Where I've been Lately

For some bizarre reason, I still have the Facebook page associated with this blog and over the past couple days, I've received a ton of notifications of new likes and view, so I thought I should probably post something.

For those of you new here - welcome.  For those of you who have managed to stick around - thanks.  In case you didn't notice, I've taken a bit of a break from blogging.  By my calculations (or that thingy on the side), I've posted 5 times in 2016 - 6 if you count this one.  I really haven't felt like I've had anything to say.  At least nothing positive.  When I've blogged in the past and voiced my frustrations or disappointment in myself, I've gotten slammed, so I decided it was best not to say anything.

Here's where I've been lately....

I started this blog almost 7 years ago, on June 23, 2009, as a weight loss blog.  I weighed in that day at 165.8.  Guess what I weighed this morning?  166.8.  In the past 7 years, I managed to get down to a pretty happy weight around 140.  I became a runner and completed a shit ton of races - including 2 marathons and 2 sprint triathlons.  But...

I'm now heavier than I was in 2009 and my running is pretty much in the toilet due to injuries and being fat.  I screwed up my shoulder and now I can't really lift or swim without that hurting too. I can't run without pain and my pace is closer to a 13 minute mile than the 10s and even 9s I'd worked myself down to.  I know a bunch of people are going to say that it doesn't matter.  That what matters is that I'm still out there.  Forward is better than nothing.  Some would give anything to be 167 pounds and run a 13 minute mile.  Blah blah blah.  Sorry, folks.  It matters to me and all I see is failure.  I worked really hard to lose 25+ pounds and become a sub-10 min mile runner.  Now I'm back where I started - or worse.

On a related note, I'm supposed to go to the Fitbloggin' conference in Indianapolis in July.  I was so excited when they chose a city in the Midwest.  Finally, I could attend without needing a plane ticket. I'd get to see my friends, but do I really want to be seen 25 pounds heavier than the last time I went to Fitbloggin? To still call myself a fitness blogger? Definitely not. I've paid my registration but I can't afford to stay on site.  Room plus parking (because I'd have a car) is over $200 a night.  Sure, I could room with someone to cut part of the room rate down, but that doesn't fix the extra $200 I'll have to pay to leave my car there.  $40 a day for a car??? I could stay at a Motel 6 for that - only not in Downtown Indy because everything is HELLA expensive.  I booked a room about 1/2 a mile away for a little less money and free parking, but to stay off-site means I lose out on a lot the conference has to offer.  I don't think it's worth the $500+ it will cost for me to attend when I could spend the same to go visit my daughter in Florida sometime during the winter when I'm really hating being in Michigan.  Sorry guys, but I'm 90% sure I'm staying home in July.  If anyone wants to drive 4.5 hours north after the conference ends and experience Beer City, USA and some gorgeous Lake Michigan beaches, let me know.

So there you have it...I haven't been blogging because there's really nothing good to say.  I'm feeling sorry for myself and whenever I voice that - either here or on Facebook or wherever - I get a bunch of shit about how I should love myself and accept where I am right now and all that other bullshit.  I really don't want to hear any of that so please just don't.  Not sure when I'll post again.  It could be tomorrow or it might be 6 months from now.  Either way, if you are just finding this space, I'm sorry that it's probably not what you were looking for.

Fit + Blogging = #fitbloggin

So, there's this really amazing blogging conference that's I've had the pleasure of attending a couple times - Savannah in 2014 and Baltimore in 2011.  FitBloggin is more than just a conference - it's a community.  It's a community and tribe I have missed.

Like their tagline says, "using blogging, social media, and digital communication to motivate, inspire and foster a culture of health and wellness where everyone belongs."

My goal between now and July, when I *hopefully* attend my 3rd FitBloggin conference in Indianapolis, is to bring back some of that "fit" and "blogging" since both have been sporadic at best.

