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

After completing my first half marathon yesterday some friends looked at me like I was crazy while others admired my courage. I finished the 13.1 mile run in 2 hours and 37 seconds (8th female in my age division). Though I didn't place I'm happy that I completed 13 miles consecutively, each in under 10 minutes.

Yes, it was difficult. My muscles are sore and my feet hurt. I felt tired at times and had to think competetively to keep going. But I feel incredible for accomplishing something that many cannot or are simply unwilling to try. It took weeks of preparation, both physically and mentally. It took commitment and hard work. I put a lot into completing this race and walked away feeling proud with an increidble feeling of self-worth. I also have the motivation to keep pushing myself to the next level. I am capable of anything I put my mind to. I can always do better, work harder and run further.

This idea doesn't just apply to running. Hard work goes a long way. The sad thing is that many people simply lack work ethic. Some expect to simply do better, make more money, and have it all handed to them. Though this may be the case for a small percentage of people, for most of us life just doesn't work this way. To do better you have to work at actually being better. Whether that means logging longer hours at the office to complete a task for your boss, volunteering to learn something knew at work to show your enthusiasm or taking a healthy cooking class to make yourself and your family healthier, you have to put in effort. The doers will continue to succeed while the complacent will continue to not. You will only ever get out of it what you're willing to put in.

Back to running, I trained for weeks to prepare my body. My trainers, Karena and Katrina from Tone it Up, provided me with a schedule for getting ready for the big race. The training schedule included cross training to keep me strong and balanced, stretching to prevent injury, short runs, long runs and sprints. It also included rest. These are ALL important ingredients when preparing for a race. In addition to following their training schedule I also worked in a few extra slow-paced 3-mile morning runs. I cut out the "extra" running 2 weeks before the race, however, to prevent fatigue and injury.

The training worked. I completed the race (running the furthest I ever have) and feel like a million bucks! When you're at an event like this, with people who understand the training you've put in and the personal determination you carry with you, you feel at home. Everyone there has a similar mindset. We congratulate and joke with one another, smile and stretch. We still have our "running high" (a rush of endorphines from physically exerting yourself) which makes the 30 minutes after the race exceptionally light hearted and happy. To make a long story short we just felt good.

Future Races:
10/23: Hilton Head Island Bridge Run (10k)
10/28: Bluffton Zombie Mile (1 mile in Halloween Costumes)
10/30: Alzheimers Walk (3 miles)
11/5: Rock and Roll Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
11/26: May River Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
12/3: Savannah River Bridge Run (10k)
12/10: Reindeer Run (5k)
12/17: Hilton Head Jingle Jingle (5k)
2/11: Hilton Head Half Marathon

Embrace change. Push yourself. Breathe heavy. Sweat. Run. Live.

Petit Le Mans, Road Atlanta 2011

I finally had the pleasure of making it to Road Atlanta, one of the world's best road courses. The track, which is only a little over 4 hours from my house, is home to the 1,000 mile endurance race that wraps up the American Le Mans Series. Thanks to a loyal customer, Doug and I had tickets to the Audi Hospitality tent which hired a celebrity chef to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner during the 2-day event. We also had access to an open bar, luxury portable bathrooms, flat screens to watch the race and protection from the wind when needed. It was incredible. Although the race ended up being a bit disappointing it was still an incredible experience. Peugeot sport beat out Audi sport for first and second place after both Audi R18s were pulled from the race with just hours left (1 crash, 1 clutch issue). Aston Martin took 3rd place.

But despite Audi losing we had a ton of fun! The atmosphere of the track was incredible. Walking through the pits we were able to observe pit crews working feverishly. In the hospitality tent we socialized with Audi enthusiasts and met the engineers of the R18. The vendor area was busy with plenty of giveaways and cool merchandise for sale. Walking through the Audi corral was a huge treat! We saw our first Audi TTRS, many R8s, souped-up S4s and more. We even participated in a parade lap around the track with the Audi club prior to the start of the race. At night the glowing headlights zooming around the track coupled with the rumble of the engine created a stunning and soothing ambiance.

I've had my first taste of American Le Mans and can't wait to graduate to the French countryside. Maybe we'll make it in 2013...

Makin' a List and Checkin' it Twice

With the holidays right around the corner it's only a matter of time before my family starts asking, "what do you want for Christmas?" WHenever I answer this question off the top of my head I come up with random household items that I need rather than items that I want. In an effort to make answering that question a bit easier I'm creating this post that I can edit until St. Nick makes it down the chimney. Most items are things I want but cannot justify buying for myself. Maybe others will follow suit and make an online list as well! It sure would make gift buying a whole lot easier (hint, hint)!!


