Wonder Grace Joy: August 2022

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Dear August

right place right time

What a month. As always I feel like I sneezed and August was over. I felt all the emotions this month and even though it started a little rough, it has ended on a really good note. I always think of August as the Sunday of the summer. Its the last call for good times, so to speak.

The month started out with the most consistent thing all month- Couch to 5K. I spent my Monday's at Gille Park running around the path with the other Couch to 5kers. In the begininng of the program, I wasn't that excited, I felt like it was more of a chore than anything else. By August, once I hit my stride, (pun intended) I felt like I was enjoying running. It was always a treat for me to have Kyle join me. I love that we like to stay healthy and exercise together.

The whole 5K experience was really great. I had the mindset of "I am just happy to be here" and that totally showed through the photos mom and dad took of me. I am eager for the cooler to come to run outside without becoming a puddle of sweat. In the back of my mind, I am even thinking about signing up for the Santa Run in Downtown Toms River. That has been a thing I've wanted to do for so long. ((Searching Amazon for a Santa skirt ASAP!))

On my parent's 41st wedding anniversary, my dad had a doctors appointment and he got good news concerning his health. We were all so relieved about that and they celebrated the good news and their anniversary by going out to breakfast on me! They are the true definition of love conquers all.

I was able to paddleboard twice this month. Once on the creek and once on the Navasink. When I was on the creek, it was a really pretty night and I was able to do some yoga with my favorite instructor. The Navasink was really neat, I couldn't believe how many people were crabbing. I didn't realize that Red Bank was such a big crabbing destination. HA! As I was paddling along, I saw baby jelly fish too! They were so pretty but dangerous!

I put myself into a new situation this month and tried the Tuesday night yoga class at Gravity Vault in Brick. I was pretty nervous taking a real yoga class for the first time in almost 2 years. I tend to be pretty judgmental about yoga instructors and I have tried in the past to give it a go but I always ended up not liking the format of the class or the instructor didn't fit my style. I have to say, this yoga class was slightly unconventional but I LOVED it! The instructor was so welcoming and kind and the 3 other people taking the class were really nice. I felt like I belonged and I wasn't an outside which was one of my biggest fears. The class time flew by and I can't wait to go again. I know I shouldn't be surprised because the climbing community as a whole is so welcoming, kind and inclusive. Kyle said to me "you found your people!"

Two weekends ago, Kyle, myself and Penelope took a mini road trip to Pennsylvania to ride some roller coasters. Our first stop was 2 and a half hours away at Knoebels. This was my very favorite park of the day and I had the best time! It was like the park time forgot. I would totally go back here, just for the sweetness of it all and for the awesome roller coasters. We ended up riding 6 Roller coasters and 1 old fashion ride- the whip. They had a large pool that looked EXACTLY like the pool for the Sandlot. Our next destination, later in the day was Dorney Park. They had some HUGE coasters and again, I was slightly scared but with Kyle next to me, I knew I would be okay! 6 more coasters and the Ferris Wheel later, we were delirious and really happy. This road trip was totally unexpected but it was really enjoyable. While I liked Knoebels better than Dorney (Probably an unpopular opinion) it was a true Adventure. Penelope did not take part in any of the roller coasters, she spent the day by the pool, sleeping.

One day that I was really looking forward to was Lunch with the Ladies. In the past 11 years of me working at the Courthouse, there has been an large amount of ladies in my office retire. Last week, we got together after seeing each other back in January at a surprise retirement party, for the first time. I was the youngest their by a few years and the lunch lasted 3 hours! It was so nice to catch up with them and see what they have been up to. If I didn't realize time flew before, I really realized it then. Some of these ladies have been retired for 4 plus years; one for 11! I truly miss them all dearly and I am so happy we can get together and chat!

Back in 2019, Kyle bought tickets to the Lady Gaga concert at MetLife Stadium for Summer of 2020. Well we all know how that panned out and the concert was postponed until the Summer of 2021. Again that was postponed until this Summer where it was finally happening. I was lucky enough to accompany Kyle to this EVENT! One of my favorite parts of the evening? Seeing the skyline at golden hour. Peep the tiny skyline and the pretty sky at the top of this post. Some other favorite parts of the evening included: Seeing everyone's outfit and the self confidence everyone had. They truly showed up being best dressed for Mother Monster; Our seats were under the overhang and directly across the field from the stage. I could have sat if I wanted to but seriously, who sits at a Lady Gaga concert?! Her whole performance was amazing to say the least. She truly is a performer and after her opening medley of songs, her first words were "We had a rough couple of years huh?!" The crowd went wild for the 10th time in 15 minutes. I am pretty sure that was one of the first non-country concerts I have been too and I would see her again!

