Running Nerd

August 1, 2013 by Meridith

Back in 2012 at the inaugural Atlantic City April Fool’s half marathon (my birthday race) Cam, Bec and I were up with the sun, prepping to run the boards. As we made our way through the casino floor we were chatting quietly, getting into the running mindset, we came across Drunk Dude.

Drunk Dude clearly had not gone to sleep and was wandering aimlessly around the casino floor, beer in hand. Anyone who’s gone to a casino knows that it’s somewhat difficult to find the doors (they hide those suckers so you can never leave and they continue to get all your money) so while we were struggling to just get out, he was struggling to converse.

Maybe we were asking for it with Cam walking around with “half virgin” on her back.

Us (we speak in unison – or at least we think in unison with one person responding what we’re all thinking): Whoa, look at this dude. He’s wearing the same clothes as last night.

Him: (random loud display) Hey! What’s going on here? What’s happening? Why are there all these people around here?

Us: We’re running a race, a half marathon. (Bec was doing the 7k but we figured Drunk Dude didn’t need the details. From experience as both the drunkee and the soberee, we knew the shorter the answers, the better.)

Him: Oh, a race? You guys are runners? How long?

Us: Yep, 13.1 miles.

Him: So, what, are you guys nerds or something?

Us: Yep, only nerds run. We have to go. (Eye roll)

Him: Oh you’re leaving? What? What’d I say?

Us: (walking away) Bye!

Him: (shouting after us) NERDS!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZEdDMQZaCU&w=640&h=360]

And listen, I get where Drunk Dude is coming from because at one point in the not-so-distant past, I wouldn’t have chosen waking up at dark o’clock to run a significant (read: any) amount of miles. In fact, when I ran a 5k through my college, I went past my old residence hall thinking “Girl, if your 20 year old self could see you now…”

You might not be able to surmise this about me if you don’t know me well but the truth of the matter is… I AM a Nerd. With a capital N.

When people call people nerds, mostly what they’re saying is ‘you like stuff.’ Which is just not a good insult at all. Like, ‘you are too enthusiastic about the miracle of human consciousness’. – John Green

Oh, yes, I’m a nerdfighter, too. If you don’t know what that is, here’s a video. (You can thank me later.)

I’m a running nerd and I’m damn proud to be a running nerd (all running nerds are – just look at their Facebook timeline/pictures for proof). I wear my Garmin proudly, logging my miles on Daily Mile so that I’m then able to talk about running with my friends. I talk about running with people I don’t know too, because they like running and the only thing better than running is talking about it! I wake up at 5 in the morning to run or I run when my kids are at school. Laundry and dishes wait because running needs to come first, so I can get through the mundane tasks. I’ll gladly not partake in alcoholic beverages because I’m training the next day.

My days revolve around when I can run and I get cranky if that plan gets derailed. I spend my money on Mizunos and cute running clothes and race entries. I’ll gladly travel to races, the further the better. I connect with other runners via Twitter. I read running blogs and I genuinely care how that blogger is feeling after their run and what their next event is going to be. I encourage newer runners because I remember what it feels like to be a newer runner. Sometimes I still feel that way.

My friends and I discuss things that happened during runs together and reminisce about things like Drunk Dude. Or the guy that shouted “COLOR RUN” as he bombed us with yellow color from behind as we were taking a selfie. And I like to dress up in costumes to run because as you know, many nerds like a good cosplay.

I like seeing people’s Instagram pictures of their food and their tracks and their playlists and gladly share mine as well. (Oh, and I like seeing their nail polish too, for the record.)

Through running, my confidence has gone up. Something I once believed was impossible is not only possible, it’s possible in great lengths. I can and I will to the fullest extent. I’m proud, enthusiastic and yes… a NERD about it.

So let’s all raise our glasses (mine is a 13.1 tumbler filled with water and Nuun) to all the running nerds. Long may we run.

Bring on the Ice Cream! (And beer!)

July 19, 2013 by Meridith

Things that I love*:

1. ice cream

2. running (right now I’m actually really digging it. I KNOW, right?)

3. my Dude (hopefully he’s not offended that he’s under running and ice cream. Actually, he’s not reading this so to quote Cartman, “WHATEVER! I DO WHAT I WANT”.)

