January Winter Run Races In Full Effect

I completed two races this weekend that was so much fun. Saturday I did a 5k race for Atlanta Mission for the Homeless the funds are to raise money for those in need of temporary shelter. It was extra cold and I had to wear my mask which is so cute with pink designs. The second run was the McDonald's Hot Chocolate 15k! my first 9.32 miles. It was a much better temperatures, the run gave me a taste in how my up coming half marathon preparation. I did intervals the whole time and had a good pace and finish in 2hours. I could feel me pushing through at the 8 1/2 mark, this tells me I will need to prep very well for the half which I am working on now. Upcoming race is going to be a lot of fun, it is Mom's Run this Town Start Your Engines" 10k  it is virtual but I will run with a local group chapter. You get medal and a swag bag too!. The price point for the virtual is great it was $15.00 dollars woo whoo!. I will add a race coming up for February, which is the locomotive series 5k. The race is on a Sunday, I like that because I have a family and Sunday morning work really will.
Your Personal Cheerleader!
Ronnita

Meg's Miles:A Fellow runner, Mom, Wife and Community

As a Runner and believe in the freedom of going outside and enjoying running wit in your community.Meg, was a runner that was killed by a drunk driver during her run. I am sharing this because many runner's within our running community and I myself will dedicate our runs this weekend to her remembrance and family. It is always a chance when we go outside our homes and could be effected by an accident involving a drunk driver or someone under the influence of drugs or most recent texting and driving. In saying this, please keep your love ones in prayer when we live our homes for safety. Some steps to take as a runner outside is to run in a area that has side walks or a trail. Also if you are wearing ear buds take at least one out of your ear so that you can hear sounds for safety. Wear reflective wear so that you are visible, and try to have a partner or inform someone where you will be running and the location. Please don't forget to have and I.D. on you at all times. As I train tomorrow for hills I will dedicate my miles to Meg.
Your Personal Cheerleader,
Ronnita

2014 Rookie Running Challenge:Should you sign you for 14 races as a Goal?

I have been thinking about how many races should I do this year, and because I am a rookie, running 5 months and 2weeks I want to go "Gung Ho" but don't want to over do it and get burnout and plus balancing family life and responsibilities. Also, I have a some very season running mates and super ambitious ones that will run when duty calls. I also look at the races and have to give into account the running budget. How much will I invest this year, is it in my budget? will I give myself a limit? the answer is in the air. So for right now I have 4(three)races that are paid for and I am training. I truly thought about doing 14 races for 2014 challenge. But I have been thinking I just don't want to get far ahead of myself, post that commitment then stress out about it. At this time I am doing the following:
1.Atlanta Missions Homeless 5k
2. Hot Chocolate 15k (9.32)miles
3Mom's Run This Town 10k
4.Georgia Publix Half Marathon
I am doing my first 15k WOW! I would have never thought I would be doing this, Plus coming up training for my first Half Marathon, which is in March. WOW I looked at this before I got pregnant 2 years ago. Now I am in training for this one else well. So I will keep you all posted. On my training.
I will look at some races and I am thinking and researching some daily and prices. Will keep everyone posted.
Your Personal Cheerleader,
Ronnita

Hypothermia Runners Beware: Be Safe and Not Sorry

Yesterday, Morning I was having a conversation with a ultra marathon runner at my gym. He was discussing with me that this past weekend he had a 50k race in the North Georgia Mountains. For those that are new to running such as myself that is 30miles. I myself am still learning the Runner language.  He shared with me he did not complete the race he stop at 20 miles. The reason, he could feel hypothermia started to settle in his indication was, trying to touch his little finger to his thumb and was not able to do so. As we had our 6:00am discussion he told me that health and safety first at all times. I thought to myself how important this conversation was that we had, In my discussions with some of my running groups online and fellow runners they become so "Gung Ho" to prove that they can run in poor conditions. At times I think it can even become a competiveness between runners to say " If you can do it", I can do it ". This ultra marathoner I talk with always shares such great insight. He is in his 60's plus and have well over 80 medals. Since the weather has been a challenge in the morning for my 5am outdoor runs I schedule the runs on the treadmill, so am not trying to be super girl and run under 30degrees weather to train, but when it is the race, I will take my A game and get out there but will listen to my body. Rookie Runners and Advance Runners beware listen to your body. Run your race and pace.
Your Personal Cheerleader,
Ronnita

Accountability Partners For runs or Workouts: Love them or Leave them!

