Had a date night with my little Munchkin over the weekend –
Braum’s – it’s a southern thing
The next morning, we longingly stared out the window because we knew it was our last day of warm weather for awhile –
How else will I rid my home of Halloween candy if she doesn’t have a ‘lollipop’ each day?
On Monday, a beautiful Veteran’s Day punctuated with snowflakes –
Photo captured the day before the snowflakes
Working from home was a whopping success minus the support desk tickets I’m constantly submitting because I have a horrible knack for programs requiring testing to malfunction mid-test and I can’t complete them. Ugh.
On the bright side, my Christmas decorations, tree, and lights are in place. You can bah humbug me all you want, but a) with Munchkin’s blended state lifestyle we make the most of every holiday and b) did you realize if we put up our Christmas extravaganza December 1st, then we only have approximately 4 full weekends to enjoy them? I’m not home much during the week so in order for me to experience the entire holiday season, I must start early!
Excuse the train off the tracks – typical of our lives aka a train wreck
_______________________
I ask you –
Weekend activities? Anything fun?
What are your thoughts on those who decorate early? (To be clear, I have never, NOT EVEN ONCE, been a proponent of this until I had a child.)
Much like spring cleaning, join me on this exploration of old and new stuff I’ve located in my house (aka mind and body) in no particular order –
Pixel-y and beautiful
Book writing: let’s add some more stuff to my fully-loaded proverbial plate and take on the project-in-progress of many years. I began writing a book the year between my undergrad and grad school. As life got more hectic, I put it away and haven’t revisited it since. No better time than the present! In developing myself as a person, a woman, a mom, I decided to begin writing again. There’s no EDC (estimated date of completion), but I plan to maximize effort after December’s training cycle comes to a close. Which brings me to another topic…
Training: is going well! Committing to a plan to run 4 days per week is definitely less stressful than the previous 5-6 days a week. Even knowing I have to run both days of a weekend is somehow easier to accept than I originally thought possible. On other plans, I would dread the weekends. I was a super b-word until I got my one long run in and I would feel like a complete failure if Monday came and it hadn’t been done. Now? I run Saturday and Sunday. It’s a normal part of conversation. The schedule pretty much runs itself (puns for life). I aim for outdoor running – occasionally I can’t make it happen, but usually I’m successful. The only pitfall was the length of the runs. With some slight adjustments, I’m back on the track to success.
First double digit run went smoothly!
Motherhood: Some days I amaze myself at what I’m able to show her – my patience knows no bounds. Other days we each need a time out and I consider adding wine to my coffee cup. Your shaming has no place here. As a smaller version of myself, mini-me can push every button I have and create ones I didn’t even know were there. And then she smiles. If she wasn’t so cute… Being her mom is the greatest blessing of my life. Nothing compares. At times I don’t know who I was before her, then I feel a tingle in my heart and I know she and I were created to meet.
We drink coffee together. It’s half caff. Shut it.
Lastly, work: busy is an understatement. Building a brand, a vision, and melding the minds of multiple people is a job not for the faint of heart. It’s time consuming. But creating connections between people with the same goals is awe-inspiring. Daily (seriously, not a day goes by) I encounter people who share their stories with me, a stranger. Some are wilder than others; many settle heavily in my soul. It could be a story of perseverance or a synopsis of loss – collectively, it makes an impact. My goal is to bring out the best in these warriors who have come to me looking for someone to help make a difference in themselves. Every task brings us closer. Anytime Fitness fulfilled a passion within me; I can’t imagine not being the face of another’s desire to do so. Also, I got a green light to begin training. Training others, specifically. It’s a natural progression in my line of work while also adding a few tons to my already heavy plate. However, I’m stoked to begin this path again.
Stay tuned for another episode of Kel’s Crazy Life. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Recently it came to my attention the term “self care” is millennial in origin. Forgive me, I had no idea. I don’t really identify as millennial although I’m sure many would argue my point. You see, as a child of the mid-80s, growing up with older parents lent me a perspective of drive and self-sufficiency. Also, I was a middle child. It was hard! Millennial, aka Gen Y, alludes to traits of entitlement and laziness. Most certainly I am not. But, to be fair, I can’t change what year I was born or what catchy name it will be given so here we are. Written from the desk of a Millennial. You’re welcome.
