So what did you do today?

Every once in a while you just need to ask what others did with their day?  Come on.  Tell me.  Did you run?  Lift?  Body Pump?  P90X?  Chalene Extreme?  Karate?  Crossfit?  HIIT?  Zumba?  Belly dance?  Walk?  Spin?  Bike?  Swim?  Row? 

Not sure but I may have covered every thing.  At least I tried to cover every thing! 

Today, I really sat out in a better frame of mind to hit my goals head on.  For those that don't know it already, well, I do 80% of my workouts at home.  There are a few reasons for that choice ... 1.  The road is free, 2.  I'm cheap, 3.  There never used to be any good gyms around this area, 4.  I'm cheap, 5.  I was never interested in taking classes or dealing with other people and hours of operation, 6.  I'm cheap, and 7. at home I can workout when ever it is convenient for me, myself, and I. 

Normally, I get in a good portion of my movement for the day before the kiddos even wake up. 

I enjoy it that way. 

So today, I did a little cleaning.  Rearranging.  Moving around. 

This is my "cubby hole".  My "playroom".  My "me zone".  One small portion of the front room.  Right inside the front door.  Kinda small.  But it gets the job done. 



Few of my plates, barbells, etc.  There are more.  Many more.  Seem to have an abundance of 10's.  IDK why.  That is okay.  10's can become 20's, 40's, 60's and the list goes on.  And I can't find my 50 plates.  Hubby thinks that I sold them but I don't remember.  Looking at a stand which will make bringing in the rest easier. 

Bench, weights, hamster wheel, rubber floor mat, yoga mats & blocks.  My hubby bought me the pull-up bar but we have no door jams to support it.  Nice thought! 

My trusty workout shoes.  All for different things.  Septembers calendar.  Need to move Pump of the hamster wheel! 

End of my bench that can either be used for presses or squats.  Which do you think I'm aiming for? 

 

 

Ready.  Willing.  Able. 

 

 

Three words that describe me today.  

 

 

I'm prepped.  I'm in the starting blocks.  The gun has went off.  Now the race begins. 

 

 

Tomorrow ..... excitement ...... introduction to CrossFit!  Should be fun! 

 

 

 



I want to ....

I want to be all that

I am capable of becoming. 

 

Katherine Mansfield

 

 

 

 

The above is written on the front of my workout log book.  I had an idea for a blog post yesterday and my plan was to just post it today.  BUT there was a conversation today that has me thinking. 

 

Examining.  Questioning.  Me.  Myself.  And I. 



 

I 100% believe in those words.  I want to be all that I am capable of becoming.  I want to check each and every item off of my "list".  Or at least I thought I did. 

 

Today, I had a conversation with a wise person.  I will not name this person and seriously doubt they will ever read this.  This person is wise and bright.  Maybe not the most articulate but none the less very insightful.  I started talking about my running plans for the week as there is a 1/2 marathon with my name on it this Saturday.  Then the conversation included talk of the full at the end of the month. 

 

There was head shaking.  Nodding.  Hmm.  Okay.  Sure.  No problem.     

 

And then "Why do you always sabotage yourself?"  WHAT!  "Why do you always put in months of work.  Then a few weeks before just fall apart.  You psych yourself out.  Like you don't believe you are worthy of getting what you want."  WHAT!  "That way an excuse is already built in.  You will never be let down because you've set yourself up to fail."  WHAT! 

 

I just sat there.  

 

Floored.  Served.  Called out.  Nothing to say.  

 

Truth hurts.

 

I've thought about that all day.  Seriously.  All day.  Who wouldn't? 

 

It is true. 

 

Done it for years.  

 

Years. 

 

Years. 

 

I am my "achilles heal".  I am my own kryptonite.  I am my own worst enemy. 

 

Why don't I think I'm worthy?  Why do I sabotage myself?  Do I really want to reach my goal?  Why do I keep repeating the same cycle over and over again?  So many questions.  So many thoughts. 

 

Not enough answers. 

 

I've spent the day re-evaluating myself.  My desires.  My dreams.  My behavior.  

 

I have desires.  I have dreams.  From this day forward, I am more committed to achieving those dreams and desires than I ever have been.  Being "called out" has ignited something in me.  It has made me aware of my destructive behavior.  I will no longer be my own achilles heal.  My own kryptonite.  My own worst enemy. 

