Memphis Travel Recommendations:

A wall outside Elvis' home signed by his adoring fans/visitors.

Do you love to travel? Planning to visit Memphis?  Planning on driving by the city on a longer road trip? Big Elvis fan?

This post is for you!

After spending five glorious days in this fabulous southern city, I put together a little list of recommendations for my fellow travelers. Enjoy! 

Thrifty Shopping:

If you love vintage or thrift store shopping, Memphis is a great destination!

Flashback Vintage-

Items are well displayed and are in great condition. If you're in need of old fashioned porcelain Christmas decorations, they have an amazing selection! This place totally made me feel like I was visiting in my grandmother's house.

Summer Avenue-

This street made me wish I had been driving a U-Haul on my trip. If you have a love of old furniture and sifting through old clothes to find a good deal, this is your spot!! Google map Summer Avenue and National Street. Search "thrift stores". Tons will pop up on your map. My recommendation is head west on Summer Ave. from National St., and peruse the shops!!

Food:

Be prepared to loosen your belt buckle after hitting up some of these local restaurants!

Gibson's Doughnuts-

If you're a traveler on a budget, enjoy fun local flare {go University of Memphis!}, and drool at the thought of red velvet doughnuts that taste more like a cupcake, then this is your Memphis must.

Central BBQ-

Despite being a meat heavy menu, I found their BBQ portabello mushroom and Gouda cheese sandwich more than satisfying. An added plus-- they carry microbrewed beers!!

Skunx Chef Pub-

A new addition to the Memphis restaurant scene, this restaurant serves up an amazing thin crust pizza. If you love pork, be sure to order the prosciutto!

**Additional Recommendations: Republic Coffee Memphis {vegetarian friendly} and River Oaks Restaurant {A local man recommend their burgers. All their meats are free range/ farm raised}.

A Tourist Must:

There are many touristy activities for any visitor to busy themselves with during their stay. Below are my two favorites!!

The Civil Rights Musuem-

Located on the property Martin Luther King was assassinated; The Lorraine Motel. It's a bit eerie to walk through the place MLK took his final steps, but incredibly moving and well worth the ticket price.

Graceland-

Even if you're not an Elvis fan, head over to Graceland. Getting a glimpse into this late cultural icon's life proves to be intriguing. A tour of Graceland includes a walk through  Elvis' house, checking out his two personal jets and numerous vehicles, and seeing various angles of the "glitz and glamour" that went along with being "the king". Additional Recommendations:

• Ideal on a sunny day. There is quite a bit of walking outside, so rain may put a damper on your visit.
• DO NOT purchase your souvenirs on Graceland property. There are stores across the street and next door who offer similar items cheaper.
• Do use the photo booths! Use the booth on the left. You get two strips for $5, and an awesome video replay of yourself posing and making funny faces for the camera.
• Outside Elvis' home there is a wall near the street signed by many visitors. Bring some paint or a sharpie, and leave a message!!

To really set the mood, I couldn't end this post without a little Elvis serenade. Enjoy!!! =)

Additional Memphis recommendations are welcome! Please add to this list by leaving a comment below! =)

Ace & Badger Explode Memphis!

When Chris and I travel, we take a city by storm. Food, chattin' up locals, checking out historically significant spots, and finding some cold micro-brews are among our top priorities.

You might be thinking ---Didn't you go to Memphis to run a marathon?

Yes. The marathon was an important part of the trip. But we also traveled to Memphis to check out all that this southern American city has to offer. Below is a little peak into some of our adventures! Enjoy!

Chris. AKA. Ace
{like from a deck of cards}
@ Gibson's Doughnuts

Me AKA Badger
{as in Honey Badger don't care}
@ Central BBQ

Elvis Lives

Gluttony {just to remind you that i love food}

& making new friends! {thanks for the pizza!!}

Our mission to find local brews led us to Duncan {pictured above}. Thanks for the great evening!

Issac Hayes & Soul Train? Yes, please!

Party Time!

R.I.P Dr. Martin Luther King

 I <3 Independent coffee shops

 Truth!

Thank you Memphis for putting up with our shannaigans!

5 Reasons Why I Survived my First Marathon.

Just before the 14 mile mark.
Memphis, TN. ::: December 3, 2011
Photo Credit: Chris Coons

I had two goals for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon.

One, cross the finish line {no matter how long it takes}.

Two, have fun. 

How did I accomplish my goals, and run 26.2 miles joyfully? Check out my five strategies below!

1. An Outward Focus.
A little distraction can go a long way on any race day.

Giving out high fives to the wee ones, thanking volunteers while quenching my thirst at water stations, telling spectators dressed as Santa what I want for Christmas, and requesting songs from Elvis impersonators all enabled me to cross the finish line.

Keeping your focus outward and interacting with your surroundings is a fun way to help the miles pass quickly.

 My favorite crowd interaction on this course was hopping onto the the sidewalk, joining volunteer performers doing the "YMCA"{ if you're trying to PR or meet a time goal, I suggest skipping this "focusing outward" opportunity}.

I also tried to remember that races are a very emotional day for many. Throughout the course I scanned the shirts of fellow runners. When I spotted a shirt indicating a runner was racing in memory of a loved one, I'd say a silent prayer.


2. Putting the Brakes on Pushing Play.
I think I can confidently say I'll never be an elite runner. Therefore, I happily use my i-pod with a hand-picked playlist as I rack up miles.

While training, a friend suggested running without music. Curious to see how it would effect my running, I began leaving my i-pod at home on shorter runs. Eventually, I found myself running for about an hour without it.

On race day this proved to be beneficial