Meet Janice: Road to AC70.3

Everyone, meet Janice. She is the one who is going to have to put up with me most over the next250+ days. With unusual 60 degree temperatures in January, there was NO WAY I was going to run inside on the treadmill on a day like that. So we packed up our cars and headed to Fischers Park. Janice's babygirl, Brooklyn, tagged along with us and she did amazing in the jogging stroller. I have a feeling she's going to have to get use to it because IRONmama Janice will most likely be bringing her on more runs than not. It was great to see Janice experience what I do during Ainsley's Angels events pushing.



Brooklyn is a great little distraction and her laughing when we laugh is the cutest thing in the world. I got to pick Janice's brain a little bit and see where she is mentally as we go into this journey called Ironman.

Post-run I hung out at the dark for a little and did my meditation there. With a backdrop like that, how could I not.

I can't help but let doubt creep into my mind every so often...I'm not strong enough....I'm not fit enough...I'm not capable of doing this. Doubt is the worst thing, but it's digging deep and facing that demon head on and saying YES I CAN that will get me through my darkest days of training.

Things are happy go lucky right now but give it a few weeks and tougher days are ahead. But I've learned to appreciate my efforts and believe in me. YES I CAN!!!

V is for View from the Single Lane

I’ve only known Vickie for less than a year, but I feel like I’ve known her my entire life. It is pretty crazy how people come into your life and make such an IMPACT the moment you meet. Her positive energy, drive for life and humor are only a FEW of my favorite things. From bike riders, running, and drinking beer, she's one of the best friends to have on YOUR team. Today, Vickie takes us into the single world and she explains her life perfectly. Keep being that social butterfly.

V is for View from the Single Lane
By Vickie Reinecker 

I feel like I should start this piece off with a disclaimer.  “If you, the reader, are in a relationship of any kind that precludes you from defining yourself as single, please know that I am happy for you!  I am in no way discounting your lifestyle by seemingly bragging about mine.”

Okay, with that said, my (single) life ROCKS!  That statement, that truth, was a long time in coming.  As a young girl, I had the typical boyfriend/husband/motherhood dreams that my friends had; that my parents, in their close-minded “don't you dare be different” mentality, were sure would happen for their little girl. My parents should have had a clue that this “American dream” might not happen since I was notorious for not following “the rules”!

Labeled at an early age as a social butterfly in a disparaging way by a teacher, I was admittedly more interested in talking and socializing than in my studies.  That “flaw” would become the foundation of strength that got me to this point in my life.

When it became apparent in my mid-thirties that “the one” might not exist for me (much to the dismay of friends who continuously set me up on dates after a long-term relationship ended at age 28), I took serious inventory of my current status.  Was it possible to be happy on my own?  All of the people in my world were in pairs.  I'd be the odd man out.  The third wheel.  If a relationship/marriage/kids were not in my future, what then?
 
The answer was yes!  That social butterfly “flaw” meant that I was blessed to have maintained many of the friendships that otherwise would have gotten lost in the aftermath of a long-term breakup...you keep some, you lose some.  I realized, in the most cliché way, that I was the master of my destiny.  My happiness was my choice!  And I chose to be happy whether in a relationship or single.  As fate would have it, thank goodness I did because I've been single for more years than I've been part of a couple!

This epiphany came at a time that my closest friends were having children.  What timing!  Need a date night?  Call Vic!  Sleep deprived from walking the floor with the newest addition?  Call Vic!  She'll sleep over and get up with that little munchkin all night long!  I loved those years!  I got the good and not so good aspects of babies/toddlers and developed the best Aunt VeeVee relationship with six of this planet's most awesome kids, who are now almost all teenagers, starting to drive, date, etc.  Maybe it's time for me to enforce some distance...just kidding kiddos!!

All along, I have never felt that I was missing out on something.  That's a typical misconception of some couples, by the way.  How can you be happy single?  See how happy we are?  Don't you want this happiness?  I've had a “taste” of that happiness and let's just say we aren't all destined to like the same thing--kind of like pizza toppings!
 

I also got good, in my opinion, at being “that” friend.  The go-to friend.  The listener.  The sympathizer/empathizer.  I believe that because my day-to-day life is as drama-free as one can get, I have the extra capacity to listen, love, support and empower.  Not that I'm better than anyone else, I just have the luxury of being available and accessible when a friend calls.  You get 100% because nothing else is taking up my time and I acknowledge how blessed I am that that is my reality!  Had a tough day at work and need a drink and an ear to vent to and your other friends are running kids to practice/games, making dinner, etc.?  Call Vic!  Chances are she'll make you go for a run before that drink, but hey, it can't all be about you!!

