When I crossed the finish line of the Zooma Annapolis 10K, the time clock screamed 1:14. I didn't know what my chip time was yet but I was hopeful that I squeaked out a PR by mere seconds. I completed my first 10K in 1:13. You can imagine my glee when I checked Facebook and saw that my time was 1:11. I had shaved two whole minutes off my time for a PR! I was floating on the humid air. Then, a few days later, I got The Email. We, the runners, were misdirected along the course, which resulted in the course being a quarter mile short of a 10K. Bye-bye PR. I was disappointed -- who wouldn't be? -- but I wasn't upset. It actually made sense. It was a hot day. I stopped several times to take photos and at least once to walk the hilly bridge that was the turn around point. I wondered why I didn't see mile marker three and why there were only two water stops along the course on such a hot and humid day. No PR just made more sense. I still ran a great race and look … [Read more...]
Writing Advice From Alice McDermott
I recently attended the Washington Independent Review's first annual Books Alive conference. One of the many speakers in attendance was award-winning author Alice McDermott. In college, I read Charming Billy, for which McDermott won an American Book Award and the U.S. National Book Award for Fiction, and loved it. I grabbed a seat at one of the front tables in her breakout session, "What's Novel About the Novel?" I dream of being a novelist, after all. Someone asked the panel a question that I don't exactly remember. But Alice McDermott's response stuck with me. She shared writing advice that resonated with her when she was trying to write and raise small children -- a boat I find myself I at the moment. I'll paraphrase: As soon as your children have left for school or daycare or for grandma's house, clear off your kitchen table with one sweep of your arm (she animated by making a sweeping motion with her arm) and get to work writing. Don't stop … [Read more...]
First Lady Michelle Obama, Eli Manning and the Partnership For A Healthier America
So this happened Friday... I attended the Partnership for a Healthier America Summit on March 8, 2013 at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium. The energy in the room was infectious. This fitness foodie totally geeked out. I loved learning about the Farm to School program, hearing the dynamic Cory A. Booker, mayor of Newark, NJ, and discovering the Reebok's BOKS (Build Our Kids' Success) program from its ambassador New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning. Listening to the First Lady deliver the closing keynote was pretty cool, too. OK, REALLY COOL! (so was getting a press pass with "White House" on it.) Now, I'm even more inspired by her Let's Move! campaign. What's inspiring you today? … [Read more...]
A “Mad Men” Guide to Visiting Scottsdale, Arizona
I'm guest posting over at Mom It Forward again, this time about traveling to Scottsdale, Arizona. I went there for a conference and found inspiration, mainly in the decor of the Hotel Valley Ho. It was very Mad Men. Click over to Mom It Forward to check out my tips on how to vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona like a 1960s celebrity. … [Read more...]
Watermelon Salsa Recipe at Prime Parents Club
Celebrate National Watermelon Day with this salsa recipe I'm sharing over at Prime Parents Club. … [Read more...]
