Like most people, I claim to be change adverse but when changing involves scenery (as in going to Florida for the weekend), racing (as in signing up for a last minute 10k that a good friend is also racing), my hair and career path, I start to love change! Let’s see how all these changes are shaking out…
WEEK OF APRIL 29, 2019
RUNNING
In case you missed my FB post about running on the beach in Florida with my husband, here it is for your viewing pleasure:
And then his running shoes got soaked while taking this selfie and he was REALLY pissed! Of course, I had my shoes off at this point. I guess it just proves he will do anything for me…especially when overeating and drinking on our wedding/anniversary weekend getaway sans kids.
Other than running on the beach I did just enough to sort of prep for the Road to the Pouge 10k race in Vermont last weekend, which is to say, not that much. It feels really good to have no plan. #changeisgood
Race review coming soon…
CYCLING
I was dying to get outside on my bike by the time we got home from Florida and I managed one day last week that wasn’t raining. Amen.
My husband and I did some beach cruiser bike riding around town while in Florida and, LambChop came along for the ride too. You may remember him from my training camp trip to Florida when I brought him and sent the pictures home to my kids. LC has become a permanent travel companion.
SWIMMING
Although I have managed to keep one day of swimming in my rotation, there is nothing like swimming in the ocean on the Florida coast!
I also did a SUP yoga class with my girlfriend (it was her wedding we were there for!) and kayaking with my husband. I much preferred these water activities to swimming laps indoors. Shocking, I know.
THINGS I LOVE
Going back to school!
Yep. In September I will begin a Master’s Degree Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the hope of starting a run/walk therapy business.
Ever since I wrote an article for Women’s Running about therapist Sepideh Saremi who currently has a run/walk/talk practice in Redondo Beach, CA I knew it’s what I wanted to do. It makes so much sense to marry physical fitness with mental health and I cannot wait to get started!
When getting my school application together, working on my CV/resume was very interesting. But, once I realized raising kids is basically counseling, I decided I already had 10 years of experience.
OTHER THINGS I LOVE
That’s right, it’s going to be one of those weeks because there is just too much to love lately!
I obviously loved being in Florida for my friend’s wedding and to celebrate 13 years of marriage with my husband. My friend Tara and I have known each other since we were 13 year-old high school freshman and have remained friends ever since.
The picture on the left was taken (with another friend) at our sweet 16 birthday party in 1992. We are old AF. What is bigger? My shoulder pads or my hair? Jesus.
Tara and I were born three days apart and now our wedding anniversaries are also three days apart. Gotta love that!
My husband and I had so many amazing meals, small anniversary celebrations all weekend, including 1000 North, The Dive Bar and The River House. The fish was divine, the sushi amazing and of course the alcoholic beverages were plenty. Thank you Jupiter. You outdid yourself.
READING
I have read so many great books lately but I’m going to try and share them one at a time. Patience is not my thing but, in the interest of change…
Completely by chance a book on therapy has been climbing the charts of the NYTimes bestseller list so I figured I had to check it out. I’m so glad I did and it’s an amazing read for anyone, not just those pursuing or in need of therapy. I’m both, by the way.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb is one of the more interesting books I have ever read. Gottlieb somehow manages to talk about past clients, her own therapy (and what put her there) and life in general in the most intriguing and inspiring way possible.
RANDOM PICTURE OF THE WEEK
A funny thing happened at the hairdresser last week. I finally decided to grow out my grey hair. I just said “fuck it” and this is what happened:
People’s reactions to it have been the best. It’s a combination of shock and intrigue. Some have said nothing, others are like “what the hell is going on here?” and people who don’t know me, love it. I swear I had more compliments on my hair in the past two weeks then in the history of my short hair. Plus, I absolutely love it and can’t wait for more grey!
Change is good.
What changes have you made lately?
How long have you known your oldest friend?
Ever been to Jupiter, Florida?
