Lately in 2013

Who wants to join me in questioning where January went? And who stole half a February?  Time has been slipping by, but in a good way. I've been so busy with work, hanging with friends, and doing new things that my week flies by in anticipation for the exciting weekend, which of course happens too quickly.

Isn't that how life goes? You are so busy doing life that you don't even notice the days going by. I'm loving every second of it. And now, here are my recent happenings of the year.

Lately in 2013

1. I'm an athletic volleyball star. 
Well, "athletic" and "star" is relative. And by relative, I mean kinda not true. Josh and I are on a recreational volleyball team and while we are all amazing, our team hasn't quite won a single match. Or a single game. But I have hope. We all have skills and are determined to win. Plus with Josh as obsessed as he is, we have to win or I'll have a very unhappy husband the rest of the season. Nobody wants that.

Coach and Volleyball Master says "We MUST win!"

2. I have hair and a lot of it.

In a few short hours, I went from this:

to this:

 And I love it! Goodbye fine, thin hair and hello long locks.

3. I have a new boyfriend.

Seriously, Mr. Maddux is the sweetest, cuddliest, funniest baby that I get to love on. I particularly love that his mama trusts me to keep him for hours at a time, even though I have limited baby experience. But it's much more experience than my husband, who pats him on the head like a dog. But I think he's getting the hang of it. 

4. I have the most fun siblings ever.
A 10-year old and a 30-year old who is like a 10-year old sure keep me young. Derek keeps me posted on the latest Razorback happenings and Jaden makes sure I know the cool, new lingo. Thanks to them I am one hip sister.
Last weekend the whole family came up to Northwest Arkansas for the Special Olympic Winter Games and us sibs had some great bonding time. Plus we got to celebrate our mom's 50ish 29th birthday. It was a much needed weekend of family togetherness. Even though I only live 3 hours away, I don't see them near enough.

5.  I choose Josh as my Valentine over my young boyfriend. 
Nine years of Valentines with my best friend and they only get better. Like every year, we kept it low key with cards and chinese takeout. I think we both nailed card-selection this year.

To her

To him

6. I'm a runnin' fool.

I sometimes question my sanity getting up on Saturday at 5:30 in sub-freezing degree weather, but I love running in a I-hate-it kinda way. Good thing I have dedicated running buddies and ever-changing routes that make my runs go by fast and have me looking forward to next time I get to hit the pavement. 

17 miles. Say what?!

My next few months are scheduled with weddings, races, European vacations, and maybe a volleyball win or two, so it doesn't look like life will be slowing down anytime soon. Bring it on. 

What have you filled your 2013 days with? Lots of fun, friends and family? 

{European Travel} On a Budget

In case anyone forgot, we are going to Europe! A 17 day adventure of a lifetime, in 99 days no less! (If you've been around me at all in the past month there is no way you have forgotten, as I have talked about it on an annoyingly consistent basis. I'm not sorry.)

One of the first questions I am always asked is, "How did you get off work for so long?!" And it's mainly because my boss became uncomfortable with my begging and tears.

But the second question I get is, "How much is that going to cost?!" (Obviously, I have really forward friends)

Surprisingly, traveling to Europe can be accomplished on a tight budget. More specifically on a one-income**, paying-for-school budget. The trick is being smart with your money.

The most important factor is how you view money. What is your philosophy? The Clark's belief is that you don't spend what you don't have. I've talked about this before, but we have a monthly budget that we (*cough cough* I) are fairly strict with. Utilities, groceries, entertainment, giving, school, health care- all things we keep track of each month. We know where each dollar goes- simple as that. And each month we are consistently spending less than we make, thus saving money. This reason alone has made this trip possible.

If you currently do not have a budget, I strongly urge you to make one. Look at your spending for one month and see where your money goes. My guess is that you will be surprised. "I paid how much for take-out this month?" After that initial month, you can make a plan that works specifically for you and save money in the process. Who knows, maybe in a year's time you'll be planning your Europe trip too!

But let's be honest. No matter how much you save, Europe can still be ridiculously expensive: plane tickets, travel between countries, hotels, eating out every day, sight seeing. It all adds up quickly. But the price tag really depends on how you want to travel. Do you want to be in the fancy hotels and touristy places - the outside looking in; or do you want to stay in small local rooms, visiting the corner cafe for breakfast- in the middle of it all.

Josh and I agree that we want to be in the middle of it all. We're not fancy people and don't typically enjoy doing 'touristy' things (i.e.. tours, group activities, etc). And lucky for us, that is the cheaper option.

