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Friday, November 30, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 30

"With the 5th anniversary of my dad's death approaching, I can't help but to reflect and thank God for blessing me with two amazing parents. They are a constant source of encouragement, love, and inspiration. They provided me with a strong foundation of love, stability, and a few whoopings here and there. :)  I'm forever grateful for to be a product of M & T."

Thursday, November 29, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 29

"I am thankful for my three loves Lola, Roman, Jonas. They bring so much joy into my life."

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 28

"I'm thankful for good health."

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 27

"I'm thankful for discipline, strong work ethic, and consistency."

Monday, November 26, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 26

 "I'm thankful for a close relationship with God."

Sunday, November 25, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 25

"I'm thankful for the Holiday season. Bring on the music and decorations."

'Tis the Season: My take on visiting NYC during the Holidays

Since I live in the city that never sleeps, I'm often contacted by friends and family who are visiting during the holidays. It is my goal to help them plan a great trip to the city. (It's the concierge in me!)

At any rate, I wanted to share with you the information that I pass along to them. In a future post, I will talk about scoring great hotels and airline tickets via Priceline, as well as other options you can use when traveling.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Things to Do


Saturday, November 24, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 24

"I'm thankful for discernment and gut instinct. When I try to see the best in a situation or someone and overlook a red flag or two, I'm 'checked' instantly."

Past/Present

                      November 24, 2011                              September 14, 2012                     
 
A year ago today, I was in Brooklyn to take part in my first ever Turkey Trot 5 mile race. It would be my first official Black Girls Run! group race, and my second race in 2011. 
 
A year ago, I was at a 17-18 minute run/walk pace. I was able to do at least 2 miles in the weekly group run, and now I was aiming for five?!?! I've always been a sucker for a challenge. 
 
A year ago, although I'd came down from 320, I was still heavy -- 293lbs. My diet was in shambles and I was in desperate need of change. 

A year ago, my evenings consisted of late bed times and inactivity. Simply put: I was lazy as hell.

What a difference a year makes!

Today, I'm in training for my next two half-marathons coming up at the beginning of next year.

Today, I'm down 69 lbs, and I have 31lbs to go until I reach goal weight.

To date, I've completed two 5Ks, three 4-milers, one 5-miler, one 8k, four 10Ks, one 10-miler, and a half-marathon.

To date, I have ran 432 miles. Only 68 miles to go before I reach my goal of 500 miles in 2012. My pace ranges from a 12:30 to a 13:30 minute mile.

Over the course of a year, I incorporated strength training, cross fit, swimming, bikram yoga, and dance to my workout regimen. I even managed to pull my eating habits together (somewhat). lol. This has been quite the journey, and I can't wait to see what the next 365 days have in store for me.

Friday, November 23, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 23

"I'm thankful for my extended family. They've helped mold me into the person I am today."

Thursday, November 22, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 22


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 21

"I'm thankful for half days."

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 20

"I'm thankful for my inner circle. They keep me on my toes."

Monday, November 19, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 19

"I'm thankful for camaraderie and teamwork. I have the best.colleagues.ever."

Sunday, November 18, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 18

"I'm thankful for progress. A year ago today, I was gearing up for my first race. I've come a looooooooooooong way."

Saturday, November 17, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 17

"I'm thankful for the opportunity to travel often. Travel: It's my anti-drug."

Big Chop 2.0


First Big Chop 2009

"I liked it so much the first time, I had to do it again."



Friday, November 16, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 16

"I'm thankful for a night out on a the town. Whether I'm with my girls, on a date, or hanging solo -- I'm still in awe that it's taking place in NYC. Love this place."

Thursday, November 15, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 15

"I'm thankful for friends with a generous heart and an accountable spirit."

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 14

"I'm thankful for the unexpected phone call from a dear friend -- definitely a pleasant way to end the day."

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 13

"I'm thankful for the quiet moments. It provides a time of reflection, meditation, and comfort."

Monday, November 12, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 12

"I'm thankful for the opportunity to work my dream job."

Sunday, November 11, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 11

"I'm thankful for the Veterans who serve and protect our country, both past and present."

Saturday, November 10, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 10

"I'm thankful for rest."

Friday, November 9, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 9

"I'm thankful for laughter. It's truly the best medicine."

Thursday, November 8, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 8

"I'm thankful for the opportunity to give back."

#truth


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 7

"I am thankful for the pavement. It's free therapy."

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 6

"I'm thankful for the right to vote."

Monday, November 5, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 5

"I'm thankful for a smooth groove and a two step. It was just one of those days."

Sunday, November 4, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 4

"I'm thankful for 'the calm' after the storm."

Saturday, November 3, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 3


"I'm thankful for past hurts, failures, and loss. For without them, I wouldn't experience (and be able to relish in) growth, happiness, and success."

Don't forget...

Friday, November 2, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 2


"I'm thankful for the opportunity to live in one of the greatest cities in the world."
 

A 5K with my favorite girl


M and I at her baptism in '04
In 30 days, I'll be traveling to Washington, DC to run with M in the Girls on the Run 5K. I can not begin to tell you how much this race means to me.

I first met M when she was six months old. Twice a week I'd travel to Stockbridge, GA to babysit M. while her mom taught class at a nearby college. I initially planned to work temporarily, but after spending one evening with that special baby girl I knew I'd do whatever I need to do to help out.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

30 Days of Thanks - Day 1


  "As this week comes to an end, I'm thankful for resiliency."
 
 

Cancelled? Say it ain't so!

It's official - The NYRR Dash to the Finish has been cancelled.
 
I need a moment.

I was looking forward to this race because it was my last one to qualify for guaranteed entry through the 9+1 program. Secondly, it's the day before the marathon, and I'd have the opportunity to run a part of the route. Call me crazy, but I LOVE that type of stuff.