Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Monday, July 14, 2014

June Highlights

June was embarrassing in terms of fitness, less than 30 miles for the month- crazy pitiful.
This pretty much sums it up--- lots of time off

There was quite a bit going on with moving homes and work that I knew this would be my last 'lazy month'  before picking back up the running to be prepared for Hood to Coast in August.  I also feel that since June is "officially" summer, there are more activities always going on that I feel I "have to" take part in so I don't miss out- thus resulting in always being on the go and too tired to workout first thing in morning or end of day.

So what did happen?

Living

I said goodbye to apartment living and the best roommate to date



And hello to a 3 story townhome with double the space and then some from compared to what I'm used to

Who knew how much time could be spent decorating, gardening, and trying to make the space my own?  I have to keep reminding myself that because I'm still renting, I'll have to move everything AGAIN into my own place when that time comes, so to not go overboard--- both with practicality and my check book. 






The second floor is pretty much where I spend all my time and I have lots still to do, but its been fun along the way.  I still have a bonus room off the kitchen I haven't done anything with, along with the entire back room on the first floor that is empty #toomuchspaceproblems


Family
Typically I see my family (siblings) 3x a year- Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter and my parents come down 1x a year to see my in Nashville.  June was a treat because I got some bonus quality time.
Mom came down 2 days after moving in to help me decorate,organize, and pick out some new furnishings. She got the ball rolling, but lots more has been done since then and I'll be excited for her (and dad) to see the transformation when they come down in less than 1 month. 
After her short 3 day stint here, we headed up to Indianapolis for my cousin's wedding reception- love being able to reconnect  with the extended family

My brothers and I- we're a tall bunch


Some of the cousins

Having play time with one of my nephews (my other 2 didn't make the trip) 

And getting to dance with dad

Fun
With all the purchasing of home goods, June's entertainment month was all about embracing what is free!!
Art and Wine Crawl in downtown Franklin
Outdoor Free concerts every Saturday in East Nashville 

And I even managed to score free tix to our company box for Katy Perry tickets 



I know I typically blog about the good things because who wants to be a debbie downer, but June also had a few road bumps as well:
  • Roommate I had selected to move in & split the cost of town home with disappeared and never returned any of my messages- leaving me with another month's rent to pay for solo. Normally not a big deal, but 2 months rent  now when I'm covering everything  would actually get me 4.3 month's rent compared to what I've been paying the last 4 years. 
  • Piggy backing on the roommate situation, this month was the FIRST time I haven't had a roommate since I was 18. The past 11/12 years there has always been someone around, so the first few weeks by myself was a huge shock and adjustment. I got extremely lonely and would avoid coming home to an empty house. This  meant 1 of 2 things---constantly finding things to do with friends so I wouldn't be at home by myself, or immersing myself in settings where even if I wasn't talking to people I was still surrounded by them (shopping, going out to eat, staying at work later etc) Both scenarios resulted in unnecessary spending. On the upside, I did also start and finish both seasons of "Orange is the new Black", so now I know what the heck everyone else around me is talking about. 
  • Work picked up and naturally I acquired more additional responsibilities with nothing coming off my plate to accommodate. Initially I was told I would help out temporarily, but then it changed to assist till the end of the year. On one hand its job security, on the other hand I'm a perfectionist when it comes to my job so it increases the unnecessary stress I put on myself. 
  • I realized the guy I had been seeing for 2 months was a complete immature pervert and we were NOT on the same page when it comes to relationships. I often find myself wondering what happened to the good men out there that know how to treat, and most importantly, talk to a lady. I ended things in not the nicest of ways so at least I got that satisfaction of controlling the situation. Next please. 
  • Lastly, coming to terms with this being my last full month being in my 20s... enough said. (2 days till dirty 30) 


Overall June was just a very busy month. It was hard to find balance with all the changes, but I feel like I've finally found my groove. July's focus is all about getting back into swing of things and shifting my focus from "if I don't feel like doing it I won't" into a more disciplined schedule when it comes to workouts. So far I've already ran more miles in July than June (not that it was too difficult to do) so off to a great start. 

How as your June?
Anything exciting / noteworthy you experienced?

