Stretch

Hi all,

So, I have some topics I've been ruminating on for a while. To ease my way back in to blogging, I thought I'd share a simple tip (life hack, if you will) that I recently learned. I was having some issues with my knees, which was determined to likely be caused by lack of stretching. That is so odd to say, as I am usually good about such things. When I squeeze in a quick run, however, then come back to my husband, baby, and dog I have a tendency to try to meet their needs before my own. I learned one simple way to add some stretching in before returning home. I try to time my cool down just as a new song is coming on, so that I can get a few minutes of walking and stretching BEFORE I walk in the door. I still try to stretch more once I get inside, but this is a good way to get started. Kinda like the seventh inning stretch! Hope this helps :)

So, it's been a while. A LOT has happened. I have "get back to blogging" on my New Year's Resolution list, so I thought I'd get a jump start. Driving home from looking after a cat (more on that later) I realized one reason why I love Kentucky. It was Christmas Eve and a Sunday evening, so most things were long closed. Churches seemed to be drawing a crowd. But man....the liquor stores were hoppin'!

Merry Christmas, All. Watch this spot for more soon.

serenity

Well, hello there. As I alluded to in my last post, there is a LOT going on...which will likely come out in blips and blurbs...and totally stream of consciousness.

First...Mother's Day. It was kinda tough this year. Worst part was that I lost a dear friend and mother figure. Her memorial was beautiful though. And bittersweet. Seeing a lot of old friends and my last visit to my beloved Drayton Hall for the forseeable future. But also good in that we all shared memories and lessons she taught us. Most of all, she listened. And cared. Guided, but did not judge. And celebrated our successes, large and small. Rest in peace, sweet lady. I hope I make you proud.

Most of you know I often enter (and win) contests. I had a hard time with Mother's Day contests, though, because so many asked to share something my mother taught me. Some words of wisdom. It's pretty difficult to do that when I am distancing myself from my mother for the sake of self-preservation. But, in the end, something did come to me.

My mother taught me to admit my mistakes. Come clean. Take responsibility. A lot of things have happened the last few years. I have owned up to things I have done wrong. Unfortunately, my biggest failure is choosing to surround myself with people who don't do the same. And who don't mind hurting others (namely me) in the process. But, I have grown stronger. I am standing up for myself more. I have also discovered that the corollary to that is that I am responsible for me. And only me. I can no longer carry other people's burdens.

So, my takeaway from this Mother's Day is to be responsible for myself. Not only to admit my failures, but to take credit for what I do well. I need to let go of of the past -- of things and people that no longer serve me -- and accept things I cannot change. I need to forgive more. Starting with myself.

Hey y'all. It's been a LONG time since I've been in this space. To say I've had a lot going on is an understatement. I'll share more later, but to ease back into it, I'm taking a challenge from +Abby Land for a little runner Q & A...

1.)  Location: Trail, Road or Indoors?Road --- but there maaaaaay be some trails in my future. Stay tuned ;)

2.)  Time of day:  Morning, Noon or Evening?Morning!! I am no good to run in the evenings. I love a good social run, but it seems to keep me up for hours. I love watching the sunrise on my run.

3.)  Weather:  Sunshine, Mild or Hot?I live in Charleston. If it can be under 80 (degrees and humidity percentage) I'm good.

4.)  Fuel:  Before, After and sometimes during?This has been the toughest part of my training. I hydrate well and fuel on runs over 8 miles. 

5.)  Accessories:  Music, Watch or more?I always have music...sometimes podcasts. And a basic watch. I like my RunKeeper app, but do hope to upgrade to a GPS watch at some point.

6.)  Rewards:  Food, wine or ?????

I love wine and hot chocolate (even though I don't each much chocolate...it's soothing). After long runs, though, I often crave fries or onion rings...with a salad! I also agree with the idea of an aversion to foods based on consistency. I can't stand things that can't be easily chewed. Dried fruit, raisins, gummies coconut...just to name a few. 