Now don't get me wrong, going with groups or on tours can be wonderful. Guides are often very knowledgeable and you can get a lot done in a short amount of time. But that scene just isn't for us. We want to spend a day visiting the local market shopping for lunch, relaxing with a picnic while mesmerized by the Eiffel Tower, then catch a night ferry along the Seine River to see the City of Lights at its best.

The best resource I have found is Rick Steve's Europe: Through the Back Door.

Not only is it a general guide through some of the best places in Europe, but it has practical and tangible ways to save money. (I also have Rick's guide books for London, Paris, and Florence- I'm a little obsessed).

Good 'ole Rick believes that the budget savvy traveler can experience true Europe with $150 a day- that is $300 a day, per couple. I hope to do it for a little less. (That does not include getting there- which is another post for another day). That means planning ahead and spending time doing research, which is something that any of us can do.

I hope this has led you to realize that if the Clark's can pay for a 2+week Europe trip, then you can too. It just takes self-control, lots of excitement, and a Type-A spouse who loves to plan! (Sorry Josh, you knew I was like this when you married me.) And a European trip may not be your goal; maybe you want to pay off all those school loans, buy a new car, or travel around the US. Whatever your dream is, a budget can get you there!

Happy saving!
-A

**My husband would like to add that he is working part-time at Best Buy. His money obviously goes toward our trip, and his unhealthy obsession with entertainment/technology.

Ringing in 2013

Happy 2013!

via

How did you ring in the new year? Did you attend a fantastic party with your friends? Or did you stay snuggled up with your honey? Either way, I hope it was wonderful and safe.

Josh and I had to work on New Year's Day, so we stayed home for a quiet night of bean chili and a marathon of Homeland. I tried to stay up until midnight, but a mere 30 minutes short, I threw in the towel at 11:30. I think I remember Josh waking me up at midnight to give me a New Year's kiss; what a prince.

If you know me, you know I absolutely love lists. And is there a better list than one of your new year's resolutions?! I think not. Now, if you look at my 2012 resolutions, you'd see that I'd get a big fat F for fail. Apparently, my 2012 self was a little over zealous at predicting my accomplishments. I skipped out on the marathon, definitely did not hold a 5 minute plank, didn't race in 4 new states, and definitely didn't resist the sweets.

Who cares?! I sure didn't lose sleep over the 'failed' resolutions.

But it is now 2013 and time to set new hopes and goals for the next 12 months. I have a feeling 2013 is going to be a big year!

1. Run a marathon.
Dandgumit, I'm actually gonna do this one. I have a race lined up, and a friend to train with. I just pray for my body to stay healthy and to not go crazy during long runs.
2. Go to Europe and stay on budget.
Traveling overseas can get pricey and out of hand quickly. I hope I can plan well and keep Josh focused enough to stay within our determined budget. Goal = not to be broke upon return.
3. Finish Rosetta Stone-Italian.
Ideally, I would be able to do this before we go to Europe.
4. Read at least 1 book a month.
This may seem like a small amount, but this is a totally manageable goal for me. Though I love to read, I never make time for it.
5. Save 20% of our income.
With our European travels, this may be more difficult than anticipated. But I love a good saving challenge.

Eek! It makes me excited just thinking about all the possibilities that lay (or lie? I can never remember) ahead.

May your 2013 be filled with excitement, love, and lots of good food!

Happy goal-setting!
-A

In a Slump

We've all been there- eager to get out and hit the pavement; excited to sweat and push your body. But then the excitement wears off and the motivation fades. Staying in bed sounds much sweater than getting out in the cold; and cuddling up by the fire with your honey is much more tempting than heading to the gym after work.

This time of year I always find myself full of excuses not to exercise. It's cold. It's dark. My belly aches from eating mounds of banana pudding.

But I know the one thing that gets my booty off the couch and my feet in some Asics. Two magic words that gets my blood pumpin' and the music on my iPod blarin': Race Registration.

I've been stalking MarathonGuide.com like it's my job, searching for the perfect 2013 races. I have many races that are maybes and a few that are definite! Maybe some PRs. Maybe some PDRs. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's not time for New Year resolutions yet.

I am mentally allowing myself to stay in this slump until the new year. I'm letting my body and my mind take a break from the year-of-constant-training (aka: 2012). But come January 1st, I'm lacing up my Asics and strapping on the Garmin. And boy, am I excited!

Happy slumping,
A.

Cherished

The stockings were hung. The tree was lit. The presents were opened. Lots of hugs and laughter was shared. And barely one picture was taken. I was too busy loving on my family and stuffing my face with amazing food.

Oh wait, I did take one picture.

That's my adorably cute brother gushing while he talks to me. Okay, so maybe he's just really excited about his new iPad, but whatever. Half of that smile is because of me...maybe.

