12 Things I Learned in 2012

I am a total blog post idea stealer. I saw this on Oh Well Instead and learned that the  idea game from one of my most favorite bloggers Jenn who is in Atlanta and I swear I will meet in real life in 2013. And I believe with each passing year you learn life lessons and continue to grow as a person. You just have to slow down at times, reflect and then catalog those lessons for the future. So... without further explanation – the 12 things I learned in 2012.

1. Hard work pays off. I have been presented with some excellent opportunities this year and built excellent relationships with people I work with. I hate when my parents are right – but if you work hard enough you really will go far.

2. It is hard to fall off the workout wagon and it is even harder to get back on. I cannot even fit in my wedding dress that I wore in March, the gym sounds like a fabulous idea, but it is sooo hard to get back into one.

3. I need ME time like there is no tomorrow. Don’t get me wrong. I love Kyle J. But there are times when I just want to sit back, watch tv, play on the internet, and just be alone. When I am not getting that time I get cranky and irritated. I need to get better at me time in 2013 and warning Kyle when I am about to get cranky.

4. I am a HUGE control freak. I never realized how intense of a character trait {or flaw} this is until I got down to the wire in wedding planning & house hunting & in many aspects at work. I pretty much overwhelm myself because I have to do it or it won’t be done right. Again, I need me time or I go crazy.

5.  You do not need a lot of friends, just a handful of good friends. After having a friend drop out of my wedding and then learn that another good friend was nothing but a liar face, I learned that all you really need in life are friends you can turn to for anything and everything. You shouldn’t have to censor yourself and separate conversations for friends.

6. Stay Humble. It is great to accomplish great and wonderful things. But how you handle those great and wonderful things speaks volumes. It is not attractive or cute to only talk about your successes and be me me me.

7. Ebay is a great way to get rid of your junk/things you don’t need/want anymore. They saying is true – one person’s trash is another person’s treasures. And you can make some quick easy cash.

8. Your happiness {and unhappiness} really does cross over into other parts of your life. So determine if your unhappiness is permanent or momentary and make life adjustments if/when needed.  Happiness is a direction, not a destination.

9.  I think I am an interior designer. Now... lets just see how horrible our new house turns out to be.

10. Some of the most important people in your life will keep secrets from you. You may never know the reason why they chose to not tell you things, but you have to remember there is a reason behind their logic.

11. Sometimes you just have to be there for people. It isn’t always about offering the best advice or siding with someone. Sometimes it is all about just being there for when someone is ready to talk or cry or scream.

12. Lazy Friday night dinners in front of the TV make the best dates. You don’t have to get dressed up or go anywhere, but you’re still spending quality time together. And really, why would you want fight the world on a Friday night after you fought the world for 5 days straight at work?!

Well... with all that said, I hope everyone had a great 2012! :)

26.2 Things I’ve learned through my Training (so far)

I posted this originally on my facebook page. Why I did not share it here, I have no idea. But now I have. However, from then to now I have slightly modified it!

As the world knows. I am running in the Nike Woman’s Marathon to help find a cure for blood cancers. Go here to learn more - http://pages.teamintraining.org/ga/nikesf09/bvines

