11 Weeks

11 weeks is one week shy of the completion of the first trimester of pregnancy. No, I’m not pregnant but I do remember that time vividly. I only told a very select group of people that I was pregnant prior to the end of my first trimester. I wanted to be sure everything was okay before sharing my news and because of a loss of a prior pregnancy, I wasn’t taking any chances by spreading the news too soon.

11 weeks is significant for another reason right now. I have 11 weeks left to prepare for the Nike Women’s half-marathon in San Francisco on October 17th. Unilike my pregnancy, EVERYONE knows I am training for the race of my life. I am also fundraising with a goal of raising $4000 for the Leukemia Lymphomia Society, 75% of which will go directly to programs and services. The other 25% is admin costs that include my travel, race fees, lodging for the event.

I admit I am shaking in my proverbial boots because I’m still nursing a sore hip and I am oh so close but not quite at the halfway point of my fundraising.   On August 6th I have to recommit and officially declare that I am going to be prepared physically for my race and I will meet my fundraising goal.

I indeed plan on signing the papers and recommitting next Friday. I’ve had amazing support from so many people for my efforts and I thank everyone that has donated, written posts about my efforts, let me use their home for fundraising, THANK YOU!

As Pastor Shaun said on Sunday I’m going to continue to “Go” - I will tell everyone about what I am doing, I will ask people I know and people I don’t know for donations and I will always remember even in my worst pain during training, it is nothing compared to what Ja’Naya and so many others that have battled cancer go through.

Tonight I am hosting a Ladies Night In* with some friends of mine-from college, my neighborhood, former co-workers, all people that have touched my life - in real life before connecting online. I think it is important to reconnect in person and in this digital age it is so easy to get caught up with facebook, email, twitter and not physically share space with friends. Of course I put a twist on it and will be accepting donations for my cause. 


We will have cocktails, conversations and cupcakes. My old friends can meet some of my new friends and we will have a nice relaxing evening after a hectic week. I’ll be sure to take plenty of pictures and post about it here of course. I’ll also let you know how the fundraising goes - a big thank you to Felicia, Beverly, Dana, Dawn and Calinda who have already generously donated!

*I was contacted by M80 public relations on behalf of Diego/TGIF Ready to serve cocktails and my party is being sponsored by them. If you’d like some ideas for a girl’s night in and a $5 coupon visit this website.

Wow!

I just wanted to drop a quick post because I am so honored to be one of the Top 20 Mommy Blogs according to ABIE! This is such a surprise, unexpected surprises always seem to come right on time and this one was no different. The announcement came in my in-box and I really am in shock and awe about being in the company of so many bloggers that I admire. Of course, there are many blogs that certainly are missing from this list, I think it is pretty much impossible to have a comprehensive list with all of the great writers and bloggers out there. Again, I am honored and you can read more about ABIE and the methodology here. 

Wednesday Check-In Down 49 pounds and counting.....

I am now down another pound bringing my grand total to 49 lbs - gone! I have no idea how it happened given my transgressions that I confessed to yesterday, you’d think I’d be up a pound. But no matter. I am one pound away! One pound away from 50 pounds down. I admit I haven’t been trying exceptionally hard to lose these last few pounds. I’ve really been in more of a maintenance mode lately but I have a feeling that once I can seriously start training for the half-marathon more pounds are going to come off.

I also have plans to start the Clean 21 day detox program. My friend Maricris suggested I try it because I’ve been having the hip problems and I figure it can’t hurt. I’ve actually done a one week version of the Clean diet in the past so I am interested in seeing what happens when I do it for a longer period of time.


Basically, on the program two of your meals are shakes and the other is from the elimination diet. The elimination diet removes all beef, pork, soy, diary, wheat, and gluten from you diet (among other things). I am actually going to be reviewing the 21 day detox that is available on the Clean website so all of the shakes and supplements are taken care of, I just need to add my lunch time meal. The kit arrives today but I am not starting until after BlogHer and my family reunion next week.

I’m not crazy! The thought of eliminating desert and alcohol when I am on vacation makes me shudder. I refuse to set myself up for failure so I’m starting Clean the second week of August. Stay tuned for the results, I really believe that this might be exactly what the doctor ordered! 


The Sisterhood is also starting a 30 day challenge on Sunday, I’ve been a bit worried about doing the Shred while I am away but I know that when I go out of town I exercise so even if I don’t shred I will be moving my body -can’t let my teammates (or myself) down. 


One last note about my training for the Half-Marathon, like a klutz I re-injured my hip on Saturday putting my son on a mechanical bull at the picnic on Saturday. After a great week of running I have taken a step backwards but I am determined to complete my race - even if I have to walk the entire way (please don’t let this be the case, I can’t imagine walking 13.1 miles)!

Since I can’t train the way I want to I am focusing on fundraising, I am $60 shy of my halfway point. If you haven’t donated I’d LOVE it if you could help me reach $2000 today(remember no amount is too small - or too large)! And if you’ve already donated, I thank you kindly!

Tuesday Confessions

I lost my post so this is my second attempt at confession perhaps that is a sign.  Here we go

• I ate three pints of coconut icecream. Yup, I sure did and enjoyed every minute of it. That stuff is so good, stay away, stay far far away!
• I visited McDonald's TWICE this week. I haven't been there since last year some time. I had a filet o'fish, fries and sweet tea. The good news is I could not drink the sweet tea, I'm so glad my tastebuds have changed. And today I only had a large fries. The end of Mickey D's.
• I haven't been doing the exercises my physical therapist gave me consistently actually I am contemplating taking things into my own hands, joining a gym and doing strength training with weights. Because really? That is all the physical therapy entails. I can do leg lifts at home with Jillian Michaels and save my co-pay for a gym membership!
• I blame all of my transgressions on my period. That is my story and I am sticking to it!

I believe that is enough of confessing for one week. I can't think of anything else and seriously? I can't imagine having more to confess. I've been a slacker! Again, I blame it on the period. 

Can you relate? Wanna make me happy? How about contributing to my fundraising? That is one thing that I have been on the ball about and I am almost half-way there! Just $85 away from $2000! 

Luna Bars

I am often on the search for snacks that I can feel guiltless about eating. I am not sure why it has taken me so long to jump on the Luna bar band wagon but now that I've discovered these delectable treats I am going to carry them with me all the time. Luna bars are made by the the same company that produces Clif bars but Luna bars are specifically formulated for women. I think the calories range between 150 and 250 (don't quote me on that) but there are a variety of flavors and types of bars.

For a quick meal replacement if I am on the run I'd certainly eat a Luna protein bar, chocolate peanut butter is tasty and doesn't have a bad after taste like many protein bars I've eaten in the past. I big puffy heart the white chocolate macadamia nut snack bar - much to my surprise because I am not a fan of white chocolate. However, this bar is the one that will be my go to bar when I need an extra boost after a run and just need a mid-day snack.

Aside from just producing great tasting bars, Luna has teams around the country that train and do races together while raising funds for breast cancer. They also have Luna Mommy playgroups and are affiliated with Stroller Strides. I love a company that not only sells great products but also provides resources for healthy living for women in all walks of life.

I encourage you to check out their website and of course try these bars. You won't be sorry!