4. my friends, both old and new

5. the Philadelphia Zoo (and more specifically, drinking at the zoo)

6. wooing on Twitter

7. lists and plans

*that are relevant to this weekend. My kids/dog aren’t on the list because they’re going to Camp Grandparents!

Back in March of this year, right after we launched Scoot a Doot, the Jog ‘n Hog folks found me on Twitter.

It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m a HUGE fan of ice cream. If, by some random chance, I could only eat one dessert for the rest of my life… ice cream. Cake, cookies, trifle, cupcakes; I can pass by without so much as a second glance. But when I hear Mister Softee’s alluring song off in the distance? I can and I will push my children out of the way so I can get to that truck first. (Not really.) (Okay, maybe that’s happened on one occasion.)

Furthermore, as listed above, I love when race organizers or companies interact with their potential/current clients via social media. I think it’s brilliant and awesome. I like attention and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

Kudos to Jog ‘n Hog for engaging and wooing (it didn’t take much but let’s pretend) with your promises of ice cream and running.

Found this little piggy at the end of the Broad Street Run in May. Like I said, the Jog ‘n Hog people know how to do it!

We’ve steadily picked up steam, excitement, and team members over the past couple of months. There’s been planning (MY FAVORITE!), tweets, emails, Facebook messages, shirt orders, OH MY!

Team Scoot a Doot has members from PA, NJ, NY, and DC and we’ll all converge at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, PA. Finally, FIN-AL-LY, the weekend of the much anticipated Jog ‘n Hog has arrived.

In addition to the Jog ‘n Hog, it’s the Summer Ale Fest at the Philadelphia Zoo on Saturday night. This is a ritual for Dude and myself; we love wandering around the zoo, trying local ales, and seeing the zoo residents in the evening hours.

One of my first pictures on Instagram. I’ve since embraced the “no filter” rule. Guess it’s safe to say that I didn’t like that particular beer – I’m sort of picky.

Let’s review, shall we? Drinking beer for dinner on Saturday evening. Eating ice cream (and running) for Sunday morning’s breakfast. Go big or go home!

Months of planning have been leading up to this weekend and I am super duper excited! Like puppy with a new toy excited! Like seeing awesome friends that I haven’t seen (or, ahem, met before) excited!

In April, we introduced you to some of Team Scoot a Doot for the Jog ‘n Hog. Since that post, the team has expanded! With that in mind, I’d like to introduce you to Kimberly and Kyle. Kimberly was our Philadelphia Chocolate Tours winner back in May and along with their tour, they decided to join us for the Jog ‘n Hog. I can’t wait to finally meet these ladies!

Yes, I have this many containers at work. Or…12 total.

Kimberly – Strategy: leftovers. If leftovers were a way to rule the world, I’d be all over that. So instead of losing my ice cream all over the course, I’ll bring some back for the post-race party. You won’t see me wasting perfectly good ice cream!

Want to touch the hiney…

Kyle – Let’s be honest, I’m too innately competitive not to go hard. I’m gonna run for two miles. Then I’m going to eat as much ice cream as I can. Then I’m going to run back. (Then I’ll finish the ice cream I have left.) I have yet to experience exercise-induced purging. No time like the present to tempt fate!

So, there you go. Some of my favorite things are all happening within one weekend and I say, with much enthusiasm, BRING IT ON. The past couple of weeks have been tough and I’m more than ready for a weekend of friends, indulgences, and Philadelphia.

What are your weekend plans? Have you ever done one of these non-traditional races or gone to a zoo brew/ale fest? Just want to say hi? (I love saying hi back!) Comment away!

Bon voyage, BOB

July 8, 2013 by Meridith

In second grade, I wrote a story called “Unfortunately, Fortunately”. It went a little something like this:

Once upon a time, it was a beautiful day so Meridith and Jenereesa went to the park.

Unfortunately, there was a bear that came out of nowhere and started to chase them!

Fortunately, there were many places for them to run.

Unfortunately, there was a cliff! (In New Jersey? Really, little 2nd grade Meridith?)

Fortunately, as they jumped off the cliff to get away from the bear, there was a cloud pillow to catch them.

