you want is food and drinks right away!

Overall there were 212 in the 10k and I finished 7th out of the women and 1st in my age group out of 21, so I was very happy with my finish!
We spent the rest of the day/weekend at the pool and also went to Frogurt and I got to experience froyo for the first time...it really is as good as all the bloggers rave about- get as much frozen yogurt- flavor of your choice- as you want and load it up with any toppings you can imagine= heaven!

Last night Corey's team won their 2nd round regional game and tomorrow night they play again- wish the lady vikings some luck!!

Corey talking to reporters after their last big win :)

My Best Friends Wedding

2011-05-27T11:50:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I went to see Bridesmaids (which was hilarious by the way) and was surprised to find that there was a lot more to the movie than I thought there was going to be. Usually with Kristin Wiig she can just open her mouth and I'm laughing, but this movie actually had a really touching plot and I won't give it away but I almost cried at one point! The storyline focuses on Kristin Wiig's character who's best friend is getting married. When the bridal party comes together Kristin Wiig meets the bride's "adult life" best friend and they don't exactly get along. The more emotional parts center around how their relationship as childhood best friends has changed as they've grown and changed and it really struck a chord with me.
I met Jackie in first grade when her family moved across the street. We clicked literally instantly and for our entire childhood's we were "Jackie and Gwen" not really separate people.

We obviously were both equally HOT!!

We had a really tight-knit group of girlfriends in high school and I have some amazing memories with these girls

Junior year of high school I started dating my first real "serious" boyfriend and slowly I became closer to him and grew farther apart from my girlfriends. At the time I thought I was very happy and this was how it was supposed to be...you find a high school sweetheart, get married and live happily ever after. What I didn't know at the time was that I let that relationship take over every aspect of my life to an unhealthy point. I began choosing to spend time with him over my girlfriends, even if I didn't want to but I because I felt pressured to. Jackie and I grew farther apart and a lot of times even though I was with him I felt completely lonely. Looking back, my relationship with him, while we did have fun together and shared good memories, was very unhealthy and I can't say it led me down the path I took but it certainly contributed.
Although I look back with very negative thoughts attached to that relationship- I know it helped make me who I am today and lead me to where I am right now and I wouldn't want things to be any different today. I am, however, still very bitter about how that relationship ended up changing my relationships with my girlfriends and Jackie specifically.
During Bridesmaids I thought about that a lot and it made me sad, but my mom and Corey both so wisely reminded me that I can't change what's happened in the past but I can learn from it and mend it and makes changes for the future.
Jackie and I have definitely grown back together over the past few years and in 3 months I'll be standing next to her at her WEDDING!

Jackie and her handsome fiance, Brian

One thing about true best friends is that no matter how long you go without seeing each other or talking to each other, or if you feel like you've grown apart for a certain amount of time, when you finally are together again- it's like nothings changed. Lucky for me, that's exactly how it is with Jackie. We can sit together in silence and start laughing about nothing because of just a look. She has always been someone that has known what to say and when to say it, offers help when I need it, even when I won't admit I do. I love this girl to death and I'm so proud to be watching her get married to the perfect man for her in September :)

5 Years Later

2011-05-25T13:49:00.000-04:00

5 years ago today I was headed to the local courthouse in the town where I was going to college at the time. I had been dreading this day since February 7th of that same year (and for me, dreading= ignoring and putting out of my mind completely). I was about to learn what my consequences would be for driving drunk and hitting another vehicle, and then using my not-so-good drunk judgement to keep on driving as to avoid dealing with the situation. Not a good night overall.

Leaving the court with my parents later that day I had just learned that I would spend the next 12 weekends of the summer in JAIL.

What?! That was not me - I was a good girl...I got good grades, I had lots of friends, I played sports all throughout high school, and I wanted to be a teacher!! I couldn't be in jail!! But I was also someone who made very bad choices and was going to pay for them.

Every weekend for the next 12 weeks of the summer my mom and dad would take turns driving me the 3 hours back to my college town to spend Friday evening through Sunday evening in the local jail.

I can't thank my parents enough for all they did to support me throughout that. Really- words can not express.

Maybe I'll spend another post on what it was all like, who knows.

What I know now is that 5 years later I am a completely different person. I no longer drink which eliminates the whole drinking and driving issue, as well as a million other issues is caused in my life. I have gotten my life on a different, positive, successful track and am ten million times happier with every aspect of my life. I can't say I enjoyed a single moment of going through all of that, but looking back I am so, so thankful that whatever had to happen, happened in order to turn my life around.

