So, I'm a big believer in self talk. You should hear the dialogue in my head while I'm running ... or playing tennis. I'm especially vocal (in my own head) when I play singles. It's one of the reasons I enjoy singles tennis so much. I like to hear myself THINK?
I showed a lot of improvement this year in my tennis game because I worked with a coach. Now, he's not like the coach for Maria Sharapova or anything.. he's pretty basic in his skills, but what I LOVE about Jerry is that he's old school coachy. He uses little "postulates' that I can repeat in my head and use over and over again.
"Drive the ball, athlete."
"Feed the computer... your body knows what to do."
"Feel the shot"
Though rather cryptic to some, to me I know just how to use these words to focus and reset quickly for the next point or shot.
So, as I work on my resolutions for the new year, I'm giving some thought to creating a mantra ... or as we Taylor girls call it, a "postulate". Postulate is code for the stupid, cryptic stuff my dad used to tell us as we walked through the living room on a Friday night in our teenage years. When we had a teenager in the house, I came to understand that postulates (minimum 5 word edicts) are all you get with them. So make it count. Some of Dad's include: "Make something happen" what that something was is still a mystery. "Keep it between the lines" presumably the car and the lines on the road. To name a few.
I'm going to create 2 postulates for the new year. One that is internal for my goals to be lighter, leaner and more competitive in my athletic pursuits. And one for my life in the world with others. I'm just not sure I should have two they kind of cancel each other out. I'lll add more info in a day or so.
Want more info about a mantra vs a mission statement? Here are a couple of good articles: http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/the-world/article/reality-checklist-do-you-have-a-mantra-guy-kawasaki
http://zenhabits.net/notes-on-life-mantras-small-things-lists-and-such/
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
2010 An Incredible Year
New Years (birthdays too) is about new beginnings and reinvention. Something I think I am really good at. So.. the next couple of days, I think I'll take some stock and come up with my resolutions for 2011.
First - as always - I'm so grateful for my wonderful husband and our great relationship. He's IT for me! The reason I exist and the reason I work hard to make good decisions so that our life together just gets better and better. And of course because of him - I have a family to call my own and love! Chloe, Jenn and Cade are the blessings I never knew I could have ... never knew what I was missing. And we enjoyed TWO trips to England go hang out with Lil' Miss Jackson. January and November to celebrate her first birthday.
Second - my health! I intend to work hard to preserve it in every way I have power to do so. I think with the discovery of this new WeightWatchers plan I'm going to be a thin person for the rest of my life. I'm seriously not dieting, but eating healthy as a way of life. And I feel like an athlete on this program. It was one of my goals this year (2010 - to live as an athlete... and ... looks like I discovered the tools to do so right here at the wire. OH - reached my 2010 goal to be bumped up to 3.5 in USTA. So.. check that one off too!
Third - my relationships and friendships. Brooke and Roy, Brooke's family (I adore her kids) the Bennetts, Hollie, Milton & Dia, Jim & Kristin, Volley Girls tennis team. Even Tammy Dyer showed herself this fall. I don't add a lot of people to my inner circle but am grateful for those that I do have.
So.... tomorrow.. I think I'll blog about my resolutions. I'm forming them now. They are going to be way more than just weight loss and miles run.
Have you considered yours yet? I encourage you to do it!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
New Found Outlet
So when I first set up my Twitter account, I had it automatically repost to Facebook every time I tweeted. Which I now find stifling. On FB, my mother and more importantly my mother-in-law and her friends/family follow me. (Hell, my mother follows me on Twitter. She's where I get a lot of my material.) I have to play nice. No cussing... no bitching. Very positive & up-beat.
Turns out... it's killing me inside. Slowly but surely.
On, Twitter, I'm anonymous (somewhat) and I can be my bitchy self. I disconnected the two yesterday and I have this overwhelming feeling that I have been liberated.
I'm gonna piss off a lot of people. So... just stop following.
The reality is... I am a positive person, I just think it's funnier to focus on the shitty part of a situation. I don't even take it or myself too seriously. I just like sarcasm ... a lot.
