I ran away from home

A little over a week ago, I ran away from home.  I boarded a plane and headed for Toronto.

Landing in Toronto brought back memories of flying home with husband and kiddo except this time I was alone - and about to take on something that wasn't even on my radar 2 years ago - the Niagara Falls International 1/2 Marathon!!!

Saturday morning after breakfast with an old friend, we were in the parking lot saying our good-byes before I headed into the Run Expo.  In the corner of my eye I spotted something familiar - black and yellow running jackets 4 of them.  Well, I know the black and yellow!  Without hesitating I called out "Hey, PRC!" and darted across the lot - Paradise Running Club - they were in Niagara to run the marathon too!  A quick goodbye was shouted back to my old friend and off I went with my new yellow friends.

After picking up our race kits and touring the expo together I decided come Jan I am joining the super supportive PRC (even though its over 4 hour drive from where I live).

After lunch it was time for the Massage Conference and an early night.

Sunday morning - race time!  Full on panic mode!  I had been too busy spending time with friends and making now ones that I forgot husband and kiddo were not with me - I was about to run a 1/2 marathon without my cheering section - could have vomited I was so scared.  The call went out to husband and he talked me down, but the time we drove as close to the start line as the road closures would allow, I was ready!

(Pre-Race Terrified & rocking my #sweatpink laces)

I walked up to the runner's tent and cuddled into some strangers for warmth then thought it best to visit the port-a-potties before the run went off.  When I am calm I even makes friends in line for the loo!

I hit a little bit of an emotional wall about 19K in - I just wanted to stop, I was done emotionally, but didn't go all that way to quit!  I put my head down and kept plugging along.

after two hours and forty minutes I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes, and heard my name being called - I looked up saw old friends and a beautiful bunch of flowers from husband and kiddo - I did it!

(cool and calm post-race)

I never would have thought it a possibility not that long ago, I have come a long way and I am so proud of myself, but I realize that I could NOT have done it without the support of some amazing friends, my beautiful daughter and the love of my life.  THANK YOU!

Thank you D for picking me up at the airport and giving me a place to stay and putting up with my crap, for dropping me at the start line and calling my name when I was done!
Thank you S for coming out to breakfast and for understanding when I ran off to hang with the yellow jackets!
Thank you K for cheering for me at the finish, and a great day out shopping!
Thanks Mudder for coming to stay with the kid and driving me to the airport!
Thank you to PRC for being so welcoming and encouraging at the expo - see you at the Santa Shuffle!
Thank you all!

Mostly thank you Vincent and Bria for encouraging me, for going to all my races and cheering me on, for understanding, for the flowers, and for being the 2 most important people in my life. (yes I am crying as I type this)

I think a full is in my future!

I conquered it!

Well I did it!  After years of saying I was going to, I finally did it!  I was one of nearly 4200 participants to battle the 27 degree temperatures with 80% humidity at 8:00am on  Sunday morning to battle the 10 mile race.

Walking up to the start corral I was shaking with nerves, the sea of brightly colored runners daunting.  I climbed over the rope and said greeted the runners around me (I babble when I'm nervous).  The gun sounded and we shuffled forward as a group waiting for the crowd to scatter a little before picking up pace.

Did I mention how hot it was?  By the time I hit the 2.5 mile water station I was parched!  But, I kept going, listening to the pounding of feet all around me. The experience was unreal - people on the side lines were cheering, spraying runners with personal hoses, handing out water soaked sponges and ice chips, candy and raisins.  I saw several signs along the route cheering people on, there was one lady about mile 5 who had a sign declaring "free hugs" and I needed one, so I stopped to hug her and cried a little.  I shed tears a couple times when complete strangers called out my name and shouted encouragement.

Coming around the final corner I could hear names of runners being called as they crossed the finish line and it seemed so far away, I could see anxious faces awaiting their family and friends, and I wanted my family.  I kept going.