Here's the "fit" part:

 I am finally getting the scale to move back in the right direction.  (I weigh in at home on Wednesdays and at Weight Watchers on Saturdays - hopefully the 2 numbers match this week because I've been ON POINT for the past week since returning from Atlanta.

The "blogging" part will come.  As I have things to say, I'll say them.  If you want to read and comment, hopefully you will do that too :)  I used to be so consistent here, with a "schedule" and everything, but honestly, I got really burned out.  Maybe July and my tribe will motivate me to get my voice back out here.

Here's hoping 2016 has started off with a bang (in a good way) for you.  Are you planning to attend FitBloggin'16?  Please let me know if you are and if I actually make it (I'm registered but there's a lot that still needs to fall into place), we will definitely meet for hugs!

WIAW: A @ninjakitchen Nutri Ninja Pro #review

Way back in June when I attended the FitBloggin 14 conference in Savannah, I chatted with the good folks at Ninja Kitchen about their great blenders.  They had samples everyday and OMG they were so tasty.  (Now, if I can only find the recipe cards they handed out!) A couple weeks later, one of their reps reached out to me to see if I'd be interested in reviewing a Ninja Pro.  Of course I say "YES!!!"

Long story short - it took a lot longer to get one into my hands, but here it is!  The Ninja Kitchen social media person on Twitter was very responsive in figuring out the hold up on my Ninja.

I couldn't wait to start trying it out, so my girl and I tried a couple experimental smoothies with stuff we had in the house.  It's going to take some more experimenting before I'm ready to Ninja all the things because the first couple tries were sorta flops from a flavor standpoint.

After hitting up the store for ingredients - we had a little more success.  The Pro comes with a small recipe booklet and so far so good!  Yesterday morning I made the Bright Side Mocha Shake and at only about 200 calories for a HUGE serving, this was a winner.  I only used coffee that I pulled out of my regular cup of morning joe in the recipe and there wasn't a ton of coffee flavor, so I'm thinking next time some espresso might work better.  Even so, it was still delish.

So yummy and FILLING

The Top 'O the Morning Smoothie was FANTASTIC.  It made a huge amount with a big calorie punch (at about 370 calories) so my girl and I split this one.  Please ignore the super messy counter top.  Just keeping it real, folks.

Breakfast Success! 

My next attempt did not go as well.  I tried the Tabbouleh and instead of the nice dip pictured, I basically ended up with parsley soup. Kind of reminded me of those Pinterest Fail pictures - Nailed It! The recipe said to blend for 15 seconds and mine was liquid in about 5 seconds.  They aren't kidding when they say the blades will crush through ice and frozen fruit.  It also pulverizes anything else in the container.

Epic Lunch Fail

A few product details:

• 900 Watts Professional Power
• #1 Most Powerful Nutrient & Vitamin Extraction the power to unlock the natural benefits of fruits & veggies
• Ninja® Pro Extractor Blades crush through ice, seeds, skins and stems for a smooth, even consistency
• Sip& Seal™ Lids for healthy, personalized drinks on the go
• Frozen Blending crush through ice and frozen fruit for cold, healthy drinks and smoothies
• 18 and 24 oz blender cups with 2 sip and seal lids.  The lids are awesome but the cups are probably a little big to use with a straw - mine didn't quite reach to the bottom.

I was impressed with how smooth my drinks got in only a matter of seconds, even with using the entire fruit like the orange in the breakfast smoothie.  The husband has also started using it to blend his protein shakes after the gym.  I'm not sure this will replace my other blender or my food processor, but it's definitely a nice addition to my gadget lineup.  

Do you have a favorite smoothie or Nutri Ninja recipe?  I think my next experiment is going to be making my own almond butter - maybe with some honey or apple.  

You can find Ninja Kitchen on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube!

(Ninja Kitchen provided me with a Nutri Ninja Pro without charge in exchange for a product review.  As always, the opinions are all my own.)