Wanna follow a sarcastic, 44-yr-old wanna be athlete, grandma? @jilljxn is your girl!
Turns out... it's killing me inside. Slowly but surely.
On, Twitter, I'm anonymous (somewhat) and I can be my bitchy self. I disconnected the two yesterday and I have this overwhelming feeling that I have been liberated.
I'm gonna piss off a lot of people. So... just stop following.
The reality is... I am a positive person, I just think it's funnier to focus on the shitty part of a situation. I don't even take it or myself too seriously. I just like sarcasm ... a lot.
Wanna follow a sarcastic, 44-yr-old wanna be athlete, grandma? @jilljxn is your girl!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
My New Project - A Little On The TAME Side
"TAME" I said... NOT "lame"!!!
Okay.. so for my last feat ... wakesurfing ... I waited a little too late in the season to get going on it. Perhaps next spring I will get to try this dangerous new hobby.
In the mean time, this fall, here's a new project. Requires couch time and is a lot less dangerous. Hmmmmm.... Maybe I'm growing up?
Anyone want to play along?
http://blog.lionbrand.com/2010/09/15/join-us-for-our-special-guest-crochet-along/
Okay.. so for my last feat ... wakesurfing ... I waited a little too late in the season to get going on it. Perhaps next spring I will get to try this dangerous new hobby.
In the mean time, this fall, here's a new project. Requires couch time and is a lot less dangerous. Hmmmmm.... Maybe I'm growing up?
Anyone want to play along?
http://blog.lionbrand.com/2010/09/15/join-us-for-our-special-guest-crochet-along/
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
And now for my latest feat...
I intend to learn to WAKESURF!
See a video here:
See a video here:
http://twitvid.com/JG5N1
This is from a retweet of Alex Franco (AKA Digits) one of the DJs I listen to on Mix 94.7 in Austin. He's "not a watersports guy" and he was able to get up after just 6 tries he said. So, a 44-year-old, fit, grandma, who's slalom skied almost her entire life should have nooooo trouble, right? That's what I'm thinkin!!!
 | ||
| Yes, of course I got on it in the little WT pool! DUH! |
Two weeks ago, Jimmy bought me a board. And we get the boat back from the mechanic on Friday evening. I hope to post my own video here as well! August is all about being on the lake!
One more reason to "grin" about my life and my health.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Waiting For My New Running Shoes
They shipped on TUESDAY!!! Ready to run in them. Although it is so wet outside, I think I'll wait 'til it stops raining. I haven't tried them on yet. I hope I like them... arch support is a big deal for me. We'll see.
I intend to run the Gruene 10K on Sept. 11th. Time to get serious!!!
44 (foh-ty-foh) And Lovin It
Okay... where to begin on the birthday extravaganza!
The week of 6/20, Father's Day... we had something going on every night! Dad, Matt & Josh here Sunday night. I cooked a wonderful dinner, with dessert even.
Monday Jennifer & I went out to dinner at PF Changs and she and Dave and Matt spent one more night while he went to basketball camp in G-town.
Tuesday night was my tennis lesson and we started late and finished early because it was so hot but did some good drills.
Wednesday - Blues on the Green with the Bennets, Evans and Paula Smith. What a fun night and Carolyn Wonderland was AWE-SOME (sing song). She's my new girl crush.
Thursday was mixed dbls tennis - played WELL! Afterward we met Bennets and Evans at Razoos.
Friday - BIRTHDAY!!! Took the day off work and Brookie hooked me up to play tennis that morning. We did 2 hours of ladies doubles tennis, then 3 hours of lunch at Z-Tejas! Brookie, Susan and Amy Gold. They had to tell us once we were being too loud. We really were. But hey, we were sitting in the bar and drinking margaritas! That afternoon I got my haircut then went home, cleaned up and we went to Brooklyn Heights for dinner and Karaoke.
