 I'll need to take a break from glorious runs.... It's been far too long my fellow Trackers of Teeny. Much to my dismay, my body decided something for me: NO MORE RUNNING. Last week I completed a joyous 4 mile run. My knee then showed me how it felt about such activity with spasms of pain and tenderness. FINE BODY, I'll listen to you and your silly demands. To say I wasn't disappointed is a gross understatement. I love running and the way it calms my mind and focuses my energy. Despite this minor setback, I refuse to let this derail me from my active goals.First things first, I took a nice exercise break, advised by my Dad. After a good rest, I indulged in some lovely Yoga Sessions and walks but something was missing. And then I realized, I needed some new cardio to spice it up. My road to recovery....
 Let's all cheer for new cardio!!!! Teeny's Entrance to Low Impact Cardio-I purchased a Bike. (That's right, I bought a brand new guy to take me out on the road)-Attended Power and Hot Yoga-Therapeutic walks-A date with the lake I'm really excited about the new possibilities in cardio (and picking up my new bike on Saturday!) Though I can't run for a while, it will be nice to discover my new workarounds! How do you keep active without running?
 Are you ready for the Monster Bash Dash? Just the other day, I was writing about being bored with my workout routine. Never one to take boredom likely, I swiftly came up with a new way to spice it up. Still, I was left wanting more. Sigh, if only there was some race to look forward to. And then, it hit me: MONSTER DASH!This epic excursion will bring the needed adventure and push I need to train. In less than a month, Zombies and Monsters will be chasing me through the woods, ready to attack an unsuspecting Teeny. This just might be the motivation I need to increase my speed, eh? To make it even better, the race director just released the Monster Map below! Take a peak:
 Join us!!!!!!!!!! How can you read this and not INSTANTLY become excited. Crawler Zombies and a Blood Balloon Toss? GET OUTTA HERE MONSTER DASH!!!!!Still on the fence? The Monster Dash Includes:-Evening and Night 5k -Spooky Surprise Challenges-Monsters that chase you-Special Finisher T-Shirts -Monster Party-Face and Body Painting-Finisher Medals that GLOW IN THE DARK! On May 26th, you know where I'm going to be. Ready to prove your strength? Join by following this link. Need more of an incentive? Use the promo code CPUCF for 15% off!!!!!! When are you going to sign up???
 What's on the menu for your run?
So, I've been dragging some major..........rumpus lately. Sleeping in, skipping runs and hating life. Since I'm only 2 weeks into my Half Marathon Training, I'd say this is a great sign. (LIES!)
When I started training with my group and reading about Marathon runners, I slowly became hopelessly insecure. Negative Nancy took a seat on my couch and wouldn't leave. (Jerk) Everytime I went running, super positive thoughts danced in my head:
-You aren't fast enough
-You'll never be able to run 13.1 miles
-People have started later than you and are already better
-You're not an athlete
 Reconnecting with my nature, hippie roots was all I needed. With uplifting Negative Nancy on my side, surely I'd be able to self motivate, right? Not so much. The Dr.'s orders? A run for one. Since I missed my morning run and my partners were busy, I went on a mini run by myself yesterday. While running, it finally hit me why I lost my mojo. (Hello 90's) I completely lost track of why I ran in the first place. I never ran to be a crazy athlete or to compete. Initially, I ran for the escape. The way it felt to run away the day's stress, to get in touch with nature (WARNING: Hippie Alert) and escape the walls of an office, even if it only was for an hour. The next Dr.'s orders? Apply a meditation technique to my run to get back to my nature, running loving roots. This meditation technique has you take in your current surroundings by going through all of the 5 senses. It helps one to relax and teaches you to be in the moment. (WARNING: Hippie Alert) When I applied it to yesterday's journey, I rediscovered my joy of running. Here's what I noticed in my experiment: 5 Senses Run- Sight- Seeing the beautiful trees, sunset and glistening water in the lake
- Touch- Feeling my feet hit the ground and breeze cooling my face
- Hearing- Hearing birds chirp and the wind whizzing past the trees
- Smell- Smelling the crisp, cooler air and freshly cut grass (Not really COOL but cooler for Florida)
- Taste- Tasting the sweet, melon gum I was noshing on (Hard to find taste when running.....unless you eat bugs. Yum.)
 With views like this, how can I not utilize my 5 senses and enjoy the run? Insert Sigh of relief. Yes, I had the best run ever. Nature sedated me and I managed to kick Negative Nancy out and get back to my roots. And this morning's run? Well, let's just say my partner and I killed 4 miles with a modest 9.57 pace. Thoughts of running now? Sweaty and satisfying. :) If you also are feeling a little drag and need a push, I urge you to add the 5 Senses technique to your run. And if you're not feeling a run, it's a great way to decompress after a long day. Interested in learning more, read about it here. (You know you want to) My little exercise added the fire to my feet and I can't wait till the next one. My run tomorrow? Well, I won't be snoozing through it. Food for thought: How do you add the fun back to your run?
