Nike Women’s Half Marathon in DC

May 3, 2013 By 1 Comment

TGIF! This time last week, I was excited and nervous to head to DC for the inaugural Nike Women’s Half in DC. I don’t think the excitement really hit me until last Friday. Training for this one was tough because of my allergies. Sure enough, my allergies unexpectedly got worse in DC. I guess it was the Cherry Blossom trees? I was stuffy, sleepless and had nose bleeds while there. I guess despite the homeopathic allergy medicine that I took with me, my body just couldn’t get used to the atmosphere quickly :(

Regardless, I had a wonderful time. Running with Team In Training made the race even more special for me. Seeing coaches on the sidelines cheering us on. Children with Leukemia or Lyphoma screaming, “You’re running for me, don’t quit keep going.” I literally teared up at that last 3 miles when my body was saying “hell no”. My mind refused to quit.

At the starting line! Notice my puffy eyes :( . Thankfully, when I started running everything felt great. I only felt my allergies before/after the race.

I found my name on the runners wall outside of Nike Georgetown!

The Team In Training inspiration wall with photos of people with Leukemia and Lymphoma

My Favorite things about running the Nike Women’s DC half

  • DC is wonderful. The weather was not too hot and not too cold.
  • I loved not driving. We took the metro or walked wherever we needed to go. I never took a taxi or got behind the wheel and I’m so grateful after dealing with Atlanta traffic on a week day basis ;)
  • The Nike race apparel – this was my first time buying race apparel and I’m glad I did. The outfits were cute and Nike had lots of options in different colors and styles. I bought my outfit at one of the race day partners, Macys on G Street. Coincidentally  they had Friends and Family 25% off that weekend and a special event in store to celebrate the race with smoothies and a gift with purchase.
  • The race route was scenic and peaceful
  • Running with Team in Training and going to the Inspiration Dinner
  • Team in Training coaches cheering us on
  • The one cheerleader on the side who handed out gummy worms (thank you kind stranger, I needed those!)
  • Nice, well informed volunteers
  • And of course, the Tiffany finisher medal. How could I forget that?!
{from Instagram}
Tiffany finisher necklace

Other side of the Tiffany finisher necklace

My least favorite things about the race

  • Lack of port-a-potties along the race route
  • Water stations being unprepared and not having water to give out. This really slowed things down
  • Lack of availability of the commemorative race shoes. I was really disappointed when I couldn’t find 1 pair of the Nike Frees in my size :( I wanted the shoes more than any race souvenir. I wish the shoe sale opened just to finishers first then elsewhere after. Wishful thinking I guess…
  • Not starting the race with corral wave times. I felt like we were all running into each other while racing. It wasn’t pleasant at all.
  • My allergies! Next time I run a race in the spring I should try to keep this under control so that I can actually sleep the few nights prior to the race. Not sure how to do that with races out of state though, but maybe it’s possible.
  • The expo – The expo focused only on Nike merchandise and some of their employees weren’t too nice in that tent. Compared to other expos, it was kind of boring.
  • The expotique post race – the line was way too long. Over an hour wait just to look at finisher merchandise
  • Nike Georgetown – the store was way too crowded for a pleasurable experience. I wish they had better crowd control in there.

So, since the race on Sunday..I’ve been thinking about my fitness and running goals. I have more races coming up and a few fitness goals that I would like to document better here! I know I haven’t done the best job of that in the past. But I’m going to work on it. Sharing will keep me motivated and pushing for greatness.

I will share more soon! In the meantime, Happy Friday.

Filed Under: Fitness Tagged With: , , ,

What’s Your Leadership Style? – Chick-fil-A Leadercast Giveaway

April 30, 2013 By 12 Comments

I’m back from DC! I will do a race recap on the Nike Women’s Half later this week. First, I have a giveaway to announce! I’m working with Chick-fil-A to tell you about the new Leadercast app. Last year, I had the opportunity to attend Chick-fil-A Leadercast in Atlanta. At the time, I was in between jobs and trying to remain optimistic about everything coming ahead. I couldn’t afford to go to Leadercast or any of the satellite viewings since I wasn’t getting paid. In a crazy turn of events somehow in one week I heard Dan Cathy, President and COO of Chick-fil-A speak at a young professionals event and met him in person. Then, I ended up seeing him at the Dwarf House in Fayetteville where a guy I took a guy I was dating at the time because he had never been. I thought surely I was destined to go to Leadercast. But alas, the day came and I didn’t have a ticket.

