Will Run For Ice Cream

I'm back...

2024-03-03T18:50:00.008-05:00

Welcome back to "Will Run For Ice Cream"! 🍦🏃‍♀️ As I lace up my running shoes and hit the road (more like treadmill these days) once more.

Where have I been? Between going back to college at 48 to get a 2nd bachelor's degree, getting a full time teaching job, being a mom and a wife, working out took a back seat. Ok, more like it because extremely non-existent.

I'm happy to report that I earned my Bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in Elementary Education. I was hired in 2022 mid-way through the year as a half day kindergarten teacher. In 2023, I was moved to 3rd grade as a full time teacher. Both of those positions were 'over flow' or extra teachers for the year. I'm happy to report that this year, I am a 4th grade teacher. I absolutely love it. I am hoping that this is my forever home at least for awhile!

Oh, and I am now in Grad school. 😊

During all of this, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. She died 6 months after her diagnosis. To say it broke me is an understatement. My health has, well to put it quite frankly, tanked. Since high school I have had high blood pressure. But never in my life has it reached the numbers that I've seen or stayed in that range. After months of feeling generally unwell, dizzy and honestly scared of dying from a stroke, I am on a medication that is keeping my BP tolerable. The side effects are meh and my blood work is double meh.

Factor in the 20lbs that I've gained over the last two years.... well, it's time. I've been saying 'it's time' for awhile. But no, seriously.... it's time. Like Girl change your ways or say goodbye ... it's time.

So, when I was asked to be a GOTR coach because we needed an extra, I felt that was an answer to prayer and the push I needed to make some changes.

Here we go....

Goals:

consistency with exercise
consistency with nutrition
consistency with stress relief

Yes, I am aware that blogs are no longer a thing. It's reels, tik toks, stories and so on and so forth.

Will I evolve? ... or as my grad class stated... shift happens... Will I shift? Maybe? But for now it's baby steps..... back into health.... back into balance.... back into owning my little piece of the internet in this little blog.

So keep an eye out for upcoming posts – I'm thrilled to have you on this journey with me!

Running My Life

2021-08-15T18:53:00.003-04:00

Wow, has it really been 2 years since my last post? I suppose that I allowed life to get in the way. For any faithful blog readers, I apologize. Although, I'm not sure how many people actually read blogs anymore. I think most people use other social media platforms. (By the way, drop by and say hi on Insta.) But for some reason, each year when I pay for my google domain, I can't seem to let it go. As silly as it sounds, this little space is mine. And lately I've been struggling with ownership and acceptance. And my domain renewal was a not so gentle reminder that I have a voice.

Seriously, you'd think by 48 that I'd have this figured out - nope - apparently not. However, I am wise enough to know that we have a choice to allow situations to harms us or make us stronger. I'm choosing to let this mid-life quandary make me stronger. And because of this, I'm setting goals, taking charge, and reexamining priorities.

Movin' on...

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Self Care Is Not Selfish It's Necessary

2019-07-19T05:51:00.001-04:00

It's not selfish to take care of yourself. It's not selfish to take care of yourself. It's not selfish to take care of yourself. And I'll say it just one more time in case you didn't hear me. It's not selfish to take care of yourself.

I have found through experience that when I'm not taking care of myself, not only do I suffer but my family suffers. So ditch the mom guilt and take the time that you need! I have a tendency to keep pushing my needs aside until I reach a breaking point.

We've had a very busy fun summer so far. However, I've struggled to get some quality 'me' time to decompress. I'll spare you the meltdown that ensued. But the reality check that followed prompted me to take action.
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Mommas Don’t Feel Guilty

2019-04-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Do not feel guilty for taking time for you. There have been plenty of times that I skipped my early morning workout. I just didn’t feel like doing it before work. After work, I was too emotionally and physically tired.

Recently, I got up, made lunches for the family and told Hubby and Lil Man that I needed 30 minutes.

And I felt guilty!

