OK gang, time for a little blogcation. I will be thinking of y’all and sending loads of well wishes for a happy and healthy holiday. Spend time with your family and friends, and remember to make some time for yourself.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dear Nichole,
Wowee wow. The big 3-0. Remember when we were little and we’d think about what we would be doing at 30. I believe it involved a few kids and a Barbie Ferrari.
A wise man once said, “There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.” Ppffffttt
You’re turning 30, and isn’t it nice to say that you are in THE best shape of your life. Take that 21-year-old me. This was a year where you certainly turned into quite the runner. Little miss marathon. You nailed 26.2, but screw running in Atlanta again. Damn hills. This year you hit your stride. You learned to not stop at the finish line. Your running seemed to be contagious and you’ve been lucky enough to see your mom develop her own passion for the sport. (I don’t know what took her so long either.) Keep at staying active. You’ve got some years to go yet and it’s best we keep looking fit. Those knees need to last us a long time, so pace yourself sister.
You learned even more this year than others how much friends and family mean to you. When your phone can’t ring to hear them back home, it’s nice to get messages and letters to know they still think of you – still not half as much as you think of them. The friends you are close with, those are the ones that will be rocking in a chair next to you in a nursing home some day. You learned how to stay close with the people that matter the most and occasionally let that big guard of yours down. Kisses to the makers of free international calling. Remember it is okay to call home sobbing about not being able to find Betty Crocker cake mix at the store, good Mexican food or missing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. It’s lovely that you have friends all over this country and that country; continue to surround yourself with the right people – even if it’s only a handful.
If you think you are emotional now, just wait, I hear it only gets worse. I know you seem to cry at the drop of a touching commercial or anytime you look at Indiana Jones, but get it together woman. We have an image to uphold. And don’t take any crap about being 30. Would you ever go back and relive your 20s again, no thank you.
Embrace Own your thirties. It’s a peak time for your athletic career. Oprah said it was the decade where she truly found herself. Take chances. We all make mistakes, but be you – and always be okay with that. Never live with regrets. Regrets lack immediacy. Keep trying to be better, at everything. Better listener, wife, friend, daughter, sister. Live life like the honey badger.
Still reading, or did you just skip to the bottom? On that note, off to go find some cobra cookie cake. xx
Hi sweets! How is everyone’s week? Hope you are continuing to enjoy every ounce of holiday cheer.
It’s time to turn up the holiday tunes! I know running to Christmas music might seem crazy, but I quite enjoy the sound of sleigh bells — it makes me feel like a flying Santa.
Ho Ho Ho Holiday Jingles:
- Mariah Carey: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). I’m coming Georgia!
- Elvis Presley: Here Comes Santa Claus. Hunka hunka burning love for this song. Plus it’s an epic scene from Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
- Lady Gaga: Christmas Tree. This is an actual beat you can deck the halls streets to.
- Michael Buble: Cold December Night. I wouldn’t be sad if he ended up under my Christmas tree.
- Coldplay: Christmas Lights Your cool down song. Take your feet to Oxford Street.
David Bowie and Bing’s Little Drummer Boy is one of my fave Christmas songs, but you have to check out the Will Ferrell spoof on this classic video. The end is the best part:
What’s one of your all time favorite Christmas songs? Any new faves this season? If you say Justin Bieber, Santa will put you on the naughty list.
About this time each year you start to notice articles talking about various top moments of the year. Yes, People Magazine, I am talking about you. I was suckered into all sorts of hottest celeb break-ups, weddings, meltdowns, etc.