FUN Peeps: Jeff & Susan Bennet, Brooke & Roy, Jeremy & Cantrell, Justin and Carly, Holly Chacone, Sharon Joiner came too but she didn't sing. We had a great night but the KJs started an hour late. And they don't have "Need You Now" so Brookie and I only sang 1 song together. WREC-KERS (sing song) it was fabulous of course.
Saturday Jimmy worked with Roy all day and I made dinner for the 4 of us - but they were very late getting home. Beef fajitas w/lots of guac, Brooke's homemade salsa and ... my favorite birthday cake. Angel Food w/strawberry & berry medley middle iced with COOL WHIP (sing song). Everyone said they enjoyed it. Ate leftover cake for 3 days. YUM!
I also ordered my new running shoes during the day on Saturday. K-Swiss Tubes 100. Can't wait for them to come in!!!!
Sunday - well, Jimmy and I kicked some 30-year olds' butts in mixed doubles. Yeah-baby!
Okay.. I officially declare my birthday OVER!!! I know... everyone felt just a bit older when we were done! Now, we have 360 days or so to recover ... start all over again!
Grateful for good health, good friends and a great life at FOH-TEE-FOH! (sing song).
The week of 6/20, Father's Day... we had something going on every night! Dad, Matt & Josh here Sunday night. I cooked a wonderful dinner, with dessert even.
Monday Jennifer & I went out to dinner at PF Changs and she and Dave and Matt spent one more night while he went to basketball camp in G-town.
Tuesday night was my tennis lesson and we started late and finished early because it was so hot but did some good drills.
Wednesday - Blues on the Green with the Bennets, Evans and Paula Smith. What a fun night and Carolyn Wonderland was AWE-SOME (sing song). She's my new girl crush.
Thursday was mixed dbls tennis - played WELL! Afterward we met Bennets and Evans at Razoos.
Friday - BIRTHDAY!!! Took the day off work and Brookie hooked me up to play tennis that morning. We did 2 hours of ladies doubles tennis, then 3 hours of lunch at Z-Tejas! Brookie, Susan and Amy Gold. They had to tell us once we were being too loud. We really were. But hey, we were sitting in the bar and drinking margaritas! That afternoon I got my haircut then went home, cleaned up and we went to Brooklyn Heights for dinner and Karaoke.
FUN Peeps: Jeff & Susan Bennet, Brooke & Roy, Jeremy & Cantrell, Justin and Carly, Holly Chacone, Sharon Joiner came too but she didn't sing. We had a great night but the KJs started an hour late. And they don't have "Need You Now" so Brookie and I only sang 1 song together. WREC-KERS (sing song) it was fabulous of course.
Saturday Jimmy worked with Roy all day and I made dinner for the 4 of us - but they were very late getting home. Beef fajitas w/lots of guac, Brooke's homemade salsa and ... my favorite birthday cake. Angel Food w/strawberry & berry medley middle iced with COOL WHIP (sing song). Everyone said they enjoyed it. Ate leftover cake for 3 days. YUM!
I also ordered my new running shoes during the day on Saturday. K-Swiss Tubes 100. Can't wait for them to come in!!!!
Sunday - well, Jimmy and I kicked some 30-year olds' butts in mixed doubles. Yeah-baby!
Okay.. I officially declare my birthday OVER!!! I know... everyone felt just a bit older when we were done! Now, we have 360 days or so to recover ... start all over again!
Grateful for good health, good friends and a great life at FOH-TEE-FOH! (sing song).
Monday, April 12, 2010
Capitol 10K Hindsight
I ran my first 10K yesterday and I thought I would capture a few thoughts about the experience. See some of the official photos here: http://galleries.statesman.com/gallery/2010-capitol-10000-041110/
Overall! Awesome!
1:18:02 finish, 12:34/mi (was hoping for faster). My Full Results #8338
The run itself was great! It was just the before and after the race that I could do without -- just because there were TOO MANY PEOPLE! Note to self, be sure to not arrive needing to use the bathroom... And, I wasn't able to pick up any SWAG like at the Komen Race. So many people you couldn't get to any of it... much less a free post race massage.