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4am Alarms

2019-04-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

4am alarms are never easy. Getting up at 4am and not ‘feeling’ the workout is even worse. The struggle is real! At times too real. And I have experienced this often. My unprofessional advice?
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Remember the Why

2019-04-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

If it was easy everyone would do it. Isn’t that the saying that we hear often? Cliff notes version - sometimes things get hard! Sometimes we want to give up, but I have to remind myself to remember the why. Why did I decide to do this? Why should I finish what I’ve started? Sometimes I’ve found that my why changes. But there IS STILL A WHY!
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When The Planner In You Must Be Flexible

2019-04-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

In case you haven’t figured this out by now, I’m a planner. I know - shocker right?!? :) So although I love substitute teaching, it’s making the planner in me anxious. And it’s been reeking havoc on my workouts. Basically the morning of or maybe the night before, I find out if I’m working. So my day (that I thought I had planned) can be turned upside down in an instant. But, truthfully, isn’t that really the same with everyone?

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My Personal Experience With Essential Oils

2019-03-31T14:04:00.000-04:00

Please Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the affiliate link.

I seriously used to laugh at those who used essential oils. It reminded me of people who used to sell snake oil. Every time that I got sick or had an ailment, friends would ask if I had tried this or that oil, I would politely smile and say that I hadn't. I've always been skeptical - the roll your eyes kind of skeptical.

A few months ago, a teacher friend was having a doTERRA party with the option of purchasing $5 roller ball bottles. I didn't make it to the party, but I did buy a few roller ball bottles. For $5 I thought I'd give it a try, then I could tell those that yes I've tried it and move on so to speak.

I even laughed as I told my mom that I was giving them a try. I told her that I didn't think it would work, but it was worth trying. (I'd been dealing with a sinus infection for weeks that just wouldn't go away.)
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Do People Still Read Blogs?

2019-01-06T19:19:00.000-05:00

Are blogs a thing of the past? Maybe... but each year when my domain comes up for renewal, I can't help but renew it. I don't know. I guess it's been a part of me for so long that I really don't want to let it go. So I'll keep plugging along. Those of you that want to read it will. Those that don't, well you don't know what you are missing 😂

I learned a long time ago that I have a voice. I also have a choice in how I use it.

Today, I hope you find some encouragement in what I have to say.

In case you haven't figured this out by now, I'm a planner. I know shocker right?!? So although I love substitute teaching, it's making the planner in me anxious. And it's been reeking havoc on my workouts. Basically the morning of or maybe the night before, I find out if I'm working. So my day (that I thought I had planned) can be turned upside down in an instant. But truthfully, isn’t that really the same with everyone? Kids gets sick. We get sick. Things come up and unplanned things happen.

SO instead of blowing off an entire workout, do what you can. I have a hard time doing an abbreviated workout. Why even bother? But the reality is 10 minutes is better than zero. Although I don’t want abbreviated workouts to be the norm, I know that abbreviated workouts are better than zero.

When I planned to get in a cardio class plus a run, I don’t really want to get up at 4:40am to run 1 little mile. But the reality is change doesn’t happen unless you put in the effort. And believe it or not, those 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there workouts will add up.

So, don’t give up on you! You are worth it.

Writing is one of my passions, and I'm stepping out there on faith to follow my dream. If you like this blog or this post, please take a moment to share it with friends. Thank you for helping me follow my dream.

Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the affiliate link.

Gifts For Runners Gift Guide 2018

2018-12-08T15:10:00.001-05:00

Please Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the affiliate link.

Although this is definitely not a comprehensive list, I thought I’d share with you some gift ideas for runners. These are things that I personally use, and I can personally say that I would recommend them to friends and family. So if you are in a bind for some last minute shopping, well here you go. You're welcome :)
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What Do You Do When You Lose Your Motivation?

2018-11-23T09:08:00.000-05:00

Ya’ll, I’ve lost it. No really, I’ve lost it. I’ve struggled my entire life it feels like with nutrition related issues. But exercise for the most part has never been an issue for me. It was just something that I did. Sure, I’d get off track here and there. I’ve been known to blow off some training runs. I’ve missed workouts due to sickness and injury and life in general. But with those things I’m talking days, not weeks. Even when I was injured I found some way to stay active.

