Moving Music Monday ~ David Guetta featuring Ne-Yo & Akon... Play Hard

If you can’t win, make the fellow ahead of you break the record.

~ Unknown

 

This Monday I am featuring a ditty I like to run to called “Play Hard”.  David Guetta is a gifted DJ and the asphalt around my house loves him dearly. “Play Hard” is dedicated to all those people out there that are "Working Hard and Playing Even Harder". 

The dance beat keeps me up and you just can’t go wrong with Ne-Yo. 

~ Warning: The video is loud... Turn your volume down ~

Get some PLAYTIME in... enjoy!

~ LR... OMM40:31

Sit Ubu Sit… Good Dog

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars.
~ Les Brown

 

So today’s post is about encountering a threatening dog on a run.  I am bringing this one up today not only because it’s a blog worthy topic, but I actually had a little run in with 2 dogs on one of my morning run recently.  FREAKED ME OUT! 
I remember reading a horrific story about the dog attack on the Garritson family.  Link...  When-Dogs-Attack Some members of this elite running family got attacked by a pack of wild pit bulls while trail running.  The story almost scared the pee out of me and put me in a weird frame of mind.  It made me add to my “bad things to encounter on a run” list. 
This list currently includes:

1)      Friendly faced serial killers… this would definitely ruin your day

2)      A dead body… its always a lone runner or an old fisherman that finds the dead body out in the middle of nowhere

3)      Bad drivers… includes texters, drinkers and teenagers

4)      Psycho killer clowns… I’m just sayin’… this would be pretty bad

5)      And now… Threatening dogs

 

I always knew I could stumble upon a dog or two one day.  I would run “what would I do if a dog approached me” scenarios through my mind. I would think things like… could I actually perch myself up on top of that mailbox or imaging me holding my pepper spray in the right direction so I get the spray in the dog’s eyes and not mine.  

 

So I was 5 miles in on my 6 mile run and almost back to my neighborhood.  When I saw 2 huge dogs (1 solid black and 1 spotted black and white) on my side of the street. My brain immediately started thinking “BODY…what the heck are YOU going to do”. I saw 2 bicyclists pass them and the dogs didn’t even flinch or look at them.  OK… maybe they won’t notice me either.  YEAH RIGHT… LOL!  My brain kicked into overdrive and decided to work “WITH” my body and devised a make-shift survival plan.

 

I decided to stop running… brilliant move Einstein!!  I walked slowly and started crossing to the other side of the street. I did all of this while actively praying (ultimate multitasking).   I have yet another stroke of genius… I grab my personal pepper spray off my fuel belt and flick the little red (you’re really going to spray it) button.  I guess my sweet scent of liquid awesome (i.e. stinky sweat) caught one of the precious puppies in the nostril. The black one looked dead at me and barked/growled in my direction. Now for the not so smart part of the story.  I managed to look the black one straight in the eyes.  FYI: DON’T LOOK THREATENING DOGS IN THEIR EYES!!! Ok Rocket Scientist… I began casting my eyes down, but keep them both in my sight.  I guess the 2^nd dog didn’t want to be left out and he eventually joined in on the hunt.  Both of them were headed right for me and began crossing the street too.  At this point I am starting to draw a crowd as the cars in the road had to slow down to watch the “2 Dog / Scared Runner Waltz” that was unfolding before them. I even caught the glimpse of a soccer mom giving me a “I’m so sorry for you” glance. Seriously… you’re not going help me lady??

 

I kept moving forward slowly.  I guess the urine scented mailboxes eventually overcame my liquid awesome goodness, because the dogs lost interest in me.  So at this point the professionals would say… “wait until the dog is a good distance from you, and move quietly and efficiently to a safe area". In other words… as soon as the dog is far behind and you are no longer interesting to it… do what I did and RUN LIKE YOU STOLE SOMETHING!!!  I think I came close to setting a personal record for that last mile of my run.  LOL!

 

I give thanks to God for getting me through this situation without a scratch.  I hope I do a little better the next time I encounter a little doggy.  I advise runners to always protect themselves.  As I mentioned… I carry a personal pepper spray on my running fuel belt.  It is very similar to this one… and yes it’s pink!  Also, I encourage you to conduct your own research on what to do when you encounter a dog on a run.  The link below may be a good start.