Gearing up for Summer

2011-05-24T13:18:00.001-04:00

This past weekend the pool at our apartment complext opened!!! It could not have come at a better time...after 2 weeks so seriously straight rain Saturday and Sunday were both in the mid 80s, sunny and HOT! Having the summer off as a teacher I took a part time position as a pool attendant at the complex pool (easiest job ever) since I figured I'd be spending much of my time there anyway :) I had my first shift Sunday and got to hang out with fam and friends the whole time while hanging out in a bathing suit, getting a tan- doesn't get much better than that! One bad thing about all the gorgeous weekend weather, however, was that it made me want summer so so badly! We have one week of SOLs under our belts and a week and a half left then only a few weeks left til it's officially summer vacation!!
This summer is especially exciting because every other year we go out to Lake Tahoe with my dad's entire side of the family for a week...and we didn't go last year....sooo....it's the lucky year! This year is different though because it's the first time I'll be bringing my fiance and my brother will be bringing his wife!!
We stay in the Northern part of Tahoe on the California side and I suggest (or almost demand) that if you haven't ever been out there or considered it as a "I have to go here before I die" kinda place- you now have to add it to your list. I can't even describe how breathtakingly beautiful some of the scenery is and for anyone who likes to spend time outdoors- this is the spot...
Some of the amazing things I get to took forward to for the next month and a half....

rafting down the Truckee river/spending time with all my beautiful cousins

seeing all the cousins i only get to see once every year or so (who are probably taller than me now!?)

crawdadding (those are creyfish for those of you from other parts of the country)

tons of family game nights/making homemade icecream/family dinners/smore making :)

disney karaoke (which i can proudly say EVERYONE took a turn performing in)

Visiting Sand Harbor- hands down the most beautiful place I've ever been

and celebrating my birthday!!!

I can't wait for Corey to get to meet all the amazing family I have out on the west coast that I don't get to see nearly enough.
What trips do you have planned for this summer? Do you do any sort of family reunions?

PS...thank you again to Caitlin at Fit, Fierce and Fabulous for my guest post! and welcome to all the new followers :)

Let's Keep Running Fun

2011-05-20T12:01:00.001-04:00

After finally talking myself into heading out to do a short run yesterday I walked out the door with a blah attitude and was already having those negative, crappy thoughts about a run- you know those times where you keep thinking "when will this be over? how much farther do i have to go? why does this suck so much?!" I wish I could say that every run feels care free and just fantastic- but that's not the case. Sometimes I wish I wasn't so goal-oriented and such a black and white kinda person- cause it really allows me to beat myself up sometimes.
See when I get an idea in my head (or a goal - like number of miles or amount of time) I will finish it or else it's a failure in my book...yes this can be good and motivating at times but other times I need to let up on myself a little...for example- Wednesday I went to the gym with the idea that I was going to run a pr 5k on the treadmill..that was that- I said it to myself so therefore I had to do it.
I did about a halfmile warm up and then turned up the pace and pressed go on the timer on my ipod so i could make sure and calculate my exact time for exactly 3.1 miles. I was going hard for a little over a mile. I reached to grab the towel I had sitting on top of the tm and my ipod goes flying, shoots off the back of the treadmill, earbuds come out, towel falls off to the side...whoops! So I stop the tm and gather everything back up but don't press stop on the timer so now the whole run is completely RUINED!
I ended up starting back over and finishing up 4 miles total at all kinds of random speeds and was happy with that by the end.
Yesterday was just not a "feel like going out and going for a run day" so while cursing the run the whole time I decided to do a loop that includes some pretty steady inclines (a lot of which is fittingly on Hill Ave) and did 2.4 miles. Although I was content that I did the hills at a pretty good speed for me, I was not very pleased that I had only run 2.4 miles. One of my favorite posts ever from Dorothy at Mile Posts (that I could not find for the life of me) was when she said "when did I become too good for two miles?" I loved that and connected with it right away. Ever since I began running more often, and more seriously I began training for longer races and therefore obviously increased my milage. When a lot of my runs are between 4 and 8ish miles, suddenly 2 doesn't seem good enough. Why?! Just like you have to take rest days, sometimes you go for shorter runs. There's no one out there judging how far or how well I run but me so I'm really the only one that's made this decision that 2 miles isn't good enough. Yes it is! Going for a 2 mile run is a hell of a lot better than drinking 2 bottles of wine and not running at all. It's better than getting in the car and driving 2 miles drunk. It's better than pretty much anything at all about my life when I was actively drinking like I was. I should be damn proud that I go out and run 2 miles after school where I hold a full time job and my Masters Degree. (ps...its ok to toot your own horn sometimes!)

