tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24277605092753956152024-03-12T20:08:31.863-07:00False StartsThis running lifeKimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-58098180854432023572013-09-24T11:39:00.001-07:002013-09-24T11:39:21.214-07:00Where have I been?So much has happen in my life since last time I posted. Where do I even begin??<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll start at March/April, when I had an interview with a National chain gym and got hired on the spot, and 2 days later my husband lost his job...<br />
It's been months since this happen, and I have to say...still pretty angry about it. Mostly because of how it happen, and the fake friendships that came to light after the fact. Some people are just spineless.<br />
<br />
But we soilder on, right.<br />
We wet on our trip to San Francisco and I ran across my bridge again. I also managed to lose my ID in the process. The day before were were to fly home. Luckily, I had a passport card in my wallet, tucked safely away at the hotel, so they let me on the plane.<br />
Right after that, my husband accepted a new job and was off on a new adventure. Across the country.<br />
It's been a long Spring/Summer. He got to come home 5 weeks later to watch our son graduate high school, then he was off again for another 12 weeks. He came home the weekend we took our son to college, then off again. I went to visit him two weeks later, and now we are on the wait for Thanksgiving when he'll get to come home again (maybe). I have plans to go back out in Jan to run a race.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I'm working away. I have 4 regular classes every week, but it's a rare week that I only teach 4 classes. I've become the go-to sub and have worked hard to build up my reputation. Last week, I taught 9 classes. This week, it's 6. In an 11 day period, I will have logged 15 classes.<br />
<br />
My life seems to be lacking running lately, but I will get back on track. Fall is in the air and I have a few races on deck. Time to get back to itKimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-11226715332670945872013-03-06T14:15:00.000-08:002013-03-06T14:15:01.004-08:00Really???So, a couple months ago I met a new friend. I had met up with another friend to drop into a Zumba class, and that's where we met our new friend. Since them, the 3 of us have weekly Zumba dates. Sometimes at the same place, sometimes we check out a new class. We like variety.<br />
Well, I haven't met up with my girls for our Zumba dates in a couple of weeks. Between me taking over a class, and other things coming up, we've missed each other. Last night, I subbed one of the classes we've gone to before, so my new friend came along. It was so much fun to finally get her into one of my classes.<br />
Before class, we were catching up on things and I asked her how things were going. This is where she relayed a story to me that left me speechless. She said she was at one of our usual classes, and after class the instructor/owner asked her and another woman to see her after class. Just so happen, both of these women were bigger girls. So, after class, these two, who had been singled out, were told that Zumba is fun and all, but if they really want to lose the flab, they need to do * insert her other classes here *<br />
I could not believe that. I've written <a href="http://waywardgoddess.blogspot.com/2012/08/sometimes.html" target="_blank">before</a> about my disgust for the Cult of Skinny mentality that my industry has. This, though, I am just genuinely dumbfounded. To put it bluntly, I can not believe someone would have the balls to say something like that to another person. My friend also shared with me that she had just celebrated a 94lb weight loss. How fantastic is that!?!? Only to be slapped in the face with a thoughtless comment.<br />
Now, don't get me wrong....I am all for helping people and giving advice. Anyone who COMES TO ME and asks for advice, I will freely give it. I might even say to a class full of people "I also offer *whatever* class, if you are looking to firm up, or just want to try something new". NEVER would I pull someone aside and tell them if they want to be skinny, they need to do XYZ.<br />
<br />
My friend was fuming, and said she will never go back to this place for any class. I can't say I blame her. Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-23339460102664037262013-03-04T13:01:00.001-08:002013-09-24T11:40:05.014-07:00Significance"I wish the biggest thing in my life was worrying about zumba songs to add to my class"<br />
<br />
Funny...I wish that was the biggest thing I had to worry about, too.<br />
In fact, here's a current list of other things I don't have to worry about:<br />
<br />
Getting my oldest out of high school<br />
Getting him into college<br />
Paying for college<br />
My daughter dating a 19yr old<br />
My daughter nearly getting arrested for starting a fire<br />
My daughter's awful choice in friends<br />
Homeschooling my daughter<br />
Possibly homeschooling my youngest <br />
Paying the mortgage<br />
Keeping the lights/internet/gas on<br />
Coming up with $3,000 to replace the garage doors and attic insulation<br />
Upcoming summer with $600 plus a month electric bills<br />
Running the household - alone<br />
My friends<br />
My running schedule - and fitting it in to everything else<br />
Plantar faciitis<br />
Scoliosis<br />
ITBS<br />
Not being "good enough"<br />
<br />
<br />
Actually....I'm making a choice about that last one. I AM good enough. I am me. All my significant and igsignificant parts make me, me, and if that's not "good enough", then move on.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-71908433363175955522013-02-11T07:04:00.000-08:002013-02-11T07:04:41.750-08:00My AFAA ExperienceThis weekend, I attended the AFAA Apex in Atlanta for Primary Group Fitness certification. I've got a lot of certifications under my belt, but it was time to be recognized by a world wide organization.<br />
<br />
I waited a bit late to register...then, because I didn't check the boxes for all the extra stuff at registration, I didn't realize I would have to go looking to order the textbook (included with the "extra" stuff), so all I got was a blank study guide. I had 2 weeks to study, but nothing to actually study with, and getting the textbook to me in time would have been way more than I could have afforded at this time. So, I turned to my background and the Internet to help me. I found lots and lots of flash card sites that had the answers to the study guide, and I was able to find everything I needed that way. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS METHOD.<br />
<br />
When I went in on Saturday, I was a complete ball of nerves. I knew for sure I was going to fail...at least the written. I was pretty confident with the practical, but my worry about the written was overshadowing it all.<br />
<br />
I got there early, got signed in and found a spot to sit. As soon as everything got started, the instructor immediately put me at ease. She was funny and informative and really helped me to believe I could pass this thing.<br />
<br />
So, when things finally got going, we quickly went over the cardio warm up, exercise, and cool down portion. She got us up on our feet and gave us some pointer and hints about what they were looking for. Reminding us that during the cool down, you don't just stop, you gradually slow down. I knew all this, but it was nice to have someone in front of us saying "yes, this is what you need to do"<br />
<br />
