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Posts from the ‘About me’ Category

Apr 2

People all over the world. Join hands.

For anyone who knows me, I am the WORST at lyrics. A few examples:

  • I used to sing “Bye bye, miss American Pie. Put the pedal to the medal and then we say goodbye”
  • I also was convinced Katy Perry’s song “Wide Awake” was actually “Runaway”
  • This weekend I sang Black Keys’ song “Lonely Boy” with the opener “Well I so adore you”
  • And also, while trying to be witty, I sang “Isn’t Ironic” with the final line of the chorus as “And who would have thought, it’s simple”

I bring this to your attention given the title of this post. It was originally “People everywhere, grab hands” until I googled it. :) I am no lyrical gangsta.

——

I am taking a break from running today to talk about my Woman of the Year campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I committed to take on this 10-week challenge a few months ago and with the help of an incredible team, we have been pounding the pavement hard to raise as much money as possible for this incredible cause. Five weeks in and we are close to my halfway goal. But there is a long way to go. I’ve got miles to go before I sleep.

In the next 5 weeks, my team and I have planned five events:

I hope you will consider attending!

And I still need your help! For our date auction, I need as many donations possible. We are looking to create unique and fun experiential date packages so want gift cards to restaurants, bars, tickets to games, shows, concerts. If you know of someone who can help or if you can donate yourself, please let me know!

And of course – we need dollar dollar bills ya’ll.

Please watch our halfway video of my good friends Gwyn and Jenn as they share memories of their father who passed away from Lymphoma. It’s a beautiful story and should inspire everyone to empty their pockets.

GndJ

 

Gwyn and Jenn’s Blood Cancer Story

 

It takes a village. People everywhere. Grab hands. Let’s do this. Thank you for your support.

Feb 26

Trip recap!

This past week, JD and I were lucky enough to head to Grand Cayman for 4 days. The trip was the ExactTarget Top Performer’s Club incentive event and after attending this year, I can tell you that it is absolutely an incentive.

The resort (Ritz Carlton) was fabulous. The food delicious. The drinks tropical. The company SO much fun.

On Day 1, we went snorkeling off the dock at Hammerheads and saw some crazy big fish! That night we ate at the Wharf where I got to feed the tarpon! Those suckers were massive and hungry.

monsters!

monsters!

here fishy fishy fishy!

here fishy fishy fishy!

On Day 2, we both went for a run on the beach. Then we spent half the day at the pool and the rest on the beach. We found this ingenious floating Styrofoam table tethered about 20 feet off the shore in the water and relaxed for hours there with another couple. As my friend Mel says, all the world’s problems could be solved on those tables. That night we attended the opening beach party!

running

running

iconically orange

iconically orange

On Day 3, we had a private area of the beach so I finished a great book (The Secret Keeper) and JD and I went paddlboarding for the first time! I played 4 games of beach volleyball before we got ready for dinner. That night we went with my team to Royal Palms and took over the dancefloor!

shade time

shade time

channel team TPC

channel team TPC

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the crew

On the last day, we got on a boat and headed to Stingray City. We swam with stingrays! I got bit by one. I also held “Sophie” and kissed her (which was pretty gross actually). We spent the rest of the morning/early afternoon on the boat, drinking rum punch and laughing with our new friends. That night, we had our ET presentation and fancy dinner. We ended up back in our room with another couple playing catchphrase into the wee hours of the morning!

285251_10151302987570893_1059183799_n

 

JD and me.

JD and me.

Charlie bit me!

Charlie bit me!

my girls

my girls

It was an incredible trip. I didn’t want to leave GC and contemplated extending the trip. But oh no…..I had reality to face. Like the 37 degree, pouring rain weather to run in this morning.

 

Meg and I this morning. Gross.

Meg and I this morning. Gross.

Oh to go back in time to just a few days ago……

Thanks ExactTarget and all the people who made this trip so much fun.

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Nov 2

10 Comments

How to master the race photo.