#guestpost Really Horribly Terrible Marathon-Training Advice from Jack Sh*t

You say you're going on Hiatus  because you need a little blogging break and don't know what to write about, and a blogger you greatly admire comments, "Maybe write about bloggers you admire.  *hint hint*".  You find this really funny and reply back, "Or maybe get one of those bloggers I admire to write a guest post? *hint hint*"

Wouldn't you know it, a really awesome guest post showed up!  I had the pleasure of meeting Jack Sh*t way back at FitBloggin11.  He's just as funny in real life as he is on his blog and the fact he took the time to write a guest post for my readers here (when I wasn't expecting one) shows what a stand-up guy he is.  Since it's Thursday and I usually post something thankful, I think this really fits because I'm thankful to know bloggers like Jack.

Without further ado I give you...

Really Horribly Terrible Marathon-Training Advice

A Guest Post by Jack Sh*t

• If you’re planning to run a marathon right after going to the restroom, make sure you don’t have toilet paper stuck in the back of your pants. A 26.2-mile stream of toiler paper is extremely wasteful!

• If you put a treadmill in the back of a pick-up truck and have someone drive you around while you run on it, it feels just like you’re running outside. Try it yourself if you don’t believe me!

• It’s important not to get dehydrated on long runs, so consider wearing a hydration pack or carrying a bucket of water balloons.

• Running’s easier if you’re as light as possible so before you head out, send me all the cash out of your wallet.

• Find what motivates YOU to run; for me, it’s when somebody says “I think the security guard saw you shove that down your pants.”

• Spend at least one day per week practicing carbo-loading.

• If you’re a barefoot runner, refrain from training in a field of broken glass and rusty nails.

• You shouldn’t run if it’s rainy, or looks like rain, or if there’s a chance of rain, or if it’s too sunny, too cloudy or too plain-looking.

Remember:  it’s all about putting one foot in front of the other (never – and I mean never – put one foot in front of the same foot!).

Jack Sh*t is a blogger that blogs his blog at Bloggityblog.blog, where he goes on and on and on about weight loss and explores the lighter side of lightening up. A Google search of the term “Jack Sh*t: America’s Greatest Hero” produces zero results.

Thank you, Jack!  You really put a smile on my face this week :)

 

A Little Tough Love #justtrollin #tribelove

source

Two weeks ago I was headed to Savannah for the FitBloggin'14 conference.  This post isn't about a session I attended, but rather one I missed.  The wonderful Sue O'Lear (aka Mrs. Fatass) and Steve Grey led a session on FitBlogger Tough Love.  The session was about being accountable for our own goals and the hashtags #justtrollin and #tribelove were agreed upon as a heads up to call each other out (from a position of love and support) when we see someone doing something that isn't in line with their goals.

At the end of the session, Steve and Sue gave the attendees some homework. Their assignment, as I understand it, was to call ourselves on our own bullshit.  To really get to the heart of what might be holding us back.

So that's what I'm doing today.  Even though I didn't attend the session, I'm doing the homework.  I'm calling myself out for two behaviors that are preventing me from moving forward.   I'm giving myself some tough love and I welcome any of you to do the same.  Call yourselves out.  Call me out.  I know there's lots more I could talk about than what's in this post.

So here goes...#tribelove...Stop the Negativity and Feeling Sorry for Yourself

One of my very bad habits is to judge all of my progress (or lack there of) by a negative I perceive in the moment.  By one weigh in. By one workout. By one run.  I start feeling sorry for myself and this spirals out of control and begins to affect the next workout, weigh in, run, etc.  I don't see I'm doing this until someone points it out to me.  I commented yesterday to a very close friend that I felt like I'd fucked everything up (I hurt myself this week and haven't been able to run since Saturday and I'm still up the nearly 5 pounds from vacation).  I was frustrated.  Honestly, I still am 24 hours after that statement.  My friend said, "I understand, but nothing is fucked up. You always judge by today."  I was asked to stop feeling sorry for myself because it was going to affect the workout I was literally sitting in the car dreading.