Next we went over the strength portion. She told us what the order was, and gave us several ideas for each one. We had to do exercises plus a stretch. Again, she made sure we knew what we were going to do for each section well before the actual exam.<br />
After lunch, we went over it again, then went through the study guide and she told us everything that would be on the test. Again, you need to study beforehand. Don't go in there without looking at any material and think that you will absorb it from this workshop. All this did, for me, was clarify some things I was fuzzy on.<br />
<br />
Then it was time for the practical. For the warm up, I just did my warm up from my Zumba class. It consists of some step-touch, shoulder rolls, grapevines, torso rotations, and knee lifts. From there the 8 (I think) minute cardio portion. I did some ChaCha steps, V-steps, jump knee lifts, grapevines with jumps at the end, and just repeated it until the time was up. Cool down was just whatever I was doing and slowly bringing it down. Ex. jumping knee lifts, to just knee lifts, to march, to heel dip. Easy peasy. Then we brought out the mats and did the strength portion. Again, just remember what you went through during the workshop and do that. This isn't this time to try anything new, lol.<br />
Next we were broken up into two groups, number 1-50 on one side of the room, and 51-88 on the other. Number 1 and 51 went at the same time, then 2 and 52, etc etc. I was number 54. I was glad I was able to go near the front of the group.<br />
I did planks. I kept it super simple. Beginner was hands and knees, intermediate was hands and feet, and advanced was elbows and feet. I recommend keeping it simple like that. Some people tried to go WAY advanced. Most people who chose planks started right off with elbows and feet, then went to arms and legs extended for their advance. I just think beginner should really be beginner. I don't need to show off to a room full of instructors about what I can do. This is supposed to be how I would teach a class full of people who may be just starting their fitness journey. So, there ya go. I would advice knowing what you are going to do before you get to the workshop. Practice it. Ask yourself "could your gramma do this beginner?" If not, scale it back some.<br />
<br />
When we finished that, it went to the written. I would highly suggest bringing a clipboard. We sat on the floor and took the test, had an hour to finish, afterwards, my back and neck we killing me from being hunched over. The test wasn't a cake walk, but if you can use process of elimination you can do well. It's multiple choice, so often you can immediately eliminate two choices, then figure it out from there. I finished the test in 40 minutes and I feel confident that I passed. There were a few things I wasn't sure about, but, for the most part, I knew the answers. Going over the study guide with the instructor helped.<br />
<br />
Now, it's a waiting game. It can take 3-6 weeks to get the results<br />
Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-84183647243899289002013-01-29T06:42:00.000-08:002013-01-29T06:42:24.187-08:00One step forward....Two steps back?<br />
<br />
Maybe...<br />
The Zumba class I auditioned for, never heard back. After a fantastic meeting for FITTBarre....they stopped returning my emails. I have no idea what happen, but I'm packing up and moving on. There loss, right. <br />
In the meantime, I've sent out my resume to several local gyms. One place even forwarded it to a friend who owned a different franchise. Something will give.<br />
I'm signed up for the AFAA Primary Group Fitness Certification in, I think, 2 weeks. I'm completely freaking myself out over it. First, I waited to sigh up, so I'm just getting my study material now. Second, apparently the REQUIRED textbook isn't part of the fee, and they don't really make that clear when you are signing up until you get your material and all you have is a date to show up for testing and a study guide you are supposed to fill in from the textbook (that you never got). And now to get the textbook, I have to go back in, pay another $70 plus shipping and still probably not get it here in time for me to actually read it. So, I guess I'll be winging it. Worst case scenario, I fail and have to retake it. I'm pretty sure I'll rock the practical, and the written is multiple choice. Ten years has to have taught me something, right. <br />
While waiting for a gym to see my greatness and hire me, I've been doing drop ins everywhere. One little studio does $5 classes, so I stop in there a couple times a week and shake my groove thing. There was a gym I did the whole 3 day trial thing with. I told them up front I did not want to get locked into a year contract because I was hoping to get hired as an instructor soon, so I just wanted to use what I could. They ended up texting me and inviting me to another class after the 3 day period. So, yesterday I tried Flirty Girl for the first time. Wow! It's different. I liked it. <br />
<br />
Oh! And allow me to be ridiculously giddy for a minute...I'm going back to San Fran!! Whoo! That picture....up there ^^^ was taken the day after my birthday last year during the best 10K I've run in my life. I'm going back this April. I'm so excited. I simply love the west coast. I'm a southern girl through and through, but something about the west just draws me to it.<br />
<br />
2013, I think I'll keep youKimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-38513717024083492582013-01-14T05:50:00.001-08:002013-01-14T05:50:09.594-08:00Oh hi...How's it going? How's the family? How's things?<br />
<br />
<br />
I've been busy settling in to 2013. 2 weeks in and I feel like it should be Feb already. Whew.<br />
My running has been slower than I would like, but I've been hitting a bit of a black. I make myself use the treadmill just so I can log some kind of mileage. It's starting to wake up these legs. I will get there. Meanwhile, I'm also working on getting my FITTBarre class together. I had a meeting last week with the owner at a dance studio. She LOVES the idea. We're planning a launch, soon. <br />
I went from subbing Zumba classes every week, to not teaching at all. I was feeling like I needed to get back into some one's class, when a friend of mine sent me a message asking if I wanted to join her. I said sure and took off to meet her. Not only was it great to see my friend again, it was fun to get back out there and dance.<br />
I auditioned for a class of my own, and now I'm waiting. If it doesn't work out, something will.<br />
<br />
My oldest son just turned 18, and I'm still figuring out what that means for both of us. I've spent 18yrs being his mom, and I'm not sure how to parent this new man. I'm so very lucky that he is a fantastic, mature, kid. He's certainly way more mature than I ever was at his age. Ha! I thought I had it all figured out. I'm sure he thinks he has it all figured out, too. I think he does. Funny how he will one day look back and think how wrong he was. He's been accepted to Western Carolina in the fall, and I couldn't be prouder of him. I also don't know what I'm going to do without him.<br />
<br />
January has been a whirlwind so far, and I'm enjoying the ride. I still firmly believe that 2013 will be my year.<br />
<br />
Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-3169442963141563252012-12-27T12:17:00.003-08:002012-12-27T12:17:52.769-08:00ProclaimingI've made a decision, now I'm putting it out into the Universe. <br />
<br />
I will run 500 miles<br />
And I will run 500 more<br />
Just to be the gal who runs 1000 miles<br />
in 2013...<br />
<br />
It will happen.<br />