Today is January 4,2014
Already, 4 days into the new year. As it is January the beginning and the weather is certainly cold. I do not do new year resolutions because I feel they must be things that are short and obtainable an that you can tie into your daily hustle and bustle lives. I like to incorporate goals because it become habit forming and part of the imprint of your life. For instance, people all of a sudden get accountability partners to share a fitness goal. However, it can turn to a bust if you both have not made a true commitment to self. That means sit down with yourself and say" Why are you doing what you are doing". Then write it down. for yourself. Because once that person stops base off of life circumstances out of their control or really did not make a true dedication to self. You will fall off the commitment. Make sure if you have a accountability partner and groups please spot the Debbie Downers" One sided encouragement, you got to push them, call them to remind them of the workouts or runs etc. That's not accountability partner that is a negative drainer, and you will fall prey to it. Oh' let me not forget the one that if they are not orchestrating the plan to workout or run they find a way to discourage the other one. Also, take time to observe the person you have selected to be a accountability partner what is their workout habits previously, do they stop and start all the time?. Take the time to really know who they are if you select them as a partner.
Your Personal Cheerleader,
Ronnita

New Year 2014 For Sure Goals

It is the New Year 2014! Yes, Do I make Resolutions as a Mom, Wife, Runner, Fitness Lover, Business Owner and Health Eater? NO!. You say Why In The Middle Girl ? Well, Over the years I have never been one to make Resolutions because they are very general. Goals yes, and  should be something obtainable and relatable to ones life. I have always been Goal oriented from High School, College, and Business. Short To Do List to help me on my path. So I have a few and written down.
Running: My wonderful love that I met a few months ago to be exact 5 months. My Goal will be to run my first 15k and Half Marathon. Fitness to stick with my workout regiment which is 5 days a week regardless. I will be trying to lose 10 pounds that I have struggle with back and forward. But more so retain more muscle. Food regiment to continue to work on clean eats as always, and I have just added myfitnesspal app to track my meals. From me to You!
Your Personal Cheerleader,
 Ronnita!

Yikes! It is Freezing Outside, I still have to get my Run On Before Dawn!

I wake up alarm goes off twice, Oh its time to Go Run! it is so comfy and toasty in my bed. Feeling slightly guilty, but just so warm, you look at the clock: 4:20am I have two alarms that go off so that I will have a back up for my runs and my scheduled workouts.
Mentally weighing up the benefits of going for a run, but on the other hand, making up excuses as to why you don’t need to go running today.
I should really get out there, it’s Monday… But it is so cold do I have proper gear? Yes
The race is coming up and I need to train… But I put in such a big effort yesterday I need to recover, yea… Recover
I think I have a bit of a sniffle, better let myself rest
My shoes are getting a bit stuffed, I’ll just wait until I get some new ones
I can hear the alarms. My run group do not run unless it is 30degrees or more, obstacle.  The devil on one side hurling abuse saying “But I really do have a cold”, or “My shoes give me blisters”. On the other side I hear the conscious mind who is still absent at 4:30am – “I don’t have a cold, I just had a bit of mucus from to much carbs last night”, “My shoes will be fine if I get some thicker socks, plus I will grab a new set tonight instead of wasting that money on entertainment”.
We constantly wage battle against our very worst enemy, ourselves, every single day. When starting a new habit it is most noticeable, but even the most seasoned professional occasionally gets a battle from within
When first embarking on something you want to make part of your daily schedule, it is hard. There is no doubt about it, and I am not going to cover up the fact.
Quitting smoking, giving up drinking, curbing your late night shopping habit, kicking the sweet tooth and other bad habits are a part of all of our lifestyles, some just have them to a bigger degree than others.
The easiest way to make a new habit sustainable, especially something that can be very
When you are lying in bed in the morning, you just have to change your focus toward the benefits of training, instead of the excuses – which does take a little time and it starts slowly.
You wake up the morning after reading this blog and think:
“Yeah, I remember that inthemiddlegirl saying I should focus on… – Ahh, can’t remember. Something about how I feel halfway through a run, alive, energized. God I am lazy. I am getting up and going to train It is for me myself and I no one else am responsible for my on body and commitment to me!
Motivational thoughts
When I am halfway through my run, I feel like I have all the power in the universe, I feel unstoppable, full of energy and more alive than ever
I love knowing that while I am up and about exercising early in the morning, I am beating 99% of the world to the best possible start to the day
Sleeping in and being lazy are not even a part of me, being an early riser and before I even start my day is how I roll!
I will be the fastest, fittest and strongest, I train relentlessly every single day knowing I am getting there and surpassing everyone slowly with each day I train
By training yourself to change your thoughts every morning, you will not only get out of bed faster and earlier, you will put more intensity and effort into your training. You will feel better, lighter, faster.
Focus
Focus your thoughts and efforts as soon as you wake.
At the start of waking up your thoughts will be something like:
Where the heck am I?
Oh yeah, at home. Where else would I be…
  I am tired and comfortable and warm
After a while of practice your thoughts upon waking, they will become something like:
Where  am I?
Oh yeah, at home. Why would I be anywhere else…
I am so freaking amped right now to go out and run like a rabbit, breathe the freezing cold air
that makes me feel like I am ready for this brand new day!
Yes  I am a Rookie at Running but, doing this 5 months, I think most runners have this same feeling
I Hope this encourages you
Your Personal Cheerleader,
Ronnita