There are some other types of countdowns that I can get on board with, such as Men’s Health Magazine list of “101 Greatest Training Tips of All Time.“
I have quite the unhealthy obsession with Men’s Health mag and nodded and mmhmm’d through most of these tips. There is a something for everyone, but if I have to pick my top five:
1. Accept the challenge
“Everyone is an athlete. But some of us are training, and some of us are not.” —Dr. George Sheehan, runner/writer/philosopher
3. Be a minuteman
“The biggest mistake that new runners make is that they tend to think in mile increments—1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles. Beginning runners need to think in minutes, not miles.” —Budd Coates, four-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier/coach
10. Make time for a quickie
“If 15 minutes is all the time I have, I still run. Fifteen minutes of running is better than not running at all.” —Dr. Duncan Macdonald, former U.S. record holder at 5000 (set when he was in medical school)
16. Listen up!
“You must listen to your body. Run through annoyance, but not through pain.” —Dr. George Sheehan
37. Go with mind over grind
“Any idiot can train himself into the ground; the trick is doing the training that makes you gradually stronger.” —Keith Brantly, U.S. Olympic marathoner
94. Take baby steps
“You can’t climb up to the second floor without a ladder. When you set your goal too high and don’t fulfill it, your enthusiasm turns to bitterness. Try for a goal that’s reasonable, and then gradually raise it.” —Emil Zatopek, four-time Olympic gold medalist from Czechoslavakia
OK, that’s six, but I couldn’t help myself.
Let me know if you have a fave on the list or what you might add as a tip!
Dear Santa,
I’ve been very good this year. I mean real good.
What is on your wish list?
Ah, Christmas comes but once a year. We all have holiday memories, things that make the season so special. Here is a short list of some of my top Christmas faves. It was super hard choosing!
Tradition: Every Christmas Eve growing up my brother and I got to open one present. Now that I’m older, the men in the family watch Die Hard while Norak and I pray for them during our Christmas Eve candlelight service at our local church. I know what you’re thinking, but Die Hard is totally a Christmas movie.
Movie: It’s A Wonderful Life. If I don’t list this movie Norak will fly over and beat me. But seriously, it’s a movie that teaches about the importance of being a good man and giving more to others without expecting anything in return. It also teaches you not to leave $8,000 with your crazy uncle.
Hymn: Carol Of the Bells. The Home Alone church scene where the boys choir sings this gives me goosebumps.
Reindeer: Dasher.
Naughty or Nice: Nice.
Multi-color lights or clear: Multi. Big honking Snoopy type lights are my favorite!
Smell: Christmas Trees. Cinnamon sticks. Fresh holiday cookies. Candles.
Seasonal Treat: Gingerbread anything, cookies, lattes, bread, etc. I still need to try mince pies.
Christmas Picture: For the first time in 100 years Mayretta, Georgia got snow on Christmas day. Epic. Norak and I made the jankiest snow angels in our front yard. I laugh every time I see this pic.
Sight: Going to New York and seeing the Rockefeller tree lit up. The tree of all trees and something truly special.
Best gift: Whenever my brother comes home for Christmas. Family.
Worst gift: I never got Grubby and my parents will never forget it either. He was Teddy Ruxpin’s catepillar friend. Hey Santa, Grubby’s on ebay!
Special Memory: One Christmas Santa left his footprints on the carpet from the fireplace to the tree. The “special” North Pole snow didn’t melt and I wouldn’t let my parents vacuum for like a week.
Dislikes: How quickly December goes by. Dec 26 is the pits; all the magic is gone.
What are some of your Christmas favorites?!
I have some news you can use this holiday. A recent University study showed that taking short walks, we are talking 15-minutes, can cut snacking on chocolate at work by half.
The study showed that, even in stressful situations, workers eat only half as much chocolate as they normally would after this short burst of physical activity.
I like to call this, applied science. Let’s “apply” this theory to holiday cookies and sweets. I will be baking up a storm this season and even if you are more on the receiving end of baking we can all do a little moving around before we indulge in seasonal treats. A brisk walk will release your bodies happy endorphins. Get in a simple stroll to perk you up and raise your holiday spirits.
I now have a game plan for holiday parties!
What’s your favorite holiday cookie? Any other tips to burn off those gingerbread men?
