Am I a Runner?

The other morning, like most others, I was on my way to drop off the kids at daycare when I saw him. With his flashing light and less than warm-looking athletic apparel. Running. In the freezing cold. And I said out loud,"Now that's dedication. That's hard core-not-messing-around I AM A RUNNER dedication!" 

And to be honest, even though I had already worked out that morning, he made me feel lazy. It sounds stupid, really,  I know. But nonetheless, that's the way he - this perfect stranger - made me feel: LAZY.

After all, I haven't really done any running since the fall and never would you find ME out running in the freezing cold. (For starters, my husband would definitely not approve, but also I'm a real big baby when it comes to the cold :) )

So I posed the question to myself: AM I a runner?

Google "definition of a runner" and you get: 

run·ner

ˈrənər/

noun

1. 1.

   a person who runs, especially in a specified way.

   
   

   "Mary was a fast runner"

   • 
     

     
     
   • 
     
2. 2.

   a person who smuggles specified goods into or out of a country or area.

   
   

   "a drug-runner"

Obviously we're looking at the first definition, so according to this, yes, I am a runner, but so is anyone else who runs from here to there for a specific purpose. This still didn't answer my question.

Now as far back as I can remember, running has always been a part of my life. Even in grade school when we had to run the mile, I didn't dread it like others did. I ran track in junior high, ran track and cross country in high school and have ran half marathons and 5ks as an adult. Does all this make me a runner? Literally, yes. But I guess what I really was asking myself is do I have the HEART of a runner like the man I see running EVERY morning. 

Ultimately even though I don't run every day, yes, I think I do have the heart of a runner, and here are 10 reasons why:

1) I can "smell" track and cross country season :)
2) I get ridiculously nervous and my heart races when I attend track meets in our small town even though I'm not the one racing.
3) The smell of new running shoes makes me happy!
4) I believe shin splints are just a part of life.
5) I feel a sense of pride when I cross a finish line - even when it's not in first place.
6) I own an embarrassing large number of running shoes. 
7) I'm teaching my kids to love running. 
8) I'm always striving to improve upon my own times.
9) I know what a runner's high feels like.
10) The sound of shoes slapping the pavement is soothing.

I will add, that later that day I registered for the Bill Snyder Highway Half Marathon. I TOLD you he made me feel lazy. And even though running a half marathon is on my list of things to accomplish in 2017, a perfect stranger gave me the push to get the ball rolling. You just never know where your inspiration will come from, so listen to your heart. I listened to mine.

Alicia

Eleven years strong...and Growing!

Has it really been ONLY eleven years? Seems like we've been married WAY longer than that…but I guess when you start dating at the age of 15 and 17, the years all start to blur together. But what has remained abundantly clear over the years is that our marriage, it seems, can persevere through many things.

Now don’t get me wrong, our marriage isn’t perfect, but it’s real and it’s ours. In 11 years of marriage, we’ve lived in three different homes, and worked in multiple jobs, had three kids, traveled across the country and upon the ocean, ran in half marathons, attended concerts, sporting events, ballets, musicals…the list goes on.

We’ve cried tears of sadness and cried out in pain. We’ve felt the sorrow of death and know what it feels like to give Heaven a tiny angel. We’ve felt the stress of trying to be perfect parents and husband and wife to one another.

But by God’s grace and mercy, we’ve also known tremendous amounts of happiness and cried tears of joy and relief! We’ve experienced the exuberance of new life in the birth of our three healthy babies.  We’ve felt pride in buying our first and second homes, the excitement of new jobs, advanced degrees and good parent/teacher conferences LOL

From our highest highs to our lowest lows, we’ve been there for one another. We keep God in our lives and try to show His love to one another, our kids and family. Eleven years of marriage and almost 18 years as a couple will teach you a lot about life and one another.

Here are just a few of the MANY highlights:

-          When you have a husband who is awesome about putting the toilet seat down, don’t take it for granted. Make sure you say thank you – a lot! Sometimes it’s the little things that can make our day.

-          When your husband or wife asks you to call them to let you know you made it safely to your destination, do it! There’s nothing worse that the initial anger that turns to worry when you don’t hear from them in a timely manner!

-          In the midst of the chaos when everyone is getting home from work and school and getting ready for dinner or whatever extracurricular activity is going on that night, take a moment and pause. Walk up to one another, say “hi” and kiss or hug. Let them know you’re happy to be back in their presence and ready to tackle the rest of the evening together.

-          Really try and notice when the other person gets a haircut, even if you can’t really tell. I can’t really explain this one, but trust me, it’s appreciated LOL

-          And one more. Take a complement at face value. If your spouse says you look good, something you cooked tastes good, etc. just say “thank you.” Two people who really love each other are genuine and mean what they say. They aren’t just saying nice things to get something in return. Mostly 

; )

So go tell your spouse or significant other how much you love them and appreciate them. We get but one life on this Earth, and if we’re lucky and blessed enough to spend it with our best friend, we need to try and enjoy every moment. Embrace the good times and learn from the bad times, keeping one another close and God closer.            Alicia

Embarking on a New Year

I’m not a fan of the expression “New Year, New You.” Just because the year has changed, doesn’t mean you aren’t still you.  It doesn’t mean you woke up in a different house, or with a different life. What today is, just like yesterday is a chance to make healthy decisions, be kind to people and be a positive influence in others’ lives. I’m not one to typically make New Year’s resolutions either, but I’ve set a lot of goals for myself for 2017. What can I say, I got caught up in the fireworks and confetti J

I’m holding myself accountable and putting my goals out there for the world to see. I’m humbling myself and asking for your support and any guidance you’re willing to give. Breathe in, breathe out. Here they are in no particular order:

• _-             Start a blog J
• _-             Run a half marathon
• _-             Run a full marathon
• _-             Become a Beachbody Live instructor/Group exercise instructor
• _-             Run a race with my husband and kiddos
• _-             Read every night to my kids
• _-             Go on a date night at least once a month with my husband
• _-             Participate in more church activities
• _-             Continue to help people on their fitness journey as a health and wellness coach
• _-             And more to come, I’m sure!

When my two boys were still young enough to go out for runs/walks in the double jogging stroller with me (sigh, they are now too big L), they were always great cheerleaders…, “You can do it, momma!” they’d encourage me. So, as I set out to tackle this list, I’m focusing on their positive energy and inviting you to come along on my journey as I train for my races and attempt to cross off the items on this list – the good, the bad and the ugly! Happy New Year! Alicia