Virginia Beach R&R Half- part 2

Thought I would give a mid-point progress report on the half marathon training.

Let me just say, this is not easy!!!  

I keep waiting for that point where I go for a run and it's smooth sailing.  However, i am not 24 years old anymore, sadly.  In fact my birthday is tomorrow, and I will be 39.  People keep saying "Next year on your 40th..." Jeez people I'm only 38- let's don't rush this!  Back to the point- running.  Sigh.  It's hard.  Every time it is hard.  It has gotten a little easier (like a smidge), but it is still hard.  Each time I have to talk myself into it.

BUT, instead of it being hard to run 3 miles in 47 minutes, it's 3 miles in 40 minutes.  Or instead of it being hard to run 1 minute walk 2 for 30 minutes, i'm running 3, 4, 5 miles and only walking one minute per mile.  So that is major progress. I guess it won't get easy until I stop pushing myself eh? 

Last winter I ran a few 5ks in 46ish minutes.  The running group I wanted to train with required me to be around 12 minute miles pace.  So I started in March doing a Couch to 10K training program for three months hoping to increase my running speed to 12 minutes miles or better.  I did not quite get to that point.  I'm a little over 12 minutes- closer to 13 minute miles, BUT still better than the 15+ minute miles where I began.

I have been to the running group a couple of times.  I'm a little slower than the majority in my pace group, so they push me.  The first couple of miles pretty much wear me out- then I have to push on to do 2-3 more miles!  I still feel nervous about actually being able to complete the half marathon in 2 1/2 months.  I have been dragging my feet on booking flights, and of course the prices just keep going up up UP!  My husband finally got impatient with me and booked the flights!!!  Yikes- does that mean now I have to do it??  I don't know.  I guess we'll see.

One day at a time folks.  That's all we can do.  Set a goal, make a plan, and stick with it.  Of course running a half marathon is overwhelming me today.  Today all I have to run is 2 miles!  And Saturday 5-6 miles.  I'm not there yet on running 13.1.  If I keep sticking to the plan, I WILL get there.

So let's all agree to not be scared by the goal.  ok, that seems extreme.  I am scared of the goal!!  But don't let that stop us!  Keep going, one day at a time, and stick with the plan.

Next time I update on VA Beach half marathon I will have completed it!!  ( i hope ) 😉😁😛

(pray for me, haha)

Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

I'm 38 years old and out of shape.  A friend recently said to me, "Next year for our fortieth..."  WHAT?  NEXT YEAR?  Completely unacceptable.  I bring up my age to tell you that I was once a young fit hip 20 something who thought I would never be fat and out of shape.  Then I got married, had two babies, and basically quit exercising.

Well, my kids are a little older, and I'd like to get back in shape.  The last several months I have signed up for and completed a couple 5k races.  However, my pace was really really slow.  Somehow or another the thought of Virginia Beach Rock and Roll Half Marathon came to mind.  After my first half marathon I had heard about this one and thought it sounded really fun!  The appeal of the beach as well as the fun of bands stationed throughout the race, excellent!  It is conveniently seven months away, so there is actually time for me to train and build to the point of being able to run 13.1 miles!  When I ran my first half marathon I trained with a local running group.  Of course I would like to do that again, and my pace is currently too slow to run in one of their pace groups.

First step- build myself to a faster pace, so I can run in one of the pace groups of my running group.  I googled couch to half marathon to see what it is all about.  It is pretty cool and just what I need!  They have you do intervals:  Run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes, etc, building up running times each week.  I can build up to run at a normal pace and one that makes me happy!  In the middle of the second week of training, and I am very pleased so far!  This month and next month I will continue training using the couch to 10k method.  This will get me to the point of starting the running group at a normal pace.  I will have to do another post once I get into my running group and begin my long runs. 

Here is what I am training for and looking forward to, my muse!

Blue Apron or Home Chef!!

Have you ever cooked a REALLY DELICIOUS meal that you were so proud for your family to eat?  Like, where you waited for them to taste it and just SHOWER you in praise?  Blue Apron and Home Chef have allowed me to do that!!  Plus you get to try new recipes, new ingredients, without puzzling over how to make them.