Hearing my name comping over the speaker announcing that I had indeed do it, made me spill a few more tears.  Having a finisher's medal placed around my neck and hearing "good job" stopped the tear and elicited the biggest smile possible.  I did it!

it took me 2.14 hours but I DID IT! and will do it again :)

*up next - Commander Gander! and possibly the Huffin Puffin

I got the runs

OK, so that is perhaps not the best title - but well I do.  I have managed to pull my big butt over the finish lines of three (3) races in 30 days!

the first I already mentioned - where I took 5 mins of my last year's time!

my 2nd race was my very first 10K on Canada Day

thirdly I took another 1/2 minute off my 5K time this weekend past! (do you see the icebergs in the back)

Less than 2 weeks until my next, and biggest race (the Tely10) I am still trying to kick my sugar habit!

I CAN do this!

something I learned the hard way - too much sugar free candy will give you the other kind of runs :(

I'm detoxing - bad

We need to talk about that white powdery substance that makes me feel good.   can't seem to keep it off my mind. It keeps me coming back for more.  The more I have the more I want.  It always manages to sneak its way into my thoughts.   No matter how many times I tell myself I'm giving it up, no matter how many times I hide it away, no matter how many times I tell myself I can have it in moderation- I find myself elbow deep in a bag of gummy bears, sucking Reese's off my fingers or licking the batter out of the mixing bowl!  Hi, my name is Dawn, and I'm addicted to sugar, it has been 3 weeks since my last fix.

I am doing my version of the clean eating thing again - its kind of a paleo/low carb/no sugar hybrid that better lends itself to living around the bay.  I can cut the carbs, the alcohol, the dairy and the processed foods no problem - but sugar is always on my mind.  I wake up with salivating from the previous night's  Willie Wonka-ish dream.  The worst part of my detox should be over - but I'm sitting here today chewing my nails wondering how to get my next fix.

I WILL NOT BREAK!  I WILL NOT GIVE IN!  I WILL NOT!  OMG I WANT SUGAR!



I need THIS! I need a Kitchen Safe Then I could hide my sweets safely away and not sabotage myself.  (hint hint Husband I think you should buy it for me)


I will not have sugar today *fingers crossed*

I'm such a flake

Time is just not my friend!!  I can't believe since I blogged again.  I have so many projects - er idea things on the go right now I can't seem to keep the days straight.  We'll go with the short update....

Me and Husband went with M and her boyfriend to Mexico (during the A to Z challenge) where I got a wicked bad sunburn on the 1st day, but didn't let it get me down.  We chilled on the beach, ate strange things, swam in Cenotes, participated in Myan blessings, climbed ruins, learned a few new phrases, and got chased by a giant iguana trying to steal my hamburger!

We came back from Mexico all burned up to find that the harbour was packed with ice.  Kiddo went on trip with her school band, then she had her school concert.  Then she sang Bobbie McGee and played Elphaba in her Voice conert.

Then my friend Debbie came down from Ontario to visit.  She loved the scenery, the row houses and George Street, but didn't like the cold.

We went on an ice berg tour, and I may or may not have got up close and personal with a berg.  Ok, I did I got sooo close my hands were all over it!  (which is a big deal - and you really should not get that close)

 

Then on Father's Day I ran the same 5K race I ran last year (here) by myself and managed to take 5 minutes off my time!  This year M was out of town.  I finally did something I have been talking about for a long time - I registered for the Tely10 a 10 mile road race!!! {{I shiver with nerves every time I think about it}}

And now some of the bergies are melting and the harbours are filling up with growlers and bergy bits.  Kiddo is studying for final exams.  And I still have too many project/idea things :)  BUT I'm gonna try not to be such a flake!

What do you need to be happy?

Last night was a regular evening.  I had just climbed off the hamster wheel and was guzzling a gallon of water when I staggered into the living room.  Sitting in her usual spot, caccooned in a blanket, watching the comedy network while simultaneously texting and petting the dog was kiddo; grinning.

She looked happy.  