And so and so forth. Don’t worry, Meridith and Jenereesa are both alive and well and still intact. I know that was so believable that you’d be concerned.

Anyway, I’m having a bit of an “Unfortunately, Fortunately” moment here and now, at age 36. (No bears are involved.) As Jess mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I’ve sent her the BOB Revolution.

My final moments with BOB were spent cleaning. This is my life.

While I’m overjoyed to know that one of my prized possessions is still going to be put to good use, I’m a little sad. Let’s take a trip down Meridith memory lane, shall we?

I got BOB as a birthday present from my husband. Who asks for a stroller for her birthday? This girl.

Storybook Land with my Pooks.

Originally I got the BOB because I taught Stroller Strides and I needed a stroller that was easily maneuverable, both on and off-road. I needed an awesome stroller. And the BOB was/is/and always will be awesome.

Pregnant with Littleberry at Longwood Gardens.

After Littleberry was born, Pooks “graduated” from the BOB to preschool and Littleberry took over.

Little was 6 months old when we visited Disneyland in CA.

LB was 6 months old when we visited Disneyland in CA.

The BOB was used for everything. No other stroller measured up to its supreme awesomeness so I didn’t even bother with others. After a couple of failed prior attempts, when I started (really) running in 2011, BOB was ready to roll.

And so was this kid!

Both kids loved cruising along – I have very fond memories of them telling me “Faster, mommy! Faster!” And of thinking, My goodness, children, Mommy is going AS FAST AS SHE CAN. You try pushing this and running. Only I didn’t say “my goodness” in my head.

As you can see, I’ve a lot of moments with my kids that involved the BOB stroller. And I suppose that’s why it’s a bit bittersweet to send it along to Jess. I know it’s going to the best place ever and will be treated with love and respect.

I am also fully cognizant of the fact that it’s a thing and not possible of emoting any type of feelings. (I guess.)

It will have the hills of San Francisco! The safety strap will get use (it’s a little flat around these parts)! It will have Bug as a passenger and Jess and Mister Jess, some of my all time favorite people.

But this is sort of the end of a era for my family. We’ve started giving away baby clothes. We no longer need strollers.

We’ve graduated. I wouldn’t say that’s unfortunate… it’s just time to transition. Change is hard for me, okay?

Just don’t make me get rid of the Big Red yet.

Fortunately, I know the BOB has a lot of miles left in its tires (p.s. Jess, they need air) and Jess is just the Chick for the job.

Fare thee well, BOB. Hopefully I’ll see you soon because I miss Jess and I’m slightly jealous that I’m not the one being packed up and shipped out to her.

What changes have you gone through in life that have made you a little sad, along with the happy? Did you have to write an “Unfortunately, Fortunately” story in 2nd grade? Aren’t my children adorable?

Chick Chat: Whatcha Reading?

July 5, 2013 by scootadoot

We’ve mentioned before that we chicks love reading. In fact, most of our friendships were formed while chatting about our favorite writers, words, phrases and fictional characters. (And in a plot twist, we started a fitness blog. Crazy, huh?)

We share books with each other all the time, and today, we’re sharing some of our favorites with you.
BEC

What was the last book you read?

I haven’t had much time to read lately, but I did manage to finish Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan. It was good, although I think part of the reason I enjoyed it so much is that it takes place in my local area so I knew a lot of the locations in the book.

Name one book that you wish all of your friends would read.

Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster. Really, anything by Jen Lancaster, but this one is my favorite. The author is frank, and funny, and basically my spirit animal.

Top books on your summer reading list?

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham and From Notting Hill with Love… Actually by Ali McNamara. Both of these fall into my chick lit wheelhouse, and I think they’ll be fab while lounging by the pool. After an energetic swim, bien sur.

The Nonrunner’s Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training by Dawn Dais. This was recommended to me for the laughs, and considering that I’m supposed to be training for my first half, I’m hoping it will have good tips. I may follow this up with Triathalon for the Every Woman: You Can Be a Triathlete. Yes. You. by Meredith Atwood, Bree Wee and Chrissie Wellington because I really want to do a triathalon within the next few years. Stop laughing.