Yesterday, I saw a tweet from John Bingham which posted an article about the dreaded race photo. You can read the article here.

I loved reading this because after 9 marathons and countless other races, I have had my fair share of really bad running pictures. I can’t tell you how many times I have been on a major marathon high a few days after the race and then I get the email “Your marathon photos are ready!” I eagerly click as I am always confident that the pictures will be a visual representation of how I felt: strong, powerful (and skinny!) legs. Smiling, yet determined face. A gazelle-like stride – feet barely touching the pavement.

And yet more often than not, the pictures look like this.

uh oh

Or, I look like I am not even running.

I SWEAR I am running in this picture

Or I look like I am dying.

please don't make me take one more step

So after enough of these pictures, I have adopted a few strategies that help me get the best race picture possible. Maybe you’re like my husband who no doubt has never once thought about a race photographer and just naturally produces amazing race pics (granted, he actually runs like a gazelle so it’s not a fair comparison).

floating feet

But for the rest of us….take these tips with you for your next race to increase your chances of getting the best picture yet.

First: SEEK OUT THE CAMERA. If you don’t see it, you won’t be able to prepare. And failing to plan means planning to fail in your picture. Typically you’ll see the cameras about halfway through the course and at the finish. When you see that lens, give yourself space. If you’ve been drafting off the person in front of you by creepily running right behind them, distance yourself. Make sure the camera has a chance to see you and your Bib #.

Well strategized for the camera

Second: SMILE. I don’t care if you just threw up. I don’t care if your hips are screaming at you and your feet are on fire. If you want a good race picture, you fake it. Shoulders back, big smile. Maybe even do some jazz hands.

smiling faces

hello race fans! Look at how much fun I am having!

get outta my picture, blue shirt!

Now if your goal is to look like a badass in your pictures, then you must play aloof. Don’t you dare look right into that lens. You are too good of a runner to care about pictures. Shoulders back, abs in, fierce eyes, serious face. Give that camera the cold shoulder.

I don't even see you camera. I am trying to win here, ok?

determined runner

Third: PICK UP YOUR FEET. If you don’t want to look like you’re walking, then you best do some butt-kicks and lengthen your stride. If you hurt, suck it up. It’s only a few seconds. Pretend you’re running on nails or being chased. Just at least “look” like an awesome runner no matter how you feel.

Excuse me while I pass you, green shirt

 

that's about as long as my stride gets :)

In the end, whether your pictures look good or not, the most important thing is that you finished a race. You lapped every single person who never got off their couch that day. You stood at the start line and did it not because someone told you to, but because YOU wanted to. You committed to. And some of those nasty race pictures will tell the true story of just how hard these races can be. The ones showing my pain may be my most treasured for that very reason. (But I’m sure not paying $39.99/photo for those (Thanks, Brightroom for your very reasonable prices.))

Best of luck to all the Monumental Marathoners tomorrow. I’ll be there cheering loud and proud and am wishing all of you perfect temperatures and the wind at your back. May your race be what you want and the pictures to tell the story.

Oct 30

5 Comments

I’m back….sort of

Hi friends! Did you think I disappeared? Well I did. Sort of.

But now I am back! Sort of.

Since August, I have been telling myself that October would be the craziest month ever. I just needed to get to October 25th to find some sort of normalcy again. And here’s why:

  • On October 7th, I ran the Chicago Marathon.
  • October 8th, we moved into our new house.
  • October 12th, we closed on our old house.
  • October 12-14, we were in Louisville for the Bourbon Trail and Keeneland Horse Racing.
  • October 15-18, I had my biggest work conference of the year – Connections.
  • October 20-24, we went to Mexico with my best friend and his boyfriend.

All of those things went mighty well. The move went great and we love our house! Louisville was a blast. Connections was an incredible event and I even got to meet Michael J Fox! Vacation was everything I needed after the crazy weeks prior. And upon return, we finally got to settle into our new house. We got cable and internet, hung a few things on the walls and are down to only 4 boxes left to unpack!