It seems everyone is in the holiday spirit. Your suggestions for tights and hats were great additions to the growing Holiday Gift Ideas for Runners list! You all would make awesome Santas.
We’ve been talking about improving performance and effectiveness of workouts and it all comes down to the heart core of the matter. Your core is crucial in everything you do — all day long. Core stability and strength does not mean chiseled abs, sorry Team Jacob. Core refers to the muscles of your abs and back that give you support, really these muscles extend to your upper and lower body.
It’s important we understand that our core muscles are the hub of our bodies strength. Having a strong core lends itself to making you more physically powerful in general, and for exercising and other simple physical activities.
Let’s talk conditioning your core:
- Your joints will thank you during the long run: Women’s Health lists many reasons for building core strength, including, “It Reduces And Prevents Pain: A strong core stabilizes you and works like a natural brace for your joints.”
- Suck it up, or “in”: This is one of the best tricks you can do right now! Suck in and perk up your posture. You can’t expect your middle to widdle if you leave it hanging out all day. (Show of hands if you just sucked in?:)
- Stability Balls are your best friend: You can do many different exercises for your core on these bouncy Swiss balls. Grab a medicine ball and with a flat back on the ball try a Pelvic Tilt Crunch. The Swiss-Ball Knee Tuck is a personal fave, where you go into the pushup position with your shins resting on a Swiss ball, and straighten your legs so the ball rolls back.
- Push Ups and Planks: These two p’s are things you can do right in the comfort of your home, or office if you are ambitious. When these moves are done correctly you are working your arms, chest, shoulders, abs and legs!
Looking for more core workouts, head over to Men’s Health “Stronger Where It Matters Most: Every muscle relies on your abs, hips, and lower back, a.k.a. your core. It’s your base–and your center of attraction. Here’s everything you need to sculpt a rock-solid midsection.“
Work your way to a stronger core and you’ll not only find you’re better at sports, but you may find it easier to walk more confidently or put the star on the top of your Christmas tree.
What do you think is the most important muscle in your body? Any tips for improving posture and preventing slouching?
Last week we looked at the best gift ideas for runners starting with the newbies, and this week I’m sharing the gifts for the more advanced runner in your life.
“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.” ― John Bingham
- Garmin Forerunner: Looking to be more effective when conditioning? Garmin Forerunner is by far the best investment I have ever made. I have an older model but the 305 and 405 series are fantastic. With Garmin, no more guessing your time or pace. Garmin has helped me train and improve my pace, time and time again. If you have thought about getting one of these, now is the time. Buy one.
- Running Socks: In a battle of which came first, the sock or the shoe, it’s a tough debate. Runner’s feet can take a serious beating and it’s important your socks protect your tootsies. Thorlo makes a terrific compression sock to keep your feet dry and blister free. Be mindful that you will want a different sock for the winter and summer months.
- Hydration Belt: If you have plans of running more than 6 miles then you know staying hydrated is critical for your performance. Unless your friends are willing to set up water stations for you, a FuelBelt is ideal for not weighing you down on your run. Personally, I like minimalist fuel belts; nothing on my back or in my hands.
- Yankz: No more stopping mid-race to tie a shoe. The Yankz Sure Lace system is made of expandable cords which fit to your foot and don’t move during your runs. I put in Yankz once before a race and never had to tie my shoe again, until I bought a new pair.
- Nike Element Half Zip: The elements are tricky and having this hoodie in your arsenal is a good way to make sure you don’t miss out on any fair weather runs. When I am not sure about the temp, I can typically run in this top with a sports bra underneath. Lightweight and comfy, not too toasty.
What other running goodies are on your list?
Headache. Too cold. Just can’t. Case of the Mondays. I feel bloated. It’s too dark.
It’s important to start your week off with movement. Get your mind right. The days are becoming increasingly shorter and I know how busy we are with life. You can think of all the reasons you can’t today, or your can think of the one reason you can.
No excuses.
What your combination for success this week?