Protect-Yourself-from-Dogs-While-Walking

 

Until next time… happy (safe) running.

~ LR... OMM40:31

Epic Failure… or was it?

For God has not given us a spirit of fear,

but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

~ 2 Timothy 1:7

Today I want to share how my epic failure, this past Sunday, has turned into an inspiring blessing.  OK… those of you that don’t know… I just learned how to swim this year.  I learned at a great salt water pool located at Aqua Fit Plano.  Did you catch the “salt water pool” part?  Anyway… I learned and I was quite proud of myself.  So proud that I decided to sign up for my hubby’s Corporate Challenge 50m freestyle swimming event.  I figured I had well over a month and a half to train for the race. What could go wrong… LOL. Well… unfortunately… life happened and I didn’t get to train like I wanted to, but I thought I could swing it.  Heck, I eat half marathons for lunch.  I can handle 50 meters in a pool.  WRONG… VERY WRONG!!!  So, back to the story.  My hubby sends me a few of the “swim team emails”.  These people were really practicing.  This should have given me a clue to the complexity of the event I was about to partake in. BUT OOOOH NOOOOO… NOT ME!!  Clues are so overrated. 

So the day of the event comes and I get lost trying to get to the natatorium.  YET ANOTHER CLUE FOR THE CLUELESS! I finally get there.  I get the swim meet packet.  I find my name… heat 5 of 6 in the women’s 50m freestyle.  I have the nerve to think to myself… this is pretty darn cool… “my” name in a swim meet packet.  Who would have ever imaged it? This feeling of euphoria does not last long.  I make my way to the swimming pool and I find myself standing in the belchers looking down on what appears to be an Olympic qualification meet for swimming.  Seriously… there are people everywhere.  They were swimming up and down both sides of the pool, stretching on the sidelines, comparing goggles… you name it… they were doing it.  Me, on the other hand... I couldn’t even figure out how to get to the dig dang pool… CLUE, CLUE, CLUE!!!

I make my way through the maze called the women’s locker room and I come out on the “competition” side of the pool.  This is where the story starts to get good.  As I strolled around the pool, in search of my team, I couldn’t help but notice just how pretty the blue pool water was.  Then it slowly dawned on me that the water was getting prettier and bluer as the meters grew in distance.  I forced myself to look at the depth of the pool (knowing the deepest pool I ever swam in was 9 feet).  I noticed 6 feet (ok… that’s not too bad), 12 feet (ok… this joke is not getting any funnier), then 18 feet (WHAT??? 18 FEET… ARE YOU MAD???). If this CLUE  wasn’t enough for me… then the manatee and mermaid I saw swimming gracefully in the 18 feet section of the ocean, I mean pool, should have been. 

 

I make my way to the team and we start discussing the plan for the day.  I am getting nervous... to say the least.  I glance at a few people warming up in the pool.  I see someone actual do that fancy “flip thing” the real swimmers do at the end of the lane to swim back to the other side of the pool.  WTH??? I didn’t learn that move!  Can I do this?  We start warming up on the sideline.  I even got to do that Michael Phelps arm flapping thing while sporting my headphones.  SWEET!  I snap out of my Olympic dream haze and reality sets back in. 

 

I get in the pool and come quickly to the decision… no, no I can’t do this.  I sink like a rock in the pool.  Remember I told you I half-butt trained in a “salt water” pool.  This chlorine business is a completely different animal.  To say the least… my water warm up did not go as well as my land warm up.  To the point… that I got out and told the team captain (Jane), who I just met mind you, that I should totally bail on this event before I entertain everyone with my one man traveling drowning act. Jane was great about it… she was very encouraging and I bought the team a few extra participation points for the challenge.   “You can do it” she said.  “I’ll get in with you and practice some” she said.  She did just that and we had a good practice.  Jane would make an excellent coach.  Especially if I had another month and a half to train with her.  Unfortunately, I was still nervous.  Jane must have sensed my nervousness, because when we got out of the pool and she immediately grabbed my hands and said “let’s pray”.  We prayed and I did feel better about the situation. 