 

I am voicing that right now.  At this very moment in time.  I am setting out to prove to my worst enemy that I am capable.  I am worthy.  I am no longer about words but about actions.  I will use my blog and page to motivate not only others but myself to reach for the stars.  Pick an item off that list and work for it. 

 

May 31, 2013 is my 40th birthday.  9 months .. right?  I'm not really a timeline kinda gal.  But I'm now on a timeline.  I have three goals for my 40th birthday ..... 1.  be my after picture, 2.  take my husband up on his goal "gift", and 3.  run the Pittsburgh 1/2 marathon in May in as close to 2 hours as I can.  Hell .. I'll put it out there .. 2 hours or under! 

I will take what comes to me on race days over the next month.  I have earned what happens. 

 

I will be blogging and posting about every stinking mundane workout out.  Every new meal.  Every little change that I see.  I have some knowledge of the work ahead of me.  Both running and otherwise. 

 

I will no longer settle for less. 

 

I'm will prove this to myself. 

 

Anyone else wanna achieve something for their 2013 birthday? 

 

Let's do this together. 

 

I know that actions speak louder than words! 

 

Watch my actions....................................

Party day!?

That is right!  The biggest party day of the year for parents.  The first day of  the 2012 - 2013 school year has arrived.  Just kidding!  Well only on the party day comment.  Today was Muscles and Killers first day of school.  Can't believe it.  There is no way in the world that I have a first and third grader!

No matter how big or old they may get .. these are my babies! 

IDK...she may like Hello Kitty.  First Grader!  OMG! 

Muscles doesn't really like getting his pic taken right now.  Third Grader!  WHAT?!   

Look at them blue eyes, long eye lashes, and freckles! 

So excited! 

They both love school.  There are tears shed at the end of the school year.  Muscles doesn't really see too many school friends over the summer break until football starts.  His buddies play baseball and well, he kinda loathes it.  So he does other activities.  And this year he moved up in football because of his age and his buddies didn't.  So, he has been kinda "lost".  He was up twice last night.  Once to check the time and use the restroom and the second was to ask if it was time to get up.  It was 1:30 am. 

And seriously, what little girl doesn't get excited about going back to school?  New clothes.  New shoes.  She was so excited to meet her teacher.  And to top it off she is seated right beside one of her "bestest" buddies!  Little bummed that her "boyfriend" Preston is not in her class.  But she gets to see him on the playground.  They are best buddies.  She always says "I really like Preston.  He doesn't talk much like me!"  I don't know what planet she lives on because the girls mouth goes a mile a minute! 

And well, I have to admit there was a dance done today.......

Yep, my hubby did a little dance at the ATM after dropping the kiddos off at school.  There were more pics of it but he will kill me as is.  Don't you just love his sandals and white socks?  WTH is that all about.  Wish I would have noticed before we left the house.  We went to the store afterwards.  Oh well!  Now that I think about it .. he has worn MUCH, MUCH worse. 

Warrior Dash Ohio 2 .. 2012

Good morning!  Several months back, springtime to be exact, I found out about the Warrior Dash being held again in Ohio.  I immediately set to Facebook sending out a mass message to numerous women.  Off the top of my head .. 20+.  My thought was this would be interesting for a group to do.  Either way, this lady was gonna be there!  I like to do races.  Not everyone else does.  But my thought was that I could sell them on the fun aspect of the day.  Selling that it is about the adventure and not the time on the clock. 

At first there were several "biters".  Some were concerned that I was gonna be "all about time" because "you do stuff all the time".  I assured them that for me this was just going to be about fun.  That I would be there to cheer and assist in anyway necessary.  And that if we went as a team we would finish as a team.  In some Warrior Dashes they have the Wall Climb.  That worried everyone.  I told everyone that questioned ... I'll throw your a@@ over that wall if I have to. 

As the time went by the "biters" dwindled down to one .... Kim.  We worked at getting others to sign up but it just didn't go anywhere for a little while.  Then one day she gives me a call and says "Can you change start times because I got two more but 11 am doesn't work for them?"  Well yes I'm changing times if there are others that want to give it a try.  She recruited her best buddy ... Kim.  I've actually known both of them for a great number of years.  When I sit down and think about it around 20 years!  WHAT!  Kinda funny how life works out!  And Kim 2 had recruited one of her friends Teresa. 