-CLEAN Outdoor Shower Fresh perfume
-Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie en Rose Sparkling Eau de Toilette
-a new pair of size 7 Rainbow Hemp Flip Flops
-a donation on my Change Makers page
-workout gear (desperately needed)size 4 or small
-BOOKS!
-Plants
-red wine glasses
-iTunes gift card
-a lunch tote with compartmentalized containers
-Interval Timer
-Sand Bag
-Under Armor Boy Short
-awesome running socks
-shirts, shorts and jackets for running
-Gift Cards: Amazon.com, World Market, Lowes, Home Depot
-Anything off my Crate and Barrel Registry

-Psyllium Husk Supplement


That's all I can come up with at the moment but I'll keep adding to the list.

Side note: I am in no way saying I have to get all these things. Im simply creating a list of things I'd like to have as a reference. I promise I am not a spoiled brat. LOL.

But He's Got a Five-Year Plan....

I recently read an article in Self Magazine about how planning life goals can be rewarding and enriching. It can also be depressing if you tend not to actually reach your goals. The trick is to set your sites on things that are challenging yet attainable. Author Erin Zammett Ruddy suggests an easy exercise in her article that will help flesh out realistic and positive achievements you'd like to reach. I'm using this post as a way to complete this exercise and hold myself accountable.

First, jot down 5 past accomplishments you're proud of. Remembering these triumphs will make you feel confident and more likely to pursue future, and potentially more challenging, goals.

1)Graduate from college. Not only did I accomplish this but my overall GPA for my four years at Temple University was a 3.5. Not to shabby.

2) Work at a major publication. After getting my journalism degree I desperately wanted a taste of the magazine publishing world. My 6-month internship at Redbook satisfied that hunger and gave me experiences I never could have received elsewhere. I'm proud to have been published in the magazine during that time and met some amazing women!

3)Do something positive for my community. I am active in local fundraisers and charities and plan to always be. I'm currently on the Executive Leadership Committee for our local AHA Heart Walk.

4)Get my Master's Degree. Dunzo. Summa Cum Laude from Lock Haven University.

5)Maintain a happy and healthy life with someone I love. I'm fortunate to have married by best friend. We live an active and healthy life and value each other tremendously.


The second part of the exercise is all about brainstorming. I have to admit that brainstorming is one of my favorite things to do. What other productive task can you do at any hour of the day in any situation? Whether it's during your morning jog, sipping on a glass of Old Vine Zinfandel, doing sun salutations in your back hard, sitting with a co-worker or laying in bed- there are endless opportunities to get your wheels turning. Ruddy suggests setting a stopwatch for 10 minutes and listing everything you want to accomplish in your lifetime. That could be a loooong list. But regardless of how ridiculous some of the things may seem WRITE THEM DOWN. If you are having trouble getting past line 1 you can ask yourself 3 questions: Is there anything I've left unfinished that I'd like to complete? Are there classes I'd like to take or skills I'd like to learn? Are there ways I can give back to others?

Timer set. Go.

Write a book about gender in the media
Write a memoir about a personal experience
Teach at the university level
Learn Spanish
Re-learn French
Take a 2 month tour of europe
Spend a few weeks in Asia
Scratch the above two, I want to travel EVERYWHERE
Run a marathon
Have a child
Adopt a child
Run an Animal Rescue
Create a local chapter for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Ride a wheelie on a sportbike (for those of you that don't know I ride motorcycles)
Own a vacation home in Asheville, NC
Write a semi-famous blog
Be published in a national publication again
Read more
Buy my older sister a car
Have a garden without killing it
Become a yoga instructor
Complete a triathalon
Own a boat
Attend Le Mans


Wow, that's quite a list! You can tell I've been thinking about these things for a long time. Ruddy then suggests scaling it back to a five-year plan. To do this she recommends picturing yourself in five years. Which items would you regret not having completed by then? Once you've cut it back a bit it's time to dissect those that made the cut and determine if they are something you want for yourself or goals others want for you. Understand the motivation behind your planned achievements and how they will affect your life.