Allie!!! You are going to be the most amazing running therapist. Can I book right now please?!? In all seriousness I am so excited for you. Change IS good! And your shoulder pads! I think they are bigger than you! Iām heading to my high school reunion in a couple of weeks and equal parts intrigued and terrified! And I LOVE your hair!
Thanks so much Christine and, oddly, I’m getting the reaction of “can I sign up now?” a lot – LOL!! Good to know there’s a need š Good luck with your reunion. I’m sure it will be more fun than anything…once you walk in the door…and have alcohol.
Wow! Back to school! Awesome. Not going to lie though it is tough with a family!! I have one year under my belt with two more to go. Iām assuming you are going part time? Where are you going? I want all of the details! You will make a great counselor! And I love the hair!!
I’m sure it’s going to be hard on all of us but hopefully we will adjust quickly! Yes, I’m going part time in a two year program but I’m actually starting my first class in a couple weeks – taking advantage of a 6-week summer class. I’m going to Springfield College because it’s close (about 30 min commute) and they have an excellent sports psychology program! Thanks so much Sue!!
Your hair is amazing!!! My first thought was that you dyed the sides but I love that you decided to let it be. You look great! And I am so beyond excited for your new career path. It’s meant to be! Sheryl Crow knew what she was talking about when she wrote that song! š
It’s so funny but most people think the sides are dyed!!…which I love, of course. Thanks so much for being one of the first to know about my new path and being SO supportive! Once agin YOU RAISE ME UP!! < - - who needs Sheryl Crow?
Sign me up to be a client! I’ve been dealing with a lot of sh** lately–stuff I haven’t written about plus stuff I have and I’ve been thinking about going to talk to someone. I like the idea of run/walk therapy. Somehow it’s easier to talk about deep things while engaged in doing something else. I find that my boys share a lot more when we’re driving than any other time. Thinking I need to take my oldest for a long drive!!!! Congrats on your decision to go back to school.
Can I just say what gray hair? I just see a super stylish cut! Me, I get mine touched up every 4 weeks and my colorist is my therapist.
Yep, that’s why I’m in therapy myself!! I’m telling you – it’s SO beneficial and I really would love to do a very informal run therapy with you any day! And, you are correct about running and being in the car – basically anytime you’re not forced to make eye contact is a great way to have people open up.
And I have a TON of grey! You should see it now – pretty soon it will be all grey and then I’ll have some decisions to make…
Sounds like your weekend away was just what you needed! I have an MSW but don’t practice anymore. I was just talking to someone about doing run/walk therapy. It’s such a good idea! Wish we lived near each other we could do it together. Thanks for linking up!
It really was! Interesting about your MSW – have you ever thought about using it again? And yes – too bad we don’t live closer – that would be amazing!!
Your embracing of change is inspiring, Allie! Congrats on your decision to go back to school – what an exciting journey to begin.
That book is on my to-read list – I’ve heard great things about it. Right now “From Mom to Me Again” is on my nightstand, as I struggle to embrace the change of an empty nest. Maybe I can be a practice client for you:)
Thanks so much Dana! It’s going to get very interesting around here but hopefully everyone will adjust without any serious meltdowns. Hopefully.
I’ll have to check out From Mom to Me Again! I can’t fathom NOT wanting an empty nest right now, but I understand that when it happens it’s tough. Anytime you want the boys to fill up your nest for a few days just let me know and I’ll send them right down!!
Your hair is amazing! OMG the career path you chose is fabulous and perfect for YOU! All the best with the return to school. I was 29 when I went back for a masters and I well remember the people who reminded me how “old” I was to be doing that. Ha! Get some perspective people! The wedding and your anniversary celebration look amazing. Hooray for lots of loves this week!
Thank you so very much Marcia!! And yes, I figured it was the perfect time to show off my grey now that I’ll be surrounded by 20 year olds – LOL!! There is actually an age range of 20-60 in my fall cohort so at least I won’t be the oldest!