It was on!  They set out to come up with a costume concept.  I told them it didn't matter to me.  BUT I would not run in a Wonder Woman bikini!  There is a story behind that.  LOL  They settled on super hero's.  Kim 1 has a LOVE for Wonder Woman so that was a no brainer.  Kim 2 choose Bat Girl.  I looked and decided on Super Girl.  And Teresa settled on Spider Girl.  Leading up to the race, I know they were nervous and excited.  I was excited for them.  Truthfully, the day before I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve.  But that morning, the feeling was gone.  I just felt ready for fun! 

Teresa, Kim, Me, and Kim

 
After a minor snafu with the directions ... we never found the alternate recommended route.  I ended up going the "non-recommended" way and drove right in.  We arrived.  All pumped and ready.  We headed in and I started "eye spying" the flags for directions. 

Packet pick-up was a breeze.  All in alphabetical order and there were so many volunteers.  EVERYWHERE!  It was great.  We all strapped on our numbers and laced up our timing chips.  Since we arrived a little later due to the direction mishap .. well, our time was a little short.  After a quick bathroom trip, we headed off to the starting chute.  I loved listening to everyone.  No matter the event .. the atmosphere is always great! 

I joke about how EXCITED I look standing there.  Kinda like ... REALLY?!

Probably the smartest outfits of the day! 

START! 

We went over the river and through the woods.  Well really through the woods and over the river.  Walls and barbed wire .. check.  Creek run .. check.  Floating logs in the water .. interesting check.  Floating pontoons .. 5 feet then a drop to 7 feet must pull yourself up on the floating pontoons .. check.  Spider Girl was instructed to go around this obstacle by race officials and the lifeguard.  Everyone knows most spiders don't like water!  That was the only obstacle that any of our group by passed.  I will admit to noticing one "competitor" bypassing all but ONE obstacle.  She didn't even try them.  She did have to do the last one also .. there is no bypassing it. 

The ditch crawl chewed up my knees at the beginning.  Then I just assumed the push up position and scurried across it.  All while making sure my butt didn't hit the barbed wire.  There was one obstacle that I was worried about.  Deadmans drop.  It was a wall with a drop on the other side.  I wasn't worried about clearing it but landing on the other side.  Myself and Wonder Woman scaled it.  And yeppers there was a drop on the other side!  Just step over, hang, and drop.  I maneuvered and kinda gave Wonder Woman a visual.  Bat girl and Spider girl were still over coming up the other side.  Our plan was to "instruct" them.  Well, the step over was a little steep for them but they cleared.  I was trying to tell Bat girl what to do when she fell.  I felt so bad.  She fell right on her hip!  Everyone on the obstacle asked "OMG are you all right?"  She threw her hands up in the air and said "I'm good!"  Jumped up and on we went.  Her hip has to be black & blue! 

Heading toward the last obstacle! 

We headed toward the net climb, fire jump, and mud pit .................................................

And across the finish line!  We had to walk and have no idea what in the world she was doing with that straw! 

Glad I was there to see them get their first medals.  

Why wouldn't anyone hug me?!

 

The "washing off" didn't go so well for me!  Oh well it isn't about being clean! 

What a perfectly clean line across my shirt!  Couldn't do that again if I tried! 

Good bye shoes!  We had a good time together! 

End of a fun day! 

All in all it was a blast.  The other ladies completed their first races ever .. to my knowledge.  Received their first medals ever .. to my knowledge.  And I think a few of them might me ready to try it again!  IDK....maybe I'll give them a few weeks before I come calling again!  LOL 

I went in for fun.  And had fun.  Already thinking of 2013 .. more than likely I'll do two races in Ohio.  One for fun.  And the other to go like crazy.  All in all the obstacles were a little less intimidating than I expected.  The "log cross" was the hardest because the "limb stumps" were still on the logs. 

The day was beautiful.  The event was fun.  We got dirty.  We got wet.  We jumped fire.  We climbed through mud.  The company was great.  And the day was a success.  We are warriors! 

GREAT JOB WARRIORS......Kim Jennings aka Wonder Woman, Kim Plumm aka Bat Girl, and Teresa Alesi aka Spider Girl. 

THANKS LADIES FOR SAYING YES AND GOING ON THE ADVENTURE!  

Body image / Body image in the media

Picking a subject from Fitness Cheerleaders list of blog ideas ... Body image in the Media. 

