A little disappointed to be (wife of) a Tarheel

Butch Davis has been fired as head coach of the UNC Tarheels.  The only way you could have missed this news is if you have been under a rock for the last 18 hours.  I generally hate am not a big sports fan, but I have enjoyed Butch Davis' tenure at Carolina (Shhh...  Don't tell my husband. He will think he has converted me to a sports fan).  I am pissed upset furious annoyed disappointed.  What can be worse than that?  I suspect that I am not the only one.

Over the weekend, Butch Davis and others from UNC were at Pinehurst preparing for the beginning of the football season.  He was interviewed about his position and seemed to feel that the football program and University were moving on.  It is my understanding that the administration was behind Butch over the weekend, but what changed in two or three days?  Really?  What has changed since the NCAA sent the list of allegations a month ago?  NOTHING.  

I am not going to say that Chancellor Thorpe and AD Baddour shouldn't have made the decision to end Butch's tenure at Carolina, but they sure as hell heck could have picked a better time to do it.  Seriously.  Since last year, they have said they support Butch.  They both announced last November that Butch would be back.  Now, all of a sudden, there has been an epiphany and Butch had to go.  Training camp starts in a week; the first game is Labor Day weekend.  The timing could not be any worse. 

Here's my list of questions:

• Why continue to say that you are behind a head coach, but as soon as a new Board of Trustees is installed your tune changes?  (The Board of Trustees changed as of July 1.  Yesterday was their first meeting.  New members...  New chairman...)  I suspect that Davis was a scapegoat in this one. 
• If "...our academic integrity is paramount, and we must work diligently to protect it...", what are you going to do about the individuals that may have a part in this from the Academic Center and/or the general faculty?
• Can we, as Tarheels, really believe that this has nothing to do with the possibility that the University hopes this will help with sanctions in light of the NCAA investigation?
• This is nothing but pure punishment to the players that are supposed to start preseason next week.  As much as I want to be supportive of Carolina football, if I were one of the new recruits I would probably beg for someone else to take me.  It is almost like you are telling them you don't care.  You tell them that Butch Davis is going to be their coach, they are excited, they work their asses butts off and then you fire him.  Is that fair?  No.  These kids players have probably dreamed about playing college football since they were little boys in their grandmama's backyard.  I hope they can gain some of their enthusiasm back and do well this year. 
• What are you going to do with all the empty seats in the Blue Zone?  The Blue Zone was built on the heels of Butch's success.  We as Heels fans were excited.  Now, don't be surprised if you lose some season or regular season ticket sales. 

Even though Butch Davis is no longer Carolina's our coach, I still support him.  I believed it when he said that he did nothing wrong/didn't know about certain things and I will continue to believe him.  

My little message to Butch Davis:
You have been an awesome part of the Carolina tradition and family, even though there were some bumps in the road.  You handled losses and victories with class.  Your enthusiasm and support of the University was obvious in your actions.  I wish you all the best.     

Friend Makin' Monday - Defining Moments

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Defining Moments

Was there a defining moment in which you realized that you needed to lose weight?  If so, will you elaborate? (If you experienced this moment in some other area of your life, please feel free to share that too!)

I honestly can't say the exact day of the "defining moment".  I have worked on my weight and health in the past, but something was different in May 2010.  For some reason, that time it just clicked.  I made the decision to completely transform myself, both mentally and physically.  Why?

• I was back over 200 pounds and carrying it on my 5'4" frame. 
• I was getting close to turning 30 and I couldn't imagine continuing through life the way I had been.
• I was just plain unhappy with something in my life.

I immediately found a gym where I was comfortable and began slowly introducing new activities.  The next month, I started working out with a trainer and did a 10-day organic transformation diet.  In July, I learned about the NCRC women's beginner running program and joined.  I started talking with a therapist on a regular basis.  I focused on me and the things that I could do to help ensure that I am here for a long time with my husband, family and friends. 

It has been an amazing year.  Onward and upward to even more success!



A lot can happen in one year...

Wow.  That's pretty much a one-word summation of what has happened over the last year... In May of last year, I made a the decision to start taking better care of myself and transform myself. 


On July 24, 2010, I went on my first run with the NCRC women's beginner running program.  I enjoyed being surrounded by women that were like me - they had goals, they had something they wanted to accomplish, they were going to run and not give up.  It was great.  Through the group, I have met lots of awesome women that I believe are some of the best people to ever exist!