The Last Summer of You and Me by Ann Brashares. I’ve been reading this for over a year. It pick it up, read some, put it down, forget all about it, find it under a pile of laundry, read some more. I really like it, so I’m not exactly sure why I’m not motivated to keep reading, but I am bound and determined to finish it this summer. Which I said last summer. So there’s that.

CAM

What was the last book you read?

I’m currently reading Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert, the 2nd book in the Dune series. It’s the kind of book you need to sit down for a week and read all the way through, ignoring every other obligation. Which is why I’m still reading it. I just haven’t had one of those weeks yet!

Name one book that you wish all of your friends would read.

The Four Agreements. This book changed my life. I listen to parts of it every day, especially the part about not taking things personally. (I’m a huge fan of audio books.)

Top books on your summer reading list?

The Gunslinger by Stephen King
Watchmen Graphic Novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Siege and Storm by Leigh Barduga

And so many more!!! You can check out my whole freaking list on Goodreads!

Cam’s nightstand, covered in books.

JESS

What was the last book you read?

Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara. It’s a young adult novel and, as the title indicates, quite lovely. Mister Jess always says, “do you think it’s weird that you read the same books as 12-year-old girls?”

No. No, I don’t.

Name one book that you wish all of your friends would read.

In theory I would say The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. However, I don’t think I have a friend who hasn’t read it and loved it and cried over it. It is one of my favorite books of all time and worthy of everyone’s time.

Top books on your summer reading list?

I just started NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children, which so far is a pretty fascinating read about child development and how modern strategies for nurturing kids might not be so nurturing after all.

I also have The Book Thief and Me Talk Pretty One Day on my list, but I’ll probably end up reading a number of fluffy YA books!

Jess loves to read in this big, cozy chair.

MER

What was the last book you read?

The last book I read in its entirety was Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger. I started reading Deathless (Catherynne M. Valente) at the recommendation of a friend and the writing was incredibly rich and vivid. But at the time I began reading, I couldn’t totally immerse myself so I plan to pick it up again when I have a few days to throw myself into it. When I read a good book, I become totally engaged, where things like laundry and dishes sort of fall to the wayside. So I need a situation where that’s ideal. (Basically, I need a mom. Or at least for my kids to be at camp.)

Name one book that you wish all of your friends would read.

Just one? Within the past couple of months I read Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, which I thought was pretty brilliant. The characters weren’t characters, they were people; as a reader, I really appreciate when authors are able to give their characters so much dimension that I’m worried about their well being after the book is over and I’m out of their world.

I tend to lean toward reading Young Adult books. Not necessarily because that was the best time in my life; it was not. But I suppose it’s when the feelings run rampant and characters are more likely to do things that they wouldn’t as adults. There’s such a fine line between believability and taking it a step too far so when an author is able to find that very delicate balance on the line, I notice and respect it.

Top books on your summer reading list?

Currently I’m reading The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (thanks to Kyle for that rec!). I’m hoping to return to Deathless. And just today, we had to stop at Barnes and Noble for a potty break for Littleberry. Since we were there, I bought Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan.

No e-reader for Mer! (Just kidding, she has one of those too.)

VIC

What was the last book you read?

Dead Ever After, the final book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, by Charlaine Harris
(I just mailed a pic of this – why? Because I borrowed it from the library a few weeks back and was the FIRST person to borrow/read that copy) that’s never happened to me before… was really excited about it. Book was meh.

Name one book that you wish all of your friends would read.

The Fault in our Stars by John Green (Brooke loaned this to me! Thanks B!)

Top books on your summer reading list?

Inferno by Dan Brown
Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

I just started reading J.K. Rowling’s latest, The Casual Vacancy. So far so good. I borrowed this one from the library too because I love not having to buy new books to enjoy them!

Vic was the first reader to borrow this book from her local library.

BROOKE

What was the last book you read?

Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan, which made me laugh so hard. I kept taking screen shots of passages to text to my husband until I finally told him he just had to read the entire thing.

Name one book that you wish all of your friends would read.

This is a tough question because I always want my friends to read everything I read. It’s one of the reasons I still buy actual books; so I can loan them. Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a beautiful book that made me want to hug all of the characters by the end. And I’m always bugging people to read the Divergent series because FOUR. The final book will be out this year and the movie is coming and FOUR.

