Shape Magazine’s 2013 Weight Loss Diary (WLD) Columnist

If you’ve never read the column this is how it works…the columnist works with a trainer, registered dietitian and life coach throughout the year, while writing a monthly diary for the print issue of Shape Magazine and blogging once or twice weekly for the website. She shares struggles, successes, tips, recipes and offers inspiration as she works toward her goals.

My gym is Life Time Fitness and I have to rave about how they have stepped up to the plate to offer guidance as well as my trainer, dietitian and other resources to ensure my success. My life coach also has ties with Life Time as a fitness instructor. They will all be introduced in my Shape column soon.

You can following along in the print magazine and read more about the steps I am and will be taking to lead a healthier life on the Shape blog – this is my author page which will contain all of my posts. As for social media, I’ll be tweeting from @ShapeWLDiary  which will also be launching soon.

This is going to be an exciting year! What’s on your list?

Every year I start out with a fresh, blank bulletin board in my office. As the year goes on I add things to it. As you can see above 2012 was a fun year. And looking back I’m in awe. There are many events that aren’t on there such as my kids singing Jingle Bells in Chinese at their school’s Christmas concert or my sister marrying the love of her life Gabe or my youngest brother and his cute wife expecting their first baby or my family enjoying a lovely Thanksgiving dinner at our friends Katie and Rob’s home along with their three darling children. But that’s not all. Here are some other personal and professional highlights of my 2012 – some of which made it on to my board. Every year keeps getting better and better…

Flying. After seven years away, I returned to the skies with a Delta Connection in September 2011. I loved serving Biscoff cookies to the passengers, working on the Embraer 175 and making life-long friends with many of my fellow crew members. From the air I saw Niagara Falls twinkling in the dark and the Northern Lights in Canada. I ate sushi in Vancouver and roamed spooked-out Salem, MA on a gorgeous October day. It was such a treasure being back in the air – I loved every moment. But nothing lasts forever. After having a regular schedule for several months where I was home all day and able to pick the kids up from school (and we had just gone down to one car) I was put back on 24-hour reserve, 6-days/week just as summer was hitting. Truth be told, as much as I love flying, I hate being away from my family. With summer upon us, there was no way I could be on-call with my two children, so I had to say goodbye – again. That’s okay because it ends up more fun stuff was on the way.

Disney Fantasy Media Cruise. Wow. Disney knows how to do things right on land and sea. The only thing missing was my family. They were invited but they would have had to go stand-by and considering the flights were sold-out, it was after all spring break, they would have never made it on. It’s still a dream for my family to go on a week-long Disney cruise. My kids would love it. Still, I met some fun people and enjoyed seeing this amazing floating city in action.

At long last I received my Competent Communicator Pin via Toastmasters. I also wrote for the Toastmasters Magazine. My story, Professional Travelers, was the April cover story and one of my sources, Zach Everson, was on the cover!

PRSA Travel and Tourism Panelist. I was invited to talk freelance writing with two writers I highly admire, Ed Wetschler and Jackie Shecklet Finch. I had a grand time and love sitting in on the other speakers’ presentations. There are some really smart people in the travel and tourism world.

I finally made it to TBEX Keystone, CO in June. The experience exceeded my expectations. The speakers were interesting and insightful. I met many, many people I had known virtually, reunited briefly with my co-writers Kara and Jennifer long enough to take a group photo (it had been over two years!) and my mom came with me since she lives in Denver. She’s so much fun! Overall, it was a thumbs-up experience and I look forward to the 2013 TBEX in Toronto.

Speaking of my mom, we were featured in the 2012 May Ladies Home Journal about our trip to Alaska. Fun stuff!

My husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary in June! The 10 year anniversary gift is aluminum, so Jeff sought out aluminum wind chimes that are tuned to Pachelbel’s Canon in D (our wedding processional song). As I said on Facebook – Yeah, he’s that good.

My kids and I spent the summer on our bikes – my husband also bought me a sweet pink and black Specialize bike (note the aluminum) for our anniversary.

In July I ran my first 5k, then my second race in August and my third on Thanksgiving Day.

It really does get easier each time…

The Vacation Gals won gold in the Travel Blog category in the 28th annual Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition. We were beyond thrilled. This looks pretty hanging on my office wall…

In September I went on an amazing trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico which included staying at the gorgeous Viceroy resort and day trips to Coba and Tulum, just in time for the almost Apocalypse.  The trip landed me a gorgeous first-time travel feature with St. Paul Pioneer Press. Oh, and I also overcame my fear of snorkeling. Seriously.