As a teen if you asked me when I needed to be happy, I might have said something like new clothes, friends, a cool car and good marks.  In my 20s maybe the reply would have been a smaller butt, a good job, true love and money in the bank.  

Now, in my 30s I can say that what I need to be happy is, I need to be myself.

Not some version of me that is watered down by fear or expectations;  not what strangers want me to be.  not like someone on TV or in trashy magazines, not with a perfect past or everyone's approval, not with ideal circumstances or full control of my life, not with things I don't have, not with a stress-free, care-free life, not with mountains of money, not in a state of constant happiness.  Not with a perfect body.  

I am full or quirks and quarks; my right foot is a full size smaller than my left, my hair is peppered with grey, I am strangely susceptible to "brian freeze", I suffer from occasional short term memory loss, I have a strange fondness for Owls, I must finish a book once I start reading it, I routinely use quotes from books even if they are irrelevant, I have the attention span of a goldfish, I constantly worry about money, I mix by tea but not my coffee, I drink way to much wine, I don't know how to switch from the tv to the Wii, I love my kiddo more than anyone else in the world, I sometimes talk to myself out loud, I write lists for everything, I am happiest in my PJs, I love the smell of the woods during fall, I admore gummy bears, I have a quick temper, I don't forgive was easily as I should, I am obsessed with lululemon, I would do just about anything for my family, I have a potty mouth, I don't think before I speak, and sometimes I get confused if I said something out loud or just in my head.  I am not perfect.  

I am myself.  I am happy.

So, now let me ask, WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE HAPPY? (take as long as you need to think).

I murdered it... :(

There are hundreds of tutorials on how to open pomegranates on pinterest, youtube and the cooking network I'm sure you've probably seen Jamie Oliver make it look oh so simple - score the flesh, gently pry it apart and pound it with a spoon; child's play.

WELL, as it turns out I'm not a child and its not that simple!

My kitchen looks like pom-agedden!  There is sticky red juice all over the place, seeds are littered over the floor and my shirt is soaked with little red droplets.  Husband if you are reading this, hand print marking the roll of paper towel is not my blood, but that of slaughtered pom. 

Good luck? I think NOT

Its a beautiful, crisp, cool morning during a  very busy work week.  Layered in running gear, music blaring, birds chirping, hand freezing, I head off for a quick jog before work.  Panting, humming along with the music and wishing everyone I see a good morning, I failed to notice a little something....crap!

Literally dog crap!  Right in the middle of the boardwalk.

Completely absorbed in my breathing, I failed to notice the land mine and was maybe 5 feet from the "drop spot" when I began to notice the stench that seemed to be following me.  My bright white sneaker tainted brown, and the wooden boardwalk lined with my mud colored foot prints.  What a great start to the day.

The people who say stepping in dog poop is good luck, have obviously never stepped in it! 

The big day is over!

Yesterday was Father's Day, but it was also my first 5K! 

Losing 60 pounds and running my first 5K was a big deal for me.  I am very happy to report that both me and my friend ran the entire thing without a walk break.  We were not the fasted, nor were we the slowest.  We may have been the proudest- so proud in fact, we're looking for another race to do!  45.16 is not that bad for a first timer right :) 

* I wanna say thank you to husband and kiddo who cheered for us enroute and at the finish line, and of course to my running partner M, who not only ran with me but kept my speed in check.  

Kiddo's tour of the neighborhood

A neighborhood tour from a 13 year old perspective:

 Left

Right

Up

Down

I'm bored now- look at me.

BTW are we ever gonna have grass mom?

Get Healthy BlogHop

Today I'm taking part in the the Get Healthy Blog Hop, hosted by Michael Di Gesu, Stephen Tremp, Spunk on a Stick, and Alex J.

I have been struggling with my weight for years.  I have followed just about every diet out there.  I've had personal trainers and gym memberships.  I've read the books and I've taken the classes.  I am a health care professional.

