New Challenge Starts in August!

I've gotten an outpouring of requests that I do another challenge and that people would rather not go the entire summer without the consistent accountability.  I COMPLETELY understand that and while I can appreciate how much the challenge helps those, I need a break for my sanity.  So I've decided to just take the month of July off and start another 8 week Challenge in August.  

You can register now for the challenge by paypalling me at aliceanneloftus@msn.com (make sure you note that it is for the 8 week challenge)  The cost is $75 until July 1st and then will go to $100/person.  If you have already donated to Team Sole Society, please deduct that from the registration fee.   Private Message me with any questions or if you'd like to discuss cost.  Thanks!

Marathon Training in Full Effect

Training has officially started and I couldn't be happier with how it's going!  I've been running midweek consistently, and hitting those long runs with gusto!  Yesterday I completed just over ten miles with 1/2 my group and I can honestly say it was a good strong run that left me feeling like I was definitely on track to prepare for this marathon!

My friend Heather was in town all last week and we were able to get a couple runs, although one of our midweek short runs was disastrous for me due to the heat and poor prep throughout the day, I was able to hit the 2nd short midweek run with a fast pace and good distance!  Sometimes those bad runs can leave you with anxiety that the marathon will be too hard or that you're not strong enough; the best thing to do is get back out there and have a good run to prove to yourself that you can do it.  I'm thankful the girls pushed me to get back out there and crank out a fast 6 mile run and then set the base to do a strong 10 miler.  I absolutely feel like I've gained my confidence back and those two great runs following the not-so-great run definitely got my head back in the game!

Happy

Whew!  What a rough couple weeks I have had!  It seems that I've had the unfortunate ability to find just about every possible jerk within a 50 mile radius.  Every time I turned around, I found myself shaking my head in disbelief at how people could treat one another and act with such entitlement and disregard of respect and courtesy towards others.  I admit, I was starting to unravel.  I have been teetering on the edge of a complete meltdown and even found myself speaking and acting a little saucier than usual.

I look back at the last several days and while in the midst of all the chaos, I might have felt that I was surrounded by negativity, I sit here now, reflecting, and realize that I was in fact surrounded by many many blessings!

I think about those that acted unkindly.  I think back on the situations that left me drained and frustrated.  I replay the interactions in my mind and I cannot help and conclude that none of it was truly about me.  I was not a victim.  I was not the target.  The actions and words were not directed towards me.  I was simply a bystander.  I was caught in the backlash.  I felt the ripple of someone else's unhappiness and the toxicity of the poison from their own demons.  It was never ever about me.  I cannot control how they act.  I can only control what I feel and how I respond.

I see the silver linings.  I had to chuckle as I thought about last Thursday night, meeting my marathon team out for dinner and drinks.  We all arrived, comparing stories on how tough our individual days had been.  Ann's 6 hour commute, Erica's black eye, Susan's study cram session, Kelly's receipt of an idiot remark...I think each of us had reason to stay home and pull the cover over our heads.  Yet, there we were, laughing, talking and planning great things.  I think about the stranger at Whole Foods who went out of her way to try and brighten my day.  She stayed past her shift, made me a beautiful sushi platter for a party that I was not prepared for and did not appropriately plan in a timely manner.  Yet, from the kindness of her heart, she made things right for me.  My heart swells as I reminisce about the smile on my friend's face as she realized she had walked into a surprise party in her honor and how she graciously hugged each and every guest and thanked them for being there to celebrate her.  I well up with tears, as I remember the conversation with friends after a Sunday morning workout.  My friend Lara saying, "This is my church.  It is food for my soul to see my friends here.  I cannot help but feel lucky to be surrounded by such lovely women."  I giggle to myself as I text my friend Susan thanking her for including me as we attended a fashion show fundraiser.  Both of us exhausted from our week, but there...supporting another friend.  I felt pride as I kissed my children before they exited the car in carpool lane and I feel thankful that they are healthy and happy.  Even though they are growing right before my eyes, they look to me for reassurance and safety and I know that they know that I'll always be there for them.

I realize, yes, I had some really sucky interactions lately, but WOW, I've also been graced with some pretty fantastic moments too!  It isn't about me, whether someone acts in anger or acts in love.  It is about them.  It has NOTHING to do with me.  How I react and how I conduct myself, either in anger or love, is entirely up to me!  I choose happiness.  I am the master of my soul...

Dress Rehearsal

Last night I attended the college graduation of my dear friend, Aasima.  Listening to the speakers, a quote that really stood out to me was this, "There is no dress rehearsal in life."  #1, it made me think of my long time bestie, Lolly (hee hee!) and #2 it made me realize I have ONE shot.  One shot to be the very best me.  The best part about that:  my life isn't over.  I get to change the story line, plot, scene, musical number with every decision I make, action I do, smile I give and hug I embrace.  No, there may not be a dress rehearsal, but I own the stage and my story is not yet written...

Make today great!  xo

Who We Are...

What's in a name? Remember when we said that Team Sole Society was made up of some pretty awesome chicks? Let me tell you a little bit about our crew:

Ann Cole- "Legs" She's super strong and never complains. She's a machine that never misses a run or a workout!

Erica Hoffman- "Wild Child", she's new to our group, she has a love for life and such tenacity, you'd believe anything is possible when you're around her!

Heather DeBuse- "Lady Luck", She is our Lottery Winner! She's trained and paid for the race 3 times, finally ran it last year, I can't think of anyone more deserving to win a spot in the NYCM!

AliceAnne Loftus and Jessica Thomas aka "Frick and Frack", sisters by marriage, friends by heart. We tackled NYC last year as cheerleaders/supporters. We were so inspired that we knew we were in this year!

