simplifying ...

I've mentioned my OCD tendencies one or twice or a thousand times. I don't like clutter. Or excess. Or disorder. Or unfinished projects. Or spontaneity. I am far less stressed when there is structure and schedules and I know what to expect. You might say that I am lack excitement or I am boring, but I like to think of myself as well-prepared and task-oriented. It works for me. And it seems to work for my family. And recently, I have noticed that being slightly OCD can help me simplify my life.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a purger. I have no problem getting rid of the things that have lost their purpose in my life. Old clothes that don't fit, items that I no longer use. I have never really felt the need to hold on to something because I might need it some day or because I associated it to a memory I have.

Recently, I stumbled across THIS blog post and I thought it was an interesting concept. The post sets a challenge to the reader to limit their wardrobe to 33 pieces for three months. Ultimately, the project is intended to show you that you can live with less, something I think most people can benefit from.

So, I decided to accept the challenge with a few modifications.

1. My challenge was not going to last three months. It was going to be a permanent change. Anything that left, was NEVER coming back. And anything that comes in new, MUST replace another item, not "rebuild" my wardrobe.

2. My challenge limited my wardrobe to 35 items, all which have year-round versatility. Items that don't count in the 35 items are wedding ring, underwear, sleep, in-home lounge wear, and workout clothing (you can only wear your workout clothing to workout). In addition to these items, which were part of the original challenge, I also didn't include my 10 pairs of shoes (which include three pairs of running shoes currently in rotation) and accessories (i.e. my watch, my necklace and my RoadID).

And that was it. I cleared my closet and my dresser. I kept only the things that I LOVE and that FIT me properly. The rest was donated.

That was one month ago. And do you know what? I haven't missed a single item that I got rid of. I never wanted to wear something that wasn't there and I never second guessed something I kept. (It's worked out so well that I am planning on reducing my daughters' wardrobes to 35 items as well).

Plus, the challenge has come with added benefits.

• My laundry load has become lighter.
• I can ALWAYS find exactly what I am looking for.
• I don't stress about which outfit I am going to wear. There aren't enough options for that.
• Simplifying my wardrobe has motivated me to simplify other areas of my life. I've been clearing out the excess in all areas of our life, creating more space/better space management.
• Eliminating the excess items has also pushed me to cut back on the "time-suckers" (i.e. Facebook, blogging, my BlackBerry). I am trying to have a few "unplugged" hours each day. Over the Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday - Sunday), I did my best to avoid "time-suckers" all together. I left my phone at home when I went out. I didn't touch the computer. Instead, I spent time with my family and friends without the interference.
• We are managing our finances better. Eliminating the "need" for excess items has curtailed our spending and is allowing us to pay off our debts. We are more thoughtful with how we spend and we have axed our credit cards, hopefully FOREVER.

Honestly, I have yet to see a negative side to this simplicity. I only wonder why I waited so long to do it ...

10 years later ...

This Saturday is my 10 year high school reunion. I always thought I would be excited for this day, but honestly, as it gets closer, it's kind of losing it's appeal.

I think part of this stems from the fact that I had a "movie scene" reunion in my head. You know the one. The girl who everyone expected to turn out one way, shows up and shocks everyone with how she has transformed herself in the years since they last had contact. But now, with the prevalence of Facebook, I feel like I already "know" everything I want to about the people in my past. And they could just as easily find out about me, if they so desired.

And if we are being honest here, I'm not really a social person. I have a few uber-close friends and that's pretty much it. I don't really "try" when it comes to friendships. Like with love, I feel that if people are supposed to be in your life they will be. Friendships should be easy. The ones that are tend to last and those that aren't will eventually dissipate.

With that said, of all the people I went to high school with (I graduated with over 400 people), I only still speak to one person. And she's been one of my best friends since I was three. So, I'm sure Saturday night will be interesting.

But, maybe I am wrong. Maybe I will have a blast and the night will be worth the 80 dollars J and I forked over for it. You never really know.

What I do know is that you are about to be treated to a flashback.

This is my senior portrait ...


And this is me and G on Halloween ...

This is me as the quarterback for our Powder Puff Football team during the fall of senior year ...

This is proof that "the quads" (shown below) ...

are a genetic gift. I've had them all along ...

(Note: I wore those sandals to my senior prom. And I still have them.)

Was your reunion worth the trip back home?

Three Things Thursday ...

1. Thank you to everyone who "liked" my photo for the Running Skirts Halloween Contest. I truly appreciate it. With that said, if you didn't head over there yet and want to help me and my little sister win for our "Tortoise and the Hare" costumes, you still can. All you need to do is "Like" the Running Skirts fan page HERE and then click "like" on our photo HERE. (I am so not above begging ...)

2. Speaking of Facebook, I was messing around on it yesterday and clicked on "Page Suggestions." When I did, it showed me a list of my Facebook friends who have the most "likes" in common with me. Here's the list ...

Does anyone else think it's odd that the 15 people I have the most in common with are all fellow bloggers? It's probably because we are all runners and all love a good giveaway, but don't you think it is strange that none of my non-blogging friends were able to break into the list? Just saying. (Note: the top 25 people were all bloggers, I just couldn't get the whole list in my screen shot).

3. And if you are Facebook friends with me, you might have noted that I found out my bib number for next weekend's 8K and I COULDN'T BE MORE EXCITED. (I'm totally a numbers person.)