Work for a while was overwhelming and super tedious and I felt myself getting to a point where I felt like I was a shaken up bottle of soda, ready to explode. I started sharing how I was feeling with Kyle, my parents and some trusted friends and once I got everything off my chest, I started to feel better; like I was deflating back to normal. I don't like that feeling of being so bottled up that I am going to explode. I have to remind myself sometimes that its okay to let things out- good or bad- its all part of life.

I've been feeling pretty rejunivated this week. Maybe its because I feel like my cup is full with the good stuff for the first time in a while; perhaps I am coming into my own and what I have been dreaming of is slowly but surely coming into fruition? I am not sure but I am pretty happy about it.

One kinda funny thing that has happened this summer was me discovering my love of Palomas. What are Palomas? Great question, thank you for asking, I would love to tell you! (Can you tell I am channeling Elyse Myers from Instagram?!) A Paloma sounds really fancy but its a super simple drink. All it is, is Tequila and grapefruit juice. That's it! You can add jalapeno's and a lime for a spicy paloma (which is equally as good!) too! I first tried this in North Carolina at the airport and I've found myself asking for this drink any time we are going out.

Coincidentally, Kyle and I went to a pool party at The Berkeley Hotel that had a DJ that was Kyle's gym friend, Reemie B. The pool bar had a special of Spicy Paloma Pitchers. We had to try it of course and they were delicious. The pool party was a BLAST and I can't remember the last time, I danced and laughed and sang along to all different types of music. It had to have been a wedding many moons ago. Kyle was twirling me around and dipping me just like we do in his kitchen. The instastories videos of us dancing made me giggle with glee! It was a perfect Sunday Funday for us- small group, great food (pizza and chicken fingers!), great drinks and lots of laughter. I am so glad that I decided to say YES to something that I wouldn't normally do. ALSO hotel pools are prime real estate for people watching. There was the cutest older couple sitting (fully clothed) in lounge chairs toward the entrance of the pool area. The woman was bopping along, loving the music and her husband, was sound asleep next to her. I got the biggest giggles because I thought the music was pretty loud and he seemed to be getting in a nice outdoor nap. It was the perfect way to end an already great weekend and a great month.

Last but not least, my health has been pretty stable the past month. There might have been one or two days of meh feelings but overall, I was able to run, jump, laugh, ride, play, sign, walk, and everything in between this month. I am hoping last months hiccup was just a bad batch of medicine (which has happened in the past for me) and I am still on the road of goodness. I will continue my active lifestyle as long as my body feels this good. I always think to myself the Vineyard Vines motto "everyday should feel this good."

Random Updates:

My 2022 Goals:

I moved 15 out of 31 days this month (Move at least 3 times a week)
I spent 30ish hours outside (Spend 1000 hours outside this year)
I tried to show kindness all month (being the best version of myself) and it really boosted my mood those days when I was kind.
I was NOT creative at all this month. I am still struggling with this. (Be more Creative)

License Plate game:

I saw (2) Minnesota & Nebraska!!! I saw these within 1 day! I still have New Mexico, North Dakota & Wyoming to find. I did not think this game would take me at least 8 months to complete. HA! I will be so excited to find these three states!

Exercise

I spent most of my active days running. 1 day was an amusement park day, a few walks outside, and two days paddleboarding. I have been really proud of my exercise because after not renewing my gym membership, I was worried I wouldn't have the oomph to get out there and do something. That clearly was not the case. The only thing I was sad I didn't do was go climbing. Between the really hot days and times not lining up when I usually like to go, it was okay. I figured I replaced climbing with running these last two(three?) months. I am really looking forward to get back into it. I know its going to be hard, but I am sure up for the challenge.

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Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Friday Favorites: 1 | 2 | 3 |

WGJ Travels: North Carolina Recap Part 1 | North Carolina Recap Part 2 | Away Luggage Review | What and Where We Spent Our Money in North Carolina |

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August, you were a great last call to the Summer months! Thanks for the memories.