This post is gonna be kinda short and sweet.  Other pages and blogs might write a long drawn out post on reasons why body image bothers them and how it is portrayed in the media drives them crazy.  I'm not one of them.  Personally, I don't have that problem.  I'm 5'8".  Always seem to settle around 190 comfortably.  Built like a rectangle.  Have a pretty flat chest .. that is getting flatter!  UGH!  Strong like an ox.  And muscle bound .. even if they have not always been noticeable. 

I'm comfortable in my skin.  I've known for the vast majority of my life that I am fine just the way that I am.  I never looked at Teen Magazine .. back in the day .. and wished I looked like ___________ in a prom dress.  I've never watched a awards show and said "Dang, I wish I looked like ___________."  I've never looked at a inspirational, motivational, or fitspirational poster and said "I should just quit because I don't look like her and haven't pushed until I puke."

I'm adult enough to realize that pictures in magazines, print, and on video have perfect lighting.  With a great photographer, director, set director, etc.  No one is standing around me with a wind machine.  Holding a light reflective board.  Taking my pics.  I don't believe purchasing undergarments from Victoria Secret are some how some way gonna transform me into a 6 ft. 1 inch 120 pound lady.  I don't look at the Dove "Real Women" campaign and think that real women look like that either.  I'm not ever gonna be curvy and soft looking.

I don't look at the posters that are shown below and see nameless, faceless women that are being objectified for the soul purpose of making the rest of us women feel unappreciated and worthless.   

 

I could have found more pics but didn't want to take the time.  I've never looked at #0519 and said "Damn I want that body".  That body is hers.  That body is not mine.  I read to prove that my genes don't dictate my body, I do  while thinking yep, I control my body and want it to be the best it can be.  What ever that may be.     

I'm me.  I'm fine with me.  I work every day to make myself the best me that I can be.  My best and your best may be dramatically different things.  My goals and your goals may be on two different ends of the spectrum.  I'm not downplaying this "problem" if you have it.  You may look at these things and be dramatically affected by them.  I don't really know how to close this post but that is my take on body image and body image in the media. 

Dearest Payne ....

Payne Robert .... Big blue eyed fella .... Zippy .... Pills .... my most handsomest fella .... 

It doesn't matter what I call you.  It doesn't matter how I spell it.  I doesn't matter how it is said.  Today you turn 9 years old.  My big blue eyed fella is growing up.  I have no idea where the time went.  I know it was just yesterday that you looked like this ....

Please excuse the puffiness.  He was a rare child that was allergic to the salve they wipe over their eyes.  And at this time he had already been released, taken to children's, had surgery, and returned back to me the next day.  It was a LONG day! 

I've told you many times that Momma and Daddy were very excited the day you arrived.  We waited for a long time to see your little face.  You have asked many times what my first thought was when I saw you.  Being honest, I've always told you it was "Oh thank god!  He has a very nice leg."  Not the most sentimental thing but Momma was very, very, very tired from trying to push you out. 

But once I looked at you.  I looked into those big blue eyes.  I was in love.  Momma always wanted boys.  Four boys.  And there you were.  My boy.  My big boy.  My big blue eyed fella.  Over the years, I have had ups and downs.  See you little guys don't come with a owners manual.  And unfortunately, we parents must go by trial and error.  Admittedly, some trials were better than others!  I've made a lot of errors.  Glad it isn't like baseball.  I'd more than likely be removed from the team. 

No matter what happened that day.  Or on this day.  I would just take a look at this face......... 



 And realize that I needed to try harder.  To do better.  Over the years, I've watched you grow.  I don't know how Momma and Daddy were blessed with such a polite thoughtful young man.  One who is bright, articulate, picks things up very easily, and strives to do his best in everything.  We have had our highs and lows together.  We are very much alike.  I see so much of me in you!  

I watch you diligently work away at things.  Striving to get it perfect.  Never wanting to let anyone down.  I see you blush when certain subjects are brought up.  I see you being shy in certain situations.  I know how hard it is for you to speak to adults.  I hear the crackle in your voice when you get mad.  I see the little tear form and know that you are not sad .. you are upset.  I know when to hug you.  I know when to go away. 

I love that still to this day ... you sleep with your best friend Mum.  That moo-cow has been through a lot and seen a lot!  In school we've seen this many times,

We love that you have been student of the month four times in three years.  You work hard at your "schoolin".  Some things come easier than others to you.  But no matter what, you always put your head down and plug away at it.  Happily showing me your artwork.  Math homework (OMG!).  Or sharing what story you have written.  This year you will be in the third grade.  Your first shot at letter grades.  You have shared that A's are all that will be accepted.  I know in my heart of hearts that you are more than capable of getting them.  And I will be here should A's not be what is brought home.   