Anyway, my bib number is 15275. Do you see why this is a good number? No? Well, I will explain.

My goal for this race is sub-40. My current PR is 41:58, which means I need to beat my PR by 1:59 to hit my goal.

Well, 152 + 7 = 159 and the race is 5 miles long (OK, it's 4.97, but it's close enough). Basically, this bib number was designed especially for me. And that has to be a good sign.

please vote for me ...

Remember those wicked cute Tortoise and the Hare costumes that my sister and I wore on Halloween? (which you all said you LOVED by the way)


Yeah, those ones. Well, we submitted our photo to the Running Skirts Facebook Fan page HERE for their Halloween Costume Contest. The three photos with the most "likes" win an outfit from Running Skirts. And we'd REALLY love to win.

So, we are asking (begging, really) for your help. Would you vote for us? PRETTY PLEASE?

Here's all you need to do.

Head over to the Running Skirts Facebook Page HERE and "like" their page. Then find this photo in the RunningSkirts Halloween Contest album (you can click on the one in this post to go directly to it) and "like" it.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

16 miles on the belt ...

Yesterday, I posted a question on the Racing With Babes Facebook page. I was contemplating doing my long run of 16 miles on the treadmill last night and wanted to know which of the following options my readers would choose:

A. 16 miles on the treadmill with the television as distraction

or

B. 16 solo miles on Sunday out in the heat

25 people responded and there wasn't really a clear winner. 11 people said to hit up the treadmill. 10 people opted for outside. And 4 said that it would depend on whether or not there was a good show on.

I ultimately decided to hit up the treadmill. I had to run either way and I figured that if I felt good after eight, I would keep going. But first, I needed to say something to my treadmill. We've always been tight, but I've been avoiding him all summer. Choosing running with friends over him. So, I drafted this apology ...

Dear Treadmill,

I am sorry. I am so very sorry for abandoning you these past few months. For being pulled away buy the open road and early morning runs. For severing ties without thinking twice. I had forgotten how good you are to me. How you help me escape from the elements. How you give my joints a break. And how you make sure I hit my paces. I love you. Please take me back.

Yours in running,

Tonia

Once that was taken care of, I got on my way. I decided to mix the run up a bit and ran the first 12 miles at long run pace (10:54) and the last 4 miles at half marathon pace (8:57). At times I thought it would never end, but 2:46:46 and three episodes of NCIS later, I was done.

And I was very happy about it ...

What would it have taken for you to stick out 16 on the 'mill?

Zensah Compression Sock Review and Giveaway ...

A few weeks back, Suzanne at Zensah contacted me to see if I would be interested in trying out a pair of of their ProGrade Compression Socks in Argyle print (obviously, the people at Zensah are aware of my affinity for cute socks). Never one to turn down a sweet pair of socks, I happily accepted and started my research on the product.

What Zensah says about the ProGrade Compression Sock:

"The Zensah compression sock incorporates ProGrade Compression technology. Developed with the optimal amount of compression for athletes helping to increase oxygen blood flow which can enhance an athlete's performance. The only compression sock to incorporate padded arch support which allows your legs to last longer. Engineered using seamless technology for superior comfort. Graduated compression provides muscle support, increase circulation and reduces edema when traveling. Zensah Fabric is both anti-microbial and thermo-regulating which keeps your legs cool in hot weather and comfortable in cold weather. Great for racing, recovery and traveling. WARNING: May lead to ultra comfort and improved performance."

What I say about the ProGrade Compression Sock:

Well, to begin with, the socks just look good. The Argyle print is fun without being over the top (although, I don't really mind being "over the top." And I would love to see these socks in pink and yellow. Just a suggestion).

Seriously though, I was really impressed with the comfort level of these socks. They were by far the most cushioned socks I have ever put on. And my feet appreciated it. And the compression level was pretty much perfect. The socks were challenging to get on (as they should be) and felt snug, but not tight or restrictive. I first wore them during a mid-week eight miler. And when I finished, my legs still felt fresh.

I retested the socks with a second wear after my 13 miler on Monday (I didn't run in them. I only wore them for recovery). Since that run would bring me to 35 miles in four days and my legs were bound to be shot afterwards, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to check the effectiveness of the compression. The test was easy. Wear the socks all day and if my legs felt good at bedtime and for my run the following morning, these socks were the real deal. And guess what ... I went to bed without a single ache and woke up bright and early for six miles. And with that, I was sold.

And now, thanks to the lovely people at Zensah, one of my readers will win their very own pair of Zensah Compression Socks. Here's how to enter (separate comments please!):

1. Become a follower and comment to let me know (or let me know that you already are).

2. Visit Zensah's website HERE. Then come back and leave me a comment to let me know what other product you would like to try.

3. Become a Facebook Fan of Zensah HERE and comment to let me know.

4. Become a Facebook Fan of Racing With Babes HERE and comment to let me know.

5. Become a follower of Zensah on Twitter HERE and comment to let me know.

6. Repost this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitter or anywhere else you see fit and comment to let me know.

Entries will be accepted until Friday, July 16th. Winner will be selected at random and announced on Saturday, July 17th.

i'm on facebook ...

So, I have jumped on the bandwagon and made a Facebook page for this blog. You know you want to check it out. Go ahead. Become a fan. All you have to do is click HERE.