If you break it down, it averages 20 miles a week. I've done that before during half training. Maybe 5/10/5 is a bit much...RIGHT NOW, but while I'm building to that I can easily pull off 5miles 4 days a week. <br />
I'd like to do some kind of race, even if it's just a local 5k, once a month. That should keep me motivated through the cold weather, and Atlanta summers.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-21080900444360902392012-12-21T07:05:00.001-08:002012-12-21T07:05:56.290-08:00ResetWhere was I?<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, I had just finished my second half marathon, but instead of improving my time and...well, everything, like most people, my time was worse, and I ran over half the course with an injury. But hey, I finished, right. <br />
<br />
What have I been doing since? Well....a whole lot of NOT running. I do this. I put everything into a race, then take an extended break afterwards. I have to, for my head as much as my legs. The Monday morning after the race, I took a 3 day sub job teaching Zumba. That was such a crazy, fun, experience. That carried on to 3 days the following week, as well as a couple days during the week of Thanksgiving. I was having such a great time, it was just what I needed to reignite my love of Zumba.<br />
But, as happens with subbing, the regular teacher came back, and now I'm looking for my next opportunity. One weekend a few weeks ago, my husband and I were just hanging out, watching silly infomercials, and came across Fluidity. I told my husband that I'd always wanted to try that out, but it was just way too expensive to invest in when it would probably turn out to be like every other piece of fitness equipment I bring in this house. Ugh, what can I say, I just get bored trying to work out at home. But, that I'd love to find a barre class and try it out. The conversation kinda moved on to other topics and I didn't think much more about it. Then, on an unassuming Weds morning, I saw a post in one of my fitness Facebook group about a barre certification course the following weekend. Brand new course, and we'd be certified by the creator. Best of all....it was $20. I was all over it. So, that Sunday I spent a few hours in Atlanta and came home with a shiny new certification I CAN'T WAIT to put into practice. I also walked on my toes for 2 days because...HOLY...you don't realize you're working until you stop. <br />
<br />
So, I haven't been running. That doesn't mean I'm no longer a runner. I'm just taking a reset. I'm entering 2013 with a clear mind and rested body, and then...IT IS SO ON.<br />
<br />
I laid out the path in 2012, and 2013 will be my year. It's the end of the world as we know it, indeed, and I feel fantastic.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-58634033389536285452012-11-21T07:38:00.000-08:002012-11-21T07:38:16.972-08:00All's wellREALLY well. Things are just falling into place and though I'm busier than I've been in years, I am so, so happy.<br />
<br />
I took a sub job a few weeks ago. It was a bit of trial by fire, if you will. I was teaching for a group of non-English speakers...and I only speak English. But, music is universal, and it forced me to be better. I taught 3 days that week, then was asked back for 3 days the following week. Three days a week.....is a lot, ya'll, lol.<br />
On top of that, I was asked to be a presenter at a Zumba Club event.<br />
Then this week, I did some more sub work, again with non-English speakers. After yesterday's class it was said "Good class, good dancing, good instructor, very good". After months of back-handed compliments and passive-aggressive digs, it was really nice to hear.<br />
<br />
I have a few things in the works for after Thanksgiving. I get to relax and enjoy my family for a couple of days before diving back in.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-49485131750348294572012-11-05T08:08:00.001-08:002012-12-28T12:20:37.742-08:00Run, Walk, or CrawlHowever you get across that finish line, 13.1 miles is 13.1 miles.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, I finished the Rock n Roll Savannah Half Marathon. It was my first race in Savannah, but I hope it isn't my last.<br />
The very first thing I want to say about this race is...my performance had nothing to do with the course, or location, and everything to do with me. Now, that being said...I fall short of calling it a disaster.<br />
My first half, in April, I trained for nearly 6 mths for, and came across the finish line, hurting, at 3:33. I had trained with intervals, but the day of the race, I threw all that out the window and pushed to see how far I would run without stopping. I got to 11.5 miles and when I stopped to walk, I had to force myself to start again. After that race, I said the lesson I learned was to run the race the same as I trained and not try anything new.<br />
<br />
This race...well, I let a lot of drama and straight up bullshit distract me from doing what I needed to do to get ready. my "training" consisted of running a bunch of 5 and 10ks from July until a couple weeks before this race. I knew it was going to be tough and just decided to do what I could do and not try to break any records. I was gonna start off taking walk breaks early, instead of waiting until I was past the point of needing it.<br />
<br />
First 3 miles...fantastic. I was making good time, and even made myself slow down a bit. I told myself if I averaged a 15min mile, I was good and could still shave time off my previous half. Each miles got a little slower, but I was also walking, so I was ok with it. I maintained this pace though the 10K mark. At that point, I decided to give myself an extra long walk break and ended up walking to mile 7. I met up with my husband who was waiting for me along the course,. He asked how I was doing and I told him my knees were starting to hurt, so I was walking a little. He walked with me for just a bit, then said he'd meet me at the finish line and we went our separate ways.<br />
About 7.5 miles, I started to run some more. My right knees started hurting more, so I had to walk more than I ran.<br />
<br />
By mile 8, I wasn't running much at all.<br />
<br />
At 9.5 miles, I knew I was in trouble. I started to doubt that I would make it to the end. By this point, walking hurt, and I couldn't run at all. I started texting my Sole Sister, telling her I was hitting a wall. <br />
<br />
Her: No Wall. There is no wall.<br />
Walk a bit<br />
Me: I have been walking.<br />
Her: You're over halfway done. Suck it up. Cry and ice later. You can do it<br />
Me:If one more person asks if I'm doing ok, I'm gonna cry.<br />
Her: So cry. It's almost over<br />
Me: 10 mother fucking miles<br />
Her: 5k left. Easy Peasy<br />
<br />
Her: It's been 30 mins. Where are you at now?<br />
Me: 11.5 I can't run, Can barely walk. I don't know if I'll make it<br />
Her: You can make it. Walk slow<br />
<br />
(30 mins later)<br />
Her: Where now<br />
Me: 12.8<br />
Her: Cake. You got it.<br />
FINISH! FINISH! FINISH!<br />
<br />
And I did finish. I'm not sure how I was able to keep putting one foot in front of the other, but I was determined to finish. <br />
I could see the finish line ahead of me, and I mustered what I could to run across it. I looked back at the live web cast of me (and everyone else) crossing the finish, and what I was doing really could not have been described as a run, lol. <br />