The morning of Leadercast, I received a phone call from one of my Twitter followers, Kentara inviting me to Leadercast as her plus one. She knew how badly I wanted to go through my Twitter posts!! The two of us had never met face-to-face, despite the fact that we both went to University of West Georgia. Our relationship was Twitter only until that day. Honestly, I felt like my prayers had been answered and Leadercast just happened to be what my soul and heart needed. I had the entire day free, of course, since I wasn’t employed and I had the opportunity to learn, grow and eat free Chick-fil-A for the whole day :) Couldn’t get much better than that. Now, Kentara and I are friends and I’m so grateful for that day last year where she blessed me with the chance to go to Leadercast. As a young professional, it’s vital to build leadership qualities in our professional and personal lives. Listening to all of those amazing speakers last year really motivated me! Leadership has to be cultivated and grown over time. That’s a really important thing that people often overlook!

Attending Chick-fil-A Leadercast 2012

I have a giveaway for my readers! Chick-fil-A Leadercast has a new blog app! The app gives a 7 question test and lets you know your leadership style. Mine is The Visionary:

I think the app did a good job narrowing down my style. I’m good at seeing a situation accurately and not through rose-colored glasses! I also consider myself flexible in group situations. Bravo Leadercast app!

 I’m giving away: 

- 1 Copy of John C. Maxwell’s new book: The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth
- 1 Chick-fil-A Leadercast Exclusive Audio Download Card, which includes access to audio segments from past and present events!
- 3 Chick-fil-A Digital offer cards for a free Chick-fil-A Sandwich Entrée of your choice. 

I can’t lie, I have really wanted to get my hands on that new John C. Maxwell book since hearing him talk about it at Leadercast last year. So whoever wins, I hope that you are just as excited about it as I am :)

To enter: Please use the Chick-fil-A Leadercast App to determine what type of leader you are. Then comment on this post with your results including your email address and if the app did a great job of identifying your style. You can comment up until Friday of this week – May 3, 2013 and I will contact the winner on Monday!

You have to comment and put your email address in order to win. It will NOT be shown publicly!

 

Leadercast is coming to Atlanta on May 10, 2013 at the Gwinnett Arena. To learn more about Leadercast, click here.

Filed Under: Leadership Tagged With: , ,

Off to DC

April 26, 2013 By 1 Comment

I can’t believe that this week is almost over. I must share this Evian commercial. I found it on Twitter.

Lol. What a cute commercial :)

My cousin April came over for a visit a few days ago. She brought some products from her new Pink Zebra business. I’d never heard of Pink Zebra before. With a name like that, the products have to be fun :)

 

I had the chance to smell the scents above, Relax – Red Delicious Apple and Garden Lilac. My hands down favorite?

Relax. The combination of lavender and vanilla won me over. The scent of vanilla has always been a favorite of mine. There are over 50 different fragrances. You can even mix and match them, add a wick and create candles. I plan to see what I can find from Pink Zebra for Mother’s Day this year. For the first time (possibly ever) I feel kind of stumped on what to get my mom. Here’s a link to  if you need some inspiration like me, or would like to check out Pink Zebra for yourself. Check out Pink Zebra for yourself if you need a little inspiration too.

Right now, I’m watching Scandal and I’m packing tonight to head off to D.C. for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon this weekend!

This is the race I have been fundraising for with Team in Training!

