2020/2021 Year in Review

Are you still there? I know I have been MIA since January 2020, and so much has changed since then. Let me give you the abridged version. First came the COVID-19 pandemic that caused us all to reevaluate what was important in life. The first weekend in March 2020, my husband and I stood shoulder to shoulder in our corral for what I suspected would be our last Gate River Run 15K. He and I have been running that race together since 2012, but I will post more on that at a later date. He had just accepted an out-of-state position which meant relocation for our family. Little did we know that just one week later, our lives -- as well as the lives of everyone in our nation -- would change forever.

After a whirlwind of the Spring Break that would never end, our introduction to online learning, a VPK graduation golf cart parade and a farewell parade -- complete with a yard sign -- we found ourselves in our new RV trekking cross country towards the Lone Star State. We were greeted by 102° F temps followed closely after by a literal whirlwind of a storm the nearly blew our trailer off its supports. Thankfully, I linked up with ladies from BGR! Dallas and was able to "Burn Off the Crazy" (and the COVID-19+ pounds I gained) from the move. One thing I quickly realized was how hilly TX was compared to FL. My calves did not appreciate our new terrain, and I found myself taking longer walk breaks. I still kept moving though, because I subscribed to a #goalsOVERexcuses mindset. 

We welcomed a new family member at the end of 2020. He was supposed to be my running partner, alas, his foster mom said his previous vet advised against it. Instead, he became my walking partner and helped add steps to my day.

2021 began with kids' first experience with snow. The next month was Snowmageddon, and the entire state of TX was covered! The snow started falling on Valentine's Day, and, when we woke up the next morning, the power was out. I had never experienced "rolling blackouts" before, and, by the time the week was done, we had frozen pipes in our bathrooms. Several of our neighbors had pipes or water heaters (in their attics) rupture, which took months to renovate. It also turned out to be a deadly experience for many throughout the state.

On a fitness-related note, my husband gave me a Peloton Bike+ as a Valentine's Day gift because I was still struggling to adjust to running in the hilly streets of TX, and it was either too hot or too cold to ride my road bike on the trainer in our garage. Plus, CG was transitioning towards charging for virtual workouts since more people were returning to in-person workouts, and I was not yet ready to go back to being out and about. I was a bit nervous about clipping into a "bike that goes nowhere", but once I did, I was hooked! I connected with the BPR community (IYKYK) and fell in love with the rapport of fellow riders. There were "swarm" rides a few times a week, and the joking that went on within the group was unparalleled. I ended up joining a group of early morning riders who dubbed themselves the #WafflehouseCrew because of the time and intensity of the rides. Before the year was over, I had set and broken several PRs, hit multiple ride milestones, and even tried my hand at an 100-mile PeloFondo. Here's the year-end wrap up:

Happy New Year 2020

About this morning: The Little Miss and I set out to continue the WaveMasters Society Polar Plunge tradition for my 8th — her 2nd — time. The water was a few degrees cooler than it was last year, but the weather was about 20° cooler, so I knew it would be a challenge.  Fun fact: I spent the past week sick in bed, and this was only day 2 of quasi-wellness (still coughing) 😬

We gave ourselves about 10 minutes to get acclimated (disrobed) before it was time to plunge. She got about thigh deep in the water before she tapped out! I picked her up and tried carrying her until I was a little over knee deep, but she 👏🏾 was 👏🏾 done 👏🏾🏳️ We headed back to the other half of our family where I wrapped her in a towel before tagging The Mr. in so I could complete my mission. 

I found a clear path and waded back out farther than usual, because I was on a mission this year. I caught a couple waves and swam around for a bit, because, even though the water was so cold that it hurt, the pain was a reminder that I was alive. I’d survived another year and knew at least a handful of friends and family members who were not as fortunate. I kicked myself for leaving my goggles in the bag with my family, because I wanted to stay out there longer and reflect, but, for the first time since 2016, the whole family was together again, and I had to put them first. So, I caught one more wave and swam — eyes closed, of course — back in

Camp Gladiator

Several months ago, during a trip to Walmart, there were tents set up at the entrance promoting Camp Gladiator (cg). Unable to avoid eye contact 🤣, I ended up having a 10-15 minute conversation with the gentleman there while one of his female associates kept me kids entertained (that probably sounded worse than it really was). I told him I’d seen a few of their camps around our neighborhood and had a handful of friends who were avid campers. My son’s behavior brought our conversation to an abrupt end, and I managed to “escape” with my wallet unscathed 😆

 The. Very. Next. Day, I picked my son up from school, and there were several silent auction items remaining after our school fundraiser. Guess what was sitting there just waiting for my bid… ? If you guessed a Camp Gladiator gift basket, then pat yourself on the back! I scored a free session, plus four free weeks of camp, a shirt, water bottle and sunglasses 😱 Well, in true me fashion, I waited 3 or 4 months to take advantage of this deal, because, kids 🙄 (pronounced: anxiety). Thankfully, I finally gave it a shot, and I am hooked❣️

Why am I telling you this? I’m glad you asked! Camp Gladiator is having an amazing deal! You can get four weeks of an amazing fitness program for ONLY $25 with my referral code (Psst, it's normally $189)! I just signed up, and I want you to JOIN ME! You in? Use my $5 off referral code: 3M1FZNG or click here to sign up.