As I cross the finish, and ice cold bottle of water was handed to me, and as I made my way through the crowd, I was rubbing the bottle on my knee. A woman from the med crew came up and asked if I was ok. I told her i was fine (because that's how stubborn I am), that I just needed to ice my knee. That's when she pulled me over to the med tent and sat me down and put ice on my knees. I never would have stopped on my own. <br />
I sent my husband a text letting him know where I was. He said he'd go get the car and for me to stay put. Since we were parked a mile from the finish line, I happily sat there and waited. <br />
It took 30 mins for him to walk to the car, and get back to a spot right outside the finish. With the ice still on my knees, I made my way to the car and we headed back to the hotel. At this point, my skin was numb from the ice, but I think that's what saved me.<br />
We stopped for food on the way back and I sat on the bed with the ice still in place while I ate, then I went and soaked in a sports mix of Epsom salts and other stuff. I was so tired, I started nodding off in the tub and decided it was time to get out. Took 4 Aleve, rolled out my muscles with the foam roller and took a nap.<br />
I'm not gonna say I wasn't sore later, but I could get up and walk without too much trouble. I prepared for recovery better than I did the race.<br />
My official time was 4:11. Miserable, but at least I finished.<br />
<br />
Now I know that I have to stop letting people and things that don't matter interfere with my running. The BS from the last 6mths or so was ridiculous, but not as ridiculous as me letting someone else tell me my running wasn't as important as what SHE wanted from me. I will NEVER make that mistake again. This is what Savannah taught me. This race was not my best, but that just means I have no where to go but up.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-74075054394336523292012-10-22T11:23:00.001-07:002012-11-05T13:48:01.546-08:00Aids Atlanta Walk and 5KYesterday I logged another 5k. This one was for Aids Atlanta.<br />
<br />
It was a great day for a run. Fall in Atlanta can be anywhere from 50's and rain to 80's and blistering sun. Yesterday was in the 70's, low humidity, and sunny. <br />
It was an afternoon race, which is different for me. I was able to sleep until a decent time, get up and have a couple cups of coffee, a banana, then make my way to the MARTA station.<br />
Hopped on the train and headed to the Midtown station. It was about a mile walk from there to the park. Nice warm up. Check in, get bib, bathroom and we were ready to go.<br />
<br />
It started off uphill...always nice, lol. There was plenty of support and cheers along the route, which was great. Right after the 2 mile mark came THE HILL. It was ROUGH...and never ending. Around a corner where I thought for sure it would level out, but nope, only about half was up. Once at the stop, there was another group cheering us on. <br />
At the top, we went down hill for a bit then back into the park for the final push, That part of the route was absolutely packed with people clapping and cheering. <br />
I saw the finish line and sprinted to the end, coming in at 45 and some change. Not great, but on par with what I expected.<br />
<br />
I caught up with the other two runners in my group and we got our tshirts then went to find the walkers in our group. While they did their walk, we grabbed a bite to eat at Park Tavern.<br />
<br />
After, we went to find the walkers and started making our way back to the MARTA station.<br />
Short ride to my car and back home. <br />
Long day, but a lot of fun.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-60474517480875976362012-10-13T12:45:00.000-07:002012-10-13T12:45:00.785-07:00Rock n' Roll Here I Come!But first....<br />
<br />
Oct 21st I'll be running in the Aids Walk Atlanta and 5k<br />
This is one that's important to me.<br />
<br />
Oct 27th I'll be doing the Monster Dash 10k<br />
<br />
<br />
Then....the big one. Rock n Roll Savannah Half. <br />
Ummm....way too much stuff has happen and I really haven't been training like I need to.<br />
I ran a 5 miler a few weeks ago and got through that...my legs were killing me after, but that's when I was still in the Newtons.<br />
My plan of attack is to get a 10 mile run in next week. Day of the race, I'll take it 5k at a time. Run 5k, walk 1 mile. The trick will be stopping to walk before I'm spent. I could easily run up to 6 miles without needing to stop....but I'd be hurting at the finish line. I'd like to finish strong...not hobbling.<br />
<br />
Sometimes the hardest thing is slowing downKimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-42737604049049810182012-10-12T07:57:00.000-07:002012-10-12T07:57:07.921-07:00What does bullying look like?Oct is Bully Prevention Month. There has been a lot of talk about bullying amongst our kids. It's usually pretty blatant. Name calling, harassing, often escalating into physical altercations. We see it, even expect it in kids. But, what people don't often acknowledge is that it sometimes continues into adulthood.<br />
<br />
Adults are supposed to be more mature than that. They are supposed to have learned their lessons as children and grown out of the bully stage. However, some people never grown out of this. And the more the Internet age grows, the more people will lash out behind that allure of a screen name. Sometimes the lines are blurred so much that people don't even know what bullying looks like.<br />
<br />
I want to share a recent experience where I was bullied...still being bullied actually. And yes, I bit back and in turn bullied. I was no better than the one who bullied me.<br />
<br />
So, what does bulling look like in adults? It looks like statements like this....<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">you seem to be gaining weight rather than losing… again, a former
customer brought this up. This has come up a couple of times and I honestly
have not known how to reply because it is a sensitive subject for me to address
with the customers or with you. When a customer says; “as much as she says she
runs she should be invisible”… we do need to address it and as I am typing I
believe it was my place and I should have. Sorry I found it an uncomfortable
subject</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I do think you have reservations about your acceptance among others</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </blockquote>
And this...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What
an AWESOMELY RETARDED STOKED [REDACTED] class </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </blockquote>
And the reaction to someone who didn't like the use of the word "retarded"....<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Just
like you I too have a big mouth, and unlike you I am not new to the area and I
am very well connected so I hope that I dont ever have to run my big mouth...<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Make
yourself scarse as you are not welcome in anything [REDACTED] related</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
a very educated individual and business owner and someone with a well versed
vocabulary I find your ranting completely unnecessary. Those that are our
patrons of our estalishment are aware of everything we stand for and your need
to judge your poor understanding of the definition of the word retarded shows
that you spend your time insulting and running your big mouth rather than
looking for truth, the good in people and mostly the facts. Let me educate
you... Definition of retarded as per Websters Dictionary: underdeveloped: not
fully developed. To clarify, although you dont deserve <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">clarification...
