tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35378575015821363262024-03-14T01:31:11.775-07:00Burning Off the CrazyProverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-84605622173156361052020-01-01T20:34:00.003-08:002020-01-01T20:35:19.527-08:00Happy New Year 2020<span style="color: purple;">About this morning: The Little Miss and I set out to continue the WaveMasters Society Polar Plunge tradition for my 8th — her 2nd — time. The water was a few degrees cooler than it was last year, but the weather was about 20° cooler, so I knew it would be a challenge. Fun fact: I spent the past week sick in bed, and this was only day 2 of quasi-wellness (still coughing) 😬</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">We gave ourselves about 10 minutes to get acclimated (disrobed) before it was time to plunge. She got about thigh deep in the water before she tapped out! I picked her up and tried carrying her until I was a little over knee deep, but she 👏🏾 was 👏🏾 done 👏🏾🏳️ We headed back to the other half of our family where I wrapped her in a towel before tagging The Mr. in so I could complete my mission. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">I found a clear path and waded back out farther than usual, because I was on a mission this year. I caught a couple waves and swam around for a bit, because, even though the water was so cold that it hurt, the pain was a reminder that I was alive. I’d survived another year and knew at least a handful of friends and family members who were not as fortunate. I kicked myself for leaving my goggles in the bag with my family, because I wanted to stay out there longer and reflect, but, for the first time since 2016, the whole family was together again, and I had to put them first. So, I caught one more wave and swam — eyes closed, of course — back in</span>Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-79572696646926721762019-09-12T20:26:00.000-07:002019-09-12T20:26:38.684-07:00Camp Gladiator<span style="color: purple;">Several months ago, during a trip to Walmart, there were tents set up at the entrance promoting Camp Gladiator (cg). Unable to avoid eye contact 🤣, I ended up having a 10-15 minute conversation with the gentleman there while one of his female associates kept me kids entertained (that probably sounded worse than it really was). I told him I’d seen a few of their camps around our neighborhood and had a handful of friends who were avid campers. My son’s behavior brought our conversation to an abrupt end, and I managed to “escape” with my wallet unscathed 😆</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"> The. Very. Next. Day, I picked my son up from school, and there were several silent auction items remaining after our school fundraiser. Guess what was sitting there just waiting for my bid… ? If you guessed a Camp Gladiator gift basket, then pat yourself on the back! I scored a free session, plus four free weeks of camp, a shirt, water bottle and sunglasses 😱 Well, in true me fashion, I waited 3 or 4 months to take advantage of this deal, because, kids 🙄 (pronounced: anxiety). Thankfully, I finally gave it a shot, and I am hooked❣️</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Why am I telling you this? I’m glad you asked! <a href="https://register.campgladiator.com/?3M1FZNG" target="_blank">Camp Gladiator is having an amazing deal! You can get four weeks of an amazing fitness program for ONLY $25 with my referral code (Psst, it's normally $189)! I just signed up, and I want you to JOIN ME! You in? Use my $5 off referral code: 3M1FZNG or click here to sign up.</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwproD3_z7SLMSX7PuybDqenzem-BHu9r2ButT000umhPfztFJ5nnDZj-VQBr2b860yIQoROC5ewJTgXEH7-qOjIibZFsKdeq2CpiOEEsHgMteLza-n3lwZcKBi9BcoMnHMvWwwhaqc9Y/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1222" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwproD3_z7SLMSX7PuybDqenzem-BHu9r2ButT000umhPfztFJ5nnDZj-VQBr2b860yIQoROC5ewJTgXEH7-qOjIibZFsKdeq2CpiOEEsHgMteLza-n3lwZcKBi9BcoMnHMvWwwhaqc9Y/s200/IMG_1866.JPG" width="152" /></a></div>
<br />Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-28146482511066801102019-05-06T14:21:00.001-07:002019-09-18T17:43:44.941-07:00I'm a Group Runner and Proud of It!<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">A friend and business associate of mine shared <a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a25422964/running-solo/" target="_blank">a "Runner's World" article</a> today that was written by a woman who preferred running solo. The subtitle read, <span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="letter-spacing: 0.34px;">Listening to your inner introvert can make you a better, stronger, </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.34px;">happier</em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.34px;"> runner." My friend was in total agreement with this runner. I, however, disagreed . . . <i>strongly</i>. </span></span></span><span style="color: purple; letter-spacing: 0.34px;">I know it may be hard to believe :sarcasm: but I am an enormous introvert. I would even go as far as to confess that I struggle with social anxiety. Oddly enough, the only time I feel most at ease is </span><i style="color: purple; letter-spacing: 0.34px;">during</i><span style="color: purple; letter-spacing: 0.34px;"> a run. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9Xwm19vY9HBX0hoSeLFyrcXerFObLz2VsB2Qio6e2bV5vi54tlRakHCF5gLOUHtv4u82MyS0k0lRyWu6rdM3r2NX5Pr5Nu88fBsuweI4iktX7PAB6Xeo50aCMJids_k_gz80qhvxr84/s1600/IMG_7580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9Xwm19vY9HBX0hoSeLFyrcXerFObLz2VsB2Qio6e2bV5vi54tlRakHCF5gLOUHtv4u82MyS0k0lRyWu6rdM3r2NX5Pr5Nu88fBsuweI4iktX7PAB6Xeo50aCMJids_k_gz80qhvxr84/s320/IMG_7580.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Starting off my 40th Birthday with a run </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Running distracts me from the fact that I'm actually around <i>and</i> talking to other people. It seems to be the only thing that helps me overcome the crippling anxiety of leaving th</span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">e house, driving and being around people. There are days where even going to a "restaurant" without a drive-thru is out of the question when I'm by myself. The thought of having to get out of the car and talk to people is too much to handle, even if it means being "rewarded" with a meal. Yet, I will drive all over town at odd hours of the day just to go for a run with, and sometimes without, my best running friends.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: inherit;">On the rare instances that I find myself running "alone," -- I usually am pushing a stroller, so I am hardly ever truly alone -- I am on high alert. I am constantly preparing myself mentally for someone or something to jump out of the bushes, or a car to lose control, jump the curb and wipe me out. It may sound like a strange notion, however, where I run on early Tuesday and Thursday mornings, we have encountered streetlights and bumpers laying <i>across</i> the sidewalk on at least two separate occasions. Also, the bike lane sign has been mowed down by cars a few times now, <i>and </i>one morning, we witnessed a driver headed southbound in the northbound lane. So, you see, my hyper-vigilance is not entirely irrational.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: inherit;">Am I the only socially awkward/anxious person who finds solace in running with friends? Which do you prefer: solo or group running?</span></div>
Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-84015029486267704942019-01-13T19:37:00.000-08:002019-01-13T19:38:54.055-08:00Best DAMN Race Jacksonville 2019<span style="color: purple;">My first race of 2019 is in the books! BGR! (Black Girls RUN!) represented, as usual, but the NOC (Nocatee) was running the streets as well. My main BRF (best running friend) dragged me to a new half marathon PR, even though it was far slower than her PR. #goals</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-60445319206731996342019-01-01T16:11:00.000-08:002019-01-13T19:11:35.889-08:00Happy New Year 2019!<span style="color: purple;">Another year, another Plunge; however this year, I wasn't the only one in my family going in. My six-year-old decided she wanted in on the action! She's usually quite timid and full of "I can't do that; that's too scary" statements, so when she expressed her interest in joining me, naturally, I was skeptical.<br /><br />Boy, was I wrong! Not only did she wake up early <i>on her own</i>, but the slothful movement that typically plagued our mornings was absent, as she quickly donned her swimwear -- shoes included -- and climbed into the car. She chatted nervously the whole ride there, and I could tell that, no matter the outcome, this would be a day to remember. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">We arrived a little over an hour and a half before the Plunge to secure "prime" parking across from the Seawalk Pavilion. We then purchased the annual WaveMasters Society Polar Plunge shirt and posed for the traditional pre-Plunge picture.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IqOxHPbnBiQIDuE1xoCZkM8WqE8aX91vS42WRNG-eXScN9hq1Uvuw7bzfsvpQuYF_WQa_d6Qtp-48sFTWjfG__bTa-PYlZgNVrEy366Vg8mNAdZv6eSJKc5JZjrUBSYYMyEShyoqgiY/s1600/IMG_8650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="986" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IqOxHPbnBiQIDuE1xoCZkM8WqE8aX91vS42WRNG-eXScN9hq1Uvuw7bzfsvpQuYF_WQa_d6Qtp-48sFTWjfG__bTa-PYlZgNVrEy366Vg8mNAdZv6eSJKc5JZjrUBSYYMyEShyoqgiY/s200/IMG_8650.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Although it was warmer than last year, it was still pretty chilly, so after we set our towels down, we did a calf deep trial to test the water. She was hooked and wanted to go in deeper, but I figured it was best we wait. If it was too cold, I was concerned she would not go in when it was time for the actual Plunge. We ran into several people we knew while we waited, so the time flew by quickly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPNAmZ1YMn-c6oF0aTsGQCmk6b3JE82WKq_st3FNYKBOtAXc8qU-UhKpQQ4wdGT4hNDzmITCodXONe0j2AjKuBU5qsPNAnHsYww2liyYWEKAkQAMKzuAVHoK_PVePE7-QC_GDVkH_Xj8/s1600/IMG_8496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPNAmZ1YMn-c6oF0aTsGQCmk6b3JE82WKq_st3FNYKBOtAXc8qU-UhKpQQ4wdGT4hNDzmITCodXONe0j2AjKuBU5qsPNAnHsYww2liyYWEKAkQAMKzuAVHoK_PVePE7-QC_GDVkH_Xj8/s200/IMG_8496.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3_UaylODNRXxlEyZW8hqxNri0bi7oHmTuyXQK7GVhOnk2xoRRLD7XdGlL6b7A_e-WIdm7wp89Wt9EEEoL2zabHuENK0DbcL3rwuv9bEjZEboi5qI-9DUDh-iVL9mpmiD9Sez6s65Ay0/s1600/IMG_8485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3_UaylODNRXxlEyZW8hqxNri0bi7oHmTuyXQK7GVhOnk2xoRRLD7XdGlL6b7A_e-WIdm7wp89Wt9EEEoL2zabHuENK0DbcL3rwuv9bEjZEboi5qI-9DUDh-iVL9mpmiD9Sez6s65Ay0/s200/IMG_8485.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">When it was Plunge time, we joined the crowd and walked closer to the water. I held her hand and explained our plan: first, the Lifeguards would sound an alarm. Then, the crowd would run into the water. I warned her that most people would be screaming, but it was okay, because they were having fun. I told her we would wait until some of the people started to come out before we ran in, because I didn't want her to get trampled. A</span><span style="color: purple;">s I explained the process to her, </span><span style="color: purple;">I noticed a few people around us watched and listened too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Then, it was go time! We held hands, ran towards the ocean, and once the water her about thigh-level, she started to scream and tried to climb me like a tree. I scooped her up and proceeded forward until I was waist-deep. She had calmed down by then, and I explained to her that we were going to wait for a wave and then submerge. They had done similar exercises in a pool during her Summer swim classes, so I knew she would comfortable with it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">When the perfect wave came, I began a short countdown, and *swoosh* we were done! I asked if she was ready to get out, and she replied with a resounding, "No!" We remained in the water for at least 5 more minutes before she opted to play in the sand just on the edge of the ocean, so she could still catch some waves if she wanted.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoOJHXAgieDe07ViqFuMMFl6eallF6Ul_Xl30SWK8k_-2PAYTP1KE4RdXxT0PwQ2_A9Xk7JhYAvmy4BgMLZ4vpI1xH59vUDWUZDus7kevBMZGdID6hGjDOnwSIGb9Tfb3SMUV3-fhdss/s1600/49509524_1235763683229825_1995229191955546112_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoOJHXAgieDe07ViqFuMMFl6eallF6Ul_Xl30SWK8k_-2PAYTP1KE4RdXxT0PwQ2_A9Xk7JhYAvmy4BgMLZ4vpI1xH59vUDWUZDus7kevBMZGdID6hGjDOnwSIGb9Tfb3SMUV3-fhdss/s200/49509524_1235763683229825_1995229191955546112_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoOJHXAgieDe07ViqFuMMFl6eallF6Ul_Xl30SWK8k_-2PAYTP1KE4RdXxT0PwQ2_A9Xk7JhYAvmy4BgMLZ4vpI1xH59vUDWUZDus7kevBMZGdID6hGjDOnwSIGb9Tfb3SMUV3-fhdss/s1600/49509524_1235763683229825_1995229191955546112_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;">Needless to say, it was a </span><i style="color: purple;">very</i><span style="color: purple;"> proud moment/day for me, and I look forward to future Plunges with her. </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></a><br />
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<br />Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-46821394314516754262018-12-02T15:38:00.000-08:002018-12-02T16:05:39.109-08:00AdvoCare<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "HCo Gotham", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.7;">