I go over to the starting area and wait for my heat. Jane is right there cheering me on. My hubby and son are in the bleachers supporting me too. Suddenly, I have an out of body experience.  I watch myself get into the water.  I am mesmerized by the sight of my own right hand grabbing the edge of the pool.  I gazed at my left hand as it stretches out straight, fingers pointed at the far wall, like a true Olympian. I feel the cool sensation on my toes as someone’s feet were poised against the side of the starting wall.  I hear someone else’s heartbeat in my ears. Am I really doing this? Am I really doing this?

 

Then I hear the flat starting race tone. I push off… I’m going, I’m going, I’m going.  Then I look down at the bottom of the pool and see the long black pool marking.  It’s so far away.  Hey… there’s that manatee and mermaid again.  Hey… they are pointing at me in amazement.  Hey… I am not breathing right.  I realize quickly that I am NOT going to finish this race. I stopped… yep… I stopped. The chick that can run flat out for 2+ hours straight and not even flinch about it… and no zombies have to chase me to do it.  I put up my hand to signify the disqualification and start to swim back to safety. I climbed out of the pool… completely mortified inside, but I hold my head up high and smile from ear to ear.  I admit… I let my nerves get the best of me.  However, I did something that I never thought I would do… I GOT IN THE POOL AND I TRIED.

Jane gave me a big hug.  My hubby gave me an endearing smile and told me “you’ll get’em next year babe”.  My son even gave me a high 5!  I didn’t meet this goal, but I will next time.  As I told my Facebook friends and family… I WILL be back and I WILL show that pool (and my nerves) who’s DA BOSS!  My FB crew were very encouraging too. 

 

These are some of the posts I received after my defeat:

~ Atta girl!! The English Channel for your 40th birthday!! You can do it!!!

~ You conquered running....it's only a matter of time before you lick this. I'm so proud of you for getting in that pool....you go girl!!

~ Way to go girl - I am VERY proud of you!! Very courageous to jump in and go for it. Keep on keepin' on.

~ Great job!!! I am very proud of you and you are inspiring me!!! And I have no doubt you will dominate that pool next time!

~ The biggest hurdle is getting out of your fears, you are doing just that! Congratulations!!!

~ Gotta start somewhere and that u did.

~ Way stay positive and at least u tried! You'll get it next time

~ Be encouraged… you did it!!! And that is the best thing!

~ I'm very proud that you went out there, got wet and did your best. It's going down next year!

~ Way to stay motivated!!! He that began that good work in you he will finish it. Amen!

~ Yea! Remember to cup the hands as you bring them back into the water. Helps with momentum. I may not be able to run, but swim I can!! Goooooo LR!!!!

 

How can I not be in encouraged when I read stuff like that!!  Jane, the team captain, even said her husband was inspired by my efforts.  God places us in situations that allow us to grow and learn to lean on him.  I allowed the sprit of fear to take over my situation.  This Epic Failure has given me a chance to be humble and remember the small things.  Like the importance of proper training.  God wants his children to be prepared in everyway and in every facet of life.  If this means “training with the team” next year… you better believe I am going to do it.   God has given me the victory.  I am going to use this event to propel myself forward and soar.  As one of my friends (LS) said… “Go after your goals and live on purpose”. I will train properly for my next water race an I WILL EAT THAT RACE FOR LUNCH!!  You can bet the farm on that one.  In my best Terminator voice… I’ll be back!

 

Until next time… happy swimming to all of the swimmers out there. J

LR… OMM40:31

My 1 Year Raceiversary...

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.

~ Irish Proverb

 

 

This past Sunday was my 1 year raceiversary.  Just over a year ago, (7/28/12) I started running again.  So by September I felt I was ready for a 5K race.  My hubby told me about the “Corporate Challenge” his company was participating in.  Not only could I run my first race, but it would be free.  Well, he had me at FREE!! 



