Normally, I do not celebrate Valentine’s Day. I am not a believer in the holiday but I think it’s important to show yourself some love.
We are all guilty of proclaiming what we hate about our body and/or ourselves. Myself included.
2016 is my year. I am working on myself and learning how to relax and let things go. Part of my stress relief is writing in my journal. As I was writing the other day I started writing about what I love about me. I think it is easy to lose what makes us special and amazing when life happens and we are bombarded with images of perfect people and/or perfect lives.
I am far from perfect.
But I do have a lot to love about myself.
I love the shape that my face has settled into. It’s still round but it doesn’t seem as round and child-like as it did a few years ago. I love looking more my age.
I am strong and independent. Yes, I am in a fantastic relationship but I am still a strong woman and depend on my man because I can, not because I have to. I love that I have my own time to do the things I love.
My collarbones. I have always loved my collarbones. I especially love wearing tops/dresses that accentuate them. And I love the song Clavicle by Alkaline Trio because my favorite group sings about my favorite part of my body.
I love learning. I have always been smart and I really do love learning. I read a lot of articles and books on subjects that interest me. I listen to podcasts as well, my current favorite is Stuff You Missed in History Class. It has introduced me to subjects I knew nothing about or reintroduced me to things I forgot about. I highly recommend it.
My legs. They can carry me 13.1 miles and soon 26.2. I use them to run and lift weights. I can walk and climb stairs. Jump. The powered me through 20+ years of dance lessons.
A Recent photo that shows my face shape and clavicles.
Those are my top five. I am sure if I tried I could come up with a few more.
I’m issuing you a challenge… write down the top five things you love about yourself and share at least one in the comments!
Running allows you to see areas you may have missed on your vacations.
Maybe you see someone out running every day in your neighborhood and you think, “I could do that”. Or you see your friends posting about that race they did over the weekend and it looks like fun. If I can run, pretty much anyone can run.
Growing up, I had exercised-induced asthma and it was not well controlled. I could barely do a lap around the track. I don’t recall every running a full mile, with no walk breaks, until I joined a gym in college. I ran on a treadmill for health, to lose weight. Nothing more. I ran off and on, eventually moved outside and ran my first race. I became hooked.
I am all for sharing my love and knowledge of running. I hope that my joy is infectious and others turn to running and love it. I want others to reap the health and fitness that comes from running. To clear your brain and stress less.
But just how does one get into running?
Have you tried in the past and given up because it seemed too hard? You went all out and didn’t enjoy yourself? It happens to a lot of people. I know I often went too hard when I first started. Heck, I sometimes start out too fast still!
My biggest tip for new runners is to go slow. Every time someone tells me they can’t run because they always become short of breath withing a few minutes I tell them they need to slow it way down. Not everyone can run a 7-minute mile. Sometimes I run 13-minute miles. There’s no shame in that. I am out there, doing my thing and I know that day is a slow run day for whatever reason.
You can see gorgeous sunsets (or sunrises).
My second tip is to take breaks. Too many people think they need to go out and run 30 minutes straight. Nope. Walk breaks can be beneficial, especially when starting out. In fact, I took strategic walk breaks during my last half marathon and thought I did a decent time for no training.
Go slow and build up. No one started out running half marathons. Most people can’t just go out and run a 5k with no training. We all have to start somewhere. Instead of wishing you were out in the race, why not start training for one?
When I started running in college there weren’t really apps. There was a Couch to 5K plan online but you had to print it off and time yourself, no prompts. Nowadays, there are a million apps and coaching programs available. The apps and programs are great and I guarantee you can find one that works for you.
Couch to 5Ks will have you do a run/walk and decrease the walk portion slowly. Don’t be afraid to repeat days if you aren’t comfortable moving on yet. A lot of the programs also have a 30-minute end goal but don’t feel pressured to go fast. As I said before, we can’t all be hares. Some of us need to be the tortoise. š
Do you want to start running? Do you have a dream race you want to do?