Me and MJF!

And then this weekend, the stomach flu hit. It’s no wonder my immune system might be a little down in the dumps. But though all food still sounds disgusting and I have a lack of energy, I am showered and out of bed two days in a row. Progress!

Now in all of this, guess how many miles I have run since Chicago? Four. In three weeks. But let me tell you about those amazing four miles.

As you know, I have felt a little blah about running in the past few months. I feel sluggish and pokey and instead of feeling strong and empowered, I am left feeling like a failure after most runs. I was able to find a lot of fun in my last marathon which definitely rejuvenated my love for running. With absolutely nothing to train for in the near future, I haven’t been stressed about my lack of running. But how could I not lace up my sneaks for at least a few miles along the beautiful beach and ocean?

Day 2 of vacation, I woke up to high 70′s, a gorgeous sunrise and an ocean breeze. I had my Chicago Marathon playlist blasting in my ears when I took those first steps along the shore. But within seconds, I learned that shoes and socks weren’t meant for this run. The sand was deep and the only way to get any solid footing was to run right along the waves. That also meant getting wet. So I stripped off the shoes and socks and left them on the beach. And then I ran, barefoot, through the sand and water for the next 3 miles.

It made me giggle. As water splashed up and surprising big waves came up to my knees, I actually laughed. It made me realize that even when I am in a running slump. Even when that rut makes me wonder if I will ever get back into fighting, racing shape. Even when I would rather do anything then hit the pavement….running is a part of me. Packing those sneaks made all the difference.

Now this run wasn’t easy. I was running along an angled shoreline, sinking into sand and splashing through water. I got blisters on the bottom of my toes from trying to grip through the rough sand. I had seaweed between my toes. But I loved every second of it, especially how exhausted I felt when finished.

All set for my first beach run in Mexico

 

splashing around

barefooted

So two days later, I went out for the same. The sand was much softer and the waves even bigger, so I only ran one mile and walked one. JD was in taper mode for the Monumental Marathon (this Saturday) and so had to get real miles in – more than possible along a beach that wasn’t meant for the best running conditions. He was relinquished to the fitness center and treadmill. But the benefit of me not being in any sort of training season meant I didn’t have to worry about distance or speed. I could just enjoy the setting and the opportunity.

running again

barefoot!!!

pelican in flight!

It’s going to be a long road back to being able to run distances at speeds I am proud of. But knowing that the desire and passion for running is deep inside me is all I need to get back on the horse. After all, it’s a marathon not a sprint, right?

lucky.

 

Jul 18

102 Comments

Mean Girls

Mean girls suck.

Today I was walking down the street, literally, minding my business with my friend Meghan. I am wearing a new dress today. And shoes that make me feel strong and confident. We were just coming back from a fun lunch with friends.

Unbeknownst to me, a stranger snaps a picture of Meg and I strolling. She posts this tweet:

I didn’t see the tweet. But some of my Twitter friends did. And eventually, a friend alerted me to it. At first I laughed. Isn’t that what you do when you want to appear strong? Sure, a few tears came. No one likes being made fun of no matter how confident they seem.

But then I took action. I responded to her tweet. And I confronted those who I am friends with who also apparently had an opinion on the matter. Some via tweets. Some less publicly.

The reality is, I look at that picture and still feel good about my outfit. I am not offended that she doesn’t. But what I don’t get is this notion that being a mean girl is ok. It’s not. It’s never ok.

Judging a stranger who is crossing the street because you don’t like her choice of clothing. Taking a picture. Tweeting it. Defending it. Engaging in multiple conversations about it. That’s a lot of effort to be mean.

I am 31 years old. This shit still happens? Let’s stop. Honestly, just stop.

Because this is too small of a city to start a war against a stranger for her fashion choices.

Fight a bigger battle.

