1-year anniversary: Running and Presenting at the Rochester Writers' Conference

This weekend marks a very special anniversary. This weekend, I began running. When I started, I used Couch to 5K app and couldn't run more than 5 minutes without thinking I should call 911.

With each week, I became stronger until one day, I was running four miles. Me, four miles! I just didn't think that would be possible.

The benefits of running have been life changing.  First of all, I feel good.  My moods are less swingy, and I don't feel that deep dip of depression and anxiety as I used to feel.

I also feel stronger. For the first time, I feel less (not completely) detached to the number on the scale.  I think this might be because I feel more confident with what my body is able to do rather than what number it is.  This is HUGE for me.

So you are probably wondering how I am going to spend this anniversary. I would love to say running on a gloriously crisp autumn day or maybe buying some new, cute running gear.

But I am not.

I am spending it in the doctor's office due to an injury I sustained while running.  I was running backwards so I could talk to my new exercise buddy, and I tripped on a curb.  I went down like a ton of bricks, but carried on with nothing but adrenaline coursing through my veins and a strong desire to finish my workout.

But I was hurt and bruised. The pain wasn't going away. So here I am.

And after the doctor examined me, she determined that I did not break anything.  I have bruising and swelling.  She said that I need to be taking Advil and using an anti-inflammatory essential oil.  Phew.

This weekend also marks another anniversary - my first time speaking at the Rochester Writers’ Conference.  Last year, I was so nervous about presenting, but since then, I've had quite a few public speaking opportunities like Live in the D and Listen to Your Mother.  I am hoping to enjoy myself more this time.  

My presentation is about social media branding for writers. However, I am also moderating a discussion about women me writing which I makes me feel a tad bit nervous, probably because I think these women are amazing.

I met Jessica a few years ago, and had a chance to work with her since she a co-producer of Metro Detroit Listen to Your Mother. I am also a huge fan of her blog Four Plus an Angel; she is one of the most beautiful, eloquent writers I know.

And then there is Satori who I also let at Listen to Your Mother.  I also went to her monthly show, Secret Society of TwistedStorytellers.  Talk about amazing!  She is very talented, and I am in awe of her whenever she is on stage.

I am excited to meet Lynne Cobb who writes over at LynneCobb.com.  She has been writing over twenty years, and I am really looking forward to meeting her.

So I am pretty excited about this weekend and feeling kind of proud of all that I accomplished in a year time, if I do say so myself.

Are you celebrating any milestones?  Are you gearing up for a new project or goal?

Speaking at the Rochester Writers’ Conference and Training for a 5k

 This weekend I will be presenting at the 6th Annual Rochester Writers' Conference. You would think that being a teacher that I would be comfortable with public speaking. But I'm not. 

 This perplexed me. Isn't presenting and teaching the same? After much pondering I am able to say that they dynamic between teacher and class versus speaker and audience is different. There are no repercussions for an audience member that does not pay attention. The last time I spoke in public the man in the second row was reading a newspaper. I wanted to die.  In order to reset from this horrible experience, I have create this play list.

That is right - Razzle Dazzle ad Roxie from Chicago right along Eminem and Macklmore/RyanLewis
These are the songs that make me feel like a boss.

So with that kind of pressure along with my kids adjusting to the move (see this post why I cancelled our trip), I decided this was the best time to start a new fitness routine.

I know, I know. It sounds crazy. But in my head, it makes perfect sense. During times of extreme duress, my workout routine becomes last on the list. When the storm passes, I am covered in cookie crumbs and wonder why pants feel tight. 

I don’t want to go down that path again. Not only do I feel bloated, but also I feel sad. I discovered that physical activity keeps me on the upside of mental health. So instead of giving in to my ice cream therapy, I decided to set a new fitness goal so I stay exercising by downloading the Couch to 5k app.  Which I hope will lead to me feeling more balanced after this stressful time.

After staying up until midnight with emotional kids and working on my presentation.
Then getting up at 6am.  I would say that is rock star determination.
But that badge does not exist. Yet.

If I wait for the ideal time to start, I never will.  This is my middle finger to life’s challenges.  This is me digging in and making sure I don’t become unglued in the face of chaos.

How do you deal when you have a lot on your plate?