<span style="color: purple;">Well, I finally did it! I set aside all my insecurities and self-doubt and became an independent distributor of <a href="https://www.advocare.com/161212137" target="_blank">AdvoCare</a>. I have been using their products for a couple years now and am now the fittest and fastest I have been in my 10 years of serious running. Now, I can take my passion to the next level and earn money while helping my cohort reach their fitness goals. Ask me how 😉</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">"<a href="https://www.advocare.com/161212137" target="_blank">Since 1993, AdvoCare® has been a world-class nutrition company specializing in health and wellness, weight management, vibrant energy and sports performance. Navigate through this site to learn more about our cutting-edge nutritional supplements as well as the opportunity to earn income by sharing AdvoCare products with others.</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><a href="https://www.advocare.com/161212137" target="_blank">https://www.advocare.com/161212137</a></span></div>
Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-88541064300489160202018-10-15T06:06:00.000-07:002018-10-14T21:07:30.915-07:00#TogetherWeWill<span style="color: magenta;">It's time, once again, to kick off my <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/katinaryanwwright" target="_blank">26.2 with DONNA Fundraising</a>, and what better time than Breast Cancer Awareness Month? This will be my 10th year -- wow -- participating in this event, and, aside from bringing attention to a great cause, the awesome crowd support, and the amazing feeling of a block party in motion, it's easy to see why:</span><br />
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Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-21207462753575997852018-10-14T17:18:00.002-07:002018-10-14T17:18:44.546-07:00Noxgear<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Happy Fall, y’all! We are now entering my favorite time of the year. No, not because of the changing leaves, approaching holiday season or any of the other more traditional reasons non-Floridians give for welcoming Fall. For me, it’s the less sweltering temperatures and slight drop in humidity that makes running, cycling, and even walking, more bearable. Of course, along with these "cooler" temps come shorter days/daylight hours which can leave an evening athlete in the dark.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">As an early morning runner, I understand all too well the struggle of trying to balance high visibility with comfort — who knew clip-on lights bounced so much and headlamps caused headaches? — and I recently found the answer: <a href="https://www.noxgear.com/" target="_blank">Noxgear</a>. Now, I had seen/heard of <a href="https://www.noxgear.com/" target="_blank">Noxgear</a> a while back through the Jacksonville Galloway Training Group I was a member of, but, for some reason, I hadn’t actually tried it until several months ago. What first got my attention was the variety of colors available, but what I didn’t know was that, not only is each <a href="https://www.noxgear.com/tracer360" target="_blank">Tracer360</a> vest capable of producing 8 different colors (I usually select a color that matches my shirt), but you can also change from solid to flashing lights with a just a press of a button!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">I’ve received numerous compliments and inquiries since I started wearing my </span></span><a href="https://www.noxgear.com/tracer360" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Tracer360</a><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">, and now, I want to share </span><a href="https://www.noxgear.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Noxgear </a><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">with you! As of today, I am a member of the Noxgear Ambassador -- #noxgearamb -- family. What exactly does that mean to you? Well, by using <b>coupon code: KayDub978 </b>on the <a href="https://www.noxgear.com/" target="_blank">Noxgear website</a>, you will save 35%. :in announcer voice: But, wait, there's more! On <b><u>Tuesday October 16th only</u></b>, the coupon code discount will be increased to 42%! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Oh, I almost forgot to mention, there is also <a href="https://www.noxgear.com/lighthound" target="_blank">a visibility vest for our canine friends</a>. After all, their safety is important too. Stay safe out there!</span></div>
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Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-2737234467981989912018-02-09T19:04:00.001-08:002018-02-09T19:04:38.048-08:00Best DAMN Race Jacksonville 2018<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">My first race of the year is in the books, and it was a fun one! I set out to take it easy and was blessed to find <span style="font-family: inherit;">Susan Haag</span>’s group. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her, just know that her presence alone = instant Pavement Party </span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="color: purple; font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f8c/1/16/1f389.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">🎉</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="color: purple; font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/fb4/1/16/1f38a.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">🎊</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="color: purple; font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/fb/1/16/1f388.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">🎈</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">It was a cold start and an even colder finish with a downright disrespectful, bone chilling headwind in BOTH directions, but we were having so much fun, I hardly noticed.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">There were so many sole mates from the <span style="font-family: inherit;">Jacksonville Galloway Training Program</span>, <span style="font-family: inherit;">Moms RUN This Town / She Runs This Town</span>, friends from PRS and sole sistahs from <span style="font-family: inherit;">Black Girls RUN!</span>… It was like a family reunion </span></div>