Thursday, January 9, 2014

13 Highlights of 2013

When you reflect on a whole 365 days, you're bound to have some rough patches- if you don't, I'd like to know your secret.  As with every year, there are some parts I would like to re-do, forget, or wish didn't happen altogether, HOWEVER, when I think about the year as a whole, it was fantastic. For running- I ran 17 half marathons and of those, 14 were new states. I set 3 PRs - adult 5k, 5 mile, and half marathon. I learned a LOT about what I am and am not capable of. So much more happened in life as well.  Below are what stands out the most to me in no particular order


ONE: The year of finally seeing pieces of history (or places) I wanted to visit

Hoover Dam

Seeing everything in DC




Black Hills, SD

Mendenhall Glacier- Juneau, AK


Outerbanks, NC


Mount Rushmore- SD

San Diego Zoo


TWO:  My adorable niece, Gweny was born

THREE: Our first family vacation with grand kids... let alone first vacation with immediate family in Years! (Outerbanks, NC) 




FOUR - My only double header of the year- Maine / New Hampshire. Placing in my age group in Maine with an accidental PR, as well as Becca's full comeback. 



FIVE: The most I ever pushed myself during a race (St. Michael's Running Festival, State 40- MD)
 Although I decided to go through with the race only 2 weeks out, I was training toward attempting at breaking 1:40.  I actually did speedwork on the treadmill (it was cold), and even made yoga a part of my weekly routine to help my hip flexors and hammies. Although I failed at 40 sub 1:40 with a 1:40:59, it is still one of my proudest moments in 50 state quest to get a well earned PR.

SIX: Finding my highschool speed (temporarily) 3x this year! I don't like speed work so normally the only time I do it is if I'm on the treadmill playing with different speed intervals, or I'll just choose to do a training run fast. The fact that I was able to run times I haven't seen in a long time is encouraging on what I may be able to accomplish if I instill a little more discipline and structure into speedwork.
Dairy Dash 5k PR- first time ever in my adult life running in 22s- 22:11 to be exact. I don't run many 5ks, but this was encouraging to start adding more to my schedule. 

First leg of Ragnar was 5 miles and managed to run sub 7s! 5 miles in 33:39 6:43 avg pace. My body is not used to those times, so I definitely felt the pain in legs 2 and 3. 


5 mile Turkey Trot over Thanksgiving
I do this every year, and each time I get a smidgen faster. It's definitely not Ragnar 5 mile fast, but 37:08, 7:25 pace while taking 3 walk breaks is a-ok in my book. 


SEVEN: Getting to explore and run in Alaska! (Douglas Island 1/2- State #42, AK)


How often do you get to go to Alaska? I was fortunate in being able to make a week long trip exploring Alaska with my mom. Lots of firsts were experienced in the Frontier state and there is nothing about the trip I would change. I definitely have plans to go back... perhaps for Kim's 50th?

EIGHT: Everything about my trip to Vermont. The race. The town. Mother / Daughter weekend. and let's not forget I got to ride a camel!!!


NINE: After running in ND, staying up North for a whole week and splitting my time between best friend and cousins. Finally experiencing the "infamous" Minnesota State fair and being in STATUE HEAVEN.
MN State fair


Buffalo Statues in Buffalo, MN

Peanuts statues in St. Paul, MN

TEN: I can laugh about it now... but the time where we spent most of the relay in last place and were told to skip exchanges to 'catch up to other teams' @ Bourbon Chase



ELEVEN: Experiencing all the amazingness that is the Vail Lake Trail Ragnar. I learned
    • Running on trails in pitch black is no joke
    • I need to strengthen my ankles
    • I need a brighter head lamp
    • I will learn how to put on a mustache straight :) 


TWELVE: Fun Race Weekends that turned into Girls weekends: (L to right) Publix Ga 1/2, Medicine Bow WY 1/2, Women's Rock MN 1/2, Route 66 OK 1/2

THIRTEEN: Last but certainly not least is all the new friendships I've made both in the virtual world, but as well in real life too. New seat at work allowed me to be in a higher traffic area vs. a corner, thus forming new friendships in my dept. New roommate who shares my passion for running and has welcomed me into her circle of friends. Old friendships renewed and strengthened with traveling to their city. And of course, you all. I love the blog community not only for helping with my accountability, but also for motivation to see what everyone else is doing and wanting to replicate.  


The last 3 years has been a crazy ride and although technically my journey isn't finished until next weekend, I consider 2013 the year that everything I've learned came to fruition. Aside from the part of being unattached and starting my own family, for once in a long time, my life feels complete and I'm truly blessed for all that has been brought into my life and all the experiences I've had. 

To those that have shared in my journey, thank you for being there and helping to create lasting memories! 

How was your 2013? Venture to any new places?

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

March in Review


Finding my groove again in March with running...


