Run Baby Run

I was 19 when I ran my first 5k.  Basically an adult.

One of the things I remember noticing were how many kids there were running that race.  Up until then running races had seemed completely beyond my capability.  After that first 5k however, I was hooked, and continued increasing the length and frequency of the races I'd enter until I ran the Philly marathon last fall.

I could go on and on and on about how much I love running, but that's not what this post is about.  This post, is about a program called Girls on the Run.  Girls on the run is an international running program for girls in 3rd-5th grade.  For three months the girls meet twice a week to run, and the program culminates with a 5k race.  In addition to running we discuss issues like self-esteem, peer pressure, and healthy living habits.

I've wanted to get involved with this program for a while, and this spring, was finally able to work it into my schedule, so I am an assistant coach.  It is so. much. fun.

For one thing, now that I don't babysit anymore, I am hardly ever around children.  My friends aren't having kids yet, I don't teach, and it's dawned on me that it's very strange how I am completely detached from an entire segment of the population.

Secondly, I had forgotten how little 8-10 year olds are.  They are adorable.  And still at that age where they're goofy, and nice to one another, and it breaks my heart to think that in a couple of years they'll turn into mean girls.  (I think they'll come out on the other side of puberty just fine though.)

Third, getting to share my love of running with these girls is awesome, and it's also so cool that they're getting introduced to running in a 5k already.  I wouldn't have changed the fact that I was singing 6 hours a week at 10, but I would have certainly preferred Girls on the Run to intramural soccer, and it would have been cool to begin my love affair with running earlier in life.

Spending time with these girls helps to put things in perspective as well.  Last week we discussed emotions.  At one point during the conversation one of girls was talking and said "...I mean, because most people are really happy and content, so..."  She continued talking, but I don't think any of us coaches heard the rest of her point.  We were totally fixated on the statement "most people are really happy and content."  She said it so surely, like it was an obvious statement.

How awesome, for that to be your view of the world, and how awful that it isn't more true.  We are so good at making our own problems, when really we should be the happy content people these kids think we are.

Today in my Coaching Session...

Me: I have my whole life to settle!  Why start now?

My Coach: I think that might be my favorite quote of the week.


I win!

P.S. - I think anyone can benefit from working with a coach, but especially if your a twenty something, do it.  It's totally worth the investment, and has been awesome.

Advice on Dating

So I might be in dating hibernation mode right now, but that doesn't mean I can't offer unsolicited dating advice to the internet.

The following was actually a response to a friend after she emailed me to tell me she was going on a date and was super excited and nervous.  Then another friend who read my response told me I should make it a blog post - and here we are!

Because dating is fun, but sometimes it can be hard, and really it's something that I think we should all do more of.

- Relax and have fun and don't put pressure on it just cause it's a date.

- Any time you need new conversation filler -  just ask questions - people love to talk about themselves.

- Wear something you feel comfortable in, nothing is more distracting than sitting on a date concentrating on the fact that your shoes hurt, something is too tight, or fidgeting with an ill fitting piece of clothing

- Don't check your cell phone unless you have to.

- Laugh at his jokes. (but only if they're funny)

- Utilize the forearm touch

- Offer to pay, but if he declines, offer to pay for the tip

- If you're having a good time - keep the date going, suggest after dinner drinks, or coffee, or something

- If you had fun, and want to see him again, say so.

- If, at the end of the night you want to kiss, don't be too shy to initiate it.  Or just tell him to initiate it. (Guys can be real wimps about that.)

Dating Hibernation

I have this pattern I've repeated for the past couple of years that I've recently started referring to as"dating hibernation".  It's basically exactly what it sounds like.  I don't really date/have much  interest in dating during months of December - March.

Maybe it's the cold.  Maybe it's the 5 lbs. you put on in the winter.  Maybe it's the fact that holidays (Dec.), followed by my organization's annual fundraiser (Jan.), followed by Love of Friends (Feb.), doesn't leave me with much free time this season.  Maybe it's just become a habit.

I feel like I've been asked a lot lately if I'm dating anyone, to which I say "no", and when asked "why not?" I don't have any good answer to give other than "I don't feel like it."  I don't think people would necessarily understand what I mean were I to start responding, "Of course I'm not dating anyone, it's February!"

Now of course, I'll change my mind about this the moment I to meet someone who is wow-ing.  But, I'm picky, and am so far enjoying my hibernation.

I have a lot of friends who are in really amazing relationships that are moving forward to exciting next levels; marriage, moving in together, making the relationship official on facebook.  They are totally inspiring to me, and I would be a liar if I were to say I didn't want that for myself.

It's a choice, being single.  And one that I'm quite happy with lately. And just to be clear, not dating does not mean there's no flirting.  That's a skill that needs to be practiced year-round.

Come April, I'll shed my tights, and winter parka, and the 5 lbs, and start dating again.  Until then, I'm going to enjoy cooking dinner for myself, working on some really exciting projects, and going dancing with my friends.

Pittsburgh > Your City

Rated #1 Again!

And why shouldn't it be, things here are great.

Though, if Port Authority would get their act together, or we finally get some light rail, maybe we'll make it into the worldwide top 25.  We don't stand a chance with those European public transit systems...

Things Precisely Tells Me as I Leave the House.

"Stay Skinny!"

"Remember, only half the salad."

"Lose the bubble hem!"

"Maybe that coffee is all you should eat today…"

"Have a wonderful day, eat a lot of chocolate.  I just read that the world’s supply is running out."

"What, did your sister wives pick that outfit for you?" (in my defense I was about to go for a run and yea, the clothes were baggy and ugly, but whatever I was just going to sweat in them!)

"I don’t care how wide your scarf is, you’re still not Swedish."


He keeps me grounded.

It's only 3 Days Away!!!