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Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-35913729299608524302018-01-02T20:01:00.002-08:002018-01-02T20:14:38.271-08:00Run The Year 2018<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">From the Run The Edge website: "<a href="https://runtheedge.com/run-the-year-2018/" target="_blank">Run The Year 2018</a> is a fitness challenge to run or walk 2,018 miles in the year 2018." Since </span></span><span style="color: purple;">I ran almost 1,500 miles in 2017, I formed a "Dynamic Duo" with one of my BGR! Sole Sisters, and we will split the 2,018 miles. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">This year is off to a slow start due to almost freezing temperatures (see above screen shot from <a href="https://weather.com/apps" target="_blank">The Weather Channel app</a>). I, personally, love this weather for running; however, my neighbor/running partner has circulatory issues which are </span><span style="color: purple;">exacerbated by cold weather. Wish me luck . . .</span></div>
Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-16897581609207983732018-01-01T20:58:00.000-08:002018-01-02T20:27:00.344-08:00Another Year . . .<span style="color: purple;">. . . another plunge. Happy New Year! This marked my 6th consecutive year of taking part in the WaveMasters Society's Polar Plunge. It was a cold, rainy and windy day. I went out for our regular Monday morning bridge run and ended up cutting it in half, because the cold rain and wind gusts were brutal! When I got home, The Mr. was getting ready to hit the beach with me, and I let him off the hook. It was too much to expect him and the kids to endure those conditions just for me and my thrill seeking. By the time I'd changed out of my running clothes and into my swimsuit, he'd already climbed back into bed. I kissed him and the kids goodbye and headed back out into the elements.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">I stuck to my usual routine of arriving early for prime parking and bought my shirt. As I headed back to the car, I ran into a couple who said their friend, an experienced surfer, backed out of going in for the plunge, not because of the cold, but because of the >20 mph winds, and I started to get nervous. I decided to head back towards the beach to see what exactly I was getting myself into. T</span><span style="color: purple;">he surf was the choppiest I have ever seen, and the tide was pretty high too! It dwarfed the beach immensely, and I really started to worry. There was a little less than an hour left before the plunge, so I decided to collect my thoughts in the car.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What am I getting myself into?!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">As I sat in the car, I decided to check out Facebook's "On This Day" feature, and there were Polar Plunge pictures from the past 5 years. I looked at my friends and how our group dwindled a bit each year until it was just me in 2017 and again today. I sent my husband pictures of the surf, and we joked for a bit. A large truck pulled into the parking lot next to me, and I watched the driver get out and head toward the Pavilion. Several minutes later, the driver returned with a shirt and climbed back into his truck. I thought he, too, was going to hang out in the parking lot like me, but he started his truck and drove away! Shortly after that, I received text messages from my sister, and she encouraged me to stick to my plan. As I went back and forth between conversations, the parking lot began filling up. Before I knew it, it was 15 minutes before the plunge, so I hurried out to the beach to find a good spot.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Seeing all the other people on the beach gave me the motivation I needed, and I was ready to go, even though there was a little over 5 minutes until plunge time. It seemed I wasn't the only one with that sentiment, because I heard several people say the same thing. One guy even ran in waist deep and splashed around minutes before the official time. I snapped a couple selfies, undressed, then found a nice bystander to snap a "before" picture. Then, it was time to go, and go we did! I ran in waist deep and waited for a big wave before ducking down under the water. It was about 10° warmer than the air temperature, and it was quite invigorating. I splashed around for a bit, then decided I shouldn't press my luck any further and got out. As I redressed, I met a man who was on his 26th or 27th Polar Plunge, and he told me about how his kids started going with him as early as 8 years. His wife usually comes along and brings his coffee, but she was out of town today. He still had his coffee though.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I opted for a slideshow instead of my usual pre-plunge photo. Enjoy!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br />On another note, I'm kind of sad to see 2017 go, because I think it was one of my best years in a long time. I know, 2015 blessed us with a new child <i>and</i> a new home, but 2017 was about my personal accomplishments and rebuilding myself after the devastation of 2016. There were several PRs (including a couple half marathon PRs and a sub 30 minute 5K), I completed my first sprint triathlon, I trained for a century (Hurricane Irma derailed those plans), and I fell just shy of running 1500 miles! I will do my best to get you caught up on all that. I, literally, have several drafts waiting for me to complete and publish, if only I can find the words/time to get it done.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">How did your first day of 2018 go? What are your goals for this year? Until next time . . .</span>Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-14975665736344396132017-09-08T20:59:00.004-07:002018-10-14T20:33:08.304-07:00Happy Birthday to MEEEE!!!!<span style="color: purple;">You know you've got a keeper when he buys you fitness-related things for your birthday ❤️</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">On another note, there is a massive hurricane heading up the state. We're not quite sure where she'll end up, but we're going to head west. :sigh: Another year, another evacuation. I was supposed to do my first Century at the Endless Summer Watermelon Ride in a couple days, but with Irma approaching, it was canceled. I pray we are all spared. </span></div>
Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-53646453094779237372017-08-22T20:29:00.000-07:002018-10-14T20:34:31.518-07:00Transformation Tuesday<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">In January of 2016, I posted a picture of myself poolside after my first Adult Stroke Class and announced my goal to complete a sprint triathlon by May 2017. Sadly, there were other plans for my life. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A couple months after my declaration, my father experienced complications after a stem cell transplant. After a nearly 3 month battle towards recovery, his body, literally, failed him. He died July 1st. Exactly 2 months after my stepmother called me about my father, my mother called to tell me that </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">her</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> time on this earth was limited. A few weeks later, I became an orphan. Just when I thought 2016 could </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">not</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> get any worse for our family, my beloved Pug (my original baby), died the day after Christmas.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I tell you all this, because, as crazy as it may seem, </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">running</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> kept me sane through it all. Those who follow my personal Facebook page have seen my effort, and my aunt -- my mom's youngest sister -- once asked me what I was running from. I didn't have an answer for her at the time, but have since discovered my reason. My mom was my biggest cheerleader, although virtually, and had often called me her "shero." I continued to hit the pavement, because I knew she would want me to. It's also where I felt/feel closest to God and converse with Him often. There's a point here, I promise you </span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/f4c/1/16/1f642.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px;">🙂</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting in QT on the bike trainer (Photo credit: My 5 year old)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">January of this year, I renewed my goal of becoming a sprint triathlete. I put my Christmas gift on the bike trainer and started to rack up some serious miles. I even participated in a couple IronKIWI virtual events. Although, I did not reach my May deadline, I still achieved that sprint triathlon goal Father's </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day weekend during the Life's A Beach Triathlon! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fnVRCas8FA9HcROaYkf7GBy6foMUflpbllW6DnA-1Z0RIGXuWeSdT0TkiOofuv8D-_p94ENZpxBtRj5UB4fIVPNb8lP9CGjaKCf1Yxpqfo8zdRvg1OzSG8Nd3AXLhMfGisOBBFePn24/s1600/IMG_3378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1019" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fnVRCas8FA9HcROaYkf7GBy6foMUflpbllW6DnA-1Z0RIGXuWeSdT0TkiOofuv8D-_p94ENZpxBtRj5UB4fIVPNb8lP9CGjaKCf1Yxpqfo8zdRvg1OzSG8Nd3AXLhMfGisOBBFePn24/s200/IMG_3378.JPG" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A BGDB Shero (green/blue) and I (in red) heading into the water (Photo credit @SouthernStoneEvents)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoFpq2HX-eeypVqZTEQLozDjUR_E6Rz62eKNTB5WVuKWjHL0x8RzVEzobHYVE0OGSRveNkKn5ALzKY2umDCfyKinUNWpO97nTuBUgsZkNOmnXCTU9i03iWmU5NsxlQoe5UY-_Yu1jyeE/s1600/IMG_3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_VFPIVfGo6vE8oDbulXfdzZoTaxEyQQ4jlf_y-FcXtyyb8Iu8Ku9EwsqfevnX9vD6kmBc5uwa3lBRZud8nvcEaYw-6TpQrKTp2nhmL-abvbwB8SH4O8pyGLYs1Axp7-_bibwYkrVpPs/s200/IMG_3379.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting Garmin/Leaving Transition <br />
(Photo credit <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">@SouthernStoneEvents)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoFpq2HX-eeypVqZTEQLozDjUR_E6Rz62eKNTB5WVuKWjHL0x8RzVEzobHYVE0OGSRveNkKn5ALzKY2umDCfyKinUNWpO97nTuBUgsZkNOmnXCTU9i03iWmU5NsxlQoe5UY-_Yu1jyeE/s1600/IMG_3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoFpq2HX-eeypVqZTEQLozDjUR_E6Rz62eKNTB5WVuKWjHL0x8RzVEzobHYVE0OGSRveNkKn5ALzKY2umDCfyKinUNWpO97nTuBUgsZkNOmnXCTU9i03iWmU5NsxlQoe5UY-_Yu1jyeE/s200/IMG_3380.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinting Towards the Finish Line<br />
(Photo credit <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">@SouthernStoneEvents)</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_VFPIVfGo6vE8oDbulXfdzZoTaxEyQQ4jlf_y-FcXtyyb8Iu8Ku9EwsqfevnX9vD6kmBc5uwa3lBRZud8nvcEaYw-6TpQrKTp2nhmL-abvbwB8SH4O8pyGLYs1Axp7-_bibwYkrVpPs/s1600/IMG_3379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoFpq2HX-eeypVqZTEQLozDjUR_E6Rz62eKNTB5WVuKWjHL0x8RzVEzobHYVE0OGSRveNkKn5ALzKY2umDCfyKinUNWpO97nTuBUgsZkNOmnXCTU9i03iWmU5NsxlQoe5UY-_Yu1jyeE/s1600/IMG_3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">One of our local BGR! Ambassadors said, "We all have life circumstances . . ." In my case, I run to burn off the crazy! Stay encouraged friends!</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoFpq2HX-eeypVqZTEQLozDjUR_E6Rz62eKNTB5WVuKWjHL0x8RzVEzobHYVE0OGSRveNkKn5ALzKY2umDCfyKinUNWpO97nTuBUgsZkNOmnXCTU9i03iWmU5NsxlQoe5UY-_Yu1jyeE/s1600/IMG_3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-75270735511710841242017-05-16T15:02:00.000-07:002018-10-14T20:26:19.561-07:00CycloFemme<span style="color: purple;">May 14th was my first Mother's Day without my mother. S</span><span style="color: purple;">he's been gone nearly 8 months now, and </span><span style="color: purple;">I was told the "first" of every holiday would be the hardest. I've spent pretty much every Mother's Day with her over the past decade, so I knew I had to do something special. I considered visiting her memorial site, but figured that wasn't something I was ready to do yet. Instead, I sought out something to take my mind off her absence -- as if that were even possible -- and happened upon </span><a href="https://cyclofemme.com/about/?v=7516fd43adaa" target="_blank">CycloFemme</a><span style="color: purple;">. "What is CycloFemme," you ask? According to their website, it is "a Global Celebration of Women created</span><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: purple; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> TO HONOR THE PAST</strong><span style="color: purple;"> from the shoulders of those who stood before us, for the freedom to choose and the chance to wear pants. </span><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: purple; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">TO CELEBRATE THE PRESENT</strong><span style="color: purple;"> with strength and courage, voices raised, moving together. </span><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: purple; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">TO EMPOWER THE FUTURE</strong><span style="color: purple;"> of women everywhere, the backbone of positive social change." Anyone who knew my mother would agree that this is something she would stand behind and would definitely encourage me to take part in. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">The ride closest to me was hosted by </span><a href="http://www.openroadbicycles.com/about/" target="_blank">Open Road Bicycles</a><span style="color: purple;">' St. Johns location. I was quite anxious about it being an emotional Mother's Day and worried about riding on the road while tackling my longest ever cycling distance, so it was a bit of a relief to know that I wouldn't have to add a lengthy drive -- especially while transporting my bike -- to my list of concerns. It was also nice that a couple Sheroes I knew from the Jacksonville chapter of </span><a href="http://www.blackgirlsdobike.com/" target="_blank">BGDB</a><span style="color: purple;"> and one of my </span><a href="http://www.jaxgalloway.com/" target="_blank">Jacksonville Galloway Training</a><span style="color: purple;"> friends would also be there.