Thanks to those who support me. My white dress. My shoes. See ya at the club later? It’s apparently what this outfit was made for. :)

 

Jun 6

19 Comments

National Running Day: Why I run.

It was June 2005 when I stepped on that treadmill on the Fitness Center in Intech Park. I worked for a company that subsidized our gym membership. The gym was in the same building. And our President, Vice President, et al were all runners. I wanted them to see that when I put my mind to something, there is no stopping me. I wanted them to know that my commitment to success was not just something they’d see in the Boiler Room. I wanted to prove myself to them. I didn’t even think, at the time, what it would mean to me.

So at lunch one day, I started the treadmill. Many other coworkers were in there too so my pride was at stake. I set the speed to 4.5 and started running. Yes, I know how slow this may sound, but I was still running. And panting. And sweating. I couldn’t breathe. My lungs were on fire. But at about 15 minutes, I saw the monitor click to 1.0 miles and I stopped. I looked around expecting the world to applaud.

The next day I did 1.5 miles (with a few breaks) and the next week, I did 2 miles. Two slow, hard mother effing miles. But the following week, I did 2 miles every day, Monday-Friday. My hips hurt. My shins splint. My quads ached. I was wearing old sorority tshirts that pooled sweat. I distracted myself by learning to say the alphabet backwards. I watched “Felicity” reruns on the TV monitor in front of me. I did anything to keep my mind from telling me “Meggie. You can’t do this.”

Now, 7 years later, I have run 8 marathons and one ultra marathon. Running is as much a part of my life as anything else. And lately, I have had quite a few people tell me that this blog has made them think about running for the first time. So on National Running Day, (today!) I am going to list the reasons I run. Because maybe one of these things will register with you. Maybe you’ll lace up those sneaks and go for a 15 minute mile like I did that first time. Maybe you’ll become hooked and end up smoking me in my next marathon. I wouldn’t put it past you. Anything is possible.

I run because…..

  • I can. My dad has Parkinson’s Disease. I watch him struggle with every single daily task from eating, standing up, walking, talking. When I want to quit because my legs are tired, I remember my dad and all of the others that can’t run. It’s my privilege and honor to be able to put one foot in front of the other.
  • I like food. And no, I don’t mean salmon and celery. I mean bread and pasta and cheese and cookies and ice cream. Running gives me a bit more flexibility to incorporate some of these foods in my diet with less guilt.
  • it’s my equalizer. When I am sad. Angry. Stressed. When I feel out of control. When I feel insecure or down on myself. Running makes it all better. Every single time, it makes it all better.
  • of the relationships this sport has given me. The Perfect Strangers have become a family to me. We support each other in ways unfathomable to those who don’t put in the miles we do together. We laugh. We cry. We email every day. We share our deepest fears and secrets. We don’t judge. We just run and love. That’s one helluva combination.
  • before I started running, I felt like I was a thin girl trapped in a bigger body. Running shed those layers for me. Now I am just me. And though I probably have as many (if not more) image issues than the average girl, I can look in the mirror and be satisfied with the person looking back at me. Running gave that to me.
  • it feeds my constant need for accomplishment. In school I had to get As. At work, I have to hit 100%+ of my quota. But I am always looking for more–to feel like I am growing and achieving. So when I hit a PR in a race, it rivals any academic or work-related accomplishment I have ever done.
  • it’s simple. I don’t need a pool to swim in. Or a team to play basketball with. I don’t need special exercise equipment. I just need a road and tennis shoes.
  • I collect experiences from each run/race I do. Whether it’s seeing a herd of deer standing on the Monon Trail in December while big snowflakes fall around me. Or when I dunked my head in a fountain at the Eiteljorg Museum because I was so hot. Or when I saw a man riding his bike whilst playing the guitar. Or when I ran along the river in Florence, through Vatican City in Rome, through Regent’s Park in London, by the ocean in Mexico. Running expands my horizons.
  • nothing feels as good as crossing the finish line of a marathon.
  • I have a tattoo on my back that says “And miles to go before I sleep.” It’s my life motto. And it’s permanent so there’s no quitting for this girl. :)
  • I can be selfish when I run. I can speed up or slow down at my prerogative. I can run longer or shorter. I can run solo or with friends. I can wear ridiculous socks. I can wear barely there shorts. I can run listening to the Jersey Boys Soundtrack mixed with Ludacris. When I am running, it’s for me.