Did it sting to hear that? Yes.  But my friend was 100% correct and the words were not intended to hurt me but to give me that kick in the butt I needed.  I'd woken up in a good mood and based on a couple little events, was spiraling and literally crying in the parking lot of my YMCA an hour later.  It wasn't pretty, folks.

This isn't the first time I've done this.  My "poor me" attitude has gotten called out before.  Sometimes it's on DailyMile. Sometimes on Facebook. Sometimes through a text.  It's a recurring theme.

I'm calling myself out on the negativity and self-pity.

I need to recognize that one bad *fill in the blank* does not need to define the rest of my day (or week, or training cycle, or whatever).  Feeling frustrated is fine.  Emotions are fine.  Continuing to let that frustration negatively impact me and ruin my tomorrow is not.

I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and look for the positives.  I ran farther on Saturday than I have in about 2 years and I finished with a smile on my face.  Missing some runs this week isn't going to completely destroy my ability to have a strong run at Detroit in October.

I'm still down 10 pounds, even with the little slip-up in Savannah.  I'm making progress in the right direction and will continue to do so provided I get myself back on track.

I have friends who love me and aren't afraid to give me some #tribelove.  I need to hear and be reminded of my own BS so this post is giving you permission to call me out.  Too many check ins on Untappd? Posting pictures of food porn or #notpaleo or #totallyworthit?  Bitching about a bad workout?  Call me on it.

From time to time, I need to dish out the same to myself.

#justtrollin

#TTT: 3 Take-aways from #fitbloggin

I could go on and on about how incredible the FitBloggin sessions were, how great Roni is, about the camaraderie and support from hanging out with like-minded people.  But I won't.  You can find tons of FitBloggin14 recaps here and they all rock.  When I attended FitBloggin11, I attended as a relatively knew blogger and felt like I needed to attend all the sessions, eat all the food, take all the fitness classes, and party until all hours.  This year, I was much more relaxed.  I was still exhausted by the time I returned home, but I was more selective in what I chose to do and my head wasn't spinning quite as much.

Instead, here are 3 little take-aways from FitBloggin14.

1.  You MUST #takealltheselfies (or recruit people to take your pic).

Melissa, Monica (Bang), Arian Foster
Thea, The Tribe, Thea/Heather/Christy/Me
Dubyawife, Alan, Jeff Galloway

There are so many other people that I wanted to see or I saw but didn't take a picture with.  I sat in sessions with bloggers ("pros" and newbies, some who don't even blog yet) who are at every point in their own journeys.  Each and every one of them inspire me on some level.  

2.  Savannah is incredibly beautiful.

Some of my favorite FitBloggin14 memories took place outside of the conference rooms: walking through the squares on my way to the conference from my hotel, strolling along River Street on it's historic cobblestones, watching the water and the enormous ships, discussing running and blogging while out at dinner or in the lounge with old and new friends.  All of those events are also FitBloggin.

3.  If you are going to run 14 miles while at FitBloggin, it's best with a support crew and incredible scenery.

10k, bridge-running, rockstars. Yah, that's Jeff Galloway in the middle.

I seriously had NO IDEA how hard it was going to be to run my weekend long run in Savannah.  I have heat and humidity in Michigan, but nothing like that.  Running through the squares, on the bridge route with the 10k group, and then the River Walk added enough different scenery that it helped break up the run.  But those weren't the biggest keys to making it through my long run.  If I didn't have friends encouraging me - especially going up and over that bridge TWICE - I don't think I would have finished.  Encouraging and supporting others is what really makes the FitBloggin community so special.  

I may write another recap, but in all likelihood, this will be it.  Instead, I'm enjoying reading everyone else's posts while I miss them all deeply.

I'm hoping against hope to make it to FitBloggin15 in Denver.  Will you be there?