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQg_q3e8w0C72hpyJlfVPXt73XTiL42wwUpv1Tzk2pZ8yZ4iP2IYPKKhbb2oFvnSK4mKnK9GB6-PMZI55fMZGHipYNcRGPBrxgRCBPByNbKksf68lYY2-A1rsVoRYl_Ox5mstiPmTdqI/s1600/IMG_3007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQg_q3e8w0C72hpyJlfVPXt73XTiL42wwUpv1Tzk2pZ8yZ4iP2IYPKKhbb2oFvnSK4mKnK9GB6-PMZI55fMZGHipYNcRGPBrxgRCBPByNbKksf68lYY2-A1rsVoRYl_Ox5mstiPmTdqI/s320/IMG_3007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">I arrived early to allow myself time to talk my anxiety down. As the rest of the group started to arrive, I put on my brave face and tried to be social. I thought I was doing a pretty good job until my Jacksonville Galloway friend arrived and gave me an extra long hug. She mentioned my Facebook post from earlier that month about how I wanted to fast forward to August and avoid Mother's Day, Father's Day, my dog's birthday (he died the day after Christmas) and the first anniversary of my father's death, to which I teared up and <i>almost</i> fell apart.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">After that, we were divided into two groups: the 25 mile group and the "Tour de Neighborhood" group, the difference being speed, as we would be covering different distances in the same amount of time. My friends and I were e received our ride instructions, discussed our route and learned that we would ride :gulp: in a <a href="http://www.active.com/cycling/articles/riding-in-a-paceline-is-a-basic-cycling-skill" target="_blank">paceline</a>. Again, I had to talk my anxiety down. Although I saw cyclists in single pacelines on nearly a daily basis, this was <i><b>my</b></i> first group ride off the <a href="https://www.traillink.com/trail/jacksonville-baldwin-rail-trail/" target="_blank">Rail Trail</a>. Not only do I have to deal with cars, but I now have to ride in a paceline and lead at some point?! Thankfully, our ride leader had given us an out, so if our turn came, and we did not want to lead, we could just fall back to the end of the paceline. That took the edge off. Once, I learned we only had to lead for a minute or so, I was ready for the challenge. I sent the route to The Mr. and was ready to ride, "but first, let me take a #Selfie!"</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJH8TVw-Jw_1h2RFxy8p2EBBZm6PvZm2-OTQk0xW0MVtHY20pdO2XQhCA4rR3GxBmSWllZntpTWDBz_RaS2aeYezlmkpScF7MBITYqynSzyxPNN2Gqht4qQHjGjLGEccWCqnqxoOxGHS0/s1600/IMG_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJH8TVw-Jw_1h2RFxy8p2EBBZm6PvZm2-OTQk0xW0MVtHY20pdO2XQhCA4rR3GxBmSWllZntpTWDBz_RaS2aeYezlmkpScF7MBITYqynSzyxPNN2Gqht4qQHjGjLGEccWCqnqxoOxGHS0/s320/IMG_3004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-ride Selfie to psych myself up</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">There was another group ride newbie, although, she was quite familiar with the route and rode it often on her own. We made a nonverbal agreement to stay together in the back of the pack, so when her chain fell off as the ride started, I stayed behind to help her get it back on. I started panicking internally, because no one in the group saw what happened, and I was afraid we would fall too far behind. Thankfully, the other group had not left yet, and their ride's leader had the presence of mind to tell me to catch up to the group and let them know she was still coming. I'd lost sight of the group at this point, but remembered the route, so I pedaled hard until I caught them just after a red light. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">I started to relay the message of our left behind newbie to the ride leader as she fell back to take her place at the end of the pack when, suddenly, there was a chorus of "slowing[s]," before our paceline scattered and came to a halt. It turned out that one of our riders had a flat tire, which gave us an opportunity to see an on site tire change. Ironically, I recognized the rider from a tire changing course we'd taken at </span><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.openroadbicycles.com/" target="_blank">Open Road</a></span><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.openroadbicycles.com/" target="_blank"> Bicycles'</a> </span><span style="color: purple;">Avondale store. After the quick, but informative, change, we headed back out on our ride. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/openroadbicycles/photos/pcb.10158753203760615/10158753203195615" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu2vwgmFusLplMeBb0sGq_sWnyq4lxOw7ql5x6bUWTUDSBNJ1zylqkW4DfDceUJJ5-Ylfzr3SipJoMYeCgtny_8z8r4YQZ0aFkU2wZbKAvZqHAk4CRO6VNh_6gJmu94GShZMqrkc1ppo/s320/18519626_10158753203195615_317394927041184450_n.jpg" width="316" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/openroadbicycles/photos/pcb.10158753203760615/10158753203195615" target="_blank">Post-ride picture from Open Road Bicycles' Facebook page</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">We ended up going 15 miles, -- my longest ever ride to date -- and, after we finished, I found myself going back out with a smaller, but faster, group who wanted more miles. I surprised myself a lot that day: Not only had I ventured <i>way</i> out of my comfort zone by riding on the open road, I also rode <i>30 miles </i>in a paceline, and, when my time to take the lead came, I arose to the challenge and led for a couple miles. I think my mom would have been proud . . . </span>
Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-19047089447933794002017-01-02T01:05:00.002-08:002017-01-02T01:05:53.245-08:00Happy New Year 2017!<span style="color: purple;">Good riddance 2016! I am glad to see you go, but am devastated that my parents and my dog joined those whose lives were lost during your seemingly endless 366 days. As much as I would love to steal back my loved ones and bring them into this new year, I have to set my feelings aside -- for now -- and do my best to carry on, one day at a time.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;">So, Day 1 started with the <a href="http://www.wavemasters.org/" target="_blank">Polar Plunge</a> 🏊🏾♀️ I've been plunging with my running buddies</span><span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;">every year since 2013</span><span style="color: purple;">. Over the years, our number has dwindled. Last year, I encouraged one of my BGR! Sole Sisters to run and plunge with me since our usual group decided to pass. The Mr. and the kiddos usually come too since we celebrate our plunge with breakfast at <a href="http://www.beachdiner.com/" target="_blank">Beach Diner</a>. This, however, was the first year that I have been solo. At first, I was pretty bummed, but chose not to wallow in self pity and, instead, "shifted the prism." I saw a new year with new beginnings and embraced the solitude. After all, here was the opportunity for the alone time I so desired and </span><span style="color: purple;">everyone always told me I needed. I took lots of pictures, even video, so I could look back on how I "survived" without the perceived security of familiar faces. I spent extra time in the water to reflect on the past year. I submerged myself three times in remembrance of my father, mother and dog. <span style="background-color: white;">Every time</span> the sting of the cold water washed over me, I acknowledged the pain of each loss and continued to kneel until I was ready to </span><span style="color: purple;">accept their absence. It was a liberating experience, so much so, that I went back to spend a little more time in the water, this time to celebrate the new year.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Oh! I also met a fellow blogger who asked to photograph me for her <a href="http://findingkathybrown.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>. I'm looking forward to reading her thoughts on the Polar Plunge.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeLUK7OLoNSmnpVwpC4zIcWbg4QjyuLYZ1XPEt1h2wPGe7ZuEpOQ429xrdGMqHsDurEaluWh1Y0YdrTHbMtNps-Jy_q9QkW5hvBYQLaUyujMmiV-JityqYPNG_tlpcIaxaEsy0wbB_XI/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeLUK7OLoNSmnpVwpC4zIcWbg4QjyuLYZ1XPEt1h2wPGe7ZuEpOQ429xrdGMqHsDurEaluWh1Y0YdrTHbMtNps-Jy_q9QkW5hvBYQLaUyujMmiV-JityqYPNG_tlpcIaxaEsy0wbB_XI/s320/IMG_2139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">After I got home, The Mr. prepared a traditional southern New Year's Day meal of Hoppin' John, collard greens and cornbread which was timed perfectly for my uncle's arrival. He was passing through on his way back home from visiting my grand/great uncle and stopped by to break bread with us. It was nice having family visit, even though it was brief. One of the thoughts that often triggered an overflow of emotions was that neither of my parents got to visit our new home.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;">By the time our visitor left and the children were down for the night, it was too dark for me to safely get any miles in for the IronKIWI 140.6 Challenge (more info to come). So, I </span><span style="color: purple;">ended the day with a little QT with my Christmas gift and the dreaded bike trainer for 10.17 miles powered by the first 17 songs in Act I of "Hamilton," because 20.17 miles was too much for me 🚴🏾♀️ Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas gift from The Mr.: Fuji 2.0 LE - 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE2PTRCPu_LooALQWAnDLdzagVKF3rr0tmz5_9LI7JJPR8emt4132gAKXdSpu4VDvH1RVo6Fv6kzV_jJF6fCsVdo4OZnmNeORusuWdteRhvvWnwaguXGF0Z9UQQJff8DfrH8zuuxByjc/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE2PTRCPu_LooALQWAnDLdzagVKF3rr0tmz5_9LI7JJPR8emt4132gAKXdSpu4VDvH1RVo6Fv6kzV_jJF6fCsVdo4OZnmNeORusuWdteRhvvWnwaguXGF0Z9UQQJff8DfrH8zuuxByjc/s320/IMG_2162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I survived Day 1, and I'm still smiling</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-48428259068664796982016-10-23T22:16:00.000-07:002019-05-08T10:21:46.915-07:00Be The Finish!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: purple;">I have been participating in this race since 2010, but I never truly "got it." I mean, my mother was a cancer survivor, but I seemed to have repressed the memory of her battle, probably because there were so many other things happening at the same time (my parents divorce, my father's remarriage, and the loss of our home during Hurricane Andrew to name a few). I saw survivors at the races and heard stories of those we'd lost, but, for some strange reason, it never truly resonated with me </span><span style="color: purple;">until now.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">2016 has by far been the most difficult year of my life. In the past 3 months, I lost both of my parents, and cancer played a role in their deaths. In honor of the DONNA's 10th Anniversary and in memory of family and friends lost, <a href="http://donate.breastcancermarathon.com/2017-Marathon/Proverbs31MarathonMom" target="_blank">I am asking for $10 donations</a> to help The Donna Foundation support families as we work to FINISH this disease. I am also taking part in the Inaugural Booby Trap Challenge. Let's make 2017 our best year yet!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsANXpjJXh-dTAhFviFUgWHA4N5RZTp1SuX97irHkA9NhMmPoJBqwFj2zu-4pW62GCtQ4iQQ8bZR5sjMfISc6EcVBkclB1o2-JcxAeW9EY_iYHtzI_SGXUZOrsgjH8lLTnM7nivB890PI/s1600/boobytrap-1600x1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="628" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsANXpjJXh-dTAhFviFUgWHA4N5RZTp1SuX97irHkA9NhMmPoJBqwFj2zu-4pW62GCtQ4iQQ8bZR5sjMfISc6EcVBkclB1o2-JcxAeW9EY_iYHtzI_SGXUZOrsgjH8lLTnM7nivB890PI/s200/boobytrap-1600x1600.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">The Booby Trap Challenge is </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; text-align: start;">the DONNA 10K, 5K and either the Full or Half Marathon</span></span></div>
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</span>Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-24810597687687390532016-08-19T21:27:00.000-07:002016-08-24T21:40:25.031-07:00"Oops! . . . I Did It Again"<span style="color: purple;">Yes, I am channeling Britney Spears (I even pulled up the <a href="https://youtu.be/CduA0TULnow" target="_blank">YouTube video</a> to reminisce), but it's the perfect way to describe my little late night race registration relapse. You know how you hear about a race, pull it up on your browser, realize it's not in your budget, yet keep the window open for <strike>days </strike>weeks until you either find a discount code, approach the price increase deadline, or simply run out of rational reasons why you shouldn't register? Oh, that's never happened to you? Weird . . .</span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;">Anyway, the newest addition to my 2016 race calendar is the <a href="http://www.psychedconnections.com/turkey-trot-&-parade" target="_blank">Psych Ed Connections Turkey Trot</a> 5K/10K. Cons: I haven't decided which distance I'm running -- it's just three days before <a href="http://spacecoastmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Space Coast</a> -- and it's their inaugural race, so I'm not sure what to expect. Pros: It's close to home, it beats driving to Mandarin for the <a href="http://www.1stplacesports.com/dc.