My 5-year List:

Write a memoir about a personal experience
Learn Spanish
Re-learn French
Travel more internationally
Run a marathon
Have a child
Adopt a child
Be an integral part of an Animal Rescue
Help create a local chapter for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Write a popular blog
Be published in a national publication again
Read more
Have a garden without killing it
Complete a triathalon
Own a boat
Attend Le Mans

Now that I have my list it's time to put it into action. In order to reach the bigger goals I need to set mini goals to help me attain them and keep me motivated. For example, if my goal is to write a popular blog, then a mini goal should be to research and blog at least once a week. It will help me be creative, hone my skills and acheive more followers. If my goal is to be an integral part if an animal rescue I can set a mini goal of volunteering at one. I can learn the ropes and feel proud of the selfless work I'm doing. Achieving each milestone will fuel my desire to keep going.

Planning can be a daunting task but on the same token it can be exciting and realistic. Now that I've put all these out there I'll need you all to keep me on track! Happy planning!

It Whispers- So listen!

On a sunny Sunday morning in May 2007 my sister and I meticulously worked teal accents into our outfits. Teal stones in her sandals, teal earrings with matching necklace, and various other teal items were added here and there. After checking the mirror for the last time we headed over the Delaware River from PA to New Jersey for our first ever Teal Tea fundraiser to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer. We'd be joining over 100 other women, 20 of which our close family and friends, for an afternoon tea, silent auction, and serious discussion. This function would grow into an annual event, held on the first Sunday in May each year, drawing more and more people. But this first one was significant.

Just several days earlier, on April 23, 2007, my Aunt Martha died from Ovarian Cancer at the age of 53. The days leading up to this event were difficult. Our wounds were fresh, our spirits shaken, and we hadn't yet had proper time to grieve. Our grief was still very real and extremely apparent to everyone in attendance. But then again they all had stories similar to ours. Some were still battling, some in remission, others lost loved ones...in this group our story was not unique. They knew what we were going through and could empathize whole-heartedly.

But regardless of how much support you have, nothing can make you feel whole again. Looking at my aunt’s daughter, her sisters, her mother, nieces and friends I knew we all felt similar pain and were holding back the tears (or at least trying) through every speech, every story, and every prayer during that tea party. But despite how difficult and painful it was to be there we were becoming involved in something very important. Something bigger. This group of women were devoting themselves to raising awareness of Ovarian Cancer. Raising awareness for this particular cancer is important for many reasons.

First, Ovarian Cancer has very subtle symptoms, almost all of which can be easily blamed on lifestyle, hormonal changes, or other factors.

Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

-Abdominal Swelling/Bloating/Clothes Too Tight
-Abdominal/Pelvic Pain or Pressure or Feeling "Full"
-Gastrointestinal Symptoms (such as gas, indigestion, nausea, or changes in bowel movements)
-Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge
-Urinary Problems - Urgency, Burning, or Spasms
-Fatigue and/or Fever
-Pain During Intercourse
-Back Pain
-Difficulty Breathing

The subtly of the symptoms often result in misdiagnosis. Diagnosing it correctly can take months. Only a specific blood test, CA-125, along with a pelvic exam and a transvaginal ultrasound, will alert the doctor of the danger of Ovarian Cancer. These tests will not be performed at an annual OBGYN visit or physical. Chances are you will have to ask for them.

So the symptoms are subtle and diagnosis is difficult but there is another dangerous aspect to Ovarian Cancer: IT IS INCREDIBLEY COMMON. 1 in every 55 women will have Ovarian Cancer. Think about your high school, your workplace, and your family... The fact of the matter is YOU know someone who will have Ovarian Cancer.

Because of these things it's necessary to educate woman on how silent and deadly this disease is. Teach them the symptoms and encourage them to be their own advocate with their doctors. If caught early you can beat it. You just have to listen to your body and stand up for yourself. Too many women, my aunt included, don't know they have Ovarian Cancer until it's far too late.

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. It's also the month my Aunt Martha was born. She would have been 57 this year.

Tell somebody. You may save a life.

"My Aunt Martha with her 6 sisters and mother"

"Teal Tea 2007"

"Teal Tea 2008"

"Teal Tea 2009"

"Click Here for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition"

The Impossible is Often the Untried

I remember the day I decided I wanted to be a runner. I was 18 and in my freshman year in college. I desperately did not want to be one of the women to succumb to the "freshman 15." Because all of my previous ways of staying in shape were through sports (mostly cheerleading and dance), I didn't really know how to workout efficiently. I tried a few classes at the gym on campus, but mostly I just ran. What started out as a 2-mile morning run on the indoor track quickly turned into 3 miles, then, 4 and eventually five. I'd run at school, I'd run after work with my mom....I just loved to run. The problem was I never pushed myself. I was comfortable doing 5 miles and it seemed to impress others. I'd follow up every run with 30 minutes of abs and stretching.