Filed Under: Life & More Tagged With: ,

Digital Undivided

April 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Last week I attending a screening of the movie 42. 42 is a biographical story about Jackie Robinson. Prior to seeing the movie I did not  see much marketing for this film. However, I remembered seeing the trailer featuring Jay-Z’s song “Brooklyn We Go Hard” numerous times well in advance building anticipation. This movie doesn’t really have any big name  stars outside of Harrison Ford. At first, I couldn’t even tell which actor was Harrison Ford (he plays Branch Rickey btw). I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters and thought that they did a great job in the roles they played. Great casting! I like how this film didn’t have much fluff to it. The primary focus was on baseball and the racial injustices that Jackie Robinson faced. The film also focused on teamwork: between husband and wife, community and the baseball team. If you’re dating someone, this is a great movie to go to together because there’s a mix of a love story, and action shots from the sport. My date really enjoyed the film and it opened the door for great dialogue when we left. Chadwick Boseman, who plays Jackie Robinson did a wonderful job. He’s a great leading man! If you plan to see a movie this weekend, consider 42 it’s worth it.

(Wikipedia)

I received an invitation to attend Digital Undivided on Saturday at Spelman College. The conference is focused around starting and growing a business. Topics will range from venture capital to site development and marketing. The conference will also allow 12 individuals with a business idea the opportunity to compete for $5,000 to help start and grow their business. I plan to do an event recap after the conference so make sure to check back. Click the photo for more information. My readers receive 50% off the listed price with the code FRIEND:

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Back to team Blackberry

April 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Over the last few days I’ve been playing with the new Blackberry Z10 courtesy of Verizon Wireless! Before I had my iPhone, I was on Team Blackberry. I used the Blackberry Storm for two years. It’s good to be back on Team Blackberry. I will review some of the features soon. For now, I finally have the “swiping” down :)

(Instagram)

I went on a solo date to see the latest Tyler Perry movie Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor:

(from)

For me, I thought the film was great. Tyler Perry had a different, younger target market than some of his other films. I didn’t like how the marketing campaigns focused on Kim Kardashian. I understand why media outlets did that. Kim Kardashian has a large loyal following and to mainstream media she was the selling point of this film. She basically played herself, which if you aren’t an actor by trade is the best role to play. If you go see Temptation just because she is in it, you will be disappointed. She does not have a big role. Jurnee Smollett-Bell was wonderful in the lead role of this film. Robbie Jones, the antagonist billionaire playboy, had some pretty corny lines. Lance Gross was great in his role, funny when he needed to be and he reminded me a little of Clark Kent. Not Superman, but Clark Kent with the glasses and patterned shirts. I’m glad that Brandy is acting again, but her part wasn’t a big deal in this movie. I like his films best when Madea is not involved. I also liked how these characters were closer to my age. Jurnee plays Judith, a driven, ambitious, physically active young professional.  I liked that part. She also has weaknesses, like every other person in this world. I also noticed how Tyler Perry made sure to get the guys with their shirts off a few times ;) . I heard Temptation ads about 20 times last week via Pandora but I didn’t see many commercials. I saw one billboard off of 285 in Atlanta. I also noticed that Temptation was a sponsored trend too and heavy social media activity on Facebook including special promos for Yahoo Movie fans. Online has to be one of the best ways to reach a younger audience. The movie made over $20 million this weekend which means the promotions paid off. Did you go see Temptation? I recommend it! Here’s a great video review by actor Terrence Colby for those who did see it. There are spoilers so don’t watch if you plan to see it soon.

Over the weekend I went to Zaxby’s where I did my LLS fundraiser a few weeks ago.

We raised $500!! That will help me get closer to my goal. If you live, work or play in the Marietta area make sure to stop by Zaxby’s on Lower Roswell Road. The whole fundraising process has been interesting! Fun, challenging and interesting. My race is next month and I’m excited. I dropped that check and a few others I’ve collected so far and put them in the mail to my race coordinator. If you would like to give and help me get closer to my goal: Click here. I appreciate your support :)

Have a great Wednesday!

Filed Under: Marketing & Social Media, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Trying NuShape

March 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Earlier this year I started taking NuShape to help with my fitness goals.

At first, I was nervous that NuShape would make me jittery due to the caffeine. The great thing is, NuShape does not have any caffeine in it. I don’t drink caffeine (except in tea) so this made the product way more appealing to me. In terms of results, after 30 days I lost 3 pounds. I do believe that with a solid plan and commitment to exercise 15 minutes a day it’s possible to lose more. I got sick in the middle of my 30 days. Which caused a slight setback. I didn’t want to eat or move for several days. On top of that, I took a trip to Minnesota where it was -11 degrees outside. I worked out there, but my body was literally in shock from that cold. A few tips in regards to NuShape:

1. Make a complete 30 day plan. Where you are going and what you will be eating. It will help tremendously to plan before you go. I did not have any fried foods and started drinking 80 oz + of water per day. However, I could have tightened up my eating by having a specific and detailed plan. I’m not going to lie, I’m still working on meal planning and budgeting. I know that it can only help me financially and physically to get that together.