Okay September, your up and I can't wait to see what you hold for me.

[[Joy is the most magnetic force in the universe]]

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Lacey 5K Recap

Lacey Municipal Alliance Committee 5K

I had been training all summer for this with the Couch to 5K program through the town recreation department. You can read about that journey in THIS blog post. You can read about my experience in 2017 in THIS blog post too!

I was super excited about this race and I couldn't wait. I picked up our race packets on Friday morning and I said to Kyle, "It's super official now!"

Our colorful bibs!

I woke up on race day and the first thing I thought of "YOU CAN!" I was really excited. I looked at my outfit that I picked out the ~~three weeks~~ day before. I kept breathing and saying I can do this. It was nice that Kyle had stayed over the night before and it was nice to hang out with him before the race.

Mom, Dad, Kyle and I hopped in the truck and we were off to Gille Park. We were all shocked that the original parking lot we were going to park in was already full! It wasn't even 8AM yet. We ended up parking by the start line and as we were pinning our numbers on, the parking lot started to fill up. I forgot how many people run this race. We all started to walk over to the start line. People were starting to mill around and the excitement started building!

Mom, Dad and I took a selfie like we did the last time I ran this 5K and AGAIN, it ended up being one of my favorite photos. I think Gille Park is a magical place to take photos.

2022

For reference, here is the one from 2017:

2017

After that, my friends (actually my hair dresser turned friend!) arrived and we were SO excited to see them. Kim and Dennis are just the cutest couple and so much fun! We chatted with them for a while and then we took a few snapshots pre-race and then it was time to line up!

Kyle and I

Kyle took his spot towards the front of the pack, and I settled into the middle with Kim and Dennis.

Kim and I

Right before the horn

Thinking I see Tara at this point (peep the white bow!)

Trying to make a decision of which podcast to listen to

Kim's photo
View of the front of the pack

As we were waiting, I was looking around in the sea of blue shirts to see if I knew anyone else. I saw my friend Tara behind me right before the race started. Tara and I met 5 years ago at my first Couch to 5K and our friendship has been so sweet! A newly hired (girl!) police officer sang the National Anthem and the horn blew and we were off!

I had picked out a podcast to listen to during my run and once the horn blew, I took a deep breath, started my Nike run app and then I was off. The energy from every one around me and the spectators made me smile and think to myself, "Heck yes! I am doing this!" Just as I was crossing the starting line, I see a shoe without a human in it. I chuckled and thought Oh that would be such a great photo BUT then I quickly realized that Gab, you are in a race right now and there are a lot of people behind you, you can't stop. Poor kid was by Kyle towards the front and Kyle told me later, the kid took one step and his shoe came off. In the video posted by Lacey Municipal Alliance, you see him going back to get his shoe, fighting through the crowd.

As we made our first turn out of Gille, I said to myself, slow and steady. I kept my head down and I just went. I wanted to run completely the first mile which I knew was until almost the turn around. I kept taking deep breaths and trying to focus on the podcast I choose. As we rounded the turn by the Recreation building, there was a pickup truck with a speaker on top of it, blasting music. It was a nice like burst of energy.

At this point, I saw a women in front of me and I thought to myself, I know her! It was my math tutor from high school! I got closer to her, I said, Hi Mrs. Cooke! and she turned and said "GABBY!" we ran together for a few minutes and then we parted ways. I got back to my rhythm. As we approached the mile mark, I was feeling pretty good. I passed Kyle and even from a distance I saw the big smile on his face when he spotted me. We shouted words of encouragement to each other as we passed by and that gave me another boost of energy. As I got to the 1st mile, I saw my pace was about 9:50. I was really proud of that and thought, okay, I will walk to the turn around and start running again. I ended up walking for a bit, passing by Kim, Dennis and Tara going towards the turn around.

I alternated running and walking through out the rest of the race. My poor shins were hurting but I continued to push myself (safely) through. As we round back into the park, that was mile 2 and I didn't even look at the pace clock; my Nike Run App told me later I had a 12:03 pace. I ended up running near a friend of mine who was pushing a double stroller(!!) and as we approached the water station, I saw another friend! It gave me a boost to run so more.

I knew Mom and Dad were going to be by the where we started waiting for Kyle, Kim, Dennis and myself to pass by again. I was so excited to see them and here was another boost of energy.