Now, don’t get me wrong. My step count will tell you that I’m still on the move, but that’s my daily life movement. Without exercise, I’m averaging around 100,000 steps a week. If you read my last post (Taking Time For You Is Not Selfish - It's Necessary) then you know that I haven’t exercised consistently since September. Since that post, I’ve struggled to stay on track. In fact, I haven’t exercised since I wrote the last post. I will pause a moment for the collective gasp.

So, I’m back here with you asking you what do you do when you lose your motivation? Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve really lost your mojo?

I’m in need of a change. This is not somewhere that I want to be right now. So this is what I’m going to do:

Set up appointments with myself and KEEP them. Just writing them in the calendar isn’t enough. I need to actually keep the appointment. I am important, and I am worth it. I need to stop canceling on myself. With my recent change in jobs, the usual times that I would workout with Gixo no longer work for me, but I admit that I haven't tried to find a work around.
Stick with things that I enjoy doing, and remind myself that not everything has to be super intense.
Make time for me to exercise a priority. We all know I’m an early riser. I admit I’ve been awake at 4am and 5am. I’m just not exercising! So it’s time to re-examine my priorities and make my health a priority.
Social media has always been a way to help me stay on track. When I was consistently posting on Instagram, it motivated me to continue to be consistent with exercise. Once I let social media slide, apparently my motivation slid also. So, I plan to get back to consistency with posting which should help me be consistent with exercising. Well, that's what I hope anyway.

Anyone else out there struggling? Let's do this. Today is a new day.

Although I wasn't feeling it, 3 miles on the treadmill for me today... because... well... it's time for a change.

Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the affiliate link.

Taking Time For You Is Not Selfish - It's Necessary

2018-11-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

Recently I reached a point where I stopped checking in with myself. I stopped asking what I needed. I stopped listening to those emotional cues telling me that I needed a break. It started when I got that horrid virus in September. It really took it out of me. For weeks and yes I said weeks the exhaustion was unreal. All workouts stopped, it became about just making it through the day. It was getting everyone fed, making lunches, planning dinner, struggling to get it all done, making sure homework was completed, getting laundry done... the list goes on and on. As I eventually recovered, I still kept pushing through. I didn’t check back in. I just kept going and going to the point that I reached that point. The point where you have to blow off steam, the small eruptions before the big one. Exercising was non-existent. Binge eating sugar became the norm. And my mini meltdowns became more frequent and larger and larger.
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I've Been Accepted To The #YakPak

2018-09-30T14:42:00.000-04:00

No I haven't totally fallen off of the consistency wagon. I haven't totally adhered to my schedule, but I have a lot of wheels turning right now. I'm not able to disclose just yet what's in the works. But stay tuned. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll be sharing the news, and no I'm not pregnant nor do I intend to be :)

I would like to share
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How I Plan To Be Consistent

2018-09-17T15:56:00.001-04:00

Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the affiliate link.

Consistency... it can be such an ugly word sometimes! And for me it's been a struggle... in a lot and I mean a lot of areas this year... And I thought maybe once school started it would get easier? You know, having a routine... but it's been the opposite. I feel like I've been squeaking by to keep my head above water.

So, I've created a plan of action. Yep. You know, if you write it down and put it in a calendar with pretty stickers and all, it's bound to happen right? ;)
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Stop Your Scroll - This Is Your Life

2018-07-26T10:41:00.001-04:00

Where did July go? Seriously, it seems like this month is truly just flying by. Since Lil Man and I went to the beach in June (Why You Should Capture The Moment) it feels like everything has been a blur.

Our days have consisted of hanging out at the local pool, chilling at home and butting heads on a frequent basis. ;) But when I look back over the summer, it does feel like one big blur. Is it just me?

Summer also brought me the boot (let's all give one big collective sigh).

After some hill work, I felt pain in my shin/lower leg area. Fast forward a week and the pain had increased. One x-ray and dr visit later I was put in the boot for 2 weeks with tendontis, shin splints with the possibility of headed toward a stress fracture. I was also informed that my arthritis in my ankle is really bad.