Now, almost 10 years later, I realize that although I may have been doing a great job caring for my heart with all the cardio, by leaving out strengthening exercises I hadn't been caring for the rest of my body. Additionally, I've learned that doing workouts at the right time of day is critical to building lean muscle and burning fat. I am finally learning and am fitter than ever.

Notice that I say FITTER and not THINNER. I certainly was thinner when all I did was run run run. But now I have shape. I have muscle. I am strong. I have a body that I am proud. That pride and strength translates into confidence which helps me physically, emotionally, professionally and personally.



For example, I'll start the day with a 3 mile run on the golf course in my neigborhood. It's a beautiful and safe route and I love starting my day this way. At the end of my run I may do 20 lunges, 20 burpees, 15 pushes, 50 bicycle crunches and a few minutes of stretching. This early morning workout is what we Tone It Up members call our Booty Call :) We get moving first thing to jump start our metabolism.

After work (I work a full 8 to 10 hours daily) I'll head to the gym to complete one of the Tone it Up workouts. Yesterday I did the below routine:



I followed it up by an intense 30 minutes of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) to burn as much fat as possible. By the time I was done I was exhausted. 15-20 minutes of stretching and I was on my way home, with nothing but refueling on my mind (aka dinner).



I've also learned how to set goals for myself to keep me going. Last weekend I ran a 10K. It was my goal to place. I wanted a medal. Sure enough I came in 2nd place overall for women!! I could have pushed it harder and therefore have set my goals higher. Today I began training for my first half marathon.

I found out about a group of people in the area also training and ran with them for the first time this morning. I'm used to running alone and was surprised at how easy it is to run further and push harder when you're running with others. Before I knew it we soared past my comfort-zone (6 miles) and completed 9.12 miles! I was amazed and proud. I'm eager to see how far I can go next saturday and so thankful for finding my new running buddies to motivate me :)

I've found most of my inspiration through the Tone it Up community. Katrina and Karena, our trainers, motivate hundreds, if not thousands, of women everyday. They keep us involved, excited and make getting toned a group activity. Their meal plan is incredible and has taught me a lot about healthy eating. Finding these two online has positively affected my life more than I can describe. I don't think I'd have the confidence to try a half marathon if I hadn't already been training with these two, building my strength and endurance.

I will keep you posted on my progress. Until then, remember that it's only impossible if you don't try it. Lace up those running shoes and hit the pavement. You may surprise yourself ;)

Eat, Work, Live, Love, Run...repeat

It's been over a month since my last post. It may seem like I'm slacking but in actuality I've been in overdrive! August was an insane month. On top of the birthdays (yours truly included), out-of towners visiting and a record-breaking month at work, I've been focusing heavily on taking care of my body. Thanks to Karena and Katrina from Tone it Up I've been eating healthier than ever, trying challenging workouts each day, and developed the discipline to follow a fool proof and successful routine. For my Tone it Up Booty Call each morning I run 3 miles on an empty stomach. My meals are all fresh and nutrient dense. I do strength training and more cardio in the evening, and finish of the day with a healthy homemade meal. I have to admit, however, I still indulge in my regular glass of red wine and the occasional mixed drink or beer. A girls gotta live a little, right?!?

I also completed the Tone it Up 7-Day Slimdown. My sister-in-law and I did it together, which held us both accountable and kept us on track. At the end of the detox we both saw significant results and felt like a million bucks. The cleanse is a great way to flush out heavy toxins and balance both your hormones and PH levels. K&K recommend doing it bi-monthly. I can't wait until October! After I completed the slimdown I had a photo shoot with a friend on the beach to document how great I felt.

I've also recruited another TUI member, a co-worker of mine with a drive to shed some pounds. Having friends and family be passionate about healthy living makes it a lot easier to stay focused. I'm looking forward to doing the 7-day slimdown with her :)

I've learned more about cooking in the last 2 months than I have in 10 years! My diet now consists of seasonal fruits and vegetables, beans, healthy grains and seeds and hardly anything processed. Though it requires more work I am having fun and my energy level has skyrocketed. My husband is enjoying the variety of foods as well and is eating things he never thought he'd try. Knowing I am making us both healthier is an incredible feeling. We also enjoy the quality time we're spending making and eating our exciting new meals.

My life has been go,go,go and I suprisingly do not feel exhausted. I am happy, healthy, and loving life. More updates to come :)