Corey saved this quote off a coaching calendar I gave him for Christmas and I love it.

...but I need to live it. Running is suppose to make me feel good about myself and make me the best Gwen I can be for that day. If I'm so hard on myself that all the sudden I'm not even good at running or I decide I've failed for the day on a run then how can I expect to feel the slightest bit good about myself in any other aspect of my life?
Just some thoughts :)

Now I'm gonna go enjoy a day off of running (and be ok with it) and enjoy the following things this weekend:

Go to Corey's last regular season soccer game

Go for some quality runs in the beautiful weather we're expecting :)

Go to the POOL that opens at our apt complex tomorrow!!!! :) :)

Go to dinner with Corey's fam to Japanese (which is clearly a joint fam favorite!)

And finally...see BRIDESMAIDS!!! (I am slightly obsessed with Kristen Wiig)

Best Date Ever

2011-05-16T12:35:00.000-04:00

Saturday was quite an exciting day for Corey and I as a couple. We started the morning off at the Mad Dash at Green Hill 5k. It was a local race put on by one of the high schools and by far the smallest race I've been to of the 30+ I've done over the past year and a half. I've been ecstatic lately at how much Corey has taken to running and we were both pumped to do this 5k together. We went to the park the Thursday before and ran the course so we had a feel for what to expect. Part of me liked this and part of me didn't- it was really nice knowing what to expect on the course and where you were relative to the finish- but at the same time, sometimes it's nice not knowing so you don't talk yourself down mentally about how much farther you have and how tired you are. The beginning of the route was on the Greenway, along the river and the rest was mostly gravel service roads and grass. I am not a big fan of running through the grass- especially when it's wet, and the gravel wasn't fantastic either, just because you have to be so much more careful where and how you step.
When we ran the course for practice we finished at exactly 3.1 but on race morning it ended up being 2.98- close enough :) I was hoping to come close to my latest pr or maybe beat it and was pretty happy with 22:48- but since it was short it would've been a little slower. Here's where I get a little mad- there was a girl a decent distance ahead of me for most of the race and I easily could've caught up to her in the last quarter mile if I really really pushed myself- she beat me by 8 seconds and took 3rd overall....why do I keep doing this!? I need something to remind me during those last 60 seconds to sprint my ass off because as tired as I feel, there's nothing worse than wishing you had pushed it just a littttttle bit more, which could make all the difference in a 3rd and 4th place >:O ....there's always next race though!

Corey was aiming to stay around 9:30 miles and finish around 29:30- he wore my Garmin so he could pace himself better. That meant I was running with no Garmin for the first time in about a year. I was nervous at first just because I rely so much on it- but I think it actually helped not having it to look at all the time because I realized I was so worried about my pace and if I was going slower than I thought, so I think I pushed myself harder as a result.
Corey clearly pushed himself harder than he planned and finished in 27:24!!! I am so ridiculously proud of him and the best part was that we each placed in our age group so now he has his first running medal and will have to start a wall of his own!!!
I love running with him and while we have a million of the same interests and plan all sorts of fun dates and activities- this one is definitely one of my new favorites :)

Saturday night we continued our fantastic date at.......the prom!!! Yes we are 24 and 25 years old...let me explain....

Corey works at the high school so we were asked to chaperone the prom. (We also went to homecoming in the fall and it was a blast so I was very excited to get dressed up for another dance!)

We did the whole thing- pictures, dinner, dance, everything! First we got all fancy in our dress clothes and headed over to his parents house for some pictures :)

Me and my beautiful future sister...just last year I was sending her off to her last homecoming dance!

Prom dates :)

Dinner at the super nice Shulas 347 Grill with Haley and JM (awesome teacher/AD friends from the hs)

We had the best time pointing out all the dresses that we liked, making fun of the ridiculous dancing and regretting ever having been one of those high school kids making fools out of themselves on the dance floor. Seriously, it's only been 8 years since I was in high school and I'm off to the side making comments like "oh that's so inappropriate...that's not dancing- how embarassing if their parents saw this!" Funny how your perspective changes as you grow up...