  

#WIAW and a Weigh-in: Keeping it #fitbloggin real

I just spent 5 glorious days in Savannah, GA for the FitBloggin conference.  (More on the conference later.)

If you know anything about Savannah, it's not the healthiest place to eat.

I mean, they deep fry EVERYTHING!

From their tomatoes....

to their Moon Pies.....

for the record - it was TO DIE FOR

Savannah even has this neat little law that allows you to walk down the street with booze.

I know, right?!?!

Needless to say, as hard as I tried to stick to "paleo-ish", there were a lot of things I ate and drank that did not fit the bill.  One session I went to at FitBloggin pointed out that we can "choose to fail".  Last weekend, I chose to allow myself to "fail" without punishing myself for doing so.  My body punished me plenty after the one day I drank 4 beers (over the course of the day, but still).  Lesson learned at 1 am.

My indulging rewarded me with an extra 4.8 pounds on the scale.  Now, I KNOW I did not gain 4.8 pounds of fat this weekend and the majority of this is water from eating carbs and drinking booze.  I'm choosing to not stress too much about this.  Hopefully the extra pounds will be gone next week though because I'd hate to think I blew 8 weeks of healthy eating and weightloss in a single weekend.  But if I did, then I need to accept that.

Thankful Thursday: #Fitbloggin Baby!

As you read this, I'm en route to Fitbloggin14 in Savannah, GA!  

I had the best time EVER when I attended 3 years ago and I can't wait to meet up with old friends and meet some new friends as well.

In addition to attending, I'll be LiveBlogging a session on Friday at 9:30 - Weight Loss: Maintaining the Mojo, presented by DubyaWife and Katrina Pilkington.  If you aren't attending, you can follow along with the session here.  I've never live blogged before, so cross your fingers that it works without a hitch!

I can't wait to share all I learn with you next week!

Oh, one more thing...say a prayer that I don't keel over on my 14 miler while I'm down there.  It's going to be in the 90s. Lord have mercy.

#TBT: #fitbloggin 2011

Back when I was in shape & fun I went to Baltimore for Fitbloggin11 and met up with some awesome ladies.

I even ran a 5k in a tutu (and had some muscle cuz damn I look good in that picture).

I wonder what Savannah will bring this year. Hopefully more pictures like this.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Weigh-In Wednesday: rough morning

After yesterday's very positive Training Tuesday post, today is a ginormous let-down.  I'm only posting bullet points because, why not.

• I've had a weird pain under my shoulder blade for several days now.  This morning I woke up not able to move my had AT ALL.  Excruciating pain.
• I called the chiropractor office this morning only to find out my chiro doesn't work there anymore.  This is similar to your hairdresser leaving.  Starting over with someone new sucks donkey balls.
• I managed to lose a pound over the weekend only to gain 2 pounds in the last 2 days. Seriously, I don't fucking get it.
• I managed to be selected as a LiveBlogger for Fitbloggin'14.  I'll get to attend the conference for free (yeah!) and post the content of one of the sessions.  I'm all registered but I really don't feel "fit" anymore.  I'm easily 10-15 pounds heavier than when I attended in 2011 and at the rate I'm going, it's only going to be worse by June.  How can I attend a fitness conference when I don't feel fit at all?
• Apparently I also suck at blogging because the picture in this post isn't showing up for me. Hopefully it shows up on your computer because it's a pretty funny cartoon and an attempt to laugh at myself for my healthy eating/diet failure.

Sorry for the Debbie Downer post today, but I really feel like shit.  Tomorrow will hopefully be better.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

#TBT Throwback Thurs: #fitbloggin

Normally I'd write a Thankful Thursday post today but I'm not feeling it right now. Going to participate in Throwback Thursday instead because I'm really missing these girls.









Tell me about a good memory.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thankful Thursday: social media and an announcement!