I made the best of it. I've been here way too many times.

But after about 5 days, the arthritis in my foot and ankle were hurting worse than the original pain in the shin area. I had also acquired another area of pain at a different location on my shin.

So, I made the executive decision to take myself out of the boot and use compression and ice. The lack of motion was causing more problems than helping at the moment.

I know there are 'mixed' opinions on icing, but for me it really seems to help. So does compression. That being said, after 10 days off from running/biking I ran.

I was registered for the Gixo 5K Fun K. My original plan was race this run. Then the injury happened and I didn't think that I would be able to do it at all. Then after a week of rest I realized I could probably walk it. But by race time, I decided to run. Although it was a much slower pace than I wanted, it was still a run.

I listened to my body and responded as needed. I'm not 100%, but I believe that ditching the boot was the best decision. I just have to take it one day at a time.

But isn't that life? Taking things one day at a time - and living and learning as we go along. This also brings me to my next thought...

Stop scrolling through your newsfeed and being jealous of yet another 'family' vacation that someone is posting about while you are sitting at home. Stop feeling guilty after seeing the mom who created an all organic made from scratch lunch while you just tossed your kid a package of peanut butter crackers and said here's your lunch. Stop comparing parenting styles. Stop doubting yourself. Stop looking at others' accomplishments and comparing them to yours. This is YOUR life, sometimes a very short one at that. Take a moment to stop and reflect on what you DO have instead of what you DON'T. Change the things within your ability to change. This is not aimed at anyone in particular, but if you are reading this, and if something resonates within you, then there you go. This was for you. Stop allowing your joy to be stolen.

Until next time...

Writing is one of my passions, and I'm stepping out there on faith to follow my dream. If you like this blog or this post, please take a moment to share it with friends. Thank you for helping me follow my dream.

Why You Should Capture The Moment

2018-06-15T12:59:00.000-04:00

School is finally over, and on a whim I decided to take Lil Man to the beach. At first I was only going to do a day trip. (We are about 4 hours from the beach). But then I found a decent priced hotel, and Hubby and I decided we should stay a night or two. Then the weather drastically changed. Our sunny forecast turned into flood watches and warnings... for real!

I called the hotel and I think they thought I wanted to cancel. Instead, I added an additional night. Say what?!? Yep, I decided our travel day (which was to be our day on the beach) would be our rainy shopping day. And by adding another day that gave us one possibly 2 more beach days. The forecast was sketchy for the additional day that I added.

We arrived. It was cold. It was rainy, and we were loving every minute of it.

The following day was our sunny beach day. In fact, both days turned out to be awesome beach days. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable trip (although we really did miss Hubby.. but work duties just couldn't allow him to be able to join us).

Lil Man and I are both early birds and we were on the beach by 7am each day. And one morning I couldn't help but notice this mom, her what I assumed to be husband, and three kids. As she was barking orders at her husband
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Enter To Win A StrideBox

2018-05-24T16:53:00.001-04:00

I have been compensated in the form of a gift card/money/coupon and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. All opinions expressed are mine and honest in nature. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the affiliate link.

Well May has been a blur! Between medical tests and procedures and school activities, it feels like each day has just meshed into the next. But things (hopefully) are finally settling down. (One a side note, I got an all clear on my medical procedures. I'm not back to 100% normal just yet,but I'm starting to get there!) And we are in the home stretch of the last days of school for Lil Man (and work for me). It's been a good school year, but I admit I am ready for summer. :)

Now... for the reason for this post... StrideBox ... most of you know that I love my StrideBox every month. When I get my email that it's on its way I stalk the tracking information until it arrives in my mailbox. And then I can't wait to open it to see what's inside! I love the surprise and seeing all of the awesome products.

This is what I got this month.

I know some of you are thinking but what if I don't like what's inside?
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How I Allowed Fear To Rule My Life

2018-05-08T10:07:00.000-04:00

This post contains affiliate links.

I took a little break from writing. It wasn't planned. It sort of just happened. I didn't have anything to say. I know shocking right?!?! But I've been dealing with some stuff, and I haven't really been able to work through some of my feelings until lately when I realized that what I've been feeling is FEAR.