7.)  Type of run: Long, tempo, intervals, hill repeats, progression, or recovery/easy?
I don't do a lot of speedwork. I tend to be a little speedier on the greenway (flat, straight), a bit slower on the bridge or on hills. Even slower if I'm chatting, but socializing worth the trade-off. Once per week long runs. 

That's all for now. Hope this inspires me to blog more often. Thanks, +Abby!

Guest Blog at Another Jennifer

I am grateful for the opportunity to guest blog over at Another Jennifer today. I would love for you to read and give her blog a follow. Thank you for reading...it means the world to me!

http://anotherjennifer.com/courage-to-take-the-first-step/

I stopped "tri" ing, but haven't given up

Holy heck...two posts in one day!

I have the good fortune of working with a very international staff. The nature of the project draws people from all over the world and, while it is nice to be "blessed" in many languages after a sneeze, sometimes things get lost in translation. While I am usually the one helping translate for my esteemed colleagues, this time they made some things abundantly clear for me.

You may remember me stating publicly that I would be training for a triathlon. Not an IronGirl, but Ramblin' Rose. I have spent most of my life on a bike or in athletic shoes. While I am in the water every chance I get, I have never been a strong swimmer. But. I'm always willing to face a challenge head on. I started running first, thinking the biking would be a breeze. I was dreading the swim portion. After arguing with someone one evening, I wisely chose to go running instead of something self-destructive. And, I felt free. I have run almost every day since. I will never be an elite runner, but I am steadily improving. And the running community has been very supportive and encouraging.

While running, I often pass a younger, fitter colleague that is also tri training. And she rocks it. I didn't feel like I was competing with her, but somehow my heart wasn't in it in the same way. A few days ago. another colleague came in with a bib on from a 5K. I asked him how it went. He grimaced and said something I didn't quite catch. But, what he said next really resonated. He said he enjoyed the camaraderie and it was for a good cause, but that he is a swimmer not a runner. He was happy he did it, but he doesn't plan on doing it regularly.

I am all about stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. Like the day one of my fav teachers sprung hot yoga on us. I live in a place that is like a sauna a good chunk of the year. Why would I go in a room and sweat on purpose? Just not my thing. I love the beach and a good long ride. But I fear I would come to hate swimming and biking if I forced myself to train for a triathlon.

I am a runner. That is clear...even through a language barrier. So, I've revised things a bit. I don't plan to run a marathon, though. I am only half crazy ;)

Thoughts on Coming Out

I have a lot on my mind and heart, which will be revealed in the near future, but suffice it to say I'm often a bundle of anxious energy. Even now, I can't decide whether I should be resting, running or organizing. Or maybe one last beach day? I digress.

As usual, I have neglected my writing. And reading. And all things that fulfill me. My running has improved, but mostly because I can take out my aggression on the pavement. I have been reading/skimming my blog reading list daily. Last night, I came across something on Up Popped a Fox that really helped clarify things for me. The writer mentioned a few things that happened when she "came out." No, that is NOT my big revelation. But, those who know me well know I am a strong ally. And, after reading the post, I realize that sexual orientation is not the only thing that can be closeted.

I have written about it here and I struggle daily with my strained family situation. It is really awful and I take responsibility for a lot of things I did wrong. But, if I had to do it over again, I think what I regret the most is wanting to please everyone at my own expense. I have hidden my beliefs, toned down my personality, and even wished I could change myself to fit into a mold that would make my family love me more. Or a guy to look my way. Or the cool kids to invite me to a party. I didn't see myself as good, pretty, smart, funny, or worthy of love. I was raised to believe not to be boastful, not to put myself out there. That led to years of abuse by others and, worse, my own self loathing.

Somewhere along the way, I gained confidence to be myself. I "came out" and found that people like me just the way I am. I have people in my life that support me, challenge me, and just plain care about me. They listen without judgment. They console and empathize. They compliment me. They not only accept me, but they celebrate me.

I know it is idealistic, but imagine how wonderful it would be if we all celebrated each other instead of seeing differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. I may appear very different than the lovely writer that inspired this post but, after contemplating her thoughts, I realize how very similar we are at heart.