Total Mileage: 90 miles. With the weather being crappy- I more than last month, however it was on treadmill so my runs during the week went from 5-6 miles in distance, to 3-4 since I can't be on treadmill long
April Mileage: I think I'm ready to shoot for 100 miles again. In order for this to happen, I at least need to have no less than 25 mile weeks... simple math Lisa, simple math

Highest Mileage week: 29. I'd like for this to be the norm and not the high going forward
April: I'd like to build my way up to wear 40 miles in a week seems doable and not downright laughable as it stands right now. Go big or go home so I'm shooting for at least one 40 miler week.

Races Planned / Completed: 2/2 Traveled to Vegas to conquer state #37 with M, Caveman March- much harder than anticipated, but the views and finishing first in AG made it worth it.

Headed to Atlanta over St. Patty's weekend to have a blogger gals race weekend with Elizabeth, Jess, and Kim--- long story short, it was a blast.
April: 3 halfs planned.  This weekend will be double header in Maine- Race the Runways (#38) and New Hampshire- Great Bay 1/2 (#39). Although I STILL haven't signed up, I will most likely be doing the Country Music 1/2 marathon. Not a huge fan of this race, however, work reimburses us for when we finish so naturally a lot of people I know will be running and I hate feeling left out.

Accomplishments for March;
  • Finally seeing my paces decrease again
  • Got every race planned out (minus Virginia) for finishing up my quest
  • Was able to see my whole immediate family for Easter and managed to hold my 9 week old niece, Gweny her crying!

  • Big winner of Easter Egg celebration- found the most eggs in the hunt, got the most money in the eggs I did find, AND won the prettiest and ugliest cookie contest- BOOM!
 

Current Book:  GBA- Group Health Plan Design... basically has been my life last few weeks- considering I didnt pass the test... guess it will be even MORE of my life until I schedule my re-take this quarter (by June 30)


Current Excitements/ Obsessions:
  • Apartment hunting.... dday is approaching and I still need to figure out what I'm going to do. 
  • Warm weather approaching
  • New England double header this weekend
Current Treat: I've been making protein chocolate chip muffins like its been going out of style. I decided to 'mix things up' and do it with blue berries... bursting with flavor. I could have 'worse treats'


Current Goal:  Short term- have both races be in the 1:40s this weekend and then I'm going to go for a PR for my Maryland race-- May 18th--- eek I said it, therefore I have to do it. Unsure if this PR will be breaking 1:40, so for now anything faster than 1:42:54 counts :)


March Major takeaway: After talking with many runners (male and female) who are much faster than myself, I've learned that they all do speedwork- shocking I know. I will be starting to add one day a week into my routine to help bring my paces down, but also to learn how to better push myself. 


How was your March?
Everything is starting to click with running. I'm still not where I want to be, but I have a better idea of what it takes to get there. March has also been a trying month on my patience, emotions, and balancing life. 
Any Major takeaways?
You CAN get faster without actual planned speedwork, but you can't get to where you want to be (if being faster is your goal) unless you really do push yourself and start doing a better job of planning your workouts. . 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Pig Roast Time

This past holiday weekend was truly an amazing time spent  with family; a constant reminder of how I  have some amazing people in my life and its the simplest things that make me happy. I could go on and on about all the events of my weekend, but instead I'll make it easier via bullets & pictures

Cousins Chad and Collin- we're all within 1 month of eachother in age- haven't seen either since 2005



Oh you know, some alcohol mixed with pool and of course break dancing


Chad and Collin stretching before our mid afternoon run

  • So Collin has been living in Canada the past several months rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking - all at HIGH altitudes- this translates into being SUPER in shape. We left the house around 11am (naturally it was steamy out) and during our first mile I kept looking down at the Garmin as it was telling me we were doing 6:30 pace- agh I'm not going to be able to hold it
  • Luckily he did slow down and it was a bit more comfortable. Chad had to stop, so I stopped along with him- Collin kept going, Chad went back to the house, so I'm left alone to run in the blazing heat w/ no shade. Eventually I gave in to walking (of course my parents had to drive by in the midst of walking) and after it was said and done I finished my whopping 3 miles at a 7:58 pace - with the walking (shows how fast we were going in the beginning.
This years theme was to incorporate pink in your outfit- I went for 'tacky'

Collin went for super hero pink

Pink, cowgirl, toga, tacky. I'm also apparently the brunette giant

I've learned not to ask 

Tons of little ones around for the weekend- they make me smile
Joseph playing / eating w/ grandpa's hair

He's getting heavy
father/son- adorable

mmmm beer


Codyn before falling asleep on the swing

Babies galore!

Pig eyeballs


Yes they ATE them- bah! 

Tons of dancing





Funny faces





Family photos
the kids with their kids

all cousins and their kids 

entire family


End of an era









That's all folks, hope ya'll enjoyed your holiday weekend!