What I'm Lovin

2011-05-12T13:27:00.000-04:00

When I get into something- whether it be a food, a workout, a hobby, a restaurant, a certain menu item at a restaurant, a SONG, whatever I really get into. This happens with new music big time and Corey can attest to that- if I download a new song it will be on repeat in my car and during my runs for the next week or so before I move onto a new one...this can be rough for someone else (Curry- sorry :) who doesn't love the song as much as I do but thats just what I do.
Currently the Natasha Bedingfield CD is on a constant loop in my car and my ipod after I heard the song they use in Something Borrowed (which is awesome by the way!!!) I read the book first and still thought the movie was fantastic- highly suggested for a mother daughter movie or girls night out :)

I think all this consistency and repetitiveness is part of having an addictive personality but I usually go all or nothing, which I've said before. If I were to do a food blog and post what I ate everyday, I'm pretty sure I would have no one left reading my blog because I could post once a week and be set. I am a very boring eater- but my thought process is- if you love it, eat it- why would I pack some other random sandwich when i love pb and j and could easily eat it everyday??
Right now my summary of a food blog exists in the following pictures:

Corey and I go through a ridiculous amount of these flavored waters in our house and the last time I went to Walmart they had restocked with tons of new flavors and this aisle was like a dream come true for me

mixed with other lettuce and paired with

Do you have any staples in your kitchen? Weird food habits or likes?

I may be the most boring eater in the world but atleast I'm enjoying it :)

Trail Nut Half Marathon

2011-05-09T22:44:00.000-04:00

This Saturday I ran my first trail half marathon and it was quite an experience.

I had done one trail run before, Explore Your Limits 5k, so I kind of had an idea of what I was in for. If you've never run a trail race, or done a trail run for that matter, you will learn to appreciate the connection your brain and leg muscles while you're out on the road and just running. Running through the woods requires you to add another element to that- looking where you're going. I usually look slightly down when I'm running no matter what, just because sometimes its daunting to look out and see how much you have left when you're feeling tired. This run, however, I was looking straight down, watching for roots, rocks, sticks, turns, groundhog holes? - it doesn't really let you take in all the beautiful scenery in the woods but it certainly keeps things fun.
Luckily I wasn't the only person who had to regain my footing a few times throughout, but I was the only one I know of that completely wiped out and ate it infront of a few other people :/ it's ok I thought it was funny (watching anyone fall is funny so I'm sure someone got some enjoyment out of it)
The course was a large loop and a smaller loop running through Falling Creek Park in Bedford and is clearly used often because the trails were easy to follow and the coordinators had put lots of hot pink polka dot ribbons throughout so you knew you were going the right way. My one complaint about that aspect was that there weren't too many people out on the course to direct you if you weren't sure, and sure enough I needed someone at more point than one. Also- my Garmin said 12.49 at the end but they told us that it had been callabrated by bicycle and because of being in the woods your gps would be short but it was indeed a full half. By the last mile we were kind of following the same first loop but ofcourse it was a little bit different because it was shorter to get us to the finish line- and that little difference made it a little confusing. At one point around mile 11 or 12 I was completely by myself and came to a fork where I could go into the woods or through on a path marked off through a field and I stayed right on the trail but doubted myself the whole time (thats a terrible feeling by the way) soon I ran into some volunteers and was so relieved. I caught up with another girl pretty soon and we attempted to make it to the finish together and were soon running within sight of the finish line but with orange arrows pointing towards us...soooo frustrating! Eventually we got headed in the right direction and made it across the finish line and this is where I could seriously punch myself- I think I got frustrated and distracted by the getting lost thing and so did she and I was more in the mindset of "phew finally the finish lets just get across" while she was thinking "im gonna bust my ass to beat this girl across the finish line"...and she did by 3 seconds...and she got third in our age group and I got fourth UGHHH...I absolutely could've pushed it and beaten here and it really sucks being that close to placing that you were literally within steps. Next time- I don't let anyone beat me in the last few yards!!