If you've "known" me for any length of time, you know I'm a social media junkie. What I didn't realize until I got a tweet today was that 3 years ago today I met Kirsten for the first time!


She was coming to Chicago for a conference so I drove over to spend the weekend with someone I'd never met. Who says you can't become instant friends with someone!

Not long after that, I headed to Baltimore for Fitbloggin '11 where I met more women (and a few men) who will be friends for life. I'm beyond crushed that I'm not heading to Portland today for Fitbloggin '13. The conference ticket I won from the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans  allowed me the opportunity to learn so much about blogging and myself that weekend (plus I got to hang with these rock stars).

Now, thanks to those amazing connections and friendships, I have a very cool announcement! I am one of the newest writers for the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans!


I even have a writer profile :) I'm excited to be a part of a site and community that has given me so much love and encouragement over the past 3 years. I'll be blogging a few times a month (my first post is planned for July 2nd) and I get to help Lisa out with the running areas of the site, as well as help manage the Run with the Sisterhood Facebook page!

Please go check out this amazing site and follow us in your reader, on Facebook and on Twitter. I can't wait to share my running journey with you all there! (Don't worry, nothing's going to change over in my little neck of the blogosphere here.)

How is your Thursday going?  Any thanks you'd like to share?

Flashback Friday: #Fitbloggin Edition

This weekend, many of my bestest twitter/blog (and IRL) friends are descending on Baltimore for Fitbloggin '12. I'm so heartbroken I couldn't go this year. I had the best time EVER at Fitbloggin '11, as these flashback pictures show.






I miss these girls so much! Have a great time, ladies! Someone get pics of Thea at Zumba, m'kay?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A FitBloggin '11 Top 11

The top 11 things I learned at FitBloggin' 11 in Baltimore, Maryland

(yes, that totally rhymed but I'm leaving it).

Enjoy

11.  Stay real and true to yourself. 

When I bought my domain name, I had the hardest time deciding on a name.  I had lots of suggestions, but ended up going with the name I proudly wear today.  My goal in life.

Live Life to the Fullest.  Laugh Often.  Run Free. And Just Breathe

10.  Zumba can be fun.

I can honestly say I had a great time during the Zumba class.  And who wouldn't have fun with Thea Zumba-ing (yes, it's a verb) next to you!

9.  I need to communicate with my readers (That's YOU!)

Katy Widrick and Jess Milcetich said in their "Branding Basics: How to Be a Social Media Susperstar" presentation how important is to show readers that I'm listening.  I've always just used the standard Blogger comments, but my biggest complaint was the inability to respond to your comments.  I now have Intense Debate and CommentLuv.  So, please use it and I'll talk back to you!  (It is a work in progress and may not be working at 100%, but it'll get there.)

Update: the comments are not showing up, but I'm getting them in my email - I'm working to fix the problem but any suggestions would be appreciated.

8.  Size doesn't matter - at least in regards to my camera

According to Jim Doran, I need to work more on "The Art of Seeing" vs the "Act of Taking a Picture".  I can stop obsessing about using my little iPhone and Canon Power Shot cameras for my blog photos.  Sure, a big girl camera would be nice, but unless I'm printing poster sized images, it just isn't necessary.  The rule of thirds, angles, lighting, practice taking pictures, and good editing software are more important.  Plus, I can take a pretty decent photo with my iPhone when I want to.



Pretty fish at the National Aquarium

7.  Going to FitBloggin' doesn't mean you have to eat roots and berries (unless you want to). 

The food from sponsors Attune Foods (yummy cereal with lots of fresh fruit), Egg-Land's Best eggs (the best hard boiled eggs I've ever had - and I don't even LIKE eggs), LaraBars, Nature's Greens, popchips, the list goes on and on.  I wish I'd taken pictures of the food!

6.  FitBloggin is the only place you can put a couple hundred women and a few men (Woot! to the Men of FitBloggin) in a conference center and everyone interacts like old friends.