I love our morning hugs.  I love that you still kiss and hug me good-bye every morning when I drop you off at school.  Yes, admittedly I had a talk with you about it.  Never worry what your buddies think.  Always do what you want to do.  Glad that kissin' Momma is something you want to do!  I love that you want to hold hands in the parking lot at Wal-Mart and skip like "fools" into the store.  You are Daddy and I's child .. there has to be something a little off in there! 

I've watched you over the past year, trying to have "adult" conversations about everything from football, hunting, to what ever news story was on TV.  It makes me chuckle.  It makes me sad.  My guy is growing up.  You have found your desire in ....

 

I've definitely watched you go from a shy little fella that didn't know what to do.  That just "ever so gingerly" tackled someone.  Turn into a little fella that isn't afraid to take anyone down.  No matter their size.  I remember the game the change happened.  The look in your eye changed.  The way you carry yourself on the field changed.  You have decided that baseball is not a path you want to take. 

Knowing that you have no desire to play and no love for the game you turned your sights on other outlets.  Right now you have a love for football, wrestling, track & field, and golf.  I love that you have taken to golf.  I know that your Pap loves the Tuesday morning "golf dates".  And it kinda scares me that you might beat me!  No matter your pursuits.  No matter your desires.  I will be here to support you.  I will be here to cheer you on. 

I can't believe that you are nine years old.  Where has the time went.  I sit here with tears in my eyes.  Why can't you stay little?  Why must you grow up?  I guess that is truly the hardest part of being a parent.  I think of the little fella that opened a tube of Desitin and rubbed it all over his head, face, body, and bedroom wall.  Who knew one tube could coat that much stuff?!  I think of the little fella that would zip up and down the hallway in his walker laughing when he would run over my toes.  I think of the little fella that sat in the hospital with me when he came to see his little sister for the first time.  

   

Oh this post didn't go as expected.  This has been harder than I had thought it would be.  I've cried.  I've sobbed.  There is no way that I can write everything that I want to you.  There is no way that I can express everything that I want.  So, I'll just close with Payne Robert .. I love you.  I will be here to watch you grow.  I will be here to hold your hand when needed.  I will be here to listen.  I will be here to talk to if you need.  I will be here to guide you.  I will be here to support you.  

And right now, I'm getting off of here to come give you a "big squezzin' hug" and nine butt whoppings ... you officially turn nine in eight minutes!

LOVE YOU!     







Change of plans

There was a camping trip scheduled for the Brereton family this weekend.  Unfortunately, the weather man called for a 95% chance of rain on Friday and a 55% chance of rain on Saturday.  Now, there isn't a member of this household that will melt.  BUT, no one likes to camp in the rain.  Especially setting up and taking down.  So the trip was postponed until next weekend. 

That leaves us with a FREE weekend.  You see this is my sons birthday weekend.  He wanted to go camping and enjoy the activities the campground had to offer.  This is their Halloween weekend.  Yes, the second weekend in August?!?!  But even he wasn't excited about sitting in the rain.  With all this free time ... boy oh boy ... what is a family to do?  A small family discussion was held.  Really a three person discussion.  Muscles, Killer, and I ... my husband wasn't home! 

We set our plans in motion.  A family night of ....

And it is off! 

5 minutes later it arrives at the pins!  We can count the revolutions on her throws.  FUNNY! 

For some reason he loves to take self pics like this.  At least he doesn't do the duck lip crap!

Okay, I don't bowl so well!  Getting better. 

Lets' go Grandma.  You don't even hear her ball hit the lane.  Two games = two strikes.  :(

If these two actually kept score .... they would cheat so bad! 

Hoping that he got a strike!  IDK 

Must not of! 

Never a flattering pic!  I wore this shirt for the first time as a joke.  It is my sons.  He said there was no way that I could fit his shirt.  All be it a little big on him! 

How you like that pink ball?! 

Go Pap!  Like the pigeon toed thing?  He always did a little dance, shuffle, side step.  We thought he was gonna go down. 

Wonder what today/tonight will bring? 

Roller skating?  Movies?  Ice Skating? 

Who knows but we'll make the best of it!