This picture makes me want to scream but I can take all that frustration and put it towards my next race! Gwen what are you doing!?!
I woke up Sunday with sorrrre legs...but sore in a different way- a lot more in the lower legs probably from all the slowing down, speeding up, switchbacks, turns and trying to brace myself. Overall it was a tough race but I actually had fun while I was running. I felt kinda like I was in one of those chase scenes in a movie where they're flying through the woods...but when I looked down at my Garmin I certainly wasn't flying! This race was probably my least consistent as far as each mile time- but now that I'm done I can see why...you really are more focused on where you're going and not how fast you can get there.
The tshirt we got was one of my least favorite so far and we didn't get a medal!? I remember actually thinking while I was running- if I get a medal for any race it should be this one...but nope...guess I'll have to go back next year and place :)

Pulled Pork Like the Pros

2011-05-04T22:46:00.000-04:00

I read a post yesterday by one of my best friends, HungryMom, that inspired me to document a recipe that I got recently from my SIL :)
I consider myself very lucky that I happen to love the woman my brother married and we get along very well. Although our lifestyles are not exactly a like (she works 12 hour shifts through the night with tiny, sick babies) while I sleep until her shift ends and then work about 7 hours during the day with healthy, older ones) but as far as eating goes, we're in similar boats. Growing up I think my brother's diet consisted of maybe 4 staple items: cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, popcorn shrimp, fried anything with cheese (Schwanz fried ring of cheese-basically a huge mozerella stick= WOW)...notice a trend? Somehow, however, he didn't gain an ounce and I was always the chubby one- how does that work?!
Jessica has had a huge impact on introducing him and getting him interested in tons of different kinds of foods now though (for example- Indian food?? thats a huuuuuge change right there!)
When I met Corey, I noticed that he and my brother had a lot in common (which is also a huge blessing for me!) and one of those commonalities was food...I can say without a doubt that Corey could live on an island for a year by himself and survive on chicken tenders and pasta. He's also branching out for sure (like the first time he ordered a salad with his meal!!...and i took a picture to document it??)

Slowly but surely he's coming around and before you know it he'll be suggesting the local Indian restaurant for dinner too (HA)
Annnnyways- Jess and I were talking about easy recipes to make for 2 people and we agree that the crock pot is a lifesaver and she gave me this super easy recipe for pulled pork that she swore "tasted exactly like a real bbq place" (um yes please?!)
She told me to get pork shoulder, and when I went the first time they didn't have either so before asking her I chose pork loins (which are pricier but do still work just fine) but she told me later that pork butt would be another safe option.
Literally all you have to do is put your pork (we have about 4.5 pounds here so there will be lots left over) into your crockpot with some onions and a can of coke and turn it on for 4 hours.
Yep...that's it.

Once they're done cooking you drain off all the liquid, shred the pork (or chop it up using your Pampered Chef Salad Choppers) and coat it with bbq sauce. DONE.

So easy and so delicious.

Enjoy :)

Yikes :O

2011-05-03T21:42:00.001-04:00

Apparently the Blue Ridge Half Marathon wasn't quite enough for me so when I received an email offering 50% off registration for next year...I decided I'd go ahead and sign up for the full :)

When I originially looked at the elevation I was confused- for the half we basically did miles 1-3 and split at a fork on Mill Mountain which took us from about 14 to the end...if that makes sense at all...basically for the half you skip that whole first big hill but you still do the 2nd one which was definitely tough...so I'll just put myself through a little more torture at this time next year :)

If anyone's planning on being in the southwest part of VA next April check out this promotion and sign up for a very scenic, challenging and amazing marathon or half marathon (use the code "I love rain" for 50 percent off through next week!!)

Are we getting old??

2011-05-02T16:08:00.000-04:00

When you start hearing comments like "we sure needed that rain" coming out of your fiance's mouth, or your Saturday plans include trips to Lowes and Home Depot to shop for all kinds of bird and garden supplies- you know you're growing up a little bit...ps- there's not shame in either of those things- I just think its funny how quickly your hobbies and interests can change in such a short time.
Really I've only been out of college a few years and already the idea of being up all night on the weekends is ridiculous to me...living in a college town I get a glimpse into the college life every now and then and it really doesn't make me miss it at all. Saturday we were our way later than usual (12:30! ...at his grandma's house...) and saw a bunch of Roanoke College kids out on the streets while we were driving home and all I could think about was "how are you kids still out, shouldn't you be in bed!?" who's the grandma now...Saturday morning we saw another great reminder when we passed some kid on the street around 7:30 (after we had both been out for a run) and he had clearly woken up on someone else's couch and was heading home to get back in his bed until all hours of the afternoon i'm sure (because lets face it that's how everyone in college lives)...you never know but i would be willing to put money on it.
I'm perfectly fine with my much more calm and predictable lifestyle though- I find that on a Saturday night I would much rather spend time with close friends and family doing something low key and getting into bed at a decent hour, than to be out at a bar, yelling across a room of people I don't know and probably won't remember me the next day...I feel very blessed to get to spend time with those people I love and share common interests with- I guess I just never figured I'd be interested in some of those things!
For example- at our cookout Saturday night, we spent a good deal of our time before eating, walking around outside talking about gardening, types of flowers, what everyone's been planting and growing lately...really?? If you told me 2 years ago that I would be seriously taking part in a converation about "oh yes my azaliahs are looking great this year but those impatients arn't coming in as nicely" I would've laughed in your face. However, I do have a New Guinea Impatient on my balcony right now and couldn't be more proud that it's still alive :) Another interest Corey and I have grown very fondly of is birdwatching! Seriously, who would've thought that could be so exciting! I specifically remember thinking my grandma was nuts for actually thinking that was interesting AT ALL...but I completely get it now...we were explaining it to our friends Saturday that it's kind of like having our own pets...since we moved in we've had a male and female cardinal that visit us several times a day, along with now probably 4 or 5 different kids of birds that come to eat too. We got a bird book for Easter, so we take pictures and look them up in our book and we're starting to get quite a collection!
Here are a few of our friends...