Natural History Museum was one of my favorite stops in New York.
I went for the bones but stayed for the rest. We didn’t get to see all of the museum and could have spent another few hours there, if not another day. If you are interested in going to the National History Museum I would recommend arriving when they open and don’t have anything else planned for the day. You can definitely spend the entire day there.
We arrived a bit before they open (at 10 am) and took a walk through Central Park. We got in line at 10 and despite being down the block it was actually quite quick to get in. I would recommend getting the city pass as we got to jump ahead in line with ours.
Our first stop was the Rose Center for Earth and Space. I am fascinated by all things stars. I was actually interested in the science behind space. It was fascinating. The only bad part? The planetarium was closed. Favorite? The meteorites.
My least favorite parts was the dioramas. They were ok but I could have skipped most of them. I did enjoy the hall of ocean life with a life size blue whale.
The gems ad minerals were also interesting plus there was jewelry. What woman doesn’t like looking at fancy jewelry? I actually saw a few pieces I wouldn’t mind wearing.
And oh my gosh, the fossils! It was such an a amazing experience. There was several types of skeletons but the most impressive were the dinosaurs. You really get an idea of how big they really were. I would go back just to walk through the fossils again.
Have you been to the National History Museum? If so, what was your favorite part? Have you ever seen dinosaur bones at another museum? What did you think?
Racing is a huge part of my life, even though I am not fast. I believe everyone should do a race at least once.
I have done a lot of races over the years and one of my favorites continues to be the Kiss Me I’m Irish 4K, 8k or 17K which takes place every March at Westgate in Glendale, Arizona. I am a very small percentage Irish but this race is for everyone, Irish or not! Why not make this your first race?
This years swag
I usually do the 8K but this year I decided to give the 17K a try. I would love for you to join me and see why this is my favorite race. Here are the Top 5 Reasons to run Kiss Me I’m Irish.
The Course – The race starts and ends at Westgate. You run through the parking lot and head over to 91st Avenue. You run along 91st Ave a bit before hopping on the canal trail. You go out and back on the canal and then run past Cardinals (University of Phoenix) Stadium and back to Westgate to finish. It’s the best of the west side.
The medal – You get a medal. That’s awesome but what’s even better is the medal is a bottle opener and a magnet! You can show off your awesomeness on your fridge and whenever you need to assist someone in opening a bottle of beer.
Last years medal
The After Party – Green beer and mini bundt cakes… what else could you want? Unfortunately, I can no longer partake in these goodies but there’s no reason you shouldn’t! Plus, there is always an Irish band performing and a good selection of other snacks.
Before I learned I can’t drink beer
Medals & mini bundt cakes
Everyone wears green – You may not be Irish but you can deck yourself out head to toe in green. Some people even wear kilts. Looking at other’s costumes is half the fun!
I’ll be wearing these this March
Charity – The money raised by Kiss Me I’m Irish benefits prostate cancer, an area I am passionate about. My dad had his cancer surgery a little over a year ago. He has been cancer free since and we hope it stays that way.
Previous Swag
Bonus: You can bring your furry child. Dogs are welcome. Dog costumes are encouraged.
Bonus #2: You can save 10% on registration if you use my code EspressoKiss at checkout.
I hope I see you at the Kiss Me I’m Irish run on March 12th! Be sure to let me know which race you’ve registered for in the comments!
Sunday I ran a half marathon. I was not trained. For a while, I didn’t even want to do it. I was originally supposed to do a marathon, my first, but didn’t get far in training. I had a rough year and for some reason got a mental block about running.
Why do I do this to myself?
I finally decided I needed to run the half. I signed up and paid and did not finish is better than did not start. I got up early yesterday morning and braved the (Phoenix) cold. I finished. It was a battle but I did it.
Brrrr…
I started out at my normal race pace but knew I needed to slow down. I was running 10:30-11:00-minute miles for my first three miles. I took a walk break for a mile and knew I needed to slow down.