~ Corporate Challenge 2012 ~
I'm not tried....
I trying really hard not to be crowned
Urine Queen of 2012

I learned two valuable running rules that day:  

      1)      Port-a-potties are your friends

      2)      Always pee before a race

 

 

Pretty simple right?  Let me just say I did not know these simple rules then.  I am not going to lie to you.  I had to pee like a baby racehorse at the end of my race, but I finished it. My sweet hubby even got a picture of me crossing the finish line.  I think you can actually see the urine trying to bubble up out of my ears!!

 

 

Well, this past Sunday, I participated in the Corporate Challenge 5K race yet again.  A lot of things were different this year.

1)      My hubby actually ran with me.  This is a big deal people.  If you ask my better half if he runs too.  He will be MORE than happy to say that running is “my wife’s thing… not mine”.  So with that… I was incredibly proud of my Honey Bunny for lacing up his shoes and running his first full out 5K race. 
Everyone… give snaps to my hubby!

  

2)      Some of my husband’s co-workers singled me out as “the runner” in the group.  Meaning I was planning to run the whole race because I run on a regular basis.  I am not going to tell a lie to you… it felt good to have my reputation precede me.  Even if I don’t run fast… in that sweet precious moment I was known as
“the runner”.  Nice!



3)      Since I didn’t want to relive “Urine-gate 2012”… my hubby and I waited patiently in the potty line.  I finally get my chance and I go in to do my thing.  Let me stop the story here.  Did I mention that stuff just happens to me because it's me.  Well here is a prime example.  I am trying to do the right thing by hitting up the port-a-potty before the race… right!  Why in the world did my potty have no TP in it?  Seriously… NO TOILET PAPER!!  Thank goodness I am a extrovert.  I cracked the door and demanded the perfect stranger next in line to get me some paper towels.  No kidding… I’m like “you, yeah you in the pink, come here for a second”. No shame in my game people.  At least everyone in the vicinity of the potties knew I had good hygiene. LOL!

 



Seriously...

So needless to say… we had a blast.  I am still trying to figure out how I broke a nail running a 5K race.  You have to be REALLY talented to do that my friend.  However, I am looking forward to my next Corporate Challenge adventure.  I am actually participating the swimming event this year.  For those that don’t know… I just learned how to swim this year. J  This should be a hoot.  I am certain I will I have plenty to blog about after that event.  Until then… happy running!

~ LR… OMM40:31

Moving Music Monday ~ Roar... by Katy Perry

Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.
~ Dean Karnazes

 So it’s Monday.  You know what that means.  Let’s get moving with some music.  

Let me just say… the trainer at my boot camp class was “jamming” tonight.  I am not sure if everyone appreciated it. I think was the only one hopping around the gym and singing to the music (when I could catch my breath).  I had a great time burning those pesky little calories off tonight.

I don’t know about you, but music puts me in another zone.  When the right song comes on… I forget that I am tried; I forget my workout is killer and I going to pay for it tomorrow; I forget that I said I was only going to run 6 miles (love you Honey)… LOL! 

 

Today I am sharing a song that makes me feel empowered when I hear it. It’s Roar by Katy Perry.  People are always going to try to hold you down.  You have to get up and brush off that dust baby.  Those people that are holding you back from meeting your fitness goals, your career goals or even your life goals… let them hear you ROAR!  

 

 

You ARE a champion and it’s about time you start acting like it!!

How about you DO YOU… because no one else can!!!

Until next time... Happy (Roar like you mean it) Running

~ LR...OMM40:31

 

Who Inspires You?

“Why aren’t you signed up for the 401K?”

“I’d never be able to run that far.”       

~ Dilbert

Wow… somedays you just need some inspiration.  You know what I am talking about.  Every once in awhile life pimp slaps you and fitness gets pushed to the back burner.  Well… here’s to getting back on track. 

I love the picture below.  It really speaks to me.  

I WILL RUN HARDER FOR THEM!!!

 

I want to give a special shout out to my friend Donald.  He is running his first marathon this weekend.  That is super great people!  I am so proud of him.  I asked him about his training and inspiration… he had this to say:  

I modified the Hal Higdon Marathon Training for Beginners and the Rookie Marathon Training Program to prepare for the race. My running is attributed to a vision that God gave me. I ultimately desire to live a healthy lifestyle.

