My Birthday Accomplishment

On Saturday, October 15th, three months of wack hair, aching hip flexors, and crazy looking toes paid off — I ran the Baltimore Half Marathon! The accomplishment wasn’t simply in running it because I’ve run a few before, but what made this so sweet was that it was my way of getting ‘fit, fine and fabulous by 40‘. Those who know me understand that I’m a bit of a diva, but also know that once I set my mind to something, consider it done!  Thus the quagmire: how can a slef-professed stylista spend her days looking crazy and running in the rain — and still remain such?!

I honestly have no ideal how I made it happen and I’m certain there were plenty of days I looked like homemade craziness to those around me (lucky for friends)!  In retrospect, it was worth it. I am about to hit my 40s in great shape, feeling fab and looking fine….not to mention that I’m signed up and ready to start training for the Miami ING Half Marathon in late January.

That said, let me share what got me through….because it wasn’t all roses. I found a great training program using my iPhone app, Half Marathon Coach. My running was made easier (and, of course, more stylish) courtesy of Lululemon: the Full Tilt Tight kept me warm on the cold, rainy long runs and my one super, lust item was the Ahead of the Curve Jacket (I adore the running luon cuffs with thumbholes and beautifully stylish, inverted pleats!). I created a bangin playlist with the help of JR that can be found on ping (Half Marathon Rockin’ Run) and includes songs like Power by Kanye West, On Fire by Lloyd Banks, Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z, and Lose My Breath by Destiny’s Child. I found inspiration just by hitting Facebook to check out the haps of Black Girls RUN! — these girls are getting it in and logging hundreds of miles each week in the name of being fit or simply to enjoy delicious, culinary delights.  John Mellencamp’s 1982 song, Make It Hurt So Good is what I was thinking as Antonio kneaded my knots and soothed my sore spots during my post-run massage at Hela Salon & Spa at the Collection — every runner deserves to treat their body so lovingly after such a brutal test of body and mind.

I wish I could share other tidbits, but I’m certain I’ll have more for you as I gear up for Miami….stay tuned. In the meantime, get fit!!