So let’s hear it runners, why do you run? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s see if we can motivate those who are teetering on the edge of their very own running journey. Yes, we know it’s hard. And it will suck at the beginning. Your lungs will feel like a wildfire. And your legs will feel like each weighs 600 lbs. But I can promise if you stick with it, you too will have a long list of reasons why you did. And you’ll never regret it. Ever.

 

May 17

4 Comments

Racepalooza

For the past three weeks, I have been racing. I called it Racepalooza.

A marathon.

A half marathon.

An ultra marathon.

And this Saturday? I am waking up with no bib number to pin on. No start line to stand behind. No GPS device strapped to my wrist. And quite frankly I don’t like it.

I know my body needs a break. My knee needs rest. But my brain? My heart? They need a finish line for me to cross.

May 9

8 Comments

Ultra.

The theme of this week is ULTRA. Because on Saturday, I am going to be an ultra marathoner. But before I take on the Dances with Dirt 50K, let me just tell you some other things I am ULTRA about.

yeah. I am gonna do that.

  • I am ultra happy it’s May. In Indiana. If you aren’t a Hoosier, then I can’t really describe why this month is so amazing. But it is. Amazing.
  • I am ultra thrilled about my marathon PR less than 3 weeks ago. I am still on cloud 4:15:01
  • I am ultra blessed with amazing friends. One who spent his entire day at work searching for dresses for me to wear to a gala on Friday. One who let me cry to her after the Mini Marathon about silly stuff. A few that spent their Sundays doing a “statue throwing” competition in my backyard. One who has dedicated her latest FB statuses defending gay marriage. One who sent me an email this week that was so sweet it made me cry. One who texts me daily to ask about my knee. One who brought me “5 hour Energys” because he knew I needed them. One who asks me to eat omelettes at 5am on Saturday. And lots who spent Saturday night at my house drinking margaritas, singing TV theme songs, and laughing. “I feeeeeeeeel yoooooou.”
  • I am ultra nervous about running 31+ miles on Saturday.
  • I am ultra stressed about some big work stuff.
  • I am ultra excited and giddy about The Sussy Project and our new Sussy Squad. I really think we are onto something big with this thing.
  • I am ultra pleased with Barry Obama today. It took you long enough, El Presidente. But I knew you’d get there.
  • I am ultra honored to be able to run alongside some of the strongest women I know for already 5 races this year.
  • I am ultra relieved that posting my “fat” pictures two posts ago has resulted in such incredible feedback. I had no idea how many people would find inspiration in them – else I would have posted years ago!
  • I am ultra obsessed with Game of Thrones.
  • I am ultra ripe for a new project, whatever that may be. (Call me!)
  • Ultra. I am ultra.

As Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut stated best, “I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.’”

So tell me….what are you ultra about?

Apr 17

4 Comments

A year ago today – one of the best days of my life

One year ago today, I was crossing the finish line of the Virgin London Marathon. It was one of the very best days of my entire life. That’s a big statement but it is oh so true.

London finisher

You can read my full race recap here. And you can read how just a few weeks later, I was nostalgic about that day here. But let me tell you, in brief, why it was so special to me.