Top books on your summer reading list?

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak and David Sedaris’s new one; Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls. I also picked up the first Harry Potter on audio book so maybe I’ll finally get around to those. (I know. I knowwwwww. We can still be friends, right?)

Some of Brooke’s summer reading.

What’s your favorite book? Tell us what’s on your summer reading list! Or you know, flail over Four with Brooke. (or lecture her about reading Harry Potter)

Chick Chat: Who’s who? And why?

June 21, 2013 by Meridith

What’s in a name? And what’s in a name that we get to choose for ourselves? And if asked to pick a pic, any pic at all, to share with Scoot a Doot readers, what would it be?

VICTORIA: My userID, VFreile, is the least inventive of the Scoot a Doot bunch. It’s my first initial and my last name. It’s the same for my twitter handle and instagram account and pretty much anything I use professionally. I kept it simple because of my job. As a newspaper reporter I cover a lot of tragedy, so using something cute or trendy just wasn’t an option.

This pic was taken last year by a colleague in the Hall of Justice. I was reviewing my notes and calling my editor with an update (to be posted online) in between court cases. I can’t specifically remember the two cases involved, just that they were high-interest. But I do recall my colleague snapping this pic after the first court appearance ended, before the second.

REBECCA: Bec2point0 – It’s like me, only better! I have a history of reinventing myself. Pretty regularly, actually. I’m a writer. I hate writing. I’m a runner. I don’t feel like running anymore. I’m not a runner; but I’m a vegan! Where is the cheese?? Lather, rinse, repeat.

I feel like most of my life I’ve been in a constant state of evolution. I don’t really know what I want to be when I grow up, and I think that’s okay. Because no matter what I am, I’m always me.

Here’s me with my fellow Scooters Cam and Mer, and honorary Chick Jenn, wandering the streets of Boston, eating chocolate and just being us.

CAMILLE: Camoozle is the blending of my first and last name sounds. It originally started with my “Who” name. Every good teacher has a Who name, it’s mandated in our credential. I was christened Cammy Zoo Who. Which eventually got shortened to Cammy Zoo, then, out of sheer laziness, got turned into Camoozle.

My Rainbow Sisters were the first to nickname me Cammy Zoo.

MERIDITH: When I was a wee lass, I was an only child. As an only child I had an overactive imagination, which included my imaginary friend: Jenereesa.

Jenereesa was a pretty cool chick. She opened doors for me (aka automatic doors – remember when you had to step on a mat to make that happen?) and was always down to take the blame if we did something wrong. She also could do what I could not because she was magical.

Somewhere along the way, right around the time that I began my healthy living journey, she reappeared as the “person” I wanted to become.

JESSICA: WriteitDownJess – I have a terrible memory and need to write things down in order to remember them. I’m always telling myself, “write it down, Jess!” Beyond that, I’ve always been a bit of a storyteller (in written form only. Please don’t ever ask me to tell a story if it’s not written out), so it seemed like a fitting name for me.

My personal motto:

BROOKE: BeeWhoBabbles – Because my first name is Brooke, I hear some variation of “Oh, babbling Brooke?” from at least half the people I meet. (Clever, no?) When I set up my twitter account, I tried to use “bwhobabbles”, but it was already taken. I didn’t want to use that name plus numbers, so I settled on “beewhobabbles” and now, I like that better. It’s a perkier, cutesy spelling and I can be a chatterbox- so it fits.

My new favorite running shirt (that I haven’t actually run in yet) from Run Pretty Far. It’s super lightweight, soft, and I put it on as soon as it arrived. Love!

What’s the story, morning glory? What’s the word, hummingbird? How’d you settle on your name?

Do Good, Feel Good: Out of this World Alex’s Lemonade Stand

June 18, 2013 by Meridith

Last week, I wrote about our first Alex’s Lemonade Stand. This past weekend we hosted our second annual event.

The goal this year was to beat last year’s total of $566.

This kiddo wants in on the action. He wants his name in lights.

Which we did.

By a lot.

Not by a couple of hundred… but by over double.