I came into this week completely stressed out between traveling, work, and getting the house ready for family. But yet again, I was reminded how none of things I was freaking out about mattered. No one cares about perfectly wrapped gifts or that I didn't have time to take a shower (uh, right?). My family and friends just wanted to see me, hug me, and love on me. I am truly blessed.

My hope is that you also realize how loved and cherished you are.

Happy holiday-ing,
A.

The Clarks Go To Europe!

 

That's right! Next Spring Josh and I will leave for a 17-day adventure around Europe to England, France, Switzerland, and Italy. This is a life long dream of ours and I can't believe it will come true in just a few short months (137 days to be exact)! We are so thankful for the opportunity for this trip, as this is a once in a life time opportunity.

Stay tuned, because I plan to share all the details in planning, coordinating, and scheduling this 2+ week European vacation.

Get excited! Because we sure are! It is going to be a-maz-ing.

Happy Planning,
A.

Fayetteville Half Marathon Recap

Last weekend I ran the Fayetteville Half Marathon with a goal to set a massive personal record. Seeing how I was the poster child for this race, I knew I wanted to do well.

Why yes, I love this very flattering picture of me, so of course you can plaster it all around Fayetteville.  You're welcome. 

Let's back track a little here. The first months of my training were awesome. I was consistent with my tempo, speed, hill and long runs and was hitting ideal paces for my 2:00.00 goal. Then November came around, as did some IT band issues, parties, holiday gatherings, and other lame excuses that affected my training. By the time December was here, it had been weeks since I had a quality run, much less the amount of weekly mileage I needed.

Story of my life: Dish out some awesome training, then screw it up a month before the race. Why even do the work if I'm going to throw it all out the window. I suck.

Flash back to March 2012, when I spent months training for 26.2 miles only to back out weeks prior to the race and only run the half. Again, story of my life.

As race day crawled closer, I altered my plans. I decided 2:10 was a more realistic time goal, but still seemed like a dream. Worst case scenario, I was hoping for anything under 2:17 (which would give me a PR).

SPOILER ALERT: I wanted to drop out by mile 8. Worst. Case. Scenario.

You would thinking, living in Fayetteville, I wouldn't be surprised by the hills. And you would think, looking at the elevation chart, that the hills wouldn't be too unbearable. But my friends, for this flat-road loving girl, you would be wrong. The hills kicked by sweet booty, and I cursed each one.

Half mile hill at 1.5-I got this.
1.5mile climb at miles 6 and 10- I hate you.

Looking at my splits, you can see the exact correlation between a hill and my dropping pace (i.e.: miles 2, 7, 8, and 12). 

Mile 1- 10:07
Mile 2- 10:51
Mile 3- 9:25
Mile 4- 10:04
Mile 5- 9:33
Mile 6- 9:47
Mile 7-11:04
Mile 8- 11:26 *Seriously wanted to quit.
Mile 9- 10:19
Mile 10- 10:10
Mile 11- 10:29
Mile 12- 11:37
Mile 13- 9:31
.13- 10:00

I really think I should win the award for most consistent splits ever. NOT!

I was never able to get in a rhythm during this race (obviously). Each hill totally screwed up my breathing and left me mentally defeated; by the time I got settled into a good stride, the next hill came and did the exact same thing. I knew Josh was waiting for me at mile 8, so I put every effort into just making it to him. If I wanted to quit at that point, then I would.

When I finally saw him, he could tell I was struggling. I told him I wanted to quit; I was miserable, I hated my training and my goals were out the window. He let me vent a little, then kindly encouraged me to keep going for "only five more miles."

That's when I remember that my husband basically walked this course last year because of an injury, and that didn't cause him to quit. If he could finish, I could too. I was going to cross that dadgum finish line, even if I had to crawl!

Fayetteville Half 2011
aka: Clark Walk-a-thon

While I went slower the second half, I hunkered down and finished. After seeing Josh, at every mile marker, I tried to do the math to find out what pace I needed to maintain to get me there under 2:17.

..."If I'm at mile 9.25 with x total time of running, how fast do I need to run to get there under 2:17." Yea, impossible for me, even with a calculator.

But I must have done some kind of calculations right, because as I rounded onto the John McDonnell Track I knew I'd be crossing the finish line with 2:15:xx on the board.

Alex Clark

2:15:34

10:21 pace

F25-29: 15/40

Overall: 343/520

Look, a blurry picture of my medal.
Please ignore the unwrapped presents under our tree. 

A new shiny PR, and hopefully, a lesson learned: If you don't give 100% in training, then you can't give 100% on race day.

Happy Racing,
A.