The blogging community really is a community of friends.  I don't remember which session it was, but someone (maybe Katy?-sorry I don't remember) talked about how we shouldn't be in competition with each other, but should help each other learn and grow as writers and bloggers.  I loved this.



photo credit: carriedphotography

5.  I need to be more consistent in my blogging.

This goes back to Katy and Jess's presentation.  I plan to start more of a consistent schedule for my blog.  Sure, I usually do the posts for the Shrinking Jeans challenges on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (and I wouldn't have even BEEN at FitBloggin' if it weren't for one of their contests so I owe The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans BIG TIME - THANK YOU!!!), but I need to add some other regular posts.  I've been posting my 365 photo posts randomly throughout the weekend, but from now on they will always be posted on Mondays. 

I would LOVE suggestions from you for some other regular-type posts.  Please-leave me some ideas in the comments and I'll see what I can do!

4.  Jack Sh*t, Charlie, and Sue are just as funny in real life (if not funnier) than they are on their blogs. 

Plus, that Jack Sh*t fellow is a real dream-boat (someone "anonymous" said that on one of my previous posts).

3.  You will leave with no shortage of swag if you go to FitBloggin'.

Seriously, next year I am packing an entire separate suitcase, just to bring home the swag.  The New Balance shoes and capris were awesome and all this other stuff was just icing on the cake I mean hummus for my carrots!  This isn't even all of it.  Most of the food-stuffs were consumed in an effort to close my suitcase.

2.  Running with friends while wearing a tutu freaking ROCKS!  I'm a total tutu convert.

Christy, Kirsten, ChristieO, Lisa, Me, Thea

1.  Plane tickets $, Hotel Room $$, Cocktails $$$, A weekend with Friends: Priceless



JenInRL



 Lisa

ChristieO & April

Roo

Me & Kirsten - on the shuttle ride to the airport - so sad to say goodbye

After the recaps have all been read, new blogs have been added to Google Reader, and the session notes have been reviewed, in the end there are some memories of FitBloggin that will forever stay in my heart.  I thank The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans,  Roni and the organizers of FitBloggin for not only helping me become a better writer/blogger, but for the memories I will cherish for a lifetime. 

I went to a little conference last weekend to learn about blogging and run a 5k, but I gained so much more than a little knowledge and a workout.

Until next year, FitBloggin'!

May Your Way Check-In Wednesday: The Post Fitbloggin Addition

If you've followed me for any length of time, you know I love The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans and all their fun, crazy challenges.  We are into week 4? of the May Your Way challenge, where we got to set our own goals and whatnot.  I'm totally suffering from an extreme case of Fitbloggin Withdrawal.  Seriously, I'm ready to submit my symptoms to the DSM-IV people and see if we can get it as an official diagnosis when the DSM-V comes out in 2013.  I think this is why I haven't been able to write a recap yet.  Recapping the weekend would mean it is really over.  So sad.

In any case, I need to report how I am doing on my goals.  Make that goal - singular.  My goal for the challenge was to get through my 3 races uninjured.  Well, I'm 2 for 3 with my final race coming up on Saturday.  I felt really good after the 5k and I have no doubt I'll finish my 3rd race.  I was hoping for a 10 mile PR, but now I just want to have fun and finish it.  Enjoy running in Chicago along the lakeshore.  KWIM?  You can read about my 25k here and see how cute I looked in my tutu (if I do say so myself) for the Fitbloggin 5k here (I'm the one in green).  Next week I'll be reporting on how the Soldier Field 10 Mile goes.  I haven't run much this week - only 2 miles actually, because I'm really tired and my heart hasn't been in it.  I was talking with one of my IRL girlfriends and she says this is what overtraining feels like.  I think I'm going to take a bit of a break after this weekend and let my body and mind heal.

As for the mantras and all that other stuff - like I said, I'm feeling a bit of burnout and withdrawal.  I WILL get my mojo back.  No question about that.  Maybe this week I'll even get a Fitbloggin post written. Maybe.