Despite it being Father’s Day.

And with the assistance of my bro-in-law, Matt, who said he’d shave his hair and beard to help raise more funds.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmEdo5eQ_7c&w=420&h=315]

No longer looking like he’s on Duck Dynasty.

We raised $1,292.35 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand!!!

Because when life gives you lemons… you make LEMONADE!

A couple of tips we followed to make our stand a success:

Send fliers home to all the students at school! There are nearly 500 kids in Pook’s elementary school. After getting the “okay” from the higher ups, we made copies and sent them out to each class. Next year Littleberry is getting in on the action and hopefully we’ll be able to expand this to his school as well.
Set up an online donation page through Alex’s Lemonade Stand. This was a key step in our success as many of the donations to our stand came from far and wide. Even if people couldn’t partake in a delicious cup of lemonade, they were able to take part in the giving.
Take advantage of the fundraising kit! Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation sends out kits a couple of weeks before the stands are being held with information, giveaways like lemon shaped silly bands (the kids loved these), papers to fill out names to show participation, bandannas, and balloons.
Post to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter throughout the event. Live updates are especially fun because it makes those people who are far (see number 2) feel like they are part of the action.
Have a really amazing person who is willing to shave off his hair! In other words… Gimmicks! Bells and whistles! Razzle dazzle!
Ask for donations – don’t have a set amount for lemonade. Whatever someone can give is the perfect amount; nothing is too big, or too small.
Instill the love of helping others within children early on and show them that hard work pays off. This weekend was exhausting, busy and incredibly gratifying.

Mix. Pour. Find a cure!

How have you given back recently?

Do Good, Feel Good: Alex’s Lemonade Stand

June 10, 2013 by Meridith

My Pooks is a sensitive kid.

This is both a good and difficult quality to possess. He cares too much; he cares with his whole heart. Sometimes it gets him in trouble (when he cares too much about what his classmates think rather than standing on his own two feet)…

And sometimes, most times, it’s absolutely glorious.

No, he will not fix your computer. Which is probably good for everyone involved.

In March of 2012, Pooks announced that he wanted to hold a lemonade stand.

Now, I don’t know about where you live, however, March in New Jersey isn’t exactly prime lemonade stand weather. It might have still been snowing at the time. When I mentioned this to him, his response was “Well, okay. When can we do it?”

I asked his motivation and naturally, he wanted to make money. I’m all about the American Dream but he is healthy, happy and wants for… not much.

Or rather, he wants a lot, gets some and we say “no” to the ridiculous.

I saw the opportunity to turn his dream of a lemonade stand into something special, something more. So, I told him about Alex’s Lemonade Stand and how he could help other children; children who are sick. We looked at the website together, we watched videos together. We read books together. And, just like that his dream got grander and it was no longer solely about himself.

It was about carrying out Alex’s dream.

It was about helping others.

We registered our very first annual Out of This World Lemonade Stand to benefit pediatric cancer research.

And we got working!

Building

And working.

Publicizing

And working.

Lemonading!

And working some more!

Best little cup carrier this side of the Mississippi.

Until finally…

After all the hard work of preparing our Alex’s Lemonade Stand, we got to work some more! Within two days through the generosity of friends and neighbors, near and far, the Out of this World Lemonade Stand raised $566 for pediatric cancer research.

Let me repeat that because that’s AMAZING. $566!

Enjoying a cup of lemonade after two hard days of work (don’t worry, he had more than a cup over the two days!).

The thing about kids, especially kids who’ve got eight years of experience behind them and many more in front of them, is they feel with their entire hearts. It’s up to us to steer them in directions where they can use those feelings, those hearts, to accomplish great things.

We’ll be hosting our second Alex’s Lemonade Stand this coming weekend. We’ve been talking about it since we packed up the stand last year and the goal is to reach (and hopefully surpass!) $600.

We can and we will! (I’ll do a follow up post next week.)

What sort of philanthropic endeavors do you take part in? What organizations speak to you; which do you hold near and dear to your heart? How do you volunteer your time and your efforts? I want to hear all about it!

You know who rocks? I do, that’s who!