This, my friends, is a Tufted Titmouse :)...and my maturity level is about that of a 7 year old boy

Spring Break part 2

2011-05-01T22:18:00.000-04:00

Tonight's our last night of spring break and I took a lonnnng nap way too late today so we'll see if I can actually fall asleep sometime before its time to get up for school again at 6:30 :/ ...I actually felt like this week went by kinda slowly but it felt wayyyy too much like summer and I'm not ready to give it up yet- only 6 more weeks though!!
This week added a whole new aspect to my wonderful relationship with my fiance.....running partners! Corey ran almost 10 miles with me this week :) I can't express how much I love this...he's been reading "Born to Run" by Marshall Ulrich and told me last week that "I want to love it like you do" (one of the greatest things I've ever heard coming out of his mouth- besides the whole will you marry me thing :) We did a few 2 milers and a 4 and a 3 again today- its hard trying to explain to someone that the whole "loving running" thing doesn't happen very quickly - I did not enjoy it for a long time...one thing he asked was - what do you think about while you're running? I remember how he feels now where the entire run you're thinking "how much longer?" "when will this be over" "this sucks" "i hate running"....I don't know when things changed but those thoughts don't usually go through my head anymore- I'm honestly not sure what i think about but its definitely more pleasant than those thoughts....I can't wait to watching Corey's journey into running and hopefully see him fall in love with running too :) I'm very proud of his first week- I know I didn't do anywhere close to 10 miles at the beginning!
We had a relaxing rest of break and took one open afternoon to visit the zoo! So many cute little guys, I could watch them all day

prarie dogs

red panda

some kind of weird deer thing that looks like a baby cow

ok shes not exactly cute but such a BA

Saturday I ran the Vinton Dogwood Festival 5k...a very small local race (181 people), which I did last year. Spring last year was about the time when I started doing a lot of races so this was one of the first ones that I've seen again, which was kind of cool. My last 5k was a PR for me, so naturally I wanted to keep up the streak and break that time again. Unfortunately I didn't, but I was pretty happy with my race. I thought about Dorothy's post on Boston and comparing apples to apples. So, I didn't PR at this particular 5k but when I looked back at last years time (26:12) I've dropped almost 3 minutes off of that! I'm not training to win any big 5ks or anything but it's very rewarding to see improvement over time nonetheless!

If you'll please notice that right in front of me there is a NINE year old boy who I was side-by-side with the entire time ha...and directly behind me is a sixty-four year old man...it really shows you that all types of people can run and run well- no matter what their age, race, size, shape, etc

This coming weekend I'm doing my first trail half marathon - not really sure what to expect as far as terrain and how that will affect me but I'm excited to try something new! Corey will be doing a 5k with me in 2 weeks and as of a few days ago he's signed up for his first 10k at the end of May!!

Spring Break woo hoooo

2011-04-27T13:48:00.000-04:00

I tried really hard to find a clip of Chandler making fun of Ross on Friends ("spring break woohooo!") but I was unsuccessful...come over to our apartment however and you can watch any episode you wish on dvd- im a big fan...this week is spring break and it's been fantastic so far.
We were off starting Friday for Good Friday of course...Thursday night I worked Corey's soccer game and we got all packed up afterwards to drive up to Northern Virginia Friday afternoon.

How's that for a view?!