November 30th was the release date of my book Break into Travel Writing (Hodder & Stoughton) in the UK. It will be out in the US in February by McGraw-Hill and it is available on Kindle everywhere right now.

Stay tuned for my 2013 news…it’s a biggie and involved a major women’s magazine.

Happy New Year to all! I’m off to clear my board in preparation for the New Year…

It’s taken this long for me to write this post because the next day the kids went back to school and I got swept up into a swirl of deadlines, scout meetings, my sister’s wedding and so much more as you will read below. But the initial back-to-school dust is settling and I can realign myself with the exciting times that have recently passed and that are are on the horizon…

Some of the biggest news is this September The Vacation Gals won the GOLD in the Travel Blog category in the 28th annual Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition. We were ecstatic the moment we heard. Talk about an honor.

As for my upcoming book, Break into Travel Writing, it’s on the last of its editing cycle. I’m currently reading the final proofs. It’s exciting how close we are to seeing it published. It will be published through Hodder Education in the UK, out in November, then McGraw-Hill in the US, out in February.

Next week I’m packing my bags for Viceroy Resort in Riviera Maya with a group of travel writers and bloggers, many of whom I’ve known virtually for years. I can’t wait to put faces with name.  It’s going to be pretty fabulous climbing pyramids, swimming in cenotes, spa treatments and learning about tequila. I think my camera is as excited as I am.

And my most exciting news this week…I’ve been asked to write a year-long column with a major women’s magazine. I won’t reveal too much yet until – that announcement deserves a post of its own. I will wait until I have some of the final details – and the news has been officially announced – because there will be some people I will want to introduce, but let’s just say this is going to be totally life changing for me and I can’t wait to inspire others. This is a dream come true opportunity. I’m honored to have been chosen.

Until next time…

While it may take a little strategic planning to run with kids, but it is possible and it’s worth it! It’s great exercise for you and them, it’s excellent bonding time and it will leave them with happy, healthy childhood memories with you as the leading role model. How can you beat that? Here are some tips from my personal experience on how to run with kids.

1. Gym. I’ve been lucky, over the years the gyms I’ve belonged to have had phenomenal childcare centers. Over the coldest, snowiest winter months this is pretty much the only option for me being that I live in a very cold climate. Unfortunately, my kids are over the gym kids’ room thing. After all, my daughter has been going since she was six weeks old.  We faced this problem this summer as soon as they kids were out of school. They were adamant that they didn’t want to go to the gym. So we negotiated. I said, fine, we won’t go to the gym but you are coming with me when I run. They both agreed. The first attempt was….

2. Razors. Our first venture out we tied a water bottle holder to the front of one of their Razors and off we went. The total was four miles. We’ve done this several times and it’s a good time. But what’s even better is using their…

3. Bikes. When the kids are on their bikes I’m forced to challenge myself and run faster. This is my favorite way to spend time with the kids. And best of all, we all love it. In fact, when I run alone I pretend they’re with me so I pick up my pace. On the weekends when my husband is around to run we go to the…

4. Track. Our local high school track is where we run laps. The kids will run with us then take a break and play soccer or badminton on the field. This words great. The photo above is my my son catching up to my husband and me – it’s likely he was lapping us. Both of my kids run track here every spring. I watch them run races and they watch me. As for the days when we have a busy schedule I…

5. Wake early. Arising before the rest of the family is one of the ideal ways to get a run in. It’s not always easy to get up, but I can say once my feet hit the road it feels good. Not only is it quiet “me time” but I can focus on my running 100%.

How do you run with kids? If you have other ideas, I’d love to hear them.

Here are some myths about running and races I’d like to debunk…at least based off of my experience.

Myth #1: I can’t until…Waiting until the kids are older or you’re fitter, skinnier, richer or have the right outfit isn’t an option because that day may never come. That’s why no one should wait to do anything if it can be done today. Overcome by signing up for an upcoming race. 

Myth #2: You have to be a hardcore runner. No way! Everyone has to start somewhere. If fact, start your running goals by walking then progressing to a training program like the Couch to 5k. This program has been around for years and I can speak from first-hand experience that it works. If fact, it’s what I used when I first dabbled in running about 10 years ago. The program mixes short spurts of running and walking. It’s amazing how quickly non-runners transition to running for a half-hour straight by slowly building up their endurance. There are also programs for more advance runners that can challenge you and prepare you for any length race. Overcome by picking a running program and let that lead your progress. 