I shall anoint an area of stress free zonage
The topic here is self care which can mean something different for everyone. Your idea of self care might be a glass of whiskey and a guitar (here’s looking at you, Dan). My idea shifts between a cup of coffee and a 35,000 word count book. Or a bubble bath. Basic. At one point I was referred to as a close friend’s muse. We must’ve missed the mark because a muse would never be this funny! Or would they? I take relaxation very seriously. So seriously, in fact, I don’t even know when I have time for it so when it does happen, it’s a very real luxury. Parents, please raise your hands and glasses high.
Inspiration for others I may lack – but I do know we don’t take care of ourselves well. I write this from my laptop, with my desktop computer set at full volume so I don’t miss emails, whilst (trying out my English lingo) juggling the phone and making calls, beside an empty refillable water cup. Nailing it, Kel! Essentially, I’m over-multitasked, dehydrated, and potentially deaf. Let’s not forget I’m a perfect candidate for carpal tunnel. Fantastic.
My home coffee station is self care at its finest
Self care is unplugging and self-exploring. But who has time for that?! You best make time, that’s all I can say. The chance of you suffering from a stress-induced ailment is so high. If you won’t take care of yourself, who will? Is this that millennial notion to believe others will always take care of me, my every whim will be catered to, and my protective bubble shall save me from my own mistakes? Good try.
Even the muse must find her own muse. Or else suffer the wrath of becoming amused. Ta-da. An amused muse. In taking this to a fundamental level, I can only hope I bring inspiration to more than who simply find me annoying and long-winded. I come by it honestly, trust me. Looking for your own muse? Well, sorry, I’m already obligated to another. But I can find you a lovely candidate! Kidding, this isn’t a muse delivery service. However, obligations extend beyond providing another inspiration. The obligation should foremost be to yourself. Do as the millennials do: practice self-care. And amuse yourself.
I found myself in one of the happiest places on Earth. Not Disney World. This is Texas. Guess what? No matter what state you live in, you, too, have the happiest place near you!
A bookstore! Gotcha. As I aimlessly wandered each and every aisle simultaneously searching for everything and nothing, I easily became lost in this other world. Picking up one book after another and carefully reading the synopsis of both the book and the author. Time stood still.
Granted this was a busy Saturday afternoon in only one of a few bookstores in my small town. Thinking back on it, I don’t recall the volume level of the store as I was so lost.
Books do this for me. Maybe they do it for you, as well. We’re able to travel to another world, the world an author has created for us. Better than movies, in my own opinion, because a book can be anything I desire. It’s not the picture painted by a producer and fancy visual effects – a book is what I see in my mind. Scary place, let me tell ya’.
Running books I’d never give myself time to read
When was the last time you enjoyed an hour or two by yourself? Doing dishes or scrolling social media doesn’t count! I’m referring to an actual activity you love to do; one you haven’t been able to enjoy alone for some time. We all have priorities and extended obligations, but how many times do I touch upon making ourselves the priority? Answer: all the time! It can make such a difference to our mental well-being when we put our own health at the top of the to-do list. I love meeting gym members who say working out is their “me time”. Exercise is funny like that. There’s very few other things you can do while running, strength training, or conditioning your body to burn off excess energy. (Listening to music or watching videos is a passive activity.) If working out is your idea of me time, you’re doing a great job because every part of you is getting in on the action. Quite literally.
Dating myself
It wouldn’t be fair to discount those whose idea of me time is definitely not breaking a sweat. You are my people, too. Ambling the bookstore aisles, retail therapy of any sort, watching a movie alone…all these activities are included. And it doesn’t have to cost money either. Take yourself to a local park, find a quiet park bench, and read the newspaper. They still publish printed newspapers, right? Sit on your back porch and stare at the birds or squirrels. Nature offers plenty of opportunities for me time. Go hiking or kayaking. Did I mention I own a kayak that hasn’t seen water in years? I need to take her out! Your solo date can be anything to strike your fancy.
Make an appointment and hold yourself to the date. I looked forward to it each day because I drew a huge box in my calendar and made sure nothing would interfere. Share your ideas with a significant other or a close friend; just don’t invite them. Remember this is solo. Enjoy yourself!