we showcased 4 new songs last night - 2 which were not fully
developed/completed/in sync therefore RETARDED. Not only do I find your judging
and your big mouth offensive but without any merit. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span> </blockquote>
And this, which was sent out a MONTH after I was no longer involved with the person who sent it<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Normally I will not put negativity out there as it has no place in my life; however, there are times when negativity and jealousy just cant seem to stay away no matter how much you try. During my trip to Spain my husband who is an Internet security executive discovered a blog page after receiving a message from a woman in Seattle stating that she was a part of this blog and that our studio and our staff and customers were being bashed and ridiculed in this page. After months of research he was able to be accepted into the blog page and to say that the attrocities posted were sad and pathetic is an understatement. During his research it came to light that the administrator and creator of this page was [ME] - YES, the [ME] that used to teach at our studio. Needless to say because I was out of the country and trying to relax both [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] decided not to make me aware of what was happening and dismissed [ME] immediately from her duties at our studio. Til this day I have no idea what was posted on that blog - - although [REDACTED, REDACTED, and REDACTED] all read some of the posts and state they were not only horrible things about us - but of a disgruntle nature. This page was created before our opening in Nov 2011. :(</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><img alt="Description: frown" height="1" width="1" /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span lang="EN">I have refused to read them as I will not damage my soul with other's craziness.<br /><br />Obviously I have no say in who you choose to befriend on your personal FB's, but I felt the need to share this with you because I care and I want you to be surrounded by light and for you to be safe</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span lang="EN"></span></span> </blockquote>
And yes, even my reply to the above was of the bullying nature...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div>
OK, first...it wasn't a blog. It was a PRIVATE parenting message board that I've been a part of for 12yrs. We've watched people get married, have babies, go through divorce, and worse. These are my friends who happen to be spread out across the country. How [REDACTED] got access to the board is suspect. "Someone from Seattle"? whatever. I'm not sure I buy it, but regardless, yes, he did end up in the group. He LIED to get in. But whatever....did I talk shit about here there? Sometimes. Sometimes I just posted her psychotic emails and other people commented. Whatever the case, there no one in that group that even lives in [REDACTED STATE], let alone in our client base. I ALWAYS put on a professional face when talking to clients, potential clients. Can SHE say the same? Nope, and I have the emails she sent to CLIENTS to prove it. </div>
<div>
I absolutely own that I vented to my friends. I can't sit around sipping coffee with the girls and vent about stuff, we do it in this group. It was created WAY before [REDACTED]. It wasn't created to bash [REDACTED]. In fact, it really had very very little to do WITH [REDACTED]. AND....the posting about her and the studio were very positive right up until April when se sent me that vile email that I showed you before. That's when things went downhill. Was I disgruntled? You damn right I was. Nothing I posted was a lie. could I have been less negative...probably. I wanted to leave there for a while, since that email where she called me fat, unapproachable, and unprofessional. i should have left then. I hate that things ended the way they did, but I have never been happier. It was like a giant weight was lifted off my shoulders. <br /> I'm sure glad she isn't damaging her soul with any of this, lol </div>
<div>
</div>
</blockquote>
Because the truth is...I was a bully when I vented about what was going on. I was angry. I needed to fight back and didn't know how, so I went to a place where I felt "safe' and felt like people would be on my side, and I vented. And I said very mean things. Things like "shoving your tits up under your chin doesn't change the gut that hangs out below your shirt". And that was NO BETTER than the things that were said to me and others. I am guilty of being a bully as well. Only I did it behind the person's back. How is that any better? Because I never thought she'd find out? Because I did it under the guise of venting? Some will say I was justified in what I said. I can understand the sentiment. People like to see the bad guy getting theirs. But the only person I've hurt in the process is myself. This other party will never see what they did as wrong, or bullying. They will always be the victim. I don't think there are victims here. We BOTH bullied each other in different ways. <br />
<br />
I want to move on. I want to become a better person. I want to let go of the resentment I have for this person. I want to recognoze where I was wrong and prevent it from happening again. Becasue how can I be an example to my kids, if this is how I interact with people?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </blockquote>
Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-66155130742791390452012-10-03T11:42:00.000-07:002012-10-03T11:42:14.229-07:00I gave up...I took the Newtons back and got a pair of Brooks. <br />
Maybe at another time, when I'm not pushing to train for so many upcoming races. Maybe I should have tried them out in April, when my race season started to die down a little. As it is...I've got the Haunted Hustle 5k next weekend, the Aids Walk Atlanta 5K after that, the Monster Dash 10k, then a week later the Rock n Roll Savannah Half. Too much training to try to change how I run.<br />
In the meantime, I'll work on trying to change my foot strike on my own so when/if I try the Newtons again, maybe it will go better.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-20200440321444738512012-09-11T17:04:00.001-07:002012-09-11T17:04:49.881-07:00Newtons "60 Days of Better"OK, I've been fascinated with these Newton shoes. At the same time, I've been hesitant to try them out because my feet are just so screwy. I didn't want to spend nearly $200 on a pair of shoes and end up hating them. So, when I saw that Newton was offering a 60 day test drive on their shoes, with no hassle, no questions asked returns, I decided to jump on it.<br />
<br />
$180 later, I was the proud owner of Newton Motion (Motus) shoes.<br />
My first run was only a mile. It was a busy day and I was trying to squeeze in a run in between errands. That mile was tough, and I found that my calves and thighs hurt more than usual, but chalked that up to using different muscles.<br />
<br />
Today, I ran 3.1 miles with the local shoe store group. In fact, it was the store I bought my Newtons from. Anyway...first mile was OK.My the second mile, my knees were hurting. By the time I got to 3 miles, I was heel striking. That's been an ongoing issue with me, to the point where I developed plantar fasciitis back in April when training for my half, and it hasn't gotten any better.<br />