Myth #3: Runners have to be thin or have a certain body shape. Before attending my first 5k I was curious what the other runners would look like. Would they all be gorgeously fit with sleek figures? Would I fit in? Sure the gorgeous bodies were there – talk about inspiration – but there was also every other type of shape and size imaginable, too, including a woman in a wheelchair. Now that’s inspiration. Overcome by calling yourself a runner no matter where in your journey you are. 

Myth #4: Runners belong to a gym, own a treadmill, live on a running path…These are excuses. Dress appropriately, put on your shoes and go for it. When I was a flight attendant I flew – and ran – all across the country: Buffalo, Fort Lauderdale, Hartford, Tulsa, San Diego and Kansas City come to mind. I just laced up my shoes and went…Overcome by going to a professional running store and get fitted for the proper running shoes.

Myth #5: Runners have to run miles and miles a week. Like getting good at anything, it takes time. The best plan for running is to set weekly goals and go from there. Working your way up takes time and don’t expect to do it overnight. Take care of your body. Overcome by challenging yourself to one more…block, lap, mile.

You can run races and as you continue to run you will only get better with time.

PS: Enter to win a free entry to the Women’s Running Magazine 5k (worth $40) in the city of your choice: Bloomington, MN; Nashville, TN; Scottsdale, AZ or St. Petersburg, FL.

As the old saying goes, there is no better time than now.

I had been saying for years that I was going to run a 5k, then a 10k, then work my way up. My husband even dug up an old blog post of his that said I was running my first 5k in April of 2009. It didn’t happen and I don’t remember why.

This year I finally did it. I ran my first 5k. But instead of just crossing it off my list I added more goals and dreams.

My mantra is keep life interesting and always have a challenge and that’s what I intend to do – care to join me?

The Lady Speed Stick Women’s Half Marathon and Women’s Running Magazine 5k is coming to my town next month and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m currently training for the 5k. I’m not quite
ready for the half marathon, that will be next year, though I wish it was this year. Have you seen the gorgeous, shiny Half Marathon Finisher’s Medals? Each race in the series has a unique medal with a removable charm that you can wear on a necklace. Still, the 5k medal still looks pretty sharp. Not to mention all runner bibs are personalized with the runner’s names!

Both Bloomington races will take place on Sunday, August 26, 2012, the day before my kids’ first day of school which is a great way to kick off the new school year, and will be held in Bloomington, MN, home of Mall of America (my local shopping mall). And events will be going strong all weekend.

Even if you don’t live here in Minnesota this race series is crossing the country with several other races including Nashville, TN (9/22), Scottsdale, AZ (11/4), and St. Petersburg, FL (11/18).

In addition, I’m honored to be an Ambassador of Good Health blogger. Over the coming weeks I’m going to be blogging about running, my personal experiences and hopefully inspire  you – no matter where you are in your quest for good health and fitness – to challenge yourself whether this will be your first or your fiftieth.

In the meantime, would you like to win a free entry to the Women’s Running Magazine 5k? Here’s your chance.

Prize: Winner will receive a Women’s Running Magazine 5k entry (worth $40) in the city of their choice: Bloomington, MN; Nashville, TN; Scottsdale, AZ or St. Petersburg, FL.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Leave a comment below stating what city you would pick to run your race if you are the winner.

2. You may enter daily starting today through next Friday July 27, 2012 10am CST. The winner will be chosen by the online random number generator random.org. I will email the winner asap with details. The winner’s race registration will need to be returned by August 1.

3. For additional entries you must come back and leave another comment for the extra entries to count but you may enter as many of these as many times as you like:

• Follow Lady Speed Stick Half Marathon Series on Twitter or Like Lady Speed Stick Women’s Half Marathon on Facebook.

• Share this giveaway post on any social media outlet (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Blogs, etc). You may customize your own or use: I entered to win a 5k entry in @WomensHalf series with @BethBlair: http://bit.ly/ladies5k

•  Connect with me on Facebook or Twitter

Winner Announcement: Congratulations to Brenda B who will be running the Scottsdale race.

That’s what happened with two companies during our local Eagan 4th of July parade this year. Parades are obviously catchy advertising opportunities. Besides offering fun entertainment, banners and fancy floats pass before the eyes of thousands of viewers. It’s certainly a chance to reach out to attendees, connect with future customers and possibly invoke some type of action.