Around Christmas time, I was searching my computer for pictures of my kiddo, and I began to notice a trend - I wasn't in many pictures, and if I was, I was hiding in the back trying to cover my spare tire - years of pictures and I could count how many I appeared in!  There were hundreds of photos of kiddo with family and friends and 10 of her and I together.  A lump formed in my throat, time to re-evaluate things.

I didn't think I ate that badly.  I had a physically demanding job.  I was walking to work most days and taking a weekly Zumba class.

In January I purchased a FitBit and set daily goal of 10,000 steps and 2,500 calories to burn - it became a mini challenge with myself.  But, temptation came knocking and I started to cheat on myself. (starting to sound familiar?)

In February I went to Ontario to visit friends from school, I was the heaviest I had ever been.  The 2 pictures I appeared in during that trip brought tears to my eyes.  I knew I needed to do something drastic.  Before the month of February was over I had signed onto a low carb, low sugar, no alcohol diet.  I talked a few friends into swimming with me, walking with me, zumba with me, and training for a 5K race with me.

I have lost 56 pounds since February.

My tips to you:

Water - drink LOTS of water, it is great for your muscles and will help you feel full longer (don't say you dislike the taste of water... add cucumber, mint leaves, lime, lemon, orange, crystal light or mio to flavor it, its much better for you than soda).

Move - stretch - bend - your body will thank you for it.  I tell all of my massage clients to stretch, it releases endorphins, prevents spasms, and feels good.  We are not made to sit behind a computer 8 hours a day.  Start small, be content running 1 minute today try for 2 tomorrow.

Eat - healthier, lower fat selections.  Instead of deep fried french fries try oven roasted turnip fries, skim milk instead of whole, fruit rather than a cookie.  Watch your portion sizes - just because its on your plate doesn't mean you have to finish it all.

Find a buddy!  Someone with similar goals, someone who will encourage you, motivate you, listen to you, share recipes with you, and old you accountable.  If you can't find someone in the 3D world, find someone online there are some great bloggers out here and very supporting discussion boards, if you can't find anyone email me! (seriously)

Don't get discouraged.  You didn't gain 10 pounds over night, you won't lose it over night.  Set mini goals and when you reach them don't celebrate with food!  :)

My net goal is to finish my first 5K on June 16th

Crap crap crap

Its no secret that my family is taking a big vacation in June.  Its all I seem to talk about in the 3D world In October, we booked flights to Florida.   In January, we booked our Disney resort.   

Here is where I need a kick.... our passports expired March 31, they have been stuck to the fridge awaiting their renewal.  Things that hide in plain sight seem to elude me, and well I forgot about them (kept putting them off is kind of the same thing right?) 

So finally I couldn't put it off any longer, I HAD to get to them.  Rush to town, get pictures taken, call friends and ask them to verify my ID, express post them off to be processed.  Done.

Brushing my teeth yesterday, I glanced at the calender humm no word from the passport office, perhaps I'll call them.... I sent in 3 passports - left off employment information on mine and forgot to get husband to sign kiddos!  

Now I'm in a panic waiting for kiddos to be returned via Canada Post so I can take a day off work and drive to St John's and pay the rush charges.

Yep some days I can be a really dummy....

Celebrate the small things - Feb 8 edition

Week 2 of my joining Celebrate the Small things its still pretty simple, Friday post something you want to celebrate achieving/doing that week...

This week I am celebrating passing 400 followers!  (thank you) Woot Woot!   Hubby's Birthday on the 2nd of Feb, and Kiddo getting a 97% on her science test.  

What are you celebrating?

Celebrate the Small Things - Feb 1st edition

I've decided to join in and Celebrate the Small things its pretty simple, Friday post something you want to celebrate achieving/doing that week. 

This week, I am celebrating that my fat butt has dropped 2.5 pounds, and I was only 1/2 hungry all week. :) yeah!!

Allow me to re-introduce myself..

As soon as I read the title of the bloghop, I began singing Sympathy for the Devil...I even started to change around the words, but I couldn't find anything to rhyme with orange... short and sweet this is me.