On a final note. I really enjoyed spending time with Kim and Linda. Linda saved my life at the porta-potties line. Girlfriend had my back! I'm also happy I turned off my iPhone (mapmyfitness app) and just enjoyed my music and the atmosphere. I took some fun pics too I think. When we run next year, we're getting a room at the Mariott the night before! Learned my lesson on parking and peeing!
Looking up Congress Ave. toward the Capital at the beginning of the race. Awesome to see a sea of people.
Here I stopped 1/2 way up the steepest hill on 15th (Enfield) so I could get a little perspective. Walked the rest of the way up that hummer.
Met up with Kim, Linda, and Frank here at the Stevie Ray statue after the race. Seems like a popular spot to be sure.
Afterward, we were walking (2 mi) back to the car and were tempted by Doc's on South Congress. Here's to the beginning of a healthy, cheeseburger lunch. Saaaaaaa-lute!
Overall! Awesome!
- I love that distance. I would like to run more of these by the end of the year.
- When spectators hold their hands out for a "high five"... slap every one of 'em!
- The course was steep especially the first half. I did my best to run up the hills, but for the most part I ran 1/2 way up them, then walked.
- Mile 4 felt the best (lots of down hill)
- Started to struggle mile 5. Was walking 2 minutes, running 3.
- Made a pitstop at about 5.5 and started running again, I was just about to walk again when I saw a large crane over the road and thought, "Wow! The finish line! I can make it to there." But alas, it was just a crane for the photographers. But then we were running over a bridge and I thought, "I can make it over this bridge"... then I saw the corner, and I thought, I can make it around the corner... and I saw the 6 Mile marker, then I made it to the 6 Mile marker and I knew I could go .2 more! Then I saw the finish line and I started to take long, fast strides to push myself. I felt like I finished strongly.
1:18:02 finish, 12:34/mi (was hoping for faster). My Full Results #8338
The run itself was great! It was just the before and after the race that I could do without -- just because there were TOO MANY PEOPLE! Note to self, be sure to not arrive needing to use the bathroom... And, I wasn't able to pick up any SWAG like at the Komen Race. So many people you couldn't get to any of it... much less a free post race massage.
On a final note. I really enjoyed spending time with Kim and Linda. Linda saved my life at the porta-potties line. Girlfriend had my back! I'm also happy I turned off my iPhone (mapmyfitness app) and just enjoyed my music and the atmosphere. I took some fun pics too I think. When we run next year, we're getting a room at the Mariott the night before! Learned my lesson on parking and peeing!
Looking up Congress Ave. toward the Capital at the beginning of the race. Awesome to see a sea of people.
Here I stopped 1/2 way up the steepest hill on 15th (Enfield) so I could get a little perspective. Walked the rest of the way up that hummer.
Met up with Kim, Linda, and Frank here at the Stevie Ray statue after the race. Seems like a popular spot to be sure.
Afterward, we were walking (2 mi) back to the car and were tempted by Doc's on South Congress. Here's to the beginning of a healthy, cheeseburger lunch. Saaaaaaa-lute!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Cap10k 7 days & counting
Only a 2 mile run this morning. Had too many issues (gut) to finish all 3. We just finished lunch at PeiWei (big lunch). Ugh. Too full. But while Jimmy's taking his tennis lesson I'm gonna try 2 more miles. At least this evening I can run to the creek. :-)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Great Quote On My Twitter Today
I've been so busy at work and I took a morning off from running (which is when I catch up) I haven't checked my Twitter. This hit home & I retweeted it. Just want to remember it here:
#mindfulmoment Don’t dwell on the past. Live an active lifestyle and make conscious choices that serve you now. (via @EatWhatYouLove)
Sooooo SIMPLE!
#mindfulmoment Don’t dwell on the past. Live an active lifestyle and make conscious choices that serve you now. (via @EatWhatYouLove)
Sooooo SIMPLE!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
10k Looming
I've had a rough week. Terrible allergies have turned into an upper respiratory ... thing (obviously self diagnosed). I haven't run since last Wednesday.