Mile 1 – I’ve been more than impressed by the generosity of family members, co-workers, long lost friends, neighbors, people I thought that hated me, and strangers.... but surprisingly disappointed by some of my friend’s lack of support. People who I wouldn’t expect to donate/support me have taken time to look at my page, donate, read my blog, and send encouragement throughout the process. Then on the other hand, I have some friends who have watched me struggle through every part of this experience and haven’t given me a dime or even offered some of their time. It’s been shocking.
Mile 2 – Fundraising large amounts of money is not an impossible challenge. It is terrifying on the front end, but amazing as the funds start rolling in. It just requires a lot of time, effort and creativity. My biggest suggestion to anyone who takes this challenge on is to START EARLY and TELL EVERYONE!!
Mile 3 – People are willing to give you $25.00 without much too much begging and $25.00 from a lot of people adds up. Heck... $10 from a lot of people adds up!
Mile 4 – People are even more willing to help if they get something out of the deal. But I cannot blame them one bit! $25 AMEX cards are quite enticing.
Mile 5 – Many people want to donate but cannot donate with money. People are more than willing to help out in any way they possibly can. I had some great friends review local business... and a lot of local business at that. My marathon was highlighted on two friend’s blogs I have had GREAT people standing behind me 110%.
Mile 6 – It feels good to know you’re making a difference in someone’s life, even if the someone is a 7 year old stranger or someone you have not seen since High School.
Mile 7 – Granted, I am no where near as active with my Team in Training team as I should be... getting to know members of your community and becoming an active member of the community is rewarding and a great time.
Mile 8 – Early morning long runs really aren’t that bad (and I hate mornings). You can nap when you’re done and it’s kinda neat to be up and moving before the rest of the world. Plus, it is no where near as hot at 8am as it is at 1pm.
Mile 9 – Knowing that you burned over 1000 calories before 9am feels pretty good.
Mile 10 – Gatorade, gels, bagels and pretzels are your friend. Make sure you hydrate before, during and after your run because dehydration headaches are the awful.
Mile 11 -Body glide [even though sometimes I swear I am not using it right], wicking shirts and shorts will make the heat and humidity just a little bit more tolerable. Cotton is not your friend.
Mile 12 -Make sure you thank everyone who donates. People really appreciate the recognition, as well as updates on your progress. My Dad has relayed to me how much my thank you notes have made people feel. I am sure that thank you note or my hello email, pales into comparison for the feeling I felt when they donated!
Mile 13 – Take care of your feet. Having the right pair of running shoes matters. But having that right pair of socks matters so much more than you would ever think. ($17 for one pair of socks?! What?! ....So worth it!!)
Mile 14 – Getting injured is a total bummer, but it is all about how you handle it. Take it in stride. Stay active so you won't lose focus and motivation.
Mile 15 – A good playlist on your iPod can and will make or break your workout. Your ‘good’ playlist only lasts so long. Switch it up.
Mile 16 – 26.2 miles is a long distance. Make training fun. Throw in some actual local races. Races give you a total sense of accomplishment and will make you want to train more and harder. Make running a game. Do something to liven up the training. You won’t dread hitting the pavement. [I am doing 13.1 one now... and that is even a long distance!!]
Mile 17 – Run with a group. I love/adore my hour of alone time. I get to clear my head and listen to Miley without getting crap from my boyfriend. But there is something about having someone push you just a half a mile farther. Having someone encourage you when they’re going through the same trials and pains is an inspiration. If they can do it, you can do it!
Mile 18 –Keep a log of your training experience. It is a total adventure and wild ride. You will want to look back at the moments and smile. My log is on dailymile.com [to track my actual mileage] and my blog is what tracks the training as a whole
Mile 19 – Don’t be prideful. Whether you’re running your 1st or 40th marathon... it is never bad to ask for training tips, great doctors, and new running routes. Yes, this is my 1st marathon but I have learned so much from my coach and running friends made on twitter and dailymile.com. What is inspiring? The people who run 10+ miles per day, but they’re still asking for suggestions and swapping tips.
Mile 20 – Admit defeat. You cannot always run more than you ran yesterday or even last week. It’s a fact of life; everyone has “off” days. As long as you’re getting in some sort of running you’re in the clear.
Mile 21 – Endurance/Stamina is key and it’s amazing how quickly you can lose it. Stay active – even through injury. It will do a world of difference once you can get back at it! Also, get enough sleep, water, and the right foods. For me, being tired and undernourished will break my run.
Mile 22 – Having a reason to run makes is 10 times easier and better. Set goals. Set them high. Sure my reason to run is HUGE… find your reason to run (lose 10 pounds, get back into shape, whatever) and run. Overall it makes you feel better in general.
Mile 23 – Respect the miles. Like I said before, 26.2 is a long distance. It is better to get your head around just how far it is early on … it will only push you that much more when it comes to training.
Mile 24 – Don’t obsess about sticking to the “official” training schedule. Make sure you do what is expected of you… but if you want to run on a rest day. Run! When I first started training, I stuck to the schedule… but now I just make sure I am getting in 5 days of running, 1 day of “active recovery” and 1 total rest day.
Mile 25 – The athletic world just really wants you to succeed. Runners encourage runners. Runners encourage cyclists and triathletes. Cyclists encourage runners. I was doing a 5K one weekend and was taking a quick walk break, only to be given a high five and a 'you can do it' from a cyclist going the other direction. Talk about encouragement.
Mile 26 - The first and last mile will always be the hardest. Just know that it’s all worth it once you’ve gotten past those hurdles.
Mile 26.2 – Most importantly, running is 100% a mind game - it’s all about the mental toughness. You can do only as much as you think you’re capable of, set the bar high. When your body says 'no more' you have to say 'yes more'.