I am a girl who lives around the bay, in a small town where I can look out my window and see the ocean.  I have a 13 year old daughter full of hormones and attitude, a dog that spends all day snorting and farting, and I have a husband who annoys the shite out of me.... I wouldn't change a thing.   Hope you decide to stick around!

Would you like to re-introduce yourself?  Visit Stephen or  Mark and get on the list!

Dawn of the walking dead

Before I have my morning happy juice, I can easily be mistaken for a walker.  I stomp around the house with bits of leftover drool hanging from the corners of my mouth, balls of yellow sleep threatening to glue my eyes shut, hair uncombed and wildly knotted, unable to communicate in anything other than a string of unintelligible groans.

The pfft, shhh, splatt of caffeine sloshing down into my mug and the bitter aroma of the black liquid slowly beckon me back to humanity.  I know enough to slap two slices of bread into the toaster and push them down.

Slurppp...

The hot black liquid sloshes over my tongue, jolting my heart back to its normal rhythm.  The smell of slightly burnt toast permeates the air.  Still sluggish, I clumsily slather on the last of the homemade cherry jam and hoist it towards my mouth.

Chomp...

Splat!!!

Ahhhh....

All eyes are on the prize!  In one corner weighing in at 22.5 pounds Tina the Bean.   In the other corner lights flashing, Robot Vacuum.  Rounding off the competition is 1/2 zombie.   The tension is mounting, its going to be a tight race.

   

The winner is..... ME!  Zombie or not, its the LAST of the homemade cherry jam!  I'm not above eating floor toast.

  

This one's for you!

I just turned the last page of the book I am absorbed in.  I have no follow up on my kobo.  This week is dragging on forever.  I find myself in a stupor putting a tea bag into the toaster, and bread into my mug.  I must be coming down with something.  My cell phone beeps a message.

The message from my sister (aka Stupid Penguins)  reads:  "So I'm doing an assignment and researching abd randomly ends on this blog page.  I read away as I have an unhealthy love for blogs.  Eventually reads she's from here.  Killing me not to know who thus wity, delightful, funny genius is---/ it's dawn !"

She received the same text from a friend of hers from home, and forwarded it to me.  So... to the sender of the text, Thanks, I know who you are, and you made my night! (spelling mistakes and all)

** did anyone notice my reply "from who??"  I'm too modest to say shucks, I know I'm awesome! :)

what does it mean?

Husband and kiddo bought me this wine glass.  Are they sending me some sort of message??

1 blogfest, 4 favorites

 Ninja Captain Alex  is hosting another blogfest!  This time its One blogfest, four favorites!

List your favorite genre of:

Movie -  action.  Top Gun, Batman, Point Break, Gladiator, Troy, Braveheart, Indiana Jones, Rocky.  Fast paced with strong characters - what's not to like?

Music:  would have to be 90's rock/alternative. Pearl Jam, Guns N Roses, U2, Nirvana, Oasis, Cranberries, Metallica, The Offspring, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine,  Blind Melon, Wheezer.... they just won't make music like that anymore.

Books -  This is the hardest genre for me to pick from because my reading taste varies with my mood, and I often have multiple books on the go at the same time.... if I were to pick one it would have to say currently its YA.  The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, His Dark Materials, The Hobbit, The Maze Runner, Divergent, The Matched, Shiver, Creatures.  (I just notices they are all series)  

And a guilty pleasure genre from any of the three categories!

Romantic Comedies!  I Love romantic comedies! The Wedding Singer, 10 things I Hate About You, PS I love you, Sweet Home Alabama,  Reality Bites, There's Something about Mary, 13 going on 30, Bridget Jones, 40 Year Old Virgin, The Little Mermaid.  

Remember to check out this post, for you chance to be part of my Chocolate giveaway winner will be drawn Sept 30)

I'm that kid of girl!

I'm the kid of girl who wears snowman pajamas in the summer while wearing 2.5 inch red leather heels and drinks wine while sweeping the floor...

Know why? Because its my Birthday and I can do whatever I want :)