Marathon weekend came and went and I’m happy to report that… we conquered!

The Baltimore Marathon was the fourth marathon I have participated in. It is my opinion that each marathon is its own unique experience and will be forever remembered as such. Besides being my pal Lori’s first marathon, the Baltimore Marathon will forever remain ingrained in my mind for its H I L L S. (11 miles of them, to be exact. Or so Lori figured out.)

Obviously, I’m still a little sore. (Not to mention walking down stairs backwards.)

Here’s the rundown:

Although we live close enough to drive, our little group decided it be best to rent a room near to the event to ensure maximum sleepage. (Sleepage is a word, right?) Of course, sleeping was second priority next to food. (Hey, what good is all that running if a girl can’t get a decent meal?) We had the most scrumptious marathon eve meal of burgers and wine at Pratt Street Ale House. Best. Burger. Ever.

Race day was fantastic. The weather was perfectly cool and crisp. Ideal running weather, to be sure.

We had agreed ahead of time that this marathon would be one that we (especially Lori) would enjoy. No time goals. No pressure. We stopped to take pictures along the way, we enjoyed the scenery (well, SOME of the scenery, Baltimore has some less than lovely places that the marathon happens to run through and those place require police protection) and really soaked up the experience.

My nemesis the IT band made a throbbing appearance around mile 16 but luckily there was a medical tent nearby so I got some assistance. Crisis averted. Because 10 miles of throbbing pain would have been less-than-pleasant. Can I say that again? Less. Than. Pleasant.

Do we look happy? Of course we do! By the way, Lori and I earned a second medal called the Maryland Double for completing the combination of Frederick Half-Marathon and Baltimore Full Marathon. It is large and heavy and difficult to wear. I heart it.

A huge shout out to the staff and volunteers of the Baltimore Running Festival who provided the best race support that I have ever experienced on a course. Always enough water. Always enough Gatorade. Plenty of Power Gels, food, bathrooms and medical attention available. It was a well-oiled machine in terms of attention to detail.

As I feared, Lori was instantly addicted and looking towards her second marathon. (Darn Katie totally rubbed off on her.) And as for Katie, she runs the New York Marathon and the JFK 50 in November. She is nuts. (But I love her.)

And now to figure out my next big goal. Hmm… any suggestions?

I have such a hard time saying no. (Can anyone relate?)

I say yes because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I say yes because I want to help people. I say yes because it is in my nature. I say yes because WORLD DOMINATION is part of my master plan. (Natch.) I say yes because I don’t want to disappoint.

I say yes because I don’t realize THE IMPACT that being over committed is going to have on me and my family.

To be perfectly honest, there are many, many times I that I end up regretting that yes. 

Which is why lately, I’ve been making some hard choices. Passing up on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Turning down requests. In short, trying to streamline my life and my family’s life into something more manageable and less stressful for us.

Image via baneofyourresistance.wordpress.com

I shouldn’t wake up in a cold sweat at 5:15 every morning feeling like I’m running behind. It is just not healthy. And it is making me a very grumpy, tired and uninspired girl. (Not to mention mommy, friend, wife, sister, daughter.)

But it is SO VERY HARD to say no.

Sigh.

Interestingly enough, I found an article today written by the Mayo Clinic that talks about this very issue. In it they assert that:

• Saying no isn’t necessarily selfish – When you say no to a new commitment, you’re essentially honoring your existing obligations and ensuring that you’ll be able to devote quality time to them.
• Saying no can allow you to try new things – Just because you’ve always helped plan the company softball tournament  or school charity function doesn’t mean that you have to keep doing it forever. Saying no gives you time to pursue other interests.
• Always saying yes isn’t healthy – When you’re overcommitted and under too much stress, you’re more likely to feel run-down and possibly get sick.

Powerful way of thinking, isn’t it?

And a no for now is not always a no forever, right?

So what about you? Do you have a hard time saying no? Are you overcommitted? How do you manage it all?

Wondering how my little teeth whitening challenge went?

Tada!

Are you seeing the above results? I know, right?