A friend once sent me a meme that said, “It's not that I'm bad at relationships, I'm just incredibly good at being single!”, and the moment I decided to be happy no matter my relationship status was when I realized what I was good at...friendship!  My single status has blessed me with more in-depth friendships, not just acquaintances, and those friendships are my world.  Just like your spouse or your kids or your career are yours.  I can honestly say that while I am alone, I am not lonely.  Read that again.  I did.  It brings me to tears of joy to realize that I don't just say that flippantly but in all honestly.  It's especially true this past year.  So many ups and downs (not drama, just life) and the people I have met through running have, in my opinion, been the reward for my hard work!

I have an awesome life!  It just happens to be a single life and I am more than okay with that!  So if you encounter a “single by choice” person, please do not assume that something is wrong with them or that they can't possibly be that happy alone!  Instead, grab a net and capture that social butterfly!  I promise you, she will be the friend to change your view!

Another Race Season Gone

In 8 days, another running race season will be in the books. Where in the world did the time go?

When I look back at my race season last year, it was full of monumental achievements, with personal records set, and determination to better my overall health. My drive, passion and commitment to running pushed over into 2015 finding the most perfect running group and making a goal for myself of running 15 race in 2015.

Long story short -- 15 races did not happen in 2015 AND I fell off the healthy bandwagon PRETTY
fast. After a tough half marathon in February and heartbreak of not PRing in it, my motivation fell. (As many of your read in my blog post, it's linked below) I think this happened for a reason because running in 2015 became for another reason....to help others.

While I may have not ran 15 races this year, I did compete in 8 events, one being very monumental for me, my first triathlon. This year I participated in the Be Amazo 10k, Quakertown Rotaty 10-Miler, Love Run Half Marathon, Brooklyn Half Marathon, Sandy Hook Triathlon, Runners World 5k, Philadelphia Rock n Roll Half Marathon on Halloween, and the PennSuburban Chamber 5k in December. I opted to sit out the Broad Street Run this year and with cash being tight, I had to strategically create my race calendar.

But despite all of the races and all of the miles, this year meant so much more to me. I made tons of new friends, rekindled a friendship with one, and I had the ability to watch and HELP a few fellow runners have a successful running year.

To my RUN Club-ers - I can not thank you enough for welcoming me into such an amazing, supportive and hysterical group of individuals. I wrote my first blog post about The Club on December 18 and I can say I'm still just as obsessed with you all now as I was that first day. This group has taught me that each and every one of us is an amazing and talented runner, and with the support of each other, we can accomplish ANYTHING! It doesn't matter your pace or your preferred distance, there is ALWAYS someone willing to run along side you. When injury comes our way, we have DOZENS of friends giving their support, prayers and motivation to keep our heads up when we're in a dark place. I love you all! Xo

To my dear friend Janice, I can not thank you enough for introducing me to the wonderful world of Triathlons. Our friendship dates back to second grade and here we are today, being a dynamic duo yet again despite several years of loosing touch. Your support, advice and friendship is something I cherish, and I can't thank you enough for opening my eyes to new possibilities and new adventures. You've made me realize I CAN do anything I put my mind to, and you helped me overcome my fear of getting eaten by a shark during the swim portion. :) I can't wait to Stroke It, Ride It, Pound It with you in 2016 -- watch out bitches, here we come!

Monica, I can not express into words how proud I am of you and all you have accomplished so far this year. I know you've told me many times how grateful you are that I introduced you to the RUN Club, but I'm grateful I've gained you as a friend. I hope you dont have me for yelling at you to "don't

stop running, do it for Jake!". I've been so honored to run by your side and help you train for some big races on your 2015 race schedule. Congrats! YOU need to be proud of yourself! Just like we are all proud of you.

Last and certainly not least, my dearest Taylor -- we are nearly a week away from your FIRST HALF MARATHON! What started out as a shot in the dark ask for 4 family remembers to run this race with me, you are the only one who stuck with it. Being able to run beside you, train you and witness all of your hardwork makes me fall more and more in love with you. Your determination and drive is something I've always cherished about you and it is great to witness it first hand. This half isn't even about me, it's about you! I can't wait to watch you cross that finish line and see that medal around your neck. I am so proud of you, my heart could burst.