June 1, 2013 by Meridith

The following is a letter I wrote to my Future-Now-Past self on December 25th, 2011. Past-Past me knew I’d need a little encouragement before my first half marathon (runDisney’s Princess half, February 2012) so she decided to write Future-Now-Past me a letter.

All mes were/are terribly confused when it came/comes to tense. Which was/is apparent but try to overlook it.

Dear FutureMe,

As long as everything goes according to plan, you’ll be running a half marathon in the next few days.

That’s 13.1 miles.

That’s a long effing run.

Remember when you were in high school and they made you run the mile each year for the American fitness test? And remember how you’d sort of half walk, half jog around the track just so that you could just get it over with?

Remember how you were in shape until you reached a certain point in college and you became horrendously out of shape? Remember when you lost your shape and could no longer fit into jeans or shirts that you’d once lived in? Remember when you had to wear those gray pants all summer long because they were practically the only things that fit you?

The comments made by others were nothing compared to the way you felt about yourself. After Elderberry was born, you decided to make a commitment to yourself and your health. After Littleberry was born, it took you a bit of time but you once again made that commitment.

Why do you run when you don’t always like it? Because it’s hard. Because it makes the finish and the reward that much sweeter when it’s finally over. And because that sense of accomplishment, that sense of SELF, of being truly aware of who you are, is like nothing you’ve ever felt.

You are amazing and can do amazing things. At this point, you might be doubting us, nervous about doing something seemingly so BIG. But you shouldn’t be because you have this strength within you.

Remember that.

Remember to have fun with this, push yourself, and be the incredible person you’ve become over the past 34 years.

You can and you will until you could and you did.

Always,

Meridith

Want to write a letter to your Future Self? Check out FutureMe.org

If you need a pep talk, who do you look to? Do you talk to your Future self too? Or your present self?

Another Mother Runner… Or Two!

May 27, 2013 by scootadoot

Living an entire country apart, we find interesting reasons to reunite. Most of the time it includes running and for a good long while now, we’ve been trying to get it to include a Ragnar Relay Race.

We Chicks also know the importance of Mother tribe support when it comes to running. Note the book that Brooke sent along to Meridith when she began running.

So when we saw this contest on Another Mother Runner’s site, we saw a perfect opportunity for Mer and Cam to support AMR and their quest for Ragnar domination.

The Evidence

Exhibit R – We Love Ragnar

Okay, well, Cam loves Ragnar. Mer *thinks* she loves Ragnar. Cam starts most conversations with “So, have you heard of Ragnar?” and talks about her Ninja team. A lot. She’s ran six Ragnars. She’s practically an expert, and expertise is always a valuable addition to a team. This makes Mer an expert by proxy.

Because seriously, Cam can’t shut up about Ragnar.

Coincidence or destiny? That’s Cam’s Ninja star!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2FMr91qZ_M&w=560&h=315]

Exhibit A – We’ll bring snacks!

Being moms, we take the role of snack provider very seriously. Cam’s carried cake onto a plane before, don’t think she won’t do it again. You never know what gourmet morsel you’ll find in Mer’s arsenal, but one thing’s for sure, she doesn’t mess around. Chick Jess can attest.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEm8d9EFdbY&w=420&h=315]

Gratutious shot of Jess' baby. Because who doesn't love babies? We helped feed this child's parents right after he was born.

Gratutious shot of Jess’ baby. We helped feed this child’s parents right after he was born.

Cam’s Recovery Cupcakes

Exhibit G – We’ll make costumes!

With Mer’s imagination and Cam’s sewing machine, we have quite the reputation of running while cute. The best part? We’re shameless! We don’t care what kind of shenanigans you have in store for us, we’ll rock it like a mother. Chick Vic knows what’s up.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaUjaxivgyY&w=420&h=315]

Three Sleeping Beauty fairies are we.

So awesome Cam even won Best Female Costume at the Superhero 5k

Look! We even use mud to our costuming advantage.

Exhibit N – We don’t mind letting other people be in charge!

Mer and Cam are here for the good of the team. We’ll grab that wheel if it’s available! But we’re not above letting someone else drive. Occasionally. We’re never bossy. And we’d never, ever, force people to make videos proclaiming our awesomeness. See, even Mer’s husband Jay says so. (Say it, Jay. SAY IT.)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aWEma1zk6k&w=560&h=315]

We hereby promise to only ever use the megaphone for the good of all Ragnarians!