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Classic</a> (although I have not run that race since I started the Big Bang Series in 2013, I still got up early and cheered my friends on), partial proceeds benefit Youth Crisis Center, and there is a parade after the races. Sounds like a winner, eh?</span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18yHv-3AwQ9YP9k4TZeAjtVsiIdW7-BqIfs2O5mxEYdNy1oyge_OncGRAQ6xZKyTeTTcZELCG5y4OXzhCzwU1LguGcY4yDCRNystWT0Qtx6z6qWL9RwgAbGJ9DOO5_FBdDVnHtRoggNXZ/s1600/Turkey+Trot+Official+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18yHv-3AwQ9YP9k4TZeAjtVsiIdW7-BqIfs2O5mxEYdNy1oyge_OncGRAQ6xZKyTeTTcZELCG5y4OXzhCzwU1LguGcY4yDCRNystWT0Qtx6z6qWL9RwgAbGJ9DOO5_FBdDVnHtRoggNXZ/s320/Turkey+Trot+Official+Logo.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-32932964844889147872016-05-23T14:16:00.000-07:002016-08-24T21:40:25.050-07:00"It's time, once again . . ."<span style="color: #674ea7;">Every February since 2010, I have run </span><a href="http://breastcancermarathon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">26.2 with Donna The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer</span></a><span style="color: #674ea7;">. Subsequently, every year since 2011, I have begun my fundraising efforts with "It's time, once again for the 26.2 with Donna National Breast Cancer Marathon!" </span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">Well, today, ladies and gentlemen, </span><a href="https://register.breastcancermarathon.com/bcmmarathon" style="color: #674ea7;" target="_blank">registration is open</a><span style="color: #674ea7;">, and :say it with me now: it's time, once again, for the 26.2 with Donna National Breast Cancer Marathon! In 2017 they will be celebrating their 10th anniversary, so we're in for a real treat. In addition to their usual</span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span><a href="http://breastcancermarathon.com/run/5k-family-run/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Family Fun Run</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">, </span><span style="color: magenta;">5K</span></a><span style="color: #674ea7;">,</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://breastcancermarathon.com/run/marathon-relay/" target="_blank">Relay</a></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">, </span><a href="http://breastcancermarathon.com/run/marathon-and-half-marathon/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Half, Full</span></a><span style="color: #674ea7;"> and </span><a href="http://breastcancermarathon.com/run/110-marathon/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">110 Ultra</span></a><span style="color: #674ea7;"> Marathons, they have added an </span><a href="http://breastcancermarathon.com/run/anniversary-10k/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Anniversary 10K</span></a><span style="color: #674ea7;"> and, what I suspect will be my new personal favorite, </span><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://breastcancermarathon.com/run/challenge/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">The Booby Trap Challenge</span></a> </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">(10K, 5K and either the half or full marathon)!</span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">THIS is why I run:</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WFgt0AGvFLM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WFgt0AGvFLM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.firstcoastnews.com/" target="_blank">First Coast News'</a> Video from 2015 Race</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">So, who's running with me?!</span></div>Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537857501582136326.post-81828728032801031112014-10-28T17:44:00.000-07:002022-08-04T13:52:11.329-07:00Testing, testing . . . <span style="color: purple;">. . . is this thing on?! </span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;">So, last week during a seemingly endless Facebook scroll, I stumbled upon what appeared to be the perfect shirt for me. For those who may not know me -- presumable <i>all</i> of you -- I have had <strike>an obsession</strike> a love affair with the sport of running since a coworker, now dear friend, of mine roped me into <a href="http://breastcancermarathon.com/run/training/" target="_blank">marathon training</a> back in 2009. Prior to this training, my running experience consisted of running, usually two weeks at a time, when I noticed I needed to lose a pound or ten, but I figured it would be a great way to jump start my new decade.</span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;">To make a long story short, I joined her on this journey and ran my first training 5K July 25, 2009, as shown in my profile picture. Over the next 16 months, I ran my first <a href="http://komennorthflorida.org/" target="_blank">5K race</a>, <a href="http://breastcancermarathon.com/" target="_blank">marathon</a>, <a href="http://www.gate-riverrun.com/" target="_blank">15K</a> and <a href="http://womensrunning.competitor.com/st-petersburg" target="_blank">half marathon</a> (in that order). Gone is the occasional runner I was in my 20's. In her place stands the <strike>medal-obsessed</strike> marathon mom who, this season, stepped <i>way</i> outside her comfort zone and took on the roles of co-leader of a local <a href="http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/" target="_blank">Jeff Galloway Training</a> group <b>and</b> Group Run Lead of a pilot group for a local chapter of <a href="http://blackgirlsrun.com/" target="_blank">Black Girls RUN!</a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;">None of this would be possible without God's grace, and I certainly owe a lot to my husband for allowing me a morning of stroller-free running on Saturdays, so I can enjoy my long runs without distraction. Now, sit back, relax, and watch me burn off the crazy . . . </span><div><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjju5_7ZddhKBLV5mcVidEcD7EttRjMJ-9cUo2tCUgv5Hs9Md_x9OFdW345CxuHVV2Lsp5lvSGtpox7eZ5EXJYP7Od1oOlYFyAFRh58y-kojR_gJ5Jcx-cqVwPe7h5MhWXpuMx3VkQrY8d-C-Sk6SVgDGidA8qBMhJMXltgjojuoMaiUdYSrPg_UD/s276/BurningOfftheCrazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="276" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjju5_7ZddhKBLV5mcVidEcD7EttRjMJ-9cUo2tCUgv5Hs9Md_x9OFdW345CxuHVV2Lsp5lvSGtpox7eZ5EXJYP7Od1oOlYFyAFRh58y-kojR_gJ5Jcx-cqVwPe7h5MhWXpuMx3VkQrY8d-C-Sk6SVgDGidA8qBMhJMXltgjojuoMaiUdYSrPg_UD/w200-h200/BurningOfftheCrazy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inspiration behind my new motto</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Proverbs 31 Marathon Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772895775855288952noreply@blogger.com1