How about you?  Did you attend Fitbloggin and if you did, did I get to meet you?  Please remind me because I met so many amazing women and men last weekend.

PS-I just added Intense Debate for comments, so let me know what you think.  M'Kay?  I love that I can now comment back to you all.

True Confession Tuesday

This past weekend I was one of the lucky gals (and a few guys) to attend Fitbloggin '11 in Baltimore, MD.  Right now, I have so many thoughts/reflections swirling around in my head and I don't even know where to begin to get them all down.  I promise I will right a post devoted to Fitbloggin, but I need to get my thoughts together first.  I do know that I'm not confessing to feeling guilty about anything I ate or drank this weekend.  Overall, I'd say I was pretty darn good.  For that, I am proud.

I do know that I met so many wonderful, incredible people this weekend, and that is due in large part to The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.  I won a ticket many months ago, and at the time it seemed that May would never get here.  Now the time has past and I can't wait until next year.

One tidbit I did come away with was the need to change up my blogger comments.  I've just installed Intense Debate with Comment Luv.  Please let me know what you think - especially if you run into any glitches.

Much love!

LLRB 365: 2011 Week 20

Well, I have to say the month of May is turning out to be a pretty phenomenal month!  As I write this post, I have a bazillion thoughts running through my head about the conference I just returned from.  Fitbloggin '11 was amazing and will definitely require several of its own posts.  Until then, I leave you with my week in pictures.

Monday

5-16-11

I love the color on this tree in my backyard.  Anyone know what kind of tree it is?

Tuesday

5-17-11

Playing Words With Friends.  Where's a dang "e" when you need one?

Wednesday

5-18-11

Final preparations for Fitbloggin included making my first tutu!

(and then trying to fit it in my suitcase - PSA: roll it up)

Thursday

5-19-11

I spent my first day in Baltimore wandering the Inner Harbor and then visiting the National Aquarium with one of my most favoritest people in the whole world, April.

Friday

5-20-11

The first official day of Fitbloggin '11 and it was full of fitness activities.  I finally got to meet and run and Zumba and ... with so many of my girls!

Saturday

5-21-11

Today's Fitbloggin sessions were all about blogging and social media.  This day deserves its own post, so you get pictures from the most delicious dinner.  If you find yourself in Baltimore, Go to Eat Bertha's Mussels and order the crab cake sandwich (minus the bun) and the seafood pasta salad.  Then go to Pitango Gelato in Fells Point.  April and Kirsten are mine, though.  You can't have them :)

Sunday

5-22-11

Today was a day of travel and tears (I miss my hookers already!).  I feel incredibly blessed to have won the Fitbloggin ticket from Shrinking Jeans that allowed me to meet IRL all these amazing women and men.  I was truly surrounded by friends.

Many of you may be finding my little corner of the blogosphere for the first time thanks to Fitbloggin. If you are new here, Welcome! If you are an old friend, Welcome back :) I hope to implement some of the coolness that I learned this weekend, so you may see some changes here in the not too distant future.

So, thanks for stopping by.  Feel free to poke around, open my medicine cabinet, check in the cupboards.  I hope you like what you see. 

Until next time, I leave you with a question:  What is your favorite photo subject?

Fitbloggin Ticket Giveaway!!!!

Hey, ya'll - two posts in one day!  I had to sneak this one in.  This coming May, I will be headed to my first blogging conference - Fitbloggin 11 - out in Baltimore!  Today, the wonderful folks at Fitbloggin announced a ticket giveaway.  Go here to check it out!

I am beyond excited for this conference. Not just because there will be so much information that can make my blogging skills better, but because of the wonderful people I will finally get to meet In.Real.Life!  I think that is what I'm most looking forward to - the girls I'm going to get to hug! 

So, go enter yourself and win a ticket.  Meet up with me in Baltimore!