___________________
I ask you –
When was the last time you took yourself out? What did you do?
What if I told you there was a magic weight loss pill? Lies. All lies. Imagine if I told you that magic pill lives inside you. Truth be told…
Living for today
The philosopher in me likes to quote Sir Webster – Motivation is defined as “the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.” Unfortunately for us all, motivation is an abstract concept, not a pill or drug to be ingested. Not even an idea to learn and accept. Damn the luck. Life without motivation is a proverbial half squat. You’re literally half-assing your life. Squats, even half, have a place (in life), but you’re not giving it even a good ol’ college try without motivation to complete the full squat. Maybe you have an injury and that’s your reason for being unable to do the full squat. I get it! But does it bode well for you if you’re fully recovered from said hypothetical injury and still only doing half squats? Herein lies the problem.
What does it take to motivate you to begin working on your self? Bribery? Gifts? A new wardrobe? Only you have the answer. I spend the majority of my day eliciting reasons for motivation from members and non-members. Why now? What has changed in your life to bring you here today? Do you have a support system? What results are you looking to obtain? (all actual questions I ask on repeat)
I can tell you I’ve heard it all. From “my wedding is in 3 months” to “my kids are unable to sit on my lap” to “I was recently diagnosed with (insert health condition)”. I share in every reason, every excuse and counter it with the motivational phrase that fits whatever particular puzzle each person is working through. It’s exhausting, let me tell you. But no matter what I say or do, I can only change so much. I can give you the key, the instructions, the time, and the space, but I can’t, as much as it pains me to say, actually MOTIVATE you. I failed the course on miracle-making.
The experts tout a few simple ways to be motivated:
Set a goal.
Get excited!
Commit publicly.
Think about it daily.
Find your WHY!
3 out of 4 isn’t bad! Here’s my advice: find something you love and do it! Think about how whatever it is makes you feel and dive in! It’s perfectly healthy to doubt your ability to complete something; however, don’t let that prevent you from trying. Ask why not instead of telling yourself I can’t. Whether it’s Free By Fifty or going to bed 1 hour earlier than usual, commit with your whole heart!
______________
I ask you –
What goals have you set for yourself?
Did you share those with anyone or keep them to yourself?
For many years, I’ve noticed the changes in my own training cycle would be affected by my menstrual cycle. As a woman who enjoys knowing things about my body, I use a few apps to track ovulation, estimated period length, and other symptoms. It seemed there was always a component lacking in these apps, though – they didn’t track the effect your monthly cycle has on your ability to train athletically, much less reach a goal.
Hey Diva!
Luckily, other women had this great idea! I found out about this app in an article posted in Women’s Running. Introducing FitrWoman, available via the App Store or Google Play. I had very high hopes and it has yet to fall short. There’s even a supplemental app, FitrCoach, for those who train female athletes. Though not free like FitrWoman, the coaching ability is a must-have for anyone instructing women in this capacity.
FitrWoman connects with Strava to track not only your workouts but also to meld it with your cycle. My personal favorite part of FitrWoman is the insights portion. The changes in hormones within our bodies affect every literal part of training, from nutrition to cravings to overall strength. I’ve always noticed during certain days of my cycle I would be unable to lift as heavy or my heart rate would be much higher than usual even if I wasn’t training any harder. Turns out these are all common physiology symptoms! Even sweating more and experiencing an increased body temperature are typical. I’m not crazy!
FitrWoman also includes recipes and food suggestions for optimal training during each phase of your cycle, as well as articles discussing topics like PMS and contraception, among many others. I think both men and women could use some extra reading material to truly understand these pieces of female life.
Screenshot of FitrWoman calendar
For more information, if you’re not sold by my words alone, check it out at https://www.fitrwoman.com. I continue referring to my app for daily insights and information on how to truly train for my body. It’s exciting to see the cycles run their course. Haha get it. Any chance we have to exceed our own expectations should be taken!
________________________
I ask you –
Are you using FitrWoman?
Did you know the connection between training and menstrual cycles?
What feedback do you have that would make FitrWoman better?
You can’t expect not to have an injury, illness, or life event during an 18 week training program. Well, you can…but prepare to be fooled. So at week 6, I got a little ahead of myself and prematurely began patting myself on the back for a job well done. Then it happened. Karma. She’s so sweet.