Yay for going back to school and combining mental and physical health. Sooo excited for you!! And I love gray hair, so I love the new look.
Thanks so much Paria! You would be a stunner with grey hair!! Someday…:-)
You are awesome embracing all of life’s changes. The grey looks good on you! So excited for you and your new path in going back to school. You are going to make a seriously awesome Run/walk counselor!
Thanks so much Sandra and for being an early supporter of my idea to take this on – it’s SO appreciated!
Congrats on starting your masters!!!! That will be such an exciting and rewarding path for you. I know you will thrive so much, both in the program and as a run/walk therapist! I’m hoping to go back as well (online) next year for another master degree (not that I ever use the one I have… the problem with getting one at 24!)
Your hair looks amazing!
Thanks so much Laura! And yes – the problem with any degree is that you have no clue what you want to be when you’re in college. I love that you want to go back and get a second master’s degree – good for you! Pretty soon you will have a new degree in parenting that I dare say will surpass all others š
It looks like a little change is exactly what you needed!
Heck yeah! Thank you Kim š
What a weekend! That’s great to have a lifetime friend like that, and all of your milestones are in sync š I wish I could pull off short hair, but I have bad memories of it (think childhood home-cut pixies from a well-meaning mom who had no fashion sense LOL). You look fantastic, though!! Thanks for linking with us š
I love our long and storied friendship! It’s important to have at least one friend who knows what you were really like in high school and is still friends with you š And that is too funny about your “scars” from short hair – lol!! Thank you!
What an interesting career! I can’;t wait to hear more about it.
I have quite of few old friends. I live close to a college friend (more than 40 years) and keep in touch with some high school friends as well.
Yes, I’ve been to Jupiter. I go that area every Feb or March. I h ave a friend in Hobe Sound and in Jensen Beach as well as 3 in Delray Beach. Have you done the Treasure Coast Half?
I always walk on the beach…not run LOL
Very brave to stop coloring your hair… I will probably color it until I die LOL
Thanks so much and how cool about Jupiter!! We were very impressed with the whole scene and the food – wow! And the hair was definitely hard at first but now I love it and can’t wait for the rest to grow in. Plus, I’m saving TONS of time and money at the hairdresser!!
I LOVE YOUR HAIR! Seriously, you pull it off so well. I wish my grey was as stylish! Congrats on going back to school. I imagine it can be scary at first but it sounds like it will be for something you enjoy and it will get you closer to your dream! I can’t wait to hear about it!
Thank you so much!! And yes, school is equal parts scary and exciting so hopefully it will be more of the latter š Thanks again!
Love, love the hair!! Simply beautiful.
That is awesome on your decision to go back to school.
I have never heard of run/walk therapy but now I can see how it works.
Thanks so much!! And yes, anyone who has done a long run with a friend knows how easy it is to open up over the miles š
Love your hair.
I’m always looking for new books, so I’ll have to check it out, thank you!
Thanks Hollie!! It’s a REALLY good read so I hope you pick it up and enjoy it as much as I did.
I have thought of a running club for people with addiction (I see a lot of addicts in the ER) but not sure how to begin. Run/walk therapy sounds similar. Good luck!
Yes! They have some of those clubs already and maybe you can start a chapter or something? I’m sure a quick Google search will lead you in the right direction!
I am so excited about your new venture, and I really hope you do start up your business! Your blogs basically are therapy, and your business idea is the next natural evolution of the concept you have created in your blogs- centers on running/fitness, but also weaves in other relevant topics we all deal with on a daily basis. By making it a two way dialogue, you will be a smashing success!
I have a prediction that your idea is going to take off and your going to be so busy with clients that Mike may have to start taking on some of the tedious chores around the house…laundry, walking to the mailbox š
Thank you so much Jess!! But I can’t fathom a world in which Mike would ever be able to walk out to the mailbox. I mean, a girl can dream but I have to be realistic – LOL!!!