 I didn't want to, but afterwards, I was happy!
"You know you want to run. I mean run is just one letter away from fun! Too bad that letter is an f....."
Yes, my brother coined that little phrase while I was dragging......rumpus. <------- Attempt to NOT curse :)
Now yesterday, I was unenthused. You coudn't bribe me with the biggest piece of chocolate cake (and I'm a fattie for cake) to complete my 3 mile run.
But, guess what happened? My stupid (awesome) running partner and stupid brother (awesome) pushed me to run with them. AND since I did sign up for that STUPID Half Marathon, I HAD to stay on track.
So begrudginly, I ran. The entire time, I yelled, "Oh, I love to run." Obviously, VERY sarcastically.
 The light at the end of the tunnel: The inspiring view! About 2/3 of the way through, I was having fun, dancing and fist pumping like I was listening to a Journey song.
DAMMIT! I was having a blast as the day's stressors melted away while I took in the beautiful surrounding nature of Baldwin Park.
As the sun set, I realized what I overcame: MYSELF. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to anything is you and your stinky, cranky thoughts! My built in reinforcements:
-Partners
-A race to keep me accountable
-A set schedule to follow
All these things kept the Tantrums of Teeny at bay. Even with my crank, we were able to keep a 10:11 pace. Not bad for a Negative Nelly.
If I missed the run, I would have missed the breathtaking view and gotten off track. (And "fun" coined by my brother)
How do you overcome you?
PS My friend and brother aren't stupid. I was using some literary magic to depict my mood.
PPS Can you tell why my friends call me Teeny? My running partner is a little taller. :)
 At one of the obstacles. This is a candid smile! Ah....it's Monday and it's marvelous. No Manic Monday over here, even though I'm still waddling my way around work. (Thanks Crossfit!) I was so sore that I had to push my Half Marathon Training run to after work. The best thing about Monday isn't laughing at my walking waddle . Oh no, I just found out I have a fun race to prep me for my big run That's right, I'm getting in touch with my Scottish/Irish roots and rocking out The Highlander in Bartow, FL. on October 15th.
 The slack rope left me laughing and cursing! Can I tell you how much fun this race was in July? (This is the 2nd of the series) But seriously! Some of the BEST obstacles I have EVER experienced were in the first one and I'm told it's going to EVEN BETTER this time. And believe me, I'm a Mud Race Extraordinaire! The Highlander had THE BEST slide, rope walks and I even passed a huge cow! (Unintended obstable but GREAT nonetheless!) Talk about obstacles! If you're in Florida....you'd best be there.
 Good thing I have a sturdy neck...and was laughing! So. Much. Fun. Do you like getting dirty and staying active? Want to start? Tada! Here it is. Everyone is at different levels but they're all there for the same thing: FUN! Now, I'm off to be extreme (and eat di. It's hot...that's what makes it EXTREME!) Take this little nugget of knowledge for the road: "The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play." -Arnold Toynbee
 Me "Pushing It." Can you tell I'm afraid of heights?
You know what day it is? You KNOW I'm getting down on Friday. (I won't sing it I promise... maybe hum it...)
Friday is lovely because it's the end of the week (Holler), the weekend is peaking out to say hello AND the day to share or conquer a fear!
That's right reader, don't stop, GET IT, GET IT!
As you know, I started my Half Marathon Training. Believe it or not...that was ME conquering a fear. Allow me to bequeath to you a little backstory
*Insert Musical Interlude*
 No really...I am! I'm that red lady zipping by
Read About My Fears (Gosh, I'm a smidgen self centered....but it is my blog.....) - I'm actually afraid of pushing myself past my limits because.....I'm afraid of failing
- I don't like competition
- I freeze up if I'm watched (Funny, coming from an actor)
 Oh..and I am afraid of being watched. How I Conquered these Fears- I ran with guys that PUSHED me to run faster. I get nervous about getting out of breath or having to walk (Failure in my mind) BUT I pushed through and sped up my average mile time
- I ran with a larger group and mentally competed/made sure I kept up with them
- While climbing with a large audience, I took a HUGE fall. Normally I would have quit BUT, I made myself finish.
Now these don't seem like huge accomplishement (especilly when I read about Ultra Marathoners and EXTREME climbers) BUT....I conquered MY fears and that's all that matters. Click Play for motivation. You're Welcome! Now answer me this question: How are you going to push it and conquer your fears this week?
 I went from doing stuff like this. Never ran EVER! I get a lot of people asking, "Wow, how do you run races?" "How do you get the motivation to do them?" At first, I was hesitant to divulge my crazy, top secret, SPECIAL way of getting involved. BUT, since my mission is to inspire and encourage others, I GUESS I can share. I mean, I'm not the KFC Colonel (but his money sounds nice) so I suppose I'll let you all in. Are you ready? Wait for it...wait for it......NOW!