Mile 7
I tried to watch my pace and preserve energy for the later miles. I knew the (Phoenix) hill at mile 9 was going to challenge me. It does every year. You crest the hill and get to go down but then you have to turn around and go back up. It is the biggest mental hurdle on the entire course.
Mile 7: Did that take the photo? Best to take another just in case!
Then I hit mile 10. The road has a slight incline and is slanted. I wanted to stop. I almost just went to the side of the road to sit down and wait for the sweeper vehicle. I struggled to imagine finishing the last three miles. I repeated, “it’s only a 5K, you can do a 5k” over and over. I probably sounded like a crazy person.
At mile 11 I took a final walk break. I didn’t feel any pain until I switched to walking. My feet were on fire. My hips hurt. My toes felt like they were going to fall off. But then I hit mile 12 and started to run again. I knew the finish was within reach. I looked up and saw the marathoners coming in. I said to myself, that will be you next year. You will make it through this half and finish your first full marathon one year from today.
I tried to watch my pace but I just kept going. I have run this course three previous times. I know it like the back of my hand. The finish was so close I could taste it. I don’t think I have ever been more excited to finish a race, especially knowing I wasn’t going to PR.
To finish, you run over a bridge, make a right and go the last .1 (or so). Running over the bridge, I know how close I am and always want to speed up. I made sure to keep myself in check. Mile 13 was 10:39, my best mile. But when I turn the corner? All bets are off. I pretty much sprinted (for me) the last .10. I glanced at my Fitbit Surge and saw 7:40 at one point. I did slow down a bit but I ended the race with a 7:34-minute mile (for .10 of a mile).
Finished and earned that medal!
I collected my medal and desperately wanted a Gatorade. The course was stingy this year. I think I got maybe an ounce at the three stations. I only carried water (in my new Nathan Hydration belt – amazing btw) and really wanted more Gatorade to give me a boost on the course. I also did not see any orange slices or Glukos packs at the stations (I saw the evidence all over the course though). Thankfully, I carry my own Gu packets for situations like this.
Observations:
There were a lot more walkers than previous years. I did walk (3 run/1walk) but there were a lot of people that seemed to be just walking
The aid stations seemed poorly stocked. The first water station was half empty by the time I reached them. Yes, I was a tad slower than past years but not by much. We received maybe two sips of Gatorade at each station and as I said before I saw no food, or food like items, at any of them (it is possible I just missed them)
There were no clear directions on how to leave the finish area. All it said was to go under the bridge. I did but apparently not in the right spot. I still got out, just had to do some off roading.
I took a fruit cup and banana after because I didn’t want to be the person asking if there is gluten in things while a million people attack the free foods.
The volunteers did do a great job at the finish, making sure people only took one. Someone was trying to grab for a friend and they would only let him take one. He was yelling to friend to come and the volunteer apologized and said she had to make sure everyone got one.
While I was at the expo on Friday I signed up for next years marathon. There was a special price and I received two free shirts. I plan to make 2016 my year so that I can conquer 26.2 miles in January 2017. I hope to document my year and would love if you joined me. I’ll have blog posts, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter updates. If you aren’t following me all over the internet, please be sure to do so. You don’t want to miss out, do you?
Part of the reason I moved to Arizona is for winter. I spent the first 25 years of my life in Wisconsin. As a child I loved winter but as I got older I grew to strongly dislike winter. I didn’t like being cold. I didn’t like ice or black ice. I liked the first snow but anything after that? Over it. Ā I would take a real feel of 41 degrees over -28 any day.
I still think snow is pretty, I just don’t want to live in it. Unless I don’t have to leave the house and can curl up in front of a fireplace for three to four months (which doesn’t happen because of that pesky job/earning money issue).