Cracker Stash
After a night of illness that carried over into the following 2 days, I was forced to re-evaluate what training and nutrition looked like. A diet of crackers and 7-Up isn’t enough for any kind of strenuous exercise. Though it may not sound like a big deal, training is very strategic and we don’t want to miss much because this is how we help our body adapt to the weight we’re placing on it. It’s like a second job! A second job that eats away at our time and forces us to pay for it. But, look, a banana and a medal! Score!
Too familiar with First Aid
Nevertheless, the show must go on. More importantly than keeping to a schedule is the ability to let go of the schedule for a short amount of time to focus on recovery. Rest is best! If this is where you say “but rest doesn’t cross the finish line” – I happily disagree. Rest is a rather large building block of performance. Without it, you got nothin’, friend.
Rest is almost considered indulgent nowadays. Who has time for rest? Today, we go, go, go without a second thought to what rest looks and feels like. The guilt of allowing ourselves the luxury to rest is real. How dare we take care of ourselves as if someone else will do it for us? Pshhh. You said it, Kel. No one else will. And when you don’t, many times, it ends in injury to mind or body. Unfortunately there will be times preventing an injury is out of your control. You could have the best plans and have your nutrition completely on par, but still suffer from illness. The body can’t fight everything all the time. So what do you do then?
Rest. Be gentle on yourself. Say it louder, Kel; the ones who just closed their browser at this ridiculous advice didn’t hear you. Be kind to yourself. Let a few sessions go. Eat crackers. Hold out for the day when you’ll feel better and ready to return. Granted, this isn’t permission to say screw the plan and go rogue. Ummmm no. In focusing more on living for today (post forthcoming), I’m not losing sight of my goals and dreams. I’m just re-adjusting to a temporary norm. Very temporary.
But don’t be mistaken. That 12 miler is still calling my name.
_________________
I ask you –
What was the last injury you experienced?
Is rest really best or do you have some other great advice?
How many crackers can you eat without going completely insane? (package 3 and counting)
According to my post schedule, it’s not Friday. But Friday is usually a happy day for people, so allow me to pretend. Just let me have this one thing.
Recently I received some reader questions about my favorite things. Since the questions weren’t specific and I could go many ways with this, I chose to do a whole post on faves! I’m preparing my Christmas list as we speak…errr…write. I even included price points so you all can rest assured I’m a cheap date.
Buy myself all of my favorite things…
On my face/body:
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara $25
Softlips Lip Balm in Vanilla (pack of 2) $3
ULTA complete eye palette $12
Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water and Mimosa Flower Body Lotion $11
Same as above in Body Wash $7
Acqua di Gioia Perfume $75
Wearables:
Saucony Endorphin 2″ Split Short $40
Brooks Greenlight Essential Tight $60
Fitbit Ionic $250
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 $118
Sports Bra: anything in the Champion line from Target (whoohoo small-chested girls!) price varies
All the running gear!
Perhaps I was wrong. This list is extensive and, combined, quite pricey. Now I definitely didn’t accumulate all this in one swoop so I should get brownie points for that. Or at least brownies. Did I mention I’ve been on a no-shopping sabbatical since April? Technically, it’s not “no shopping”, but it is no purchasing. I’ve not bought one new article of clothing in 5 months. And I’m using all the cosmetic products I own before buying any more. No impulse buying! My bank account and closet are enjoying the reprieve.
Always the question – what does this have to do with fitness, Kel? So happy you asked!
I imagine I’ve saved at least $200, most likely more, since April because I haven’t bought any new clothing. Also, I don’t wear relatively expensive items anyway. So there’s further cost savings. With this money, I can afford a gym membership or at least use the money to focus on my health: food, vitamins, etc. The list of favorites doesn’t have to cost a lot to be worth more than face value. Are certain items costly? Yes. But they also last a long time and are worth the money (to me). You may have other ideas and that’s fine, too!
There was a short radio clip the other day on the drive that mentioned downsizing Maria-what’s-her-face style as a key element to focusing on what really makes you happy. Cleaning out the clutter makes me happy! I took it to mean that by shedding excess weight, literally and figuratively, I can find peace in less material things. Working out makes me happy and keeps my mind and body strong.