Kathy Williams- "Captain". We will follow her anywhere, she's always in charge. Our fearless leader; we've learned not to let her lead the way during a run. She might plan for 10 miles, but somehow we'll get lost and end up running 14 or more! 

Kelly Barnes Smith- "The Conversationalist"- Don't have much to say? Just run next to Kelly. She'll keep you entertained and give you much to discuss on those long runs!

Susan Shapiro- our "Solid Sister" Wanna go for a quick run? She's in. Wanna meet for a margarita? Sign her up. What do you say about someone who's always there for you, talented in so many ways and just about the biggest badass in town? You'd say, "that chick is SOLID!" 

Thank you so much for following our journey and supporting us along the way! We couldn't do this without you! Together, let's make a difference! Please consider donating to our team as we raise funds and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Every little bit counts!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/nyc14/teamsolesociety

Passion Becomes Talent When Shared

To have a talent is to have a gift, however, a gift is something that is meant to be shared...



This weekend I was speaking with a woman who asked me how I had so much confidence to take chances and put myself out there.  Without even a blink, I answered her, "I have confidence because I have passion."


In every aspect of my life, I truly try to find a way to give back.  I have specific things that I'm very passionate about; children (specifically early childhood education), health and wellness, friendships, running, and life long learning.  With those passions, I have spent much time thinking about how best to give back to the world around me.  I explained to her that the way I see it, life is about balancing what you give and what you gain.  The things I give myself to most, are the things in which I gain the most as an individual.  I'm not meaning that I look at things as a "what's in it for me?" attitude, but I do look for things to add to my life that I feel empower me, strengthen me as a woman/mother/friend and I have always looked at every experience in life as an opportunity for me to better myself so that I could give my best to those around me.

I can have passion that fuels talent, but if they aren't shared to enhance my life and the lives around me, then is it really a talent at all?  Looking at the things that bring me success and happiness, I find that it is by creating services, building relationships, spreading knowledge and sharing experiences I reach true success and accomplishment.  Ten years ago, I felt myself driven by the passion to create a warm and nurturing environment that fostered learning and discovery for young children.  I watched as my own children flourished through the program, community families came and went and I forever hold their young ones in my heart. I've had the opportunity to see amazing child advocates work within my program, spreading their love and knowledge and connecting with each student and many parents/families, over the years.

Five years ago, I developed a passion for health and wellness and I pushed myself beyond limits to change myself; my body, my mind, my life.  I found such passion in the transformation that I couldn't bare to keep it to myself, I wanted others to find their inner strength and I wanted to be that support and that cheerleader for them as they embarked upon their own journey of health and wellness.  I'm now surrounded by a community of people who live each day with the mindset to better themselves through exercise and whole nutrition. It's an amazing feeling to know that we might not have all the answers and there's no secret formula for health, but we fight for our best versions of ourselves.

In recent years, I've discovered a passion for running.  The friendships and bonds I have with fellow runners is unparalleled.  It is unlike any other exercise.  The hours of time spent on pavement, talking it (whatever IT may be) out, climbing the hills, caring for in the injuries and the people they belong to.  We cross those lines, jumping into each others' arms, not only because another race is finished, but because we were together for every step.  The passion has grown to give us confidence that we could run a marathon together, but not just to participate in yet another foot race; we're using this passion and talent to raise money and awareness for Leukemia and Lymphoma.  We run because we can.  We run because we want to give back.  We want to share our talent, share our passion, share our love and the support we feel and give to those who really need it too.

Passion becomes talent when it is shared.  Look for the things that bring you joy.  What makes your heart soar?  What gives your day worth
...and how can you share that with those around you?  Life is too short to step cautiously into your dreams.  You must jump up and go in the direction that fulfills you hopefully through your journey you can inspire, encourage and uplift someone's passion and ignite more talent into the world.

We Need Your Help!

Through running, I've made incredible friends, sole mates actually, and I've found ways to incorporate running in my life that gives me the opportunity to help others, coach, teach and spend quality time with my family (especially my children). I've ran many races, half marathons being my farthest distance, I've coached Girls on the Run (a program that uses running to teach life skills to young girls grades 3rd-5th) and I've spent a lot of time supporting the running community and using this amazing exercise as a way to enhance my life and the lives of others.

Team Sole Society has joined up with Team in Training to raise money and awareness for Leukemia and Lymphoma.  Each of us have an individual goal to raise $3900, but we're fund-raising as a team. We are 8 dynamic women who share a love for running and feel a strong passion to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as for some of us it really hits home and this cause is near and dear to our hearts.

Throughout this journey, I'll share stories of our personal heroes and honored teammates.   Heather shares,

"My aunt Cathy is a cancer survivor, who I watched run through her year of chemo. She is an amazing person, but especially she is an amazing athlete. She is a 6 time marathon finisher, the first marathon she ran post-cancer was her all-time personal best. She is a badass, and I'm glad to run in her honor!"

My friend Marnie, speaks of her nephew as she made a donation to our team:

"My nephew is a survivor of leukemia. He was diagnosed at age 6 - he is now 19!! It is my pleasure to support your efforts!!"

We've started our kick-off for fund-raising, and I'm reaching out to you all for support as we strive to reach our goals, of not only running this marathon but giving back and helping to fight blood cancer as best we can!

Please consider donating to our team (don't click my name, just donate to the team please!)
http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/nyc14/teamsolesociety

NO DONATION TOO SMALL or TOO BIG ;o)  Be sure to check to see if your company or spouse's company does a match donation and don't forget corporate sponsorship opportunities are available as well!  There are SO many ways to get involved!

We appreciate your support!