Quick summary of the year:

• July 24 - Began the NCRC women's beginner running program
• September 24 - 1st 5K ever (Women's Distance Festival)
• September to November - continued working out with my trainer and running
• November 6 - Completed my 2nd 5K (NC Lung Cancer Partnership 5K)
• November 7 - Served as a course monitor for the City of Oaks Half Marathon.  This served as reassurance that I could do a half marathon!
• November 25 - Completed my 1st 8K (Ridgewood Turkey Trot); I ran on Thanksgiving Day!  This was something I never thought I would do!
• November 30 - Recommitted for the last time to Weight Watchers!
• December 11 - Reindeer Romp 5K
• December 19 - Completed my first 10K with Sarah (on the Raleigh greenways)
• January 1 - I made some pretty darn good goals for the year.  The only thing I am concerned about conquering for the year is 700 miles. 
• January 31 - Dealt with my first bit of anxiety about my first half marathon
• April 2 - Completed the Cooper River Bridge Run
• May 14 - Completed my very first half marathon!!!!!
• June 11-13 - Took my hubs on a surprise birthday trip
• June 25 - Started volunteering for Dress for Success.  I love this opportunity to help women gain more confidence through finding clothes for interviews!
• July 2 - Had my first Green Monster and I loved it!
• July 16 - Completed the Beaufort Road Race 10K
• July 18 and 19 - First two runs as a volunteer for the NCRC women's beginner running program
• July 24 - ONE YEAR "Run-iversary"!!!

I feel like I have made awesome strides toward transforming myself.  I have gained a love of exercise/fitness that I never thought I would have.  I have lost right at 30 pounds since July 20 of last year.  I feel good about myself.  In fact, I feel better than good - I feel amazing!

If you are thinking about making changes in your life, you can do it.  Hell, if I can do it - anyone can.  You have people that have been where you are all over the place - there are blogs to prove it.  Here's to your success!

What's wrong with last, so long as you finish?

Jason and I were driving back to Raleigh from my hometown on Sunday afternoon.  We always stop at Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston on the way to/from the beach - it is a good halfway point and has super-clean restrooms. 

On Sunday, I saw a shirt on a gentleman that bothered me just a little.  Let me set up the situation though - 35-40 year old man, tall (probably 6'3" or a little taller), slim, athletic looking.  He had numbers on the back of his calves, etc.  My assumption is that he did a triathlon over the weekend and was heading back to his home. 

Anyway, the back of his shirt said "Don't be last."  For some reason, reading this on his shirt bothered me.  I guess part of it was because I had just finished a race the day before and finished last.  I worked hard to train for the Beaufort Road Race and completed the 10K, but still came in last.  It took me a little time, but I had to remember that I did the race and that was way more than I could do a year ago. 

So, here's my thinking... Even the best runner/athlete can be last.  If you take 4 elite runners and put them together to run a mile/5K/etc., one of them will come in first and one of them will come in last.  It's just how it has to be...  Despite the fact that we are all winners because we did the race, someone has to be the last to finish.

So, why such a stigma on being last?  I am not trying to be all "puppies and rainbows" about running, but why not some encouraging messages on the backs of shirts?  This could be motivation to the person wearing it, but also to the people that are behind them on the greenway, race course, etc.  It isn't about the time, it is about finishing.


Maybe some of the running companies can use messages like the messages below.  These are all courtesy of my awesome running buddy, Sarah.  She is one of the most encouraging, enthusiastic people I have ever met!

• You are full of AWESOME!!
• Most people can't do what you are doing! 
• While everyone else is asleep in bed, you are running!
• You're kicking ass and takin' names...
• What would your shirt say??

Friend Makin' Monday

I have been reading Kenlie's blog for a while and draw a lot of inspriration from the things I read.  I decided to participate in Friend Makin' Monday for the first time today.

Feel free to join in on the fun.  Just remember to go to Kenlie's blog and post your blog link in the comments section!  

FMM: Ten Random Questions

1) What do you like most about yourself?  If I put my mind to something, I succeed.  I guess you could call that stubborn too :-)

2) List three characteristics that you like to have in your friends. Flat-out honesty, loyalty, and compassion for others

3) How often do you brush your teeth? When I wake up, (usually) after meals, and before bed.  If I get an urge to eat something I shouldn't in the middle of the day, sometimes I brush then too.

4) If you could travel anywhere today, where would you go? Somewhere not as hot and humid as North Carolina...  Or somewhere to take a break from it all with my husband

5) Have you ever met anyone from the blog world in person? Not yet!