Kyle cruising along

Happy to be here

Blowing Kisses

On the go!

Kim

Dennis

We were all so thankful for Mom and Dad being there for us! Dennis and Kim said afterwards that it was such a nice feeling to have them there cheering them on! It gave every an insta energy boost! They also got great action shots of all of us! Which we really loved! :)

We rounded our way through the park which at this point it was nice and shady which was MUCH appreciated. As I rounded my way toward the straight path toward the second loop, I had my head down and I kept thinking, keep going! At this point, I had been glancing at the Nike App to see the time, distance and pace and I realized that this wasn't going to be a 32 minute 5K and I thought to myself, Okay, we are going to do my best!

And then I heard a voice, "COME ON BABE! YOU GOT THIS!" and I look up to see Kyle, all sweaty, next to the path cheering me on. The biggest smile came across my mouth and the lady next to me said to him "You had to have finished right?!" He said "yes" and her response was "You are awesome!" I said "he sure is!" I ran toward the Mill Pond for the last turn around. I decided to walk the two broken paths then run the turn around. I felt good turning into the Mill Pond and the encouragement from the volunteers were really needed. I ended up walking quicker through the circle and then as I got back toward the exit, more encouragement got me through.

As I approach the park for the last time, I see Kyle again and he said "You are almost there! Sprint to the end! Don't stop at the inflatable!" I smiled and took his advice and sprinted toward the end and as I was approaching I saw Mom and Dad cheering me on! I gave it my all and crossed the finish line at 34:57.

I was greeted by Mom, Dad and Kyle. They were all so proud! Mom and Dad went back to the path to wait for Kim and Dennis to finish! Kim finished so close to me and then Dennis! We all did such an amazing job and we were all proud of what we accomplished!

Kyle had an epic photo finish

Even after 3.11 miles, I was still happy

YES, I did it! - Kim

Dennis coming in Strong

WE DID IT! I couldn't believe it! I had my doubts at the beginning of the summer, if I would be able to accomplish this and I couldn't stop smiling. Heck, I smiled through the whole race. I was so happy! Kim and Dennis were so excited them completed this too! It a really cool feeling to be surrounded by all these runners and the runner's high is totally a thing!

Aftermath

I was really proud with my performance. I ended up starting in the middle of the group, I stayed by myself pretty much for the most of the race in the middle and I ended up finishing right in the middle of my age group. I was really happy with that.

in the iconic words of Elle Woods "WE DID IT GUYS!"

We congratulated each other with sweaty hugs and we made our way over to the snacks. Fruit and bagels and coffee all donated from local businesses as we waited for the race to be finished and the awards to start.

I met Tara by the snacks and we chatted about how we did. It was so nice to see her and to have the Couch to 5K program as the start of our friendship! We forgot to get a photo together but we were next to each other in the group photo.

The Couch to 5K program Trainers gathered us all up for a group photo as we have done each week!

Couch to 5K Group + Kyle

We met up with Mrs. Cooke and her husband and chatted with them. We HAD to get a photo of us together. The last photo I have with her is from my NHS induction back in 2005! Its long overdue and we haven't changed one bit!

We have known each other since 2000ish.
22 years strong

We knew Kyle got 3rd in his age group so we waited for him to get his medal. I was really excited there was an 85+ category! Mrs. Cooke won her age group and then it was time for Kyle to get his medal!

Proud of Kyle-3rd place in his age group (30-34)

My goals for this race were

1. To Finish ✅

2. Beat my 2017 Time/Pace ✅

3. Have fun and enjoy ✅

My official time was: 34:49.4 with a pace of 11:13.

2017's official time was: 35:02.7 with a pace of 11:17

My pace was 4 seconds faster and I was overall 12 seconds faster! 😀

I completed all my goals! I would like to work towards being able to run 1.5 miles without walking, and then 2 miles, then 2.5 miles and then last 3.11 miles without walking BUT that will be a work in progress, which I am very happy to work on. If I get even 1% better each time I run and compete, I would be very happy. Rome wasn't built in a day and my running is not going to improve that quickly. I am happy to be on this path of running.

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Have you run a 5K this summer?

[[The more I run, The more I love my body. Not because it's perfect, far from it. But Because with every mile, It's proving to me that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible]]