 I was in plays...I didn't do outside How to Run Races- Pick a Race (look online, ask friends, go to the gym to inquire)
- Sign up for one
- Find a training schedule (Online or in a book)
- Run when your schedule says you should
You're welcome. :) No seriously, it really is THAT easy (Motions above with head) And guess what, if you aren't a runner...that's fine too. You can walk! There are even Couch to 5k programs. Just make some moves, pick a goal or race and take ACTION!
 And now, I run races. It was that easy. So when are you going to sign up for your next race?
Let these quotes swirl around your noggin....maybe take ACTION?
"Action- the commitment to achieving a single goal."
"I'll try is to excuse oneself in advance."
Thanks David Mamet for the quotes. Oh...and thank you reader for taking his advice and mine. :)
Wait...do I hear running thoughts running in your brain. Good. Good. (Rubs hands together maniacally)
I made the move: Actor to Adventurer. Now it's your turn. Tag...you're it!
 When you run races, you get to hang with hotties! It's been going on for quite some time. We didn't mean for this to happen, but we're in love. It's not you, Friday nights spent at bars, it's me. I wanted a change and we just stumbled upon each other. It wasn't intentional, but we're going to be together forever. I'm sorry.
I'm not talking about a lover, (but we are kind of in love.) I'm talking about RACES!
I began training for my Half Marathon on Monday and I'm kicking it's rumpus! Today, my running crew was up at the butt crack of dawn working it! If you haven't ran a race, I STRONGLY suggest you jump on the train. (And ride it....WOO WOO!)
Races are SOOOOOO addicting. Until I signed up for my Half, I was getting itchy! Seriously, they're like crack BUT, you don't loose any teeth.
 Action shot of my butt working it this morning! AND, you don't have to be an extreme athlete to do them. I am far from an athlete, I just wanted a change! If you want a fun way to get fit, pick a beginner one and start today. Hurdle through Hump day by making the move. From this morning's run (3 miles) I got to see the sunrise, feel a breeze, receive a jolt of adrenaline, converse with pals AND get fit at the same time. My legs are sore but my adrenaline is pumping. Working like this even makes sticking to my diet (No white carbs, added sugar or diet sugars) easy. Who knew exercising and taking care of yourself would feel so good AND be beneficial. (Thanks Captain Obvious!). Interested in learning how to start on the Health Train and race? Tomorrow my friend....tomorrow.!
 My beautiful friend, sister and Mother to be. This weekend was filled with to the brim with adventure and excitement. Typically when I say adventure, I'm sure your brain immediately goes to mud, running and sun.
However, this excursion was a quieter one BUT, was more amazing than any of my typical excursions. This Saturday, I drove to Deltona to see my beautiful sister prepare for the biggest adventure of her life: having a little girl.
Seeing the parents to be glow with glee touched my heart in a way that I could not believe. Sometimes, slowing down to take in life's blessings is one of the best adventures we can take. I'm so glad I took the time to breathe in life with people I love so much!
 Our out of focus run this morning!
Active Adventure!
After recovering from the overdose of warm fuzzies and fun, I have to get a little extreme as I embark on my next crazy sojourn: training for my Half Marathon.
It all started this morning! AH! Welcome 6 AM and my new routine:
 Excited feet, ready to run! Our faces..not so much. New Routine- Getting used to waking up at 6 AM, 4 days a week
- Running 3 miles, 4 times a week
- 2 nights of Rock Climbing for strength training
- 1 day of Yoga to stretch it out
- 1 night of fun Swing Dancing!
- Alter my diet- Cut out refined sugars, diet sugars and white carbs!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPP! Here we go! "Don't be just another member of society, be a living example of your dreams and goals!"
 There will be more pre- race photos So, I've always wanted to run races. I'd look at all those cool, buff people who would walk around with their chest puffed out as if to say,
"Yeah, I'm extreme. I ran a race. Oh, and my abs can also be used as a cheese grater. So what?"
I used to be painted with the crank brush, annoyed that I wasn't cool enough to sign up and train for races. THEN, I had an epiphany. All I had to do was...wait for it...wait for it...SIGN UP FOR A RACE AND TRAIN. Yeah, that was so hard. As easy as signing up online, I too could join the active athletes.
 I'll be earning a few more of these too! So, I did it. With the help of some running partners, I signed up for my very first 1/2 Marathon, The Space Coast Marathon in Cocoa Beach, FL. How on the earth do I manage to train? Well, I put one foot in front of the other and run. I know, I'm talking crazy sauce. Also, I plan on following the Marathon Rookie Training Guide. I shall begin working on creating my own personal cheese grater Monday, September 12th. EEEEEEEEP!* When are you going to sign up for yours? AND if you want to run with some awesome peoples......let me know. :)
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