Fear is such an ugly word... not one that I really knew had such a big hold on me... but it does. So for the last month or so I've allowed fear to rule my life... to the point that I'm wasn't sleeping because of nightmares.

I'll spare you my long laundry list of fears, but I'll say that my health has been near the top of the list. Because of that, I allowed myself to spiral down a dark path of allowing fear to creep in many what felt like at times most areas of my life.

That being said,
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Why I Am No Longer Pushing My Body To The Breaking Point

2018-03-23T19:51:00.002-04:00

There was a point in my life that I pushed my body to see what it could do. I ultimately broke myself mentally and physically in the process. I got so obsessed with training goals that I pushed through injuries and ignored the blaring signs of burn out. I became fixated on “race weight” resulting in severe calorie restriction while over training which led to bingeing and over eating because I was unable to stay within the guidelines leading to weight gain and disordered eating that I am still currently dealing with.

I felt like a constant failure. It was a very very dark time for me. And for awhile I lost my way. Then
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I Have Found My New Running Partner

2018-03-13T10:09:00.000-04:00

*This post contains affiliate links.

For probably 10 years now, I've been looking for a local running partner. Don't get me wrong. I have a lot of friends who are runners. And I have good friends that I run with from time to time, although I can't remember the last time that I ran with someone. But, the harsh reality is that I don't have a local friend to run with. I've put out the facebook pleas. I've begged. I've come just short of paying people to run with me. (joke, but I've truly been that desperate).

Sometimes having that accountability is what you need to get out the door. And not even just getting out the door but also pushing yourself. I find that when I run with others I tend to push myself a little more out of my comfort zone.

But either the pace, the time of day, or for whatever reason... who knows... nothing has worked consistently. And I find myself running alone which isn't always bad. I do enjoy a good solo run. But as you can probably gather from the beginning of this post, I miss having someone to run with.

Then I came across
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Why I Run - This Is My Story

2018-03-07T19:30:00.002-05:00

Why do I run? Well that's a loaded question. I was asked to tell my story. My first thought was that I don't have a story to tell, but then I realized we all have a story. And each one is different and unique. So here is mine...

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What You Need To Know To Become A Runner

2018-03-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

*This post contains affiliate links.

So you want to start running, but you don't know where to start? Well you've come to the right place... so keep reading....
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Win 2 Noxgear Vests

2018-03-02T13:15:00.002-05:00

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Noxgear. All opinions expressed are my own and honest in nature.

I'm back! Whew, the flu has been rough. And complications from the flu were even worse. I can't say that I'm by any means 100% but I am at least feeling like I am finally on the mend.

And let's celebrate that (and the fact that it's my birthday month) by giving away... 2 Noxgear vests. I like the idea of one for you and one for a friend - OR - you could also choose a lighthound (or two).
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Why I'm Weighing In Part 2

2018-02-23T10:24:00.002-05:00

I wish that I could write that I'd done it... that I had reached my goal weight. But the reality is I let others' opinions and self doubt creep into my head. So my 2lbs a week weight loss came to a grinding halt and I hit a massive plateau. This snowballed into a self destructive pattern that has resulted in a very unproductive month. Well, to be honest, I can't say that. Because you can learn from every situation right?
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Why You Should Use The Time You Have

2018-02-12T16:50:00.000-05:00

So, let me set the scene... Hubby was out of town (thank goodness he's back now) for 11 days. It was a LONG 11 days. Lil Man had a cold. I had a cold. We got 2 snow/ice storms. It was basically non-stop chaos. And that meant I had to get creative to get my workout in.

I rarely had a block of 30 minutes or more to get in my workout. But what I was able to find was 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there, an occasional 20 minutes sporadically. And I realized, it might not be ideal. I might have an audience and distractions. I might have to jump off of the treadmill a time or two to resolve an issue. BUT 10 minutes is better than zero.

I get asked (and criticized) a lot about just how much I workout. (insert eyeroll). Technically, I don't
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