I'm a Group Runner and Proud of It!

A friend and business associate of mine shared a "Runner's World" article today that was written by a woman who preferred running solo. The subtitle read, "Listening to your inner introvert can make you a better, stronger, happier runner." My friend was in total agreement with this runner. I, however, disagreed . . . strongly. I know it may be hard to believe :sarcasm: but I am an enormous introvert. I would even go as far as to confess that I struggle with social anxiety. Oddly enough, the only time I feel most at ease is during a run. 

Starting off my 40th Birthday with a run 

Running distracts me from the fact that I'm actually around and talking to other people. It seems to be the only thing that helps me overcome the crippling anxiety of leaving the house, driving and being around people. There are days where even going to a "restaurant" without a drive-thru is out of the question when I'm by myself. The thought of having to get out of the car and talk to people is too much to handle, even if it means being "rewarded" with a meal. Yet, I will drive all over town at odd hours of the day just to go for a run with, and sometimes without, my best running friends.

Post-race picture with :gasp: strangers

On the rare instances that I find myself running "alone," -- I usually am pushing a stroller, so I am hardly ever truly alone -- I am on high alert. I am constantly preparing myself mentally for someone or something to jump out of the bushes, or a car to lose control, jump the curb and wipe me out. It may sound like a strange notion, however, where I run on early Tuesday and Thursday mornings, we have encountered streetlights and bumpers laying across the sidewalk on at least two separate occasions. Also, the bike lane sign has been mowed down by cars a few times now, and one morning, we witnessed a driver headed southbound in the northbound lane. So, you see, my hyper-vigilance is not entirely irrational.

Am I the only socially awkward/anxious person who finds solace in running with friends? Which do you prefer: solo or group running?

Best DAMN Race Jacksonville 2019

My first race of 2019 is in the books! BGR! (Black Girls RUN!) represented, as usual, but the NOC (Nocatee) was running the streets as well. My main BRF (best running friend) dragged me to a new half marathon PR, even though it was far slower than her PR. #goals

Happy New Year 2019!

Another year, another Plunge; however this year, I wasn't the only one in my family going in. My six-year-old decided she wanted in on the action! She's usually quite timid and full of "I can't do that; that's too scary" statements, so when she expressed her interest in joining me, naturally, I was skeptical.

Boy, was I wrong! Not only did she wake up early on her own, but the slothful movement that typically plagued our mornings was absent, as she quickly donned her swimwear -- shoes included -- and climbed into the car. She chatted nervously the whole ride there, and I could tell that, no matter the outcome, this would be a day to remember. 

We arrived a little over an hour and a half before the Plunge to secure "prime" parking across from the Seawalk Pavilion. We then purchased the annual WaveMasters Society Polar Plunge shirt and posed for the traditional pre-Plunge picture.

Although it was warmer than last year, it was still pretty chilly, so after we set our towels down, we did a calf deep trial to test the water. She was hooked and wanted to go in deeper, but I figured it was best we wait. If it was too cold, I was concerned she would not go in when it was time for the actual Plunge. We ran into several people we knew while we waited, so the time flew by quickly.










When it was Plunge time, we joined the crowd and walked closer to the water. I held her hand and explained our plan: first, the Lifeguards would sound an alarm. Then, the crowd would run into the water. I warned her that most people would be screaming, but it was okay, because they were having fun. I told her we would wait until some of the people started to come out before we ran in, because I didn't want her to get trampled. As I explained the process to her, I noticed a few people around us watched and listened too.

Then, it was go time! We held hands, ran towards the ocean, and once the water her about thigh-level, she started to scream and tried to climb me like a tree. I scooped her up and proceeded forward until I was waist-deep. She had calmed down by then, and I explained to her that we were going to wait for a wave and then submerge. They had done similar exercises in a pool during her Summer swim classes, so I knew she would comfortable with it.

When the perfect wave came, I began a short countdown, and *swoosh* we were done! I asked if she was ready to get out, and she replied with a resounding, "No!" We remained in the water for at least 5 more minutes before she opted to play in the sand just on the edge of the ocean, so she could still catch some waves if she wanted.

Needless to say, it was a very proud moment/day for me, and I look forward to future Plunges with her.   

AdvoCare

Well, I finally did it! I set aside all my insecurities and self-doubt and became an independent distributor of AdvoCare. I have been using their products for a couple years now and am now the fittest and fastest I have been in my 10 years of serious running. Now, I can take my passion to the next level and earn money while helping my cohort reach their fitness goals. Ask me how 😉

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