By the time I made it back to the store, my right heel, and top of the foot was hurting.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure how much longer I will give these shoes, honestly. I have 4 races, including a half marathon coming up in the next 6 weeks, and I'm worried I wont be able to do it with these shoes.<br />
<br />
Plus, if I'm gonna heel strike anyway, I can do that with a pair of $100 Brooks.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-75130092995829729332012-08-22T05:14:00.001-07:002012-08-22T05:14:23.534-07:00I am so over not having a carThat is all...Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-52280051823254265152012-08-18T06:56:00.000-07:002012-09-06T07:46:24.184-07:00Sometimes.....I hate the industry I work in. With all the "be skinny", "be pretty", "who you are is not good enough", messages that some people put out there.<br />
Someone on my facebook just posted "....making a prettier world one butt at a time". Why isn't the message "making a HEALTHIER world"? At the end of the day, "pretty" and "skinny" doesn't equal healthy. I really think all the focus on looks makes the people who need it the most, stay home on the couch. Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-36735564258001624722012-08-16T12:19:00.001-07:002012-09-06T14:40:37.748-07:00Why I hate peopleSo first, a quick back story.<br />
When I was 16, I bought my first car. It was a total beater...a 1976 Honda Civic; $200 and she was all mine. My second car was an orange Ford Pinto station wagon... I honestly can't remember the year. I just remember it was the only 2 door station wagon I had ever seen, and it was so damn ugly, it was cool. I had a couple more cars before I became a mom at 19 and had to settle into responsible mom vehicle. I had 3 kids by the time I was 24 and had settled into life behind the wheel of a minivan.<br />
<br />
At age 36, my kids were finally grown enough that I didn't need the big mom vehicle. I could FINALLY have something "fun". I had always wanted a VW Bug...convertible. It had never been practical until now.<br />
<br />
Christmas of 2010 my husband surprised me with Prudence. My 2005 VW Beetle convertible. She had about 13,000 miles on her when we bought her, and in the nearly 2yrs I've had her she still has less than 29,000. I. Love. That. Car.<br />
<br />
On Monday, Aug 6th, I was sitting in the left turn lane and a red light waiting for it to turn green. The light changed, I took a second or two to look across the intersection at on coming traffic and see that the line of cars appeared to be turning let as well, so I was clear to make my turn. I pulled out and heard a horn. It caught my attention enough for me to hit the brakes at the same instant a woman ran a red light and plowed into me. Now, let me just say that IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. Everyone walked away unharmed. If I hadn't heard the horn, she would have t-boned me and who knows how bad that would have been in my little car. As it was, she hit my front fender/tire, area.<br />
I was livid! How do you run a freaking red light and HIT MY CAR. The first thing I did was roll down my window and point to my still green light and yell "WHAT THE HELL AER YOU DOING? MY LIGHT WAS GREEN". She pulled off. I couldn't believe it. I tried to move my car and the tire was pushed in and something under there was broken. My daughter, who was in the car with me, called 911, while I called my husband. <br />
Turned out the woman just pulled into the parking lot of the shopping center I was pulling out of. About this time an off duty officer came up to make sure everyone was ok. As he was asking me what happen, the other woman came up and started asking me why I ran the red light.<br />
YOU HAVE GOT TO ME KIDDING ME. I lost it. I went off on her. I told her I would beat her ass in the middle of the street, SHE had run the light and hit me. The officer told her to go sit in her car.<br />
That was the last I saw of her. All parties decided it was for the best if she stayed on her end of the parking lot<br />
The on duty officer showed up and it was the same story, She claimed she had a green light and I came out of no where. Yep, me and all the people behind me...and the ones across the intersection that were also turning into her path, we ALL came out of no where. The officer flat out told me he thought she was lying, but because no witnesses stayed, there wasn't anything he could do but write it up as I told it and how she told it and let insurance figure it out.<br />
<br />
So it's been nearly 2 weeks. My insurance called me today to tell me that their investigation showed "No definitive proof" who ran the light. So, they will take care of my damages, minus my deductible, and she is on her own for hers. My consolation...she was driving a 97 Toyota and had Geico insurance, there's a real good chance she only had liability and will pay out of pocket for her damages. Karma, bitch.<br />
Meanwhile I'm without a car until mine is repaired (thankfully the axle isn't broken like I first thought), because I don't have loss of use coverage (direct quote when my husband asked if we had loss o use coverage, I replied "What you should be worried about is if we have beat a bitch's ass coverage", told you I lost it). Had this woman just owned her shit, I could have had a rental. Plus, it's the right thing to do. Only a piece of shit lies about causing a wreck. I didn't do anything wrong, but I'm the one paying for it.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-54029318218630699062012-08-13T06:34:00.001-07:002012-08-13T06:34:35.998-07:00Where did July go?So, officially I didn't get fired. Unofficially...might as well have been.<br />
<br />
We had our July event. I threw something together that was completely out of my comfort zone, and it was pretty damn good if I do say so myself. And I do, because I deserve the praise. I was told during this time that I would be very happy with the outcome of the following week's meeting based on how well I did during the event.<br />
<br />
So, fast forward to the next week. I go to my meeting and get told that I was being taken off the schedule for August. I could figure out what I wanted to go and possibly come back in Sept. I was scheduled to get Zumba<span style="font-size: x-small;">© </span>licensed the next week...I could come back as a Zumba<span style="font-size: x-small;">©</span> instructor, or learn the new way they had decided to teach my weight class. <br />
MY weight class. The one I brought to the studio, and developed. No longer mine. No longer taught the way I set it up. <br />
Ok, I was determined to be all Zen and whatever happens happens about the whole thing. I had a lot o stuff going on or me, so just go with the flow.<br />
<br />
The next week I went back to my ballroom performance class. That made me happy, since I had missed the last performance to do this studio event. The very next day, I got up and went into the city and spent 10hrs getting Zumba<span style="font-size: x-small;">© </span>licensed. When I got home, I had to pack. I had a 6am flight to Las Vegas the next morning. I managed to sleep for a couple hours, but was up by 2am to head to the airport. We flew ALL DAY. Finally made it to Vegas around 9am local time. We then crashed. When we woke up, it felt like I had been eating sand in my sleep. Welcome to the desert. <br />
We were in Vegas from Friday thru Tuesday. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas (or lives forever on Facebook)<br />
Tuesday was another day of flying. I was exhausted when we got home. Weds morning, real life started back up. I was back in my ballroom class that night. Barely enough time to stop and take a breath. The rest of the week consisted of back to school orientations and school shopping.<br />