Man… talk about inspiration.  I was just telling someone this week that I was having second thoughts about my 2014 marathon goal.  My friend gave me a lot of encouragement (hey Dominique).  I am thankful for God's perfect timing.  He is always on time and he knows what we need even when we don't.  The big guy upstairs sent Dominique and Donald right to me this week.  Well people… I’m happy to tell ya…

my Marathon goal remains on the table.  :-)

 

Until next time… You Stay Classy Blogosphere!

~LR...OMM40:31

Moving Music Monday ~ Looking For you... by Kirk Franklin

Whether you believe you can or believe you can't, you're probably right.

~ Henry Ford

Hey world!  It’s Moving Music Monday. 

Today I am sharing a song that gets me going. It’s a Kirk Franklin song called “Looking For You”. I remember the first time I heard it. I immediately connected to it.  To be honest… I connected so much I wanted to put on some roller skates and roll / praise dance up and down the street. LOL!

There are so many times that we take our eyes off the prize. This song is a great way for me to remember that NOTHING else will satisfy me and he WILL get me through anything.  Even another 13.1 miles.  When this song comes up on my playlist I am like… Bring It On! The Big Guy and I against the world. Oh yeah… this song gets me hype.

 

~LR...OMM40:31

If the "hamsters" can do it...

Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it.

~ Oprah Winfrey

 I ran this morning and I felted pretty good… not great, but pretty good.  I had to take a few days off due to a cold and a short trip.  Even though it wasn't a "great run" I was still happy to feel the sun on my skin and asphalt under my feet.  I am truly looking forward to getting back into my running / workout routine.  I have another half marathon coming up in November. What, What!

I saw the commercial below and couldn’t resist putting it on my blog.  In this day and age people are patiently waiting for a “quick fix” or a “miracle pill” that will transform their body and health.  At least this Kia commercial showed the “hamsters” put in the work.  It won’t happen over night people.  You have to commit and want it.  Set some goals for yourself (short term and long term).  You have to start somewhere.  There is nothing wrong with baby steps.  When you fall off the wagon (and you will)… you have to get back up on that horsey and RIDE BABY RIDE! 

I am not claiming to be the healthiest and most motivated person out there.  I am just a girl who likes to eat and loves to run.  So today I quote the movie “Ray” and tell y’all to…

“make it do what it do” and TRANSFORM YOURSELF!

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them,

for it is the LORD your God who goes with you.

He will not leave you or forsake you. Deut. 31:6

~ LR... OMM40:31

 

Treadmills Are My Friends...

It's the road signs, 'Beware of lions.'
~ Kip Lagat, Kenyan distance runner,

on why his country produces so many great runners

 

So… I didn’t have the best day today.  To top it off I am fighting a head cold.  I still thank God for the day and I think we all officially need a laugh. 

 

Let me start off my stating to the world that I am naturally clumsy and I am ok with that.  Seriously… I take the phrase “accident prone” to another level.  Yeah… I am that uncoordinated chick that manages to falls “up” the steps.  One day I will have to share one of my “I fell flat out in the middle of the sidewalk... while running… hope nobody saw me” stories.  However, today I am going to share the simple fact that electronic devices hate me.  Yep… it’s true.  Since I’m talking fitness… I will stick with my love / hate relationship with treadmills. 

 

On most days treadmills are ok, but every once in a while… one of those fancy buggers give me a run for my money.  The last treadmill disaster came during my family reunion this Summer.  I was working out at the hotel gym (because I am crazy like that) when I eyed the treadmill.  It was all shiny and black.  Looking like a fitness oasis in the corner.  I was like… man I need to get some miles in.  So I hopped up on the treadmill and started gazing over the buttons.  The buttons had buttons on this thing.  However, I was determined to run.  I started pressing the appropriate looking buttons and turning green colored knobs.  Nothing… literally… nothing happened.  I looked around to make sure nobody was getting their “candid camera” points.  I tried again... still nothing. 