6) What is the last show you watched on TV? I watched a couple of DVR'd Big Brother episodes last night

7) What kind of perfume/cologne do you wear? I have several I love - Calvin Klein Intuition, D&G Light Blue, and Ralph Lauren Romance

8) How long ago did you complete your last workout? I ran with the NCRC Women's Beginner Running Program this morning. Lovin' being a volunteer this year!

9) What will you eat for dinner tonight? Chicken Divan, Lightened Up from SkinnyTaste and a steamed veggie

10) Share something fun that you did over the weekend.  The hubs and I headed to my hometown this weekend.  I participated in the Beaufort Road Race 10K on Saturday morning.  Saturday evening we had a cookout with my Mama's side of the family.  It was great to see everyone that we don't get to see that often!

Beaufort Road Race 10K

Sometimes you do a race because you want to beat a time.  Sometimes you want to run a race because you haven't completed that distance yet.  Sometimes you run a race to raise funds for a cause important to you.  Sometimes races are done to conquer a little "demon" in your soul.... 

For me, the Beaufort Road Race was that race.  I grew up on the coast of North Carolina, in the small town of Beaufort.  I loved growing up there and (sometimes) miss the quiet of the small town life.  For as long as I can remember, the Beaufort Ole Towne Rotary has sponsored a 10K/5K through town.  When I was a kid, I remember seeing signs advertising the race.  I also remember thinking it would be cool to do the race...  but since I was the little fat kid, I normally watched or went to the water station near my house to help pass out water to the runners.  

When I started running on July 24, 2010, I knew this race was one I wanted to complete.  When I started my blog, I added this race to my "fitness bucket list".  Exactly 51 weeks after I started running, I completed the Beaufort Road Race 10K!  

Earlier last week, I was very concerned about the race.  I posted a message or two on Facebook to see if anyone I knew would be doing the race - no one responded.  Later in the week, I posted a message on Facebook about my fear of coming in dead last.  Thanks to some great encouragement from friends, I began to feel more confident about doing the race.

The weather for the race was beautiful...  but humid.  I was sporting my cute new Moving Comfort "Alexis" tank and I had my Nathan water belt ready to go.  My Daddy dropped me off at the courthouse around 7:25 that morning.  He headed back home to meet up with Jason to go to a place on the course to cheer me on.  I wandered around downtown, enjoying being downtown when there was relatively little hustle-and-bustle.  About 7:50, I got behind the starting line toward the back.  At 8 a.m., the gun fired and we were off.

Around mile 1.3, I passed the road that connects my neighborhood area to Front Street (Leonda Drive).  I saw Jason and my Daddy standing and cheering.  I was "in the groove" with my music and smiled, waved and kept on running.  Around mile 2.75, I passed the other side of Leonda Drive (at Lennoxville Road).  Evidently J asked if I would marry him again.  I didn't hear anything because I had my music going full blast, but my Daddy got it on video.  It was pretty funny.

By the time I reached the water at mile 3, I was starting to get hot.  I wasn't really thirsty, but my face was burning up.  I ended up taking a cup of water and pouring it on my face.  It helped a ton!  I repeated this at miles 4 and 5.  I didn't realize how much cooling my face and chest off would help.

The entire time, I had 3 ladies behind me.  From mile 3 on, I turned occasionally to see if they were still there.  They had been there, but kept falling further and further back.  When I got to 5.25/5.5 miles, I turned around to see who was still behind me.  Well, they weren't there.  You know what that meant?  If those three ladies were not still behind me, I was going to be last.  I started to panic.  My worst race fear was becoming a reality. 

I realized that this race was about me, not the people behind me.  As much as the thought of being last frustrated me, I kept on truckin'.  As I got closer to the finish line, there were people cheering and being so encouraging.  I finished the Beaufort Road Race in 1:19:59.  I had a goal to finish in less than 1:20 and I did it - one second less, but I did it! 

I had a little bit of a hard time dealing with finishing last yesterday.  After I thought more throughout the day about how far I have come in one year, I was happy with the result.  I am actually going to write another post tomorrow or later this week about being last because of a shirt I saw today. 

Looking forward to doing the Beaufort Road Race again next July!!