I mean, I know how to cook chicken.  I have made chicken for dinner about 800 times in the 8 years since we got married.  But this chicken!  It was better than any chicken I had ever made!  Because they gave me instructions on how exactly to cook it.  And it was fully cooked without me wondering if it was done.  And it was juicy!  And it had flavor!  Plus you get to keep the recipes.  BONUS!

Now I am sure there are myriad companies who do this.  I really love the concept, and I have loved the outcome of these meals.  Here are a few pics from the meals I have made.  Yum!  I feel like a professional.  Just call me Chef Jodie!  Today we made filets with Gouda potato gratin, and fresh green beans.  You see my point? Wow!

This one is from Home Chef.  It is roasted carrots with blue cheese crusted pork chop.  YUM.

Here's another delicious one from Home Chef.  Steak with blue cheese compound butter.  So good!

Last fall we did Blue Apron for a while, and the food was really good.  However, I have a picky husband and a four and six year old to make happy.  The food was just a bit too "foodie" for them.  I loved it, but we have decided that Home Chef works better for our family.  Here are some blue apron example pics.  The caramelized onions on chicken was amazing!

So.  If you like to cook, but like me you have cooked chicken 800 times over the last 8 years, I highly recommend checking out something like Home Chef or Blue Apron!  Change things up and be AMAZING!  Who needs a restaurant when you can be the Chef?!

Introduction

Hi there.  I should start with an introduction.  My name is Jodie.  I'm in my late 30s.  I have a husband and two adorable daughters, a pretty great job, and a love for eating and cooking good food.  Here's a pic of us last year on our family trip (extra 12 year old step daughter):

I have a relationship with God and lots of great relationships with people.  I enjoy reading and watching suspenseful books and shows.  While I do not love exercising, I think it should be more of a priority in my life, which may mean I am about to start training for a half-marathon, YIKES!

I figure we all have some basic needs in life:  physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.  Pretty much everything falls into one of those categories.  I am not an expert on any of them, but my life is a journey of trying to be healthy and to live fully!

The Bible says in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

So my blog is going to be a snapshot of that journey!  I'd like to share things that pop- great books, yummy recipes or restaurants, a show that captures me... maybe some successes in the fitness area or a spiritual lesson/encouragement that touched my heart... maybe a girls' night full of belly laughter.

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This past weekend my family decided to go to The Lodge of the Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.  Unfortunately it did not turn out the way we had hoped b/c my daughter ended up not feeling well.  We spent most of Sunday planning to go and actually being at the urgent care clinic.  

Even in the midst of her not feeling well, after breakfast that morning she told me, "Mommy thank you for bringing us here."  I asked her if she was happy we came even though she didn't feel well, and she agreed that she was happy to be there.  

I have to admit- a little overnight getaway was a bit refreshing.  The sun was shining and warm on our faces, it was in the 70s, pretty views of the lake in February.  We walked around the outlets and enjoyed shopping, getting new shoes for all of us among other things.

We love staying at the Lodge.  Hopefully we will get a redo later this year when we are all healthy and can enjoy it more!  In case you are looking for a nice place to stay in Missouri, check it out! http://www.4seasonsresort.com/

But even if you are not anywhere close to Missouri, consider being recharged by an overnight away.  It can be great for restoring your soul, bonding with your family, resting your body- a great experience!

NYC Favorite Foods!

Last fall we went to New York for a weekend.  We had a great time, and we hit a couple of my very favorite New York restaurants!!  Let's be honest.  If they are my favorite New York spots, then they are my favorite spots in general, b/c to me New York is the top of the food chain.

Sarabeth's
Sarabeth's is like, the best brunch place ever.  I mean from tomato soup, to eggs benedict, to this lovely "healthy" choice of a spinach omelet, Sarabeth's is the best.  They even make their own jelly and you can buy it at your local store!  We went to the one across the street from Central Park, so it doesn't really get any better than that.

Bar 65 Rockafeller Center, The Rainbow Room
The Rainbow Room... sigh, so many good memories at The Rainbow Room.  A few years ago a friend was going to New York, and I recommended she go there but it was CLOSED!  I thought for good, but Hallelujah it is OPEN!  So they were just doing a remodel or something.  They have great drinks and the best view in the city.  See?