I did get to spend 1.5 hr tonight with my new tennis coach, Jerry, and I feel pretty good. So I've already packed my bag & my clothes for tomorrow. Gonna hit the treadmill at work for an EASY workout.
Gotta get my run on!!! I miss it - even when I'm sick.
And - as I like to tell Jimmy, " I NEVER get sick!" Never say never! Happy to be heading down the road to recovery!! Woohoo!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I did get to spend 1.5 hr tonight with my new tennis coach, Jerry, and I feel pretty good. So I've already packed my bag & my clothes for tomorrow. Gonna hit the treadmill at work for an EASY workout.
Gotta get my run on!!! I miss it - even when I'm sick.
And - as I like to tell Jimmy, " I NEVER get sick!" Never say never! Happy to be heading down the road to recovery!! Woohoo!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Minor Back Injury = Major Pain
Major pain in the A@*!!! It's been 4 days since my last run and I'm really having serious withdrawals!!! UGH! I want to be RUN-NING (Forest Gump).
I have learned a valuable lesson, however. I need to be cross training as well as run. I need to take 2 days each week and do some weight training! This is crazy! I feel like I'm not as toned in my upper body as I was a year ago either. I know better than to just run for exercise, but running makes me soooo happy I don't like to skip even 1 day of it.
HMMMMM....
Also, I'm going to have to invest in Bikram yoga. It's kind of tough to do when I'm taking tennis lessons. I mean, how much monthly budget does it take to maintain your health and fitness and performance?
So $100/month on tennis lessons. $110/month yoga, $80/quarter for health club. Plus tennis tournaments, 5K entries, I'll be buying a bike soon. And, I have a maid that cleans house every other week Can't leave that out of the budget!!! NO WAY!!!
Then... there's finding time to do all of this.
M-F run (or walk) 5am,
Tues evening tennis lesson, alternate weeks? swim on off weeks
Wed evening yoga
Thurs evening Mixed Dbls tennis league, Sat morning USTA tennis league... Sunday run/swim or run/bike... I'm going to need a day off once in a while when the heck am I going to cross/strenght train?
Maybe with my tennis ambitions, I can't do a triathlon this year? But I reallyl want to!!!!
Perhaps, for the moment... I just set a short term goal to get my back well. Then I'll have to prioritze all this other stuff.
Here's the bright side of this: I'm having to prioritize all of my athletic ambitions instead of trying to recover from some major injury or illness. There are many people that are not able to enjoy the good health I am currently having.
I have learned a valuable lesson, however. I need to be cross training as well as run. I need to take 2 days each week and do some weight training! This is crazy! I feel like I'm not as toned in my upper body as I was a year ago either. I know better than to just run for exercise, but running makes me soooo happy I don't like to skip even 1 day of it.
HMMMMM....
Also, I'm going to have to invest in Bikram yoga. It's kind of tough to do when I'm taking tennis lessons. I mean, how much monthly budget does it take to maintain your health and fitness and performance?
So $100/month on tennis lessons. $110/month yoga, $80/quarter for health club. Plus tennis tournaments, 5K entries, I'll be buying a bike soon. And, I have a maid that cleans house every other week Can't leave that out of the budget!!! NO WAY!!!
Then... there's finding time to do all of this.
M-F run (or walk) 5am,
Tues evening tennis lesson, alternate weeks? swim on off weeks
Wed evening yoga
Thurs evening Mixed Dbls tennis league, Sat morning USTA tennis league... Sunday run/swim or run/bike... I'm going to need a day off once in a while when the heck am I going to cross/strenght train?
Maybe with my tennis ambitions, I can't do a triathlon this year? But I reallyl want to!!!!
Perhaps, for the moment... I just set a short term goal to get my back well. Then I'll have to prioritze all this other stuff.
Here's the bright side of this: I'm having to prioritize all of my athletic ambitions instead of trying to recover from some major injury or illness. There are many people that are not able to enjoy the good health I am currently having.
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