During this particular two-hour parade, my family collected restaurant coupons for free kids meals, discounts on pizza, invitations to events, stickers from politicians and even much welcomed popsicles from the Boy Scouts (it was a very, very hot day).

However, two companies stood out the most in our household thanks to their ingenious and memorable advertising tactics. In fact, both could be called the coolest business cards ever.

The first was St. Paul’s Boltz’s Taekwondo. One of the uniformed representatives asked my son if he would like a headband which, of course, had the company’s name and website. My son was thrilled and I thought it was pretty clever. 

Later on Fusion Martial Arts came by and stopped directly in front of us. One of the leaders asked a student if he would like to break a board. He agreed and did a nice job of chopping the board in half.

But it was what happened next that was impressive. The young man took the two boards and passed them out to people in the crowd, my son being one of recipients. On the board were sticker business cards. Cool. If that’s not audience engagement I don’t know what is. In fact, being that a Fusion location isn’t too far from us we’re going to ride our bikes over to check it out.

Well played, teams. Well played.

While it’s impossible to share everything we discussed, I am posting the powerpoint I used as our visual. The main take-away is that freelancers are evolving and cover a wide spectrum of media. PR should take this into consideration when they work with freelancers.

Most people don’t know the difference between commercial aircraft. But when you fly frequently you will begin to notice subtle aircraft differences and eventually that observation and knowledge becomes second nature. Before long you can tell from the ground what type of aircraft is up above making a descent or what model you’re boarding for a flight. And after a while you have your preferences.

This is especially true when you work the aircraft, whether you’re actually in control of the plane as captain or first officer or working the cabin as a flight attendant. For example, when I worked as a flight attendant on the Boeing 737 I adored the new (at the time) 700 series. There were air flush lavatories, leather seats and everything was new and shiny. On the other hand, I dreaded the 200 series. The lavs had blue juice, the engines were too loud and when passengers sat down the fabric cushions produced a fog-like cloud of peanut dust.

When I first started at what is considered a regional or connection carrier I wasn’t sure what I would think of the Embraer aircraft. I had lived by the philosophy, if it’s ain’t Boeing I ain’t going.

The Embraer 170 and 175 were much smaller than what I was used to, but it ends up these little guys are great aircraft. And as for the coined term “regional”, that’s pretty much false. I ended up flying way outside of the regional realm. Based out of Minneapolis, I traveled down to Florida, New Orleans and Houston and up to Saskatoon and Vancouver, Canada.

From day one I noticed passengers saying, Wow! This is a much bigger regional aircraft than I expected. Most passengers can stand up straight and there isn’t a need for gate checking luggage since the overhead bins fit average sized carry-ons. The seats are comfortable and there’s plenty of under the seat space for bags since there’s no dividing bar. The seat headrests bend and move up and down to accommodate all heights. Best of all, there is no middle seat which guarantees everyone is comfortable.

Passenger comfort aside, it’s also an ideal aircraft to work on as a flight attendant for a number of reasons. The engines aren’t terribly loud, the galleys are easy to work in, and because there are only two flight attendants needed on the aircraft there are two extra jumpseats on the 175 and one on the 170 in case one breaks or a co-worker needs to get home to work. There are also a number of other features that make life easier, too…

1. Flight Attendants control the temperature. At my former airlines temperature conversation went like this.

Me: Hi, Captain. Could you cool it off? It’s very cold in the back of the plane.

Captain: Sure.

Me: Hi, it’s me again. Now it’s too hot.

Captain: Ok.

Me: Hello…sorry to bother you again. It’s still really warm. People are feeling faint.

Captain: The other flight attendant just called and said it’s too cold in the front of the plane.

On the Embraer both flight attendants have temperature control: one for the front, one for the back.

2. The door arming lever is an easy up/down handle. Not every airplane door is alike but I can’t tell you how much I loved not having to bend over and fasten a grimy, sticky girt bar to the floor latches when arming the door’s emergency slide. It’s also nice that the flight deck has an armed indicator so the pilots can tell us if the door didn’t arm or disarm properly.

3. Cabin viewing window. I’ve sat on many jumpseats that have a view of a blank bulkhead wall, but on these Embraers there are viewing windows so the flight attendant can see everything that’s going on in the cabin while sitting in the jumpseat. On the 175 the window can close – which is great for night flights when the people in the last row are sleeping. This photo is of the 170. It’s a tinted plexiglass window.

And in a nutshell, that is why I loved working the Embraer 170 and 175. My question for you is…do you have a favorite aircraft?