We had a great dinner at Cheesecake Factory (which unfortunately hasn't made it to Roanoke yet). Saturday I got a great run in in the morning and my leg didn't hurt at all! Afterwards we drove out to the Leesburg Outlets looking for all kinds of great deals- which we successfully sound...I ended up getting two pairs of sweatpants, 2 pairs of shorts and 3 dresses for a little over $100 (originally over $300!) I am all about getting a good deal- I would much rather tell you I got my new awesome shirt for a quarter than show off the fact that I have some name brand (which I honestly couldn't even identify if I had it)...Sat afternoon my mom and I took Corey over to see where he's going to be married :) (don't worry he's seen lots of pictures and is on board- he just hadn't seen it in person) and luckily he was impressed! Here's the actual stop where we'll say I do :)

Sunday we woke up to a beautiful Easter day and although we had planned to get up early to run, may have slept a little later than planned, and headed to church. Surprisingly I didn't let this ruin my day (I'm still working on the whole "letting go" and "going with the flow" thing)...after church Corey and I got changed and went out for a run TOGETHER! This is like a dream come true for me- I know not everyone loves to run and it definitely took me awhile to get to the point where I actually looked forward to going for a run and craved it- but the fact that he's interested and wants to do it with me makes me so happy...here's a few races we've done together in the past (soon I'll have him training for his first half marathon, you'll see ;)

Apparently I was really tired on the morning of the fourth of July...?

After we ran together I did a few miles on my own and then met Cor and more of our fam at the tennis courts for some family tennis! I always say "I wish I played tennis more" and I'm glad we finally got out there and did it (minus my brother nailing his father-in-law in the back of the head on a serve :/ )

My brother's mother-in-law is a fantastic cook and after our sweat session she had a delicious Easter dinner of filet, baked potatoes(thanks to G and J), broccoli, and a strawberry/spinach salad that i LOVED...my mom also slaved over (or drove and picked up) some enormous cupcakes from Edible Incredibles- wow!

Our family loves games and this Easter we started a new tradition of some sort of improv/egg hunt/cranium type game that will definitely be making an appearance next year...I did a fabulous job of fashioning this homemade bonnet in just 90 seconds! (all those years of teaching preschool really paid off)

Monday morning we drove back home to Salem and decided to stop on the way at Skyline Caverns in Front Royal off of 66...they gave a great tour and it was a fun and different way to break up the trip back down

The tour guide told us they've had over 150 weddings in this room of the cavern too- perhaps we'll rethink our venue??

The past few days we've been relaxing and enjoying our days of no obligations :) I've gotten some good longer runs in and plan to enjoy the weather and head out tomorrow morning for a hike! Now that I've away from my immediate family and a lot of my close friends I really cherish the time I get back up there to visit. I feel very blessed to have spent this weekend with people that I love and can't wait to be back!

Grateful

2011-04-23T19:54:00.002-04:00

So often it's easy to get caught up in what's going wrong...the little things that put a kink in our day...and it's easy to remember all of those amazing things that we are sometimes so grateful to be blessed with. The past few days I have been very pouty and ungrateful in general because I haven't been running. A few days ago I wrote a post about how "ok" I was with taking the time off to rest and that my body needed it, but deep down I was not ok with that. It's very easy to type up a positive post about how wonderful everything is, because ofcourse I want to inspire and encourage other readers. But the truth is, it feels a lot better to just be completely honest. Until yesterday I had not run at all this week. Seeing as I ran a pretty tough half marathon last weekend, I should be ok with taking that time off but I have been going nutttts. The first time I attempted a run Thursday morning at the gym I had an annoying pain in my right hamstring/butt (whatever connects that area) and did a whopping .44 miles on the treadmill before I called it quits and rode the bike for a little- which didn't last long either. I felt completely defeated and actually told Corey "I should've just stayed in bed this morning"...what is that?! Being the amazing, supportive fiance that he is- he made me see that at least I was there at 6 in the morning- that's better than nothing. But I was still so pissed that I hadn't run very much and it didn't feel good to run. I think I was initially also very scared because I had racing thoughts about "what if I can't do this race that I have coming up, or this race in a few weeks" "what if I'm really injured and have to take a lot of time off and then can't run the Marine Corp Marathon in October?!" Talk about a racing mind...it actually was similiar to the ridiculous racing thoughts I would have when I was drinking- wondering about "where will I get my next drink" "what if theres not enough to give me a steady buzz" blah blah blah...your mind can be your worst enemy at times.