Fear the Megaphone!

Exhibit A – We’re musically inclined.

As previously indicated by this post, Cam and Mer have diverse music tastes. You want to rock out? We can jam on the air guitar. You want to spit phat rhymes? We’ll throw down.

Chick Brooke says it best.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZePXdiNOPw&w=420&h=315]

Exhibit R – We’ve got mad jokes.

We love to laugh. Being in a smelly van with 10 strangers overnight while running 200 miles is going to take a sense of humor and we’re funny mothers.

We’re very serious runners.

Our Chick Bec has some words and some eye rolls.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7VGLRsdZQ0&w=420&h=315]

Closing Arguments

Representing both coasts! We can be like the Tupac and Biggie of Ragnar.

Representing both coasts! We’re like the Tupac and Biggie of Ragnar.

The truth is, we’re an awesome duo. We’re hardworking moms who love running and love talking about running. We’re excited about this opportunity and will bring a ton of fun to anything we’re a part of. Still not convinced? (How is this possible?!?!) Well, Cam has something to say about that!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAoeIb-x61s&w=420&h=315]

We’re the moms you’re looking for… Jedi mind trick is always worth a shot.

Pick us, otherwise we’ll have perma-sad faces. You don’t want that on your conscience, do you?

Runners – they’re everywhere!

May 18, 2013 by Meridith

While at Kohl’s this morning, I saw a guy in a Broad Street Run shirt. Naturally, I had to approach him.

I mean, right? This is natural. Everyone does this. And if you don’t, you totally should. (Similar to the runner’s wave. If you don’t know about it, check out Ashley at RatherBeRunnin’s post.)

Approaching other runners while in a non-running setting can be a bit tricky.

Bound: Bounding up to them like a puppy off-leash for the first time is an option, but the potential to scare them off is high. I usually only bound if I know the person and they are already well aware of my brand of crazy.

Direct approach: Less scary than the Bound for the recipient. Simply walk up a person and say “Love the Broad Street Run – it was my first time running this year. Have you run it more than once?”

Sidle: The word sidle is a bit off-putting because I always picture a shady person in a trench coat sliding up next to you and offering some illegal substance.

However, in this case, it’s running and so it takes on a more casual, less Shady McShadester connotation.

Find them in an aisle. Ideally, aim for one that’s not, like, underwear or Imodium. “So, hey, I see you were at Broad Street on May 5^th. Funnily enough, so was I.” (As were 39,998 others. It’s actually not that rare – I’ve seen three people wearing these shirts in the past three days.)

Mutual wearing: The best is when you’re wearing the same shirt at the same time and place. Serendipitous!

There’s that mutual recognition: you both look at the other person’s shirt, look down at your own shirt and then say something witty like “Nice shirt, where’d you get it?”

It’s absolutely glorious.

During an event: Okay, so this is a bit different because obviously at race events, you’re going to see race shirts of races past. However, I got super excited (it doesn’t take much, you’ve probably figured this out by now) during Broad Street when I saw a cheering guy on the median wearing one of these:

I felt like he was there specifically for me. As I got my high five from him I yelled out something like “Yeah, AC April Fools!” Because I’m limited to four or five word sentences while I’m running. But we totally would have been besties were I not in the middle of a race. I’m sure of it.

When I was younger, my mom talked to everyone. At the supermarket (aka the “stupidmarket” as we so brilliantly called it) she chatted it up with the people at the deli counter, in the aisles, on the checkout line – everyone. I was mortified. Do you know that person? “No,” she’d reply more often than not. “I’m just being friendly.”

Pooks is not nearly as timid as I was when I was a kid; when I approach a runner and he’s with me, he’ll chime in with his thoughts. As we walk away, he always asks if I knew the person. And I can say, with great authority, “Well, of course! We ran a race together.”

Am I missing any ways to approach a runner? Have any fun stories to share?

Scootadoot

fitness, food, friends, fun

Tag Archives: Mer

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Another Mother Runner… Or Two!

Runners – they’re everywhere!