 

At this point I am taunting myself saying things like “you’re a smart girl... are you going to let this simple machine beat you?”  I’m like NO WAY!!!  Surely… if I couldn’t get it to work the thing MUST be defective.  There is absolutely no way this could be a “user error”.  I hopped off and made a B-line straight to the front desk.  How dare they put a malfunctioning piece of equipment in the gym?  The sweet front desk girl walks me back to the gym… listening to me describe the flawed treadmill.  She is nodding her head and smiling prettily.  We get to the gym and she simply leans over it… takes the magnetic key fob (hanging sweetly from the center ring) and touches it, ever so lovingly, to the metal circle on the face of the treadmill.  The thing lights up like a Christmas tree.  I looked at her like she just pulled a sword out of the hotel stone.  With shame on my face… I simply said thank you and proceed to program that sucker to run me until I couldn’t see straight.  LOL!

 

I found this funny treadmill clip and just had to share it.  This has never happened to me, but I have come pretty close.  ***Turn your volume down if your at work.***  Enjoy.

 

~ LR... OMM40:31

 

 

Fall Into Fitness

I'm going to go out a winner if I have to

find a high school race to win my last race." 

~ Johnny Gray

Hey there world.  It’s me Margaret!  Man… I have always wanted to say that.  I guess that dates me a bit.  LOL!  Anyway… today I want to encourage the world to...

 “Fall Into Fitness”!!!! 

What will it be?  Will you start walking in the neighborhood?  Join that Zumba class you have been eyeing at the gym? Maybe you’ll start that Couch-to-5K app that everyone has been talking about? You know that exercise “thing” you have been talking about for weeks, months and years. It’s about time you get out there and do it. Yeah… I am talking to you missy... err uhh mister... this gender thing is kind of hard on a blog... LOL. Regardless... I am pointing my ridiculously small index finger directly at you my friend.

 

Think of September as your new school year.  You are about to enroll in the School Of Fitness baby!  You might be a geeky uncoordinated Freshman… just starting this fitness game.  You may be a well fit jock eager to start the next fitness challenge.  Either way September is a great time to “Get Moving”. 

 

During September my friends and I are going to hit the gym hard on Tuesdays (Legs) and Thursdays (Shoulders & Arms), and then focus on cardio (marathon relay training) and core work the other days.  It’s good when you workout with like minded people.  The encouragement and accountability is priceless.  I thank God for all of my “fitness friends” and you know who you are. So there you have it…

 I challenge you to FALL INTO FITNESS!  You can do it!

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. ~ Psalm 119:105

 

~LR... OMM40:31

Moving Music Monday ~ Wake Me Up... By Acivii

All this time I was finding myself…

And I didn't know I was lost…
~ Avicii

So today is officially “Moving Music Monday”.  I hope to share music that gets me  “moving”with the blogosphere on certain Mondays. I do not plan to share music every Monday, but I will definitely get them in.

I have always loved music and my taste in it is quite eclectic. I listen to everything from gospel to pop to neo-soul to old school to hip-hop to country. You get the picture. Good music is good music. I like to listen to music when I run.  I love finding songs that I can connect with as my feet hit the asphalt.

I remember walking the cross country running trails in high school (Bartlett... shout out) with my girl KC.  We would have our music just blaring away in our ears. Can’t you just see the younger me (not the shorter me because I haven’t grown since 1988… LOL) just bopping my head to the beat as I strolled through the iconic Alaskan wildlife scenery…
listening to Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative”.  Well... that was me.  :-)

 Today I am sharing Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” (Lyric Video).  This song really gets me moving and it has a message hidden in there.  Take a listen.

 ~ LR... OMM40:31

 

Labor Day Challenge...

I run so my goals in life will continue to get bigger instead of my belly.
- Bill Kirby

Hey there blogosphere.  I just wanted to drop a quick note of encouragement.  I dare you to try something new this Labor Day holiday.  I dare you to exercise.  That’s right! 

I Double-Dog Dare ya!   

 

I am not saying go out and run a marathon or anything.  Just get up and move tomorrow.  Take a walk, join your kids in a pick up soccer game, go up and down the stairs with your laundry basket.  Anything!  Just get up and get moving.  This way… when your fingers are dripping with BBQ sauce and you smell like some form of pork later that day you won’t feel as bad.  LOL!  Just sayin’! 

Make it a good one.

~ LR… OMM40:31