First of all, I was in my favorite city in the entire world. Having lived there when I was 21 and having gone back multiple times since, it truly is the most magical place. And a year ago today, I had the privilege of running 26.2 miles through it! The last mile was along the River Thames, past Big Ben and Parliament and ending at Buckingham Palace. What an incredible experience.

nice view

Secondly, I was running on behalf of the Parkinson’s UK Foundation. JD arranged the entry as my 30th birthday gift and with all of your help, we raised over $7500 for Parkinson’s research and support. As any loyal blog follower knows, my dad has PD, and has for over 15 years. I don’t talk about it too often, because I am not really sure what to say. I am so grateful for the friends that remember to ask, but the answer is always “He’s ok.” Sometimes that’s the truth. Sometimes it’s a lie. But being a progressive disease, there are no cures or miracles, so it’s the only answer I know. He will never be great. So being able to run for him and all others who suffer from this horrible disease was truly my greatest honor. As I passed each PUK cheering station, I saw men and women with Parkinson’s symptoms and they fueled my every mile. I was running for those who can’t. The PUK organization treated us like elite athletes and still to this day, I keep in touch with those who ran alongside me in their blue vests and bright blue tutus.

For you, Dad.

Thirdly, I mentally dominated the race. I kept my spirits high. I didn’t let those self-doubting voices creep in. Other than the one time I cried over not being able to see JD at mile 14, I was fierce. And as a result, I achieved a PR. 4:19:50. I was elated.

(Ignore the pace, that was taken as I was hobbling to the finisher's reception)

And as I rode back to the hotel on the tube with JD, wearing my medal with pride, I was just about the happiest I have ever been. Being with loved ones. In my favorite city. Doing something I love. Achieving a goal I desired. And knowing a night of pub food, Arsenal football and celebratory champagne were ahead of me? It was pure bliss.

ready to cheer on the Gunners!

So today I will think back on what a fantastic day that was and try to summon that strength and happiness as I face the Illinois Marathon less than two weeks from now.

26.2 - I am coming for you once again

Feb 14

1 Comment

A Valentine’s Day tribute…

A Valentine’s Day tribute to the people in my life that I adore.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the people that decorated our childhood kitchen with red streamers and wrapped up colorful gifts for us to open before school every February 14th.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the man who talks ovaries and dismemberment with me and loves Valentine’s Day more than anyone I know.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my favorite non-Weeble who is the only person I know who can sing God Save The Queen correctly.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the girl who sings Lion King theme songs before a Managerial Accounting final.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my friend who practices her “chords” and who named a teddy bear Danny Tanner.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my co-host of the Schma Schma radio show.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the girl who slept beside me on the night before my wedding.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my sister-wife who is the only one to know more TV theme songs than I do.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my oldest and dearest friend, 26 Valentine’s Days later.

Happy Valentine’s Day to his Valentine.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my ET Snow Day companion.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the guy with chicken farm ambitions.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the most perfect strangers who drop F bombs often and who wear those fanny packs as a badge of honor.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the cutest baby pups in all the land.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the guy who entertains my creative cuss words and is an amazing jukebox partner – we know how to get the gay clubs moving.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the man who co-created Elfton, played Harlem Globetrotters with me and who let me sleep on the lower bunk when I was scared at night. A very unhappy Valentine’s Day to his alter-ego, Wee Pee.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my soul sister who wears the hell outta dem acid washed jeans.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my number 2.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the only baby in the world to truly capture all my heart.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my “points game” founders and participants.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the girl who has full custody of our cat.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the man who thinks food is good, food is great. Eat it when you’re ten. Eat it when you’re eight.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the most amazing work family anyone could ask for. Orange hearts for you.

Happy Valentine’s Day to our newest neighbors, long time friends and their sweet baby peanut on the way.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the one who cuddled on the couch with me one hungover Sunday – eating Arbys and watching Star Wars.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the family consisting of my paint crew partner, the girl who taught me what a receiving blanket is and their adorable baby boy.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the girl who likes haikus and 3pm brownies.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the owner of SnowFox.

Happy Valentine’s Day to Tiiiiime Liiiiiife Books.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the my work soulmate – same girl, different dress.

And a big happy Valentine’s Day to my moop who leaves the light on for me when I return from a work trip.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. I feel all schmoopy inside just thinking about our memories together.

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