Confession time...

I've been slacking on my blog a little bit, things going on in my head. Things like planning my training for my marathon in January, getting my house cleaned before my mom comes and other brain activity but I have had one thing on my mind for the last 3-4 months...

I have a confession to make and it's really hard to confess this but I am. I was a smoker up until Friday night. Yep I was a runner who smoked. Well I didn't run and smoke at the same time lol but I was a smoker. Not a heavy smoker but enough that I knew I needed to stop if I really wanted to run a marathon. So I decided about a week ago that I was going to stop smoking and do the Ecig. Now the ecig is a order less vapor but you still get the nicotine. The liquid comes in different mg according to how much you smoke. I am not getting all the smoke and toxins from a cigarette. It's a step to quitting and I am very excited.

Back story.. I started smoking when I was 12. I continued until I got pregnant with Emily. Stopped then well 9 weeks later I was pregnant with Zack. Yes I was pregnant for 2 years lol.. But I didn't smoke during those times. However I started back up again. My husband asks me why I would start back up, are you kidding me. I have 2 babies 11 months apart. Better be glad it's just cigarettes  lol!!! But I did continue and have NEVER even tried to quit. NEVER. 

I started to say to myself " Amanda, you cannot smoke and train for a marathon", I literally don't know how I did all those races at that pace and smoked. My half marathon was amazing, I kept a steady pace of 9:34 for 13.29 miles and I think, oh my goodness that's insane that I did that and had smokers lungs. I would look at other women's runs and pace and think I bet they don't smoke. But I was so scared to quit. Then my coworker who smoked 1-2 packs a day got the Ecig let me tell you, if she can quit, then hell I can to. So I started to try hers and I felt that my nicotine fix was gone after puffing on that for a bit. So my decision was made.

I know it's not a week or a month cigarette free but for me it's huge, but I know I can do this. I love my running and I am excited to see how much it improves over time. I will tell you it works. I don't stink, my lips won't look all wrinkly and my nails will not turn all yellow. I really hated smoking but I needed that drug. Now I feel like I can have my cake and eat it too for the moment. 

I know my papaw would be so proud. He wanted me to stop for so long. I just wish I could have fulfilled his wish before his death. But I know he's smiling down and giving me that support and strength. 

To my wonderful husband: 

I know I've been a bitch, well give it a couple of days, it will fade lol!! Love you bunches!!!

My WONDERFUL run this morning

I haven't had a peaceful run in some time. I've had some awesome runs, good runs, ok runs and horrible runs but this one was just peaceful. It all started about 6 last night. 

Last night, huh.. Let me explain. I had 3 cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, grilled Italian sausage and Texas toast for dinner. I love carb loading ;). I then set the alarm for 6:45, woke up feeling so rested. I haven't slept good the last couple of nights. Last nights sleep was needed. So I make my cup of coffee and read up on some things on my laptop. Yes I still have a laptop. I really need a iPad honey;).

 Then I got all my gear on, starting with my garmin, then my phone case, my buds and my favorite new gear, my camelbak. I have been eyeing one for some time. I need it so bad when running in this heat and humidity. I got the camelbak charm. Holds 50L and so easy to fill and put on and sip through. It's amazing. It's my second time to use it and I couldn't be happier.

 This morning I decided to put ice in it. That helped keep the water COLD. I was all set and ready to go thinking its gonna be a hot one but much to my surprise it was very cloudy and starting to drizzle. The wind was blowing, the air was just right. Off I went into a peaceful 8 mile run. On my way I saw a mama and baby dear. I haven't seen dear since Texas. It was beautiful. I kept trucking along to a nice steady pace in the pouring rain. It was like the rain was just washing all my worries, fears and cares away. I had a goal for 8 miles and I succeeded. I love running in the rain, sure everything was soaked but I felt so clean inside!! It was an amazing run and those are the runs that I remember. Those are the runs I long to run, that's why I run. Not time, pace, place, races.. It's the feeling of peace step after step. That's what it is all about. Ok ok and I met my mileage for the week😊

Rain rain go away...

Holy batman this rain is draining me. How many days can one place get? Oh 14 days thats how many days here in the Low country. So let me explain how this rain is affecting me!!

1. My grass is growing faster than the hair on my legs. 

2. Humidity is a pain in the arse when running. I literally feel like a shirt is over my mouth when I breath. 

3. Flooding, I really need a kayak now.

4. Frizz, yep my hair is so frizzy. I just put it in a wet bun and off I go. 

5. STUPID drivers. People it's rain, please learn to drive in it.

6. My dog is going to need a bath. Mud and going into my house do not mix, I don't like dirty.

7. Dirty, muddy floors which I will have to sweep and mop during my 4 day holiday.

8. Basing your plans around the weather, but of course it is hurricane season here. 

9. Mosquitos are out and full force, tip: clear nail polish helps with itching. 

And last..

10. I hear the weather has been amazing in Texas, I wish I had ruby red heels and make my way there!!! 

So how's the weather in your neck of the woods??? 

Omg, is that sun I see NEXT week???