I have to admit that I was more than a tad skeptical of the Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips when I pulled them out of the box. The whole concept was way too simple and way too affordable to deliver what it promised.

But even this skeptic has to admit that the results speak for themselves. Truly easy to use. I put them on one evening, proceeded to read a book and in a flash …. DONE!

My husband was so impressed that he used them for a big interview he had the next day AND we went out and purchased the Crest 3D White Multi-Care Whitening Rinse. Converts? Yes, you could say that.

Would you like to try them out for yourself? Then follow this link and get yourself a coupon. Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips are available at mass retailers and drugstores nationwide. For more information, visit 3DWhite.com, or visit them on Facebook.

Disclosure: I am participating in a Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips campaign hosted by One2One Network. This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.

Confession time…. I do not like my smile.

The older I get (meaning the more coffee that I drink) the duller my smile has become. It is a true self-esteem killer. Truth be told, I’ve come seriously close to seeking professional whitening services but could never justify the expense. (Hey, the kids have gotta eat!)

In the past three weeks I have attended no less than five functions that have required photographs, on camera speaking or public speaking. And STILL I can’t justify the cost or time associated with a professional whitening procedure. Ridiculous.

Enter… (drumroll) a very cool opportunity to try Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips.

Me. Now. Ewww....

I’m really interested to see what kind of difference it makes! I have a number of events coming up including another possible television segment. I need the help and I need it quickly. (By the way, TOTALLY killing me to put this picture up without photo shopping it. Arrgghhh!)

How do the Whitestrips work?

• The Whitestrips contain a thicker ingredient layer which provides significantly more enamel safe whitening ingredient.
• Tooth stains are removed below the tooth’s surface, for a brighter, whiter smile – faster.
• Advanced Seal Technology optimizes notches that wrap and conform to teeth for improved wear and comfort.

Here’s hoping they are as great as I hear. I’m totally up for the challenge!

What life event would you whiten for in just two hours with Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips?

Disclosure: I am participating in a Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips campaign hosted by One2One Network. This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.

Back in May I put together a list of 40 things that I want to do prior to hitting the big 4-0. At that time I promised myself that I would check  in every couple of weeks on the blog in order to keep myself accountable.

So here is the progress….

Personal

• Finish decorating my bedroom.
• Complete the picture mural in the living room.
• Begin writing a book.
• Bring back the pink hair or get a nose piercing.
• Learn how to skateboard.
• Have my first girlfriend’s weekend away.
• Visit the beach.
• Buy an expensive night cream.
• Buy a new (read: slinky) dress to wear to a fancy function.
• Get an extravagant pedicure.
• Adopt a mantra.
• Buy iPhone 4 (Please, honey?)
• Complete a Bible study.
• Join a book club.
• Take a cooking class.

Blog / Online

• Finish the blog redesign along with You Tube, Twitter, About.Me and new blog cards. (In process. Almost complete.)
• Launch a new web series.
• Get that big content idea off the ground.
• Land a really cool partnership.
• Nab a cool guest post opportunity or meet a blogger that I’ve always admired.

Fitness Goals (I admit it… totally sucking at this)

• Lose that 15 pounds.
• Run the Baltimore marathon.
• Finish a Body-For-Life round.
• Try Yoga.

Professional

• Join the board of directors or take a leadership role in an organization.
• Finish decorating my office.
• Find an organizational system that works perfectly for me. (Nearly conquered)
• Do something outside my comfort zone.
• Write a white paper.
• Land a speaking engagement.
• Attend a conference or take an online course in my industry.

Family

• Take each boy on a special day alone.
• Run a 5K with one or both of the boys.
• Spend a romantic night away with my husband.
• See a musical, play or performance.
• Take the boys to New York.
• Go to a theme park.
• Call my sister(s) every week.
• Have tea at a tea room with my mother and sisters.
• Take a family hike.

You’ll notice that the sections that have THE LEAST AMOUNT accomplished are personal. Interesting, isn’t it? Is that just a “woman thing” or is it a “parent thing?” Why is it so hard for me to get a damn pedicure to try yoga?

I’m still holding out hope that I will be able to accomplish all of these goals. Fingers crossed!