_______________
I ask you –
What items do you spend the most on? Personal items?
I’m of the mindset your body will tell you what it’s needing. My body said ice cream. Specifically pecan pralines and cream.
Featured in Women’s Running
Fitrwomen is what I’ve been searching for. For years, I’ve known and understood women’s bodies …well, my own…reacts differently to exercise depending on where in my cycle I am. It is not enough to state some days are more difficult than others. When I say difficult what I really mean is I run the gamut of weak, dizzy, and/or unmotivated to emotional and anxious. Fitrwomen is a free app for women to track their cycles while also receiving insight into how their body will react during various types and levels of exercise. This is huge! Future post forthcoming on my review of the app.
All the Gummies!
And then this happened. Grumble, grumble. I had reached approximately 428 days. It wasn’t even my fault! Not entirely. I had already collected my reward for the day. But as I was playing the 5th Anniversary Birthday World Tour special city, I noticed it wasn’t allowing me to collect a different reward upon level completion. So I logged in and out. I’ll save you my tears and make this brief: this is why I don’t log out of things! Because I get screwed over! Insert pouting.
Brooks GTS 18
But also there was running. Many miles were conquered. I feel like a different person with the future of more mileage under my soles. Even broke out the new shoes! I figure I’ll wear my “older” Brooks on day 1, then switch to the barely broken in pair on day 2. I’m an advocate of giving shoes a chance to breathe between run days.
_______________________
I ask you –
Highlights of your weekend? Photos?
Have you tried Gummy Drop yet? …you’re missing out!
How often does fear hold you back? Fear of the known, fear of the unknown, fear within ourselves.
I love this:
I won’t forget the first time I read the above from A. A. Milne. My best friend had sent me a letter in boot camp and she included that quote. I cried my eyes out. At the time, I was grasping for anything to make me feel like the days weren’t so loud. There was so much noise night and day, inside my head, in every room, even outside was a constant barrage of voices. Endless is the best way to describe it. As someone who enjoys alone time, I was struggling. Reading her words calmed my soul. On the days I couldn’t remember what anything except Navy indoctrination was, I held tight to what she had written. Spoiler Alert: I survived.
Interestingly (or not), I began this post yesterday before I ever knew how today would feel. Granted I do write when the mood hits me and not as a job with a deadline, but somehow my heart always finds what I’m needing when I need it. Much like when your body is starving for a certain nutrient, it tells you what is needed. Side note: during a certain time of the month I crave peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Mainly the peanut butter. I do not like peanut butter. Point made.
(pause in this writing while multiple four-letter words spill from my lips because I pressed the back arrow and nothing had been saved so all original writing below this paragraph was lost) sigh
Had to take a break to settle my mind
Let me recap what you didn’t read:
It seems I have an issue with victimizing myself. Wow, it sounds even worse in written form. As one with rescuer tendencies, my knack of swooping in to take pain, pressure, or hurt from another has done me very few favors. I’m hindering my own ability to be a well-rounded friend, spouse, and mother. What lessons are learned if I fix it before it becomes a problem? How will my munchkin learn important life skills if I’m always ready to save her? Same of every relationship. Conflict is inevitable; suffering is a choice. In this grand triangle of thought, the persecutor removes power from a person who then becomes the victim. The rescuer saves the day by restoring peace and placing power back into the hands of the victim which encourages the persecutor to continue doing what he/she has done before because there are no consequences.
It would serve us well to remember this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” My own reactions to another’s choices are simply my own. I can’t be MADE to feel anything; what I feel is an emotional reaction.
And, finally, probably the same question you, my loyal dear reader, ask every time you embark on this blog, what does this have to do with fitness?
I don’t know; I just like to ramble. Kidding! Let me tie this back into fear. What makes us uncomfortable we shy away from. Something that causes us physical, emotional, or mental pain is not readily accepted. Deciding to make a change is incredibly difficult. But to obtain the changes we want to see in our lives, we have to accept difficulty and trust that it will lead us down the right path.
Health isn’t just a set of numbers on a scale or a score on a test. It’s our emotional well-being, our soul searching, our desire to make a change no one else can see.
Running on Fumes 
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