When people think Arizona, they think Phoenix. Phoenix doesn’t get snow, usually. I have known it to snow three times in the almost 11 years I have lived here (11 years? OMG). Once it was falling as snow but melted as soon as it hit the ground. The second time I was on my way to California but don’t believe it stuck around. The last time was New Years Eve 2015. I remember because it didn’t snow where I live but on January 1, 2015, I was driving to my running group and could see the snow covered mountains, which isn’t a usual site within city limits.
What do us big city folk do when we want to see snow? We drive to Sedona. Or Flagstaff or any number of cities in Arizona that do get snow. A few years ago, before I decided to really get back into photography, my boyfriend and I went up to Sedona/Flagstaff. I saw the slide rock area for the first time. I saw the red rocks covered with snow. I saw cute cabins in the woods and dreamed of a winter get-a-way. Also, I thought about how pretty it would be to get married with the snowy forest as a backdrop.
I was able to see pretty snow and then come home and enjoy life without snow. I am itching to go back and photograph snow. I have not yet made plans to get back out there but wanted to share a few photos from my previous trip. These were taken with my Canon Powershot, not my Canon 60D. Ā (As you can see, I’ve always loved my Canons lol).
I have decided to do a blog post to go along with the photo of the month on my main page.
I thought it might be fun to learn a little bit more about each photo or why I chose it for the photo of the month. Some months I will pick an obvious theme, like using my Christmas tree for December. Other months will seem completely random and it most likely is. These will be photos I take for fun, or practice, and will never be offered for sale. I was just inspired to capture a moment.
This month’s photo is:
This photo was taken after I drove home one day. When I turned toward my neighborhood I saw the clouds surrounding the Estrella mountain range. I knew I had to capture it. I walked in the door, grabbed my camera and walked down the block. I took a few different shots from different sides of the street. I tried landscape and portrait orientation. I wasn’t quite in the middle of the street for this one.
My settings, if anyone is curious, are as follows:
Date/Time: 12/14/15 at 11 am
Aperture: 7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/500
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 135mm
Edited In: Lightroom
I am just in love with the clouds in this photograph. I also love how the colors turned out. I think mostly I just love the feeling I get when I look at it. This picture brings back the memory of the inspiration and finding beauty just outside your door.
I don’t usually make resolutions. We all make the same resolutions, lose weight, quit this, be a better person. We usually start out gung-ho and go all out. We join a gym. We buy something to help us quit that bad habit. We work out, balls to the wall, for a month or so. Then our drive starts to fade. We thinkĀ I can skip it today. I will start again on Monday. Yet we never do. By March, our resolutions are a thing of the past. We revert to all our old ways. Nothing really changes.
This year I have made goals for myself. I tried to make them specific and achievable. I am not going to go out and just run a marathon or vow to never eat ice cream again. I looked at different areas of my life and came up with things I want to do, not ways I want to change. If I don’t hit these goals it doesn’t mean I’m a failure, just that I need to reflect and adjust accordingly for next time.
Fashion
Clean out closet and drawers
Donate items I don’t wear
Don’t buy anything new, unless it is a necessity (for example, dress pants for work may be a necessity but a new top isn’t)
Wear more of what is in my closet and accessorize!
Fitness
Run 500 miles
Start training for a marathon in Jan 2017
Complete New Rules of Lifting for Women
Do a second round of New Rules… or find similar program
Food
Have fruit and vegetable serving at each meal
Eat more vegetables (I tend to go fruit heavy)
As always, add more protein to each meal
Complete Don’t Eat it. Deal with it and work on stress eating
Fun
Read 55 books over the year
Read one business book each month
Read at least two books for fun each month
Try to read five books per month
FinancialĀ
I want to work on my credit card debt. I plan to use the snowball method to pay down my bills.
I also want to save more money and spend less. I am planning to work on not buying anything I don’t need. If at the end of 2016 I have saved money and there is an item I want, I will purchaseĀ at that time.
Spend less on groceries. I used to be really good at this but have gotten away from it.