I'm trying to accept the fact that I had a very very easy week and realize that it's not going to change the world- I won't loose my fitness and I'll get back in my routine soon enough. Finally yesterday morning before we left to drive up to NOVA I went out and did a pretty slow 3.5 miles and instantly felt better. I still felt a little nagging in my leg but I kept telling myself to take it slow and remind myself that I want to run for many years not just the next few weeks. This morning I woke up here in my childhood bed, got my shoes on and went out and did a familiar 5 mile loop- the weather was beautiful and springy, and it felt amaaaaazing. I am so so so grateful for the fact that I can get out there and run and need to remember that every lazy day that I'm telling myself I don't feel like it. I am so grateful to be home with my family for Easter, to spend time with the most important people in my life for a long weekend...and then to go back to a full week of spring break!

here are a few throwbacks from last year's Easter festivities...see how much he loves me ;)

It's so easy to get caught up in what's going wrong and not be thankful for all the things that are going right. I have my health and my family, my job, a great home, great friends and so much more and I think I can spare one day out there on the road. But I will keep in mind that amazing feeling and what it does for my mood and overall well being so that I can be the best me to all those other people in my life that I am so grateful for. I hope everyone has a Happy Easter and remembers what they are grateful for too :)

Inspiration

2011-04-22T10:31:00.000-04:00

http://www.godvine.com/Christian-Athlete-Takes-a-Fall-But-Still-Wins-the-Race-378.html

Runners Envy

2011-04-20T15:43:00.000-04:00

Do you ever get jealous of other people running or working out? I don't know why I seem to turn things into a competition in my head all the time but when I'm not running and I see other people doing it the wheels in my head start turning. This past weekend I ran a good (for me personally) solid half marathon, in the pouring rain, up and down a mountain. I felt it the next day...and the day after that. I'm used to being sore after a longer run like that but because of all the hills I felt it in new places- all around my ankles and my hips, which I wasn't used to. I won't lie- I definitely didn't stretch like I should have afterwards and you probably couldn't pay me enough to take an ice bath (I can barely even ice an injury I'm such a freezing cold wuss), so I didn't expect much else besides sore legs.

One of the hardest parts of training for races and this whole running thing is taking rest days. I lovvvve getting a good run in, whether it be in the morning before school, or right when I get out and the sun is shining- it feels great physically, mentally, emotionally- everything is just better after a run. What I need to remember though is that my body needs to rest too. I even wrote 3 days ago that tapering was very effective and giving my legs some time to rest did wonders for me as far as how tired I felt and how much I could push on race day. Yet, here I am three days later, and I've already forgotten how important rest is. The soreness is almost gone now but yesterday I stayed home sick from work. I was running on almost no sleep and it would've been stupid for me to work out- I just needed a day off from everything. Today, feeling much better and soreness gone, I look at my calendar and my running for this week is ZERO. Seeing that on paper makes me a little anxious. I text with Kristen last night and she talks about how she ran and did BodyPump and instantly I'm jealous- I feel like I should be out there pounding the pavement too. I definitely feel like this is a huge part of my addictive personality and my all or nothing attitude. Have I run yet? No. Am I going to run today? No. So my running log will still say zero for this week so far- but I need to remember that that's OK. I'm not going to lose all the training I've put in so far- I'm not going to blow up and gain ten pounds because I haven't worked out. I'll get my running shoes on soon and things will be back to normal- I feel like this is kind of a test of my patience and I will be much happier passing this test than pushing myself too hard and getting hurt. Afterall- I do have the Marine Corp Marathon coming up in 6 months (ok that's really far away) but you never know I could sneak another one in there before then :) Since my last post about what races I have coming up I've added a few more:

Vinton Dogwood Festival 5k

Trail Nut Half Marathon

Mad Dash 5k (with Corey!!)

Tim Harmon 5k

This one is for a cause close to me because it supports a local Alcohol and Drug Rehab center close to my home in Northern VA
"The Friends of A New Beginning will host a 5K Run/Walk at the Fairfax County Government Center on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 8:30 AM. This annual event is in memory of Tim Harmon, the Director of Residential Services for Alcohol and Drug Services of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. Tim, who was instrumental in the development and service provision of several county alcohol and drug treatment centers, passed away in 1999 from Hepatitis C." http://www.timharmon5k.org/

So I'll get my share of running in, not to worry. For now I will enjoy a little rest and not beat myself up over it- I would rather be running in 30 years if thats what it takes.