2. Do the 15 minutes of exercise. I would make myself get 15 minutes in before bed if I happened to miss a workout during the day. That’s not a long amount of time to commit to being healthy. At all.

3. Be careful about traveling with the bottle. I took mine to Minnesota and kept it in the car. Everything held up fine, however, moving the bottle around so much caused some of the pills to crush in the bottom. So be careful.

4. Don’t try to change too many behaviors at once. I tried to take NuShape and also introduce food journaling at the same time. Inevitably, I was not successful with two new things at once. Food journaling can help with weight maintenance, but trying two new things like that simultaneously led to failure for me!

5. Try it with a friend. It’s nice to compare notes with someone else going through the same experience. My mom wants to try NuShape now, and I’m open to committing to another month to test it out with her.

Have you ever tried anything like NuShape? This is my second go with a product like this. I’m open to trying it again because the product is all natural.

Disclosure: I received a free 30 day trial of NuShape to test. Thoughts and opinions of the product are my own. 

Filed Under: Fitness, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Fundraising for LLS

March 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Tomorrow, I’m fundraising for LLS at Zaxby’s in Marietta! This is my second fundraising event and I’m excited to have Zaxby’s for lunch and dinner tomorrow :) my favorite is the Zaxby’s blackened chicken salad and ice water. (Something about their ice crushed makes it wonderful) Here is the information, if your in the area, stop by:

 

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To Share or Not To Share?

March 8, 2013 By 2 Comments

Occasionally, I struggle with how much I want to share on my blog and social media sites. I used to put content up on social media sites for fun. Social media is still fun, but things have changed. Crazy to think that I got involved in only 2008. In five years, lots of doors have opened for me due to my involvement on social sites. Now, when I’m out with friends, with family or on interviews my social media activity comes up. In a good way, of course. I’m fully aware that someone  is always watching. So things are very different than in 2008. Back then no one was paying that much attention they didn’t see employees or contractors with a social media following as a threat. Social media was supposed to be a fade. Now things are different. A good different, but different none the less. I have to accept that. How do you determine what to share or what’s too much to put out there?

About 2 weeks ago, I went to the doctor. There I complained of how tired I have been lately of how I just don’t feel like myself. I’m usually an early riser and morning person. I usually don’t feel like myself if I’m not working out 3 or more days a week. Where is that person? I asked my doctor. I can’t hep but relate that feeling to the fact that for about18 months my career took a totally different course. I joined two different start-ups and my schedule changed drastically. While the work was thrilling and exciting, this change in schedule caused me to start staying up late and sleeping in, throwing everything off. Over those 18 months I gained 14 pounds. That’s why I felt so miserable! So, now I have to focus on:

- Boosting my energy levels

- Getting enough sleep

- Getting back to 3-4 solid workouts a week

 

During the same week of my visit, Verizon sent all of the Ambassadors the FitBit. Good timing right?

I appreciate how the FitBit:

1. Is small and doesn’t get in the way when I wear it. It easily clips on a bra (sports bra, or regular) and goes seemingly unnoticed. I usually forget it’s even there.

2. It is simple. You wear it, it works like a pedometer and also tracks calorie burn

3. The platform has many tools to help track your fitness journey: sleep journal, food journal

4. Email encouragement when you meet milestones. I reached a 50 mile milestone the other day. And, you get badges. Who doesn’t like a badge? The email made my day :)

 

For those that have never tried to lead a fit lifestyle, a journal really helps. I used to journal from middle school-college. It’s a great way to track the progress of your goals. I highly recommend it. I’ve never tried the sleep journal before, but I understand how that can help. Over the last few weeks I have learned that I need a plan for the entire week in order to make it through. I will be sharing more of this on my blog so that I remain accountable.