I don’t know if I will reach all these goals but I am going to try. I tried to make each goal achievable and measurable. I have ways to track most of the goals (spreadsheet, journals) and may come up with a way to track everything.
What are your goals for 2016 and how do you track your progress?
My first gluten-free Christmas… and I survived. Barely.
My family was very supportive, but it was still hard not being able to enjoy all the Christmas goodies. I made sure to bake a few items that I could share and enjoy myself. I ended up making three different treats to share.
For Christmas brunch, I made peppermint mocha donuts. I learned a few things from this recipe and will remember for future recipes. I stuck to the recipe as given. I used a store bought gluten-free all-purpose flour, which I am pretty sure had xanthan gum, but still added the xanthan gum because I didn’t read what the mix was. I also was confused about the white vinegar and had to google. I was going to leave it out but after googling and reading, I left it in. You couldn’t taste it and the donuts were moist and fluffy (most gluten-free baked goods tend to be dense, crumbly and dry).I also made gluten-free peppermint brownie cakes from
I also made gluten-free peppermint brownie cakes from Betty Crocker. Ā I picked up Hodgson Mill brownie mix instead of Betty Crockers and added peppermint extract to the batter. Those were the only changes I made to the recipe. If you make this recipe, be sure to push the peppermint patties way into the batter. A few of mine weren’t pushed down far enough and leaked over the top of the brownie cakes. I thought the batter was a little too thick and made the cake dense, crumbly and dry. If I made this again I’d try adding some xanthan gum or vinegar. Or maybe a homemade brownie mix.
I also made gluten-free peppermint fudge balls. I didn’t take any photos because they were just round balls of chocolate, nothing pretty or special. I ran out of time to roll them in sprinkles. The only thing I did differently from the recipe was add peppermint extract with the vanilla extract. Everyone seemed to love these.
I had interviewed for a job and really wanted it. I thought I had it. That is how well I thought the interview went. Outwardly I was trying to keep calm and not show how excited I was but inwardly? I was already planning. I had mentally packed up my current office and had a goodbye party. I started planning my first week on the new job. I wondered if the cube I sat in to do the written part of the interview would be my new home.
The day that we were supposed to find out, I jumped every time the phone rang and became more and more upset that it wasn’t them. I was talking to a coworker when I saw an email pop up from the manager. As soon as I saw the pop up I knew. I didn’t even have to open the email to know I wasn’t chosen. When my coworker left the office I opened the email anyway and started crying. Needless to say, that was one tough afternoon to get through.
For the last two weeks, I have been eating all kinds of junk food because I have lost all hope of finding a new job, of receiving a promotion. This was the seventh time in the last 3 years that I have applied for this position (with different departments) and the third or fourth time I was invited for an interview. I lost track. I don’t know what this means, except that I can’t keep applying for this position. I keep thinking of the saying, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”.
My hope is to build a successful photography business, but I need to have a steady income until that gets going. My current job is ok, but I have been doing it for almost nine years, almostĀ 4 with the current department. I want and need a change. I am not challenged. I am not growing or moving forward. I had hoped that getting a promotion would help.
I feel as if I have finally hit rock bottom. I know eating sweets won’t make me feel better. In fact, I usually feel worse. I have started making an effort to eat better. I decided to start working out again this past Sunday. I need to get into a routine and stick it out even when I am having a bad, stressful day.
I ordered a book, written by my former health coach, to help me get and stay on track. I started it last week and am slowly working my way through. If you are interested, click on the photo below (disclaimer: it’s linked to my amazon associate account). I would suggest ordering the actual book as there are spots to do the exercises.
Hopefully, between running, weights and this book, I can pull myself up and be happy and healthy again. I hope this new motivation will keep up. I didn’t step on the scale for the first few weeks of December. I was scared what it would say. I had to suck it up and step on it Sunday. It’s time to recommit to my health and happiness.
How do you stay motivated when stressed? What do you do to find your happiness again?