<br />
That Friday, we had another studio event along with a staff meeting. It became painfully obvious how unwanted I am there after that staff meeting. Two instructors were auditioned that night. Then we talked about upcoming events.The studio is bringing in a children's dance program. Ballet and jazz to start. That program is getting my old time slot. The prime slot after that is taken by other instructors. There's just no room for me there. <br />
We're also being asked to "chip in" for various advertising expenses. Expensive advertising expenses. And, if we don't sell at least 10 tickets to the next studio event, the difference will be taken from our pay. Say what?? We're all independent contractors, so I'm thinking maybe the labor laws aren't the same as if we were just employees. Either way, I don't really feel like sticking around for this one.<br />
<br />
So, am I fired...or just being pushed out? In the end, does it matter?<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I'm trying to set up some other options. I have bills to pay, I can't sit here waiting for something to happen.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-91692050041991759212012-07-10T06:17:00.001-07:002012-09-06T07:47:32.321-07:00It still hurtsI think I'm being fired. I got an email today asking when a good time would be to sit down and talk about my future with the company.<br />
So much has happen in the past couple of months. I've been hurt by the studio owner, someone I considered a friend. I've been thinking about moving on anyway, so I don't know why this upsets me so much.<br />
Maybe it's the perceived friendship. I feel duped. I thought we had actually become friends outside of the studio, but I've come to realize that she saw me as someone she could get something from. I didn't live up to my potential, so she is looking for a tactful way to get rid of me so I don't run out and bad mouth her business. I've come to realize the "friendship" was a lie.<br />
Plus...there's an event this weekend. I feel like she is holding off the meeting until after that so she can squeeze as much out of me as possible. If she tells me this week she doesn't want me back in August, I might not want to perform at the party. Again, I'm just someone she can get something from.<br />
<br />
I need to just breathe and accept it for what it is and move on.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-49952326326137514082012-07-08T07:42:00.001-07:002012-07-08T07:42:54.066-07:00Peachtree Road Race (2)So, on July 4th, I joined 60,000 others in an Atlanta institution known as the Peachtree Road Race.<br />
People take this thing very seriously...in a totally unserious way. Around March, there is a lottery to enter. About 70,000 people register for the 60,000 slots available...then we wait. Although the vast majority of people who want to run the race get in, the ones who don't, get rather angry about it. The day of the drawing, you will see tons of angry facebook postings from people who didn't make it, think it's unfair that walkers get in when they didn't, don't like that first timers got in when they didn't...you name it, they are angry about it.<br />
That being said..I've won the lottery the past two years, so this made my second Peachtree. Just like last year, I entered with my best friend and Sole Sister, Sarah. We counted down the months to July. We had shirts made. We talked about the other stuff we would do when she came down.<br />
Then, unexpected expenses caused her to not be <span style="background-color: yellow;">able </span>to come down. She will get guaranteed entry next year, so we have that to look forward to, but as far as this year, I was on my own.<br />
<br />
So, on July 4th, I got up way too early and headed into Atlanta. I went as far as the MARTA station and rode that into town with the rest of the crowds. I found my way to my start corral, and waited. I had gotten there way too early. I should have stopped at the porta potty, but I was just ready to go. After an hour of waiting at the start (Plenty of time to go to the potty), we were off. <br />
I'm running along, in my zone, headphones in, music up, and out of nowhere I hear my name. It's a rather common name, so it could have been for anyone, but something told me to turn around. There was my friend Rachael and her husband Jason. It was their first Peactree, and I knew we were starting in the same corral, and had looked around for them while I was waiting, but they were no where to be found. I thought it was hilarious that she recognized me from behind. She said it was my funky knee high sock monkey socks. I'm kind of known for my funky knee highs.<br />
We said our hellos and awkwardly hugged while running and then we were both on our way. <br />
Right after the one mile mark I decided I would take the time loss and stand in the potty line. There was no way I would make it to the finish and there was no use even trying. <br />
Seven mins later, I was back on the road.<br />
<br />
Before I knew it, I was at mile 3 and heading up Cardiac Hill. I remembered from last year that this hill wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, so I plugged along. When I got to the top, I let myself walk for about 0.2 mile just to refresh my legs. The sun was coming out and it was getting hot.<br />
The rest of the race went about the same. I ran more than last year, but walked more than I would have liked. <br />
The miles flew by and soon I was at the finish line. I grabbed my bottle of water, my shirt, stood in line for a finisher's photo, then headed to the other side of the park and on to the MARTA station. I didn't have any reason to hang out at the finish since I was on my own this year. <br />
Last year, the walk to the MARTA was brutal. Uphill the whole mile (or more). My legs were dead by the time I got there. This year, it wasn't a big deal at all. It felt shorter, my legs were fine; what a difference a year of training does.<br />
<br />
In the end, my Garmin time was 1:35:16...7 mins faster than last year's time, but those 7 mins in the bathroom line made my official time closer to last year's time. I'll take the bathroom break over the alternative<br />
<br />
I'm already looking forward to next year. Sarah will be here and all will be right with the world :)Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-69176952476226790642012-06-28T10:06:00.001-07:002012-09-08T06:52:46.570-07:00Letting GoI've been carrying around a lot of stress, negativity and hurt feelings lately. I need to release it. <br />
I've always been a person who holds grudges. If someone crosses me, real or percieved, I'm done. The proof in that is a year ago when I walked away from an 11yr friendship becuase of several nasty things that were said about me. No explanations, no second chances, I'm done.<br />
Even so, I held on to that anger for quite some time. Perhaps I'm still holding on to it a bit. Letting go feels like forgiveness and forgiveness has always felt like acceptance to me. It's an issue, I know.<br />
<br />
But, the negativity that I've carried around the past month or so, has not benefitted me at all. In fact, I think it is holding me back quite a bit. I need to let go. I can not control the actions of other people, I can only control how I react to them. I have to just accept that not everyone handles things the way I do, and that doesnt make them wrong and me right. It's just who we are. I'll never get an apology that I feel I deserve, so I have to just accept that I know my truth, and move on with intergrity<br />
<br />
So, to all the people I've been holding grudges against, most of whom had no idea...I'm letting go and moving forward from a place of positivity.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-56304677083835058262012-06-27T18:35:00.001-07:002012-06-27T18:35:13.307-07:00Cutting Myself Some SlackI found myself beating myself up tonight.<br />
I didn't get out of bed and run my 8miles this morning<br />
It got too hot for me to go out during the day<br />
When I finally did go out at 7:30, I only managed 3.5 miles before I called it a day.<br />
<br />
It wasn't "good enough". I found myself disapointed that I gave up when I probably could have pounded out 2 more miles. I probably could have, but I didn't. <br />
Did I "give in"? <br />
Should I have done another loop around the park, even though I was tired and hot, and my fingers were starting to swell, my whole body is still sore from my weight workout Monday night, and my plantar fasciitis is still being a persnickty bitch and I have a 10k coming up in a week?<br />
Probably..<br />
<br />
But maybe I should just be happy that I got out there and did what I did, and let it go. It's 3.5 more miles than I had done this morning. It's 3.5 more miles than a lot of other people did today.<br />
There's always another day, another week, another month to log the miles. There is no finish line...I'm training for life.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-60517687489883401082012-06-21T07:00:00.000-07:002012-06-21T07:00:20.128-07:00Running While FemaleI run solo. It's not so much that I prefer it, it's just the way it is. My pace, and schedule, and location doesn't lend itself to running partners. It's just always been this way. It's what I know. It's what I'm used to. So, I never really think about safety issues. That is, until I hear stories about women like <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/sherry-arnold-update_n_1372415.html" target="_blank">Sherry Arnold</a> and <a href="http://www.kentucky.com/2012/06/18/2229291/allman-pleads-not-guilty-in-death.html" target="_blank">Sarah Hart</a>. Women, mothers, wives, daughters, who were just out doing something they loved.<br />
It makes me angry that we, as women, face more threats than men do. No one writes blogs giving men safety advice when they are out running alone. No one tells a man he is stupid for going out at 5:30am alone for a 5 miler. Men don't think about checking in with a friend so someone knows where they are. But there it is, ingrained in girls as soon as they are young enough to venture out on their own.<br />
I can remember being a teenager and getting caught sneaking out to go to a party with my friend. When her mom caught us, one of the biggest things she was angry about was not knowing where we were. She kept saying, what if we hadn't made it back...she wouldn't have even known where to start looking. That we had to always make sure someone knew where we were. It stuck with me to the point that it's now something I tell my own daughter.<br />
<br />
I will fully admit that I don't do enough to ensure my safety when I'm out running. I just seem to have a Bad Ass mentality that no one is going to do anything to me. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and believe that most people are good.<br />
<br />
That being said, I need to do more.<br />
I run pretty much the same route. I have ways of making it longer or shorter, depending on the day, but it's the same basic route. However, I realized while talking to my husband over the weekend, that even though I run the same roads 3-4 days a week...he has no idea what those roads are, or what my running schedule is. He doesn't know which days are long runs, and which are short runs. That's something that needs to change.<br />
<br />
I always try to be aware of my enviroment. I look at everyone I meet and give a head nod, a wave, a hello...some type of acknowledgment that I see them. Even so....I've been caught off gaurd. I've had people come "out of no where" or the sun in my face and I didnt see them. It always shakes me a little when this happens.<br />
The biggest thing I have to kick myself for is talking to people in cars. I must stop doing that. It doesn't matter if someone things I'm rude because I didn't tell them where the local fast food breakfast place was. my safety is more important.<br />
I have had people stop and ask for directions before and I've given them, but one time...in the middle of the day, on a busy street, in front of the fire dept of all places...I had a guy pull over and ask me if I needed a ride. I couldn't hear what he was saying, so I approached the car and leaned down. I should have kept walking and ignored him. Of course I didn't want a ride, and I said as much and walked away, but in the time I took to find out what he wanted, something very bad could have happen<br />
Lesson here...Be a bitch. I do not have to be the polite little southern girl I was raised to be. Who cares if someone I don't know, and will likely never see again, thinks I'm rude. It's better than my family having to identify my body later.<br />
<br />
I love running. I don't want to be scared away from it. I want to feel like I can walk out my front door and come back 10 miles later, unscathed.<br />
<br />
I will be making changes to how I run. I will make sure someone knows my route, and my schedule.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427760509275395615.post-65577404164223281442012-06-14T06:46:00.001-07:002012-09-06T07:49:14.621-07:00So...Yesterday was not a good day.<br />
I have a lot of stresses right now, that running would probably help, but I haven't been able to run as much as I want because of nagging Plantar Fasciitis, scheduling, and yes, the goddamn Atlanta humidity. I've always been a southern girl. ALWAYS loved the south. Always said I'd never live anywhere else. But, I swear, I loved the south a whole lot more before I was a runner. Now I'm thinking the west coast is calling me (I left my heart in San Francisco)<br />
<br />
So, things that are currently stressing me out...<br />
<br />
My best friend and "sole sister" might not be able to make it down for the Peachtree. I miss her so much, and all I want to do is buy her plane ticket and get her down here, but I can't really afford to do that either. It's making me really sad.<br />
<br />
There's someone else in my life who has turned out to not be who I thought they were. This person said some unbelievably cruel things to me under the guise of someone else said them, and she was just passing it along. She makes sure to get her back handed compliments, or flat out digs in whenever she can. She presents herself s this wonderful, positive, person, but she is not. She is petty, and vindictive, and will not think twice about ripping a person to shreds if she feels they have crossed her. I thought we were friends, but now I think she just saw me as someone who could benefit her. I think I've benefited her as much as I can, and now she is pushing me out. I'm ready to go, but I have a few more ducks that need to be lined up before I make the jump, so I have to smile and play the game and sometimes I think it is killing me. I am so incredibly unhappy, and my friends....my REAL friends are concerned for me and want me to just cut ties with this person, NOW.<br />
<br />
I'm so tired of the bullshit. I just want to run, and dance.Kimberly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505499478655201050noreply@blogger.com0