This post is brought to you by the letter "H"

Hormones - If you are a guy reader, you may wish to skip this part...  For some reason, my hormones have been all out of wack the past week.  This can be a positive and a negative, depending on who you are in my life.  If you are one of my close girlfriends, you have probably had to listen to my whining about many things; the hubs has been "treading lightly" so as not to bring on a hormone-induced rant.  It has been interesting to say the least, but it is finally dying down. (Thank God!)

Heat/Humidity - I have been trying to get up at 5:15 several mornings and week for the past few weeks to get in a few quick miles.  The first two weeks weren't so bad, but this week sucked.  At 5:40 in the morning, it has been almost 80 degrees.  This is the type of run that makes you wonder why in the hell you are even out there.  It equals = totally sweaty within 4 minutes; no water after about 10; giving up after 1.5 miles and being mad at yourself.  Hopefully some of the heat/humidity will calm down or this chick will have to get up at 3 a.m. to run.

Hills - The hubs and I live in a part of town called "North Hills".  I have been following a certain straight out-and-back route for my weekday morning runs from home.  On Tuesday, I decided to try going through some of the neighborhoods around me.  It felt great to have a change of scenery at first.  Then, there came the monster hills - no bueno.  Needless to say, I definitely learned why the area is called "North Hills" and now totally believe that the area needs a new name because that is the biggest understatement.

I am sure there are more "H" things I can write about...  Hope you are all well!!

New favorite - Green Monsters

I love to read blogs of other folks that are focused on their healthy lifestyle and fitness journeys.  One thing that I have seen over and over on the blogs is the infamous Green Monster. 

The Green Monster is pretty simple.  It's a smoothie that has a base of spinach or kale.  They are supposed to be so wonderful for you - increase energy, decrease oils and fats, cravings change from sweets to fruits/veggies, etc.

Last week I bit the bullet and bought a blender and set out to figure out what all the hub-bub was about.  I scoured the Internet for recipes, etc.  I found tons of variations and made my first Green Monster on Saturday morning.  The first one was pretty darn good, but I did learn that I need a little bit of liquid to make it blend well, etc. I have made three more since Saturday and I think I have finally found my favorite combination:

• 1 (6 oz.) container of fat free vanilla yogurt
• 2-3 good handfuls of fresh spinach
• a handful of shredded carrots or other veggies (if I have them)
• 2 tablespoons of finely ground flax seed
• 1-2 cups of frozen fruit (this week, I have used a combination of strawberry, mango and peach)
• a splash of water (probably less than 1/4 cup)

The combination above has about 6 Weight Watchers Points Plus values for a huge serving.  It almost fills my 24-ounce Tervis Tumbler and is a delicious start to the day.  While I don't think I will be jumping on the Green Monster every single day of the week bandwagon, I have found a new fun meal/snack. 

Any suggestions on other combinations?

Update on the thumb, etc.

I went to my primary care physician on Wednesday afternoon to have my stitches removed from my thumb.  When she was examining my thumb, she said "...Wow...  I am surprised the doctor at the urgent care didn't send you to the ER.  This is one of the worst cuts I have seen in a long time..."  She fixed me and bandaged me back up.  I will have to wear a little non-stick pad and a wrap on my thumb for at least a month, but at least the stitches are out.  She said as I was leaving "...Maybe you should stay away from the mandolin in the future..."  Of course, my response was "You think?  No doubt about that!"  Glad that my thumb is on the mend, but quite annoyed that it will be bandaged up for a while longer.  Oh well...

Well, it is Friday afternoon of the Independence Day holiday weekend.  Jason and I are going to run a few errands after work and do our grocery shopping.  Tomorrow, we are planning to head to the outlets in Mebane.  The last time we went, we didn't have a good amount of time to look around, etc.  We're hoping the outlets won't be too crowded - hopefully everyone will be at the beach or at the lake. 

On Sunday and Monday, we have only a few things on the agenda - relax, sit by the pool, and eat yummy homemade food (and drink delicious beer, of course!).  I cannot wait.  One of my favorite parts of living in our condo complex is the pool.  Most of our neighbors are older.  This means a few things for us, considering that we are the youngest people in the complex - quiet neighbors, clean buildings, and no one is ever at the pool!  I am looking forward to celebrating the Independence Day holiday and working on my tan.

At some point this weekend, I must get back to running.  I ran on Thursday morning and I could definitely tell that I had not run since the previous Saturday morning.  The Beaufort Road Race 10K is in 2 weeks and I am concerned I am not going to be able to do it.  My plan is to try to get in 6 to 8 miles this weekend.