Next week, I will be sharing more about additional tools that I am using to help me get back on track.

If you are interested in learning more about FitBit or purchasing your own, all of my readers get $5 off! Here’s a link with more details: http://vz.to/YhhPI3

Filed Under: Fitness Tagged With: , , , ,

Yep, I Screwed Up

March 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Last Friday, I read the letter that Groupon CEO, Andrew Mason, wrote his staff about leaving the company. Basically, he admitted that he was fired and then went on to explain why. I thought that the letter was honest, revealing and took major guts. How many C-level executives, business owners or anyone in a higher up position ever admit they are wrong?

None I can name from personal experience. Usually one (or more) of the following things happens:

1. Blame the client

2. Blame the marketing

3. Blame the website

4. Attack one member of the company and blame them

5. Blame the economy

6. Blame the “changing landscape of social media”

7. Blame lack of funds

8. Blame the design/designer

9. Blame the investors

10. Blame the content

The list goes on and on from here. Rarely, does anyone admit out loud:

“Hey, maybe it’s me? Maybe it’s our product? We need to improve it. We can’t sell it as is. Maybe we need to stop being so focused on the product and start pleasing the customer? Maybe we need to work together better as a team? Maybe we need to embrace our young talent instead of leaving them out of the mix? Maybe we need to respect our elders and the unique ideas that they bring to the table. Maybe I don’t know it all, but that’s okay.”

Possibly, all of those things I just wrote stem from my personal experience and those of my millennial peers but they are just thoughts about how we you can possibly turn things around without blaming another person or being that might not even be part of the problem. Let’s be real with ourselves for a moment. You know when you mess up. In your mind, you know when it’s your own fault. For instance, just Sunday morning I was running late to church. I have no excuse: I woke up early, I was ready, I just conveniently forgot that I needed to stop for gas. That’s my fault. No one made me late. I knew that I needed gas on Friday. I can blame others, but that’s on me. Surely, the many problems that Groupon has are not Andrew Mason’s fault, but I think that it’s great to see a leader admit that he isn’t perfect and tell the truth. Incredibly rare, but great. Instead of pointing fingers, we all should work on self evaluation.

I love The Simpsons! Homer always makes mistakes, but I appreciate how he does occasionally own up by admitting his faults and apologizing.

Can you respect a person in a leadership role who blames all of their problems on other people, places and things?

Filed Under: Leadership Tagged With: , , ,

Experiencing FELA!

March 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

I had the opportunity to see FELA! Opening night in Atlanta at The Fox Theatre. Beyond being a musical, FELA! is the true story of Fela Kuti a musical pioneer and political activist. Kuti created a type of music called Afrobeat. Throughout the show, we heard different songs featuring the eclectic style. Afrobeat music is a blend of funk, African rhythm and harmonies. If you like those music styles, you will fall in love with the sounds of FELA!. Michelle Williams looked beautiful on stage. I wouldn’t
describe her voice as soulful, it’s sound is so pure and pleasant and harmonizes magnificently with the rest of the cast. I heard great things about her onstage presence (in Aida) and I must say, each of those accolades are true.

I’ve seen several Broadway shows, but I must say that FELA! is at the top of my list. From the music, lights and costumes everything was beautifully put together! If you are in Atlanta and interested in purchasing tickets here’s the website (select FELA! on the right side). The show dates have been extended due to demand. If you are in another city, check here for when FELA! will be near you!

 

A few other tips for going to see a show:

- Arrive early. When you come in late to a show that has started it ruins the experience for other show patrons. On opening night, FELA! started late, but people still came in up to an hour into the show interrupting guests who were already there.
- Do not take flash photography. It’s distracting.
- Put your cell phone away.   A guy on our row used his cell phone to read the program. It was distracting and rude for the individual’s sitting around him.

If you want more information about theatre etiquette, The Fox Theatre has a list on their website here: http://foxatltix.com/TheatreEtiquette.aspx

Have you seen FELA!? If so, what was your favorite part? I loved the dance lesson. I’ve never done anything like that during a show. I was surprised when we were all invited to stand and take a dance lesson.

 

Disclosure: I received complimentary media tickets to see FELA! As always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: , , , ,
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