Otto's
We love Otto's.  It is a Mario Batali restaurant.  They have great pizzas, pastas, caprese salad, cheese plates and WINE!  Yet, the best part is the olive oil gelato for dessert.  TRY IT!

Quality Meats
We went to dinner here on the recommendation of a friend.  It was trendy, fun, and a great date night.  Great food.  Definitely enjoyed it and would recommend!

The Cupping Room
I love The Cupping Room.  Typically it is a breakfast place.  Pancakes, eggs, coffee, etc.  It is located in Soho, which I love for shopping!!  We happened in there during lunch and had some great sandwiches in the super chill atmosphere- you know, exposed brick walls, etc.  They were prepping for a big thanksgiving dinner for locals.  Totally would go if I was needing a place to eat Thanksgiving dinner!!

Here's a pic of us enjoying the big apple with the new 9/11 memorial behind us!

When I lived in NYC, one of the best parts of living there was hitting up fabulous restaurants.  It was nice to enjoy a few of them for a weekend!  Hopefully this can happen on a more regular basis now that the kids are getting older.

I <3 NYC.

Disney- only the bests!

Last summer we had literally the best vacation we've ever had as a family! We went to disneyworld, but I think a few factors made it the perfect trip that it was!

1- We prioritized. With 4 parks, 2 water parks, and many other Orlando attractions, it is easy to get overwhelmed. We did not try to do it all, or even spend all day at a park. We got a 3 day park hopper pass including water parks and decided to work within those days everything on our wish list.

2- time of year. Our family chose to plan this trip around the mickeys not so scary Halloween party, so first we got tickets to that on the day it was available during our trip. The next time we do Disney I'd like to go during the Christmas season.  I love the fall because it is right after school starts, so it isn't so busy!!

3- reservations! After getting our tickets to the party, the other thing we wanted to plan around was special meals, specifically Be Our Guest. This one is hard to get into and the only day we got a Rez was the same day as our Halloween party. So that means magic is only open until 7 pm. In all honesty this was awesome because park attendance was super light that day. Like 10 minute lines!!

Other reservations were Supercalifragilistic brunch at Grand Floridian, where we met Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Alice, and Winnie & Tigger.  Then after lunch we got a lovely family pic just next to the restaurant. Don't leave without taking advantage of this great photo op! We planned this brunch on a non park day, as well as appointments at Bibbiti Bobbiti Boutique. I would never waste our time at Magic Kingdom doing this, so we always do it on a non park day at Disney Springs. It's kind of pricy but the girls love it!

Third reservation was at the princess lunch in Epcot next to Frozen ride. Speaking of which- we could not get fast passes to the frozen ride, so we went at park open and hurried straight to the line. Only 45 minutes instead of three hours! Yes please!

4- afternoon rest. Honestly, aside from all the above plans, everything else was gravy. So we scheduled fast passes, did some rides, and came to our room to rest around 3:00 each day. Then in the evenings we went to a different park and enjoyed evening shows!

5- the app.  My disney experience. This app is the bomb!  I added parades, shows, reservations, fast passes, and even other calendar activities like our Bibbiti Bobbiti and grand Floridian brunch. That way we never missed a show or parade we wanted to see.

6- Halloween party. We loved the Halloween party! You can dress up as a family, but no masks or long capes. Check Disney website to confirm exact rules. We had decided to be Dalmatians and were clued in on Cruella deville being at the party, so that was an awesome bonus! We got great pics! The villain show was great, and the fireworks were awesome. I esp loved the castle being lit up in spooky colors. Many characters you can never meet are at the party, like Cruella, the evil step sisters, among others.

7. Water park.  We loved blizzard beach. Would like to go back.

8. Pins. I bought a pack of 30 on eBay for like $5. The girls really enjoyed trading pins in our down time. The Disney cast and crew members were very hospitable.

On or off Disney, with a car or without, food plan or no, just figure out a handful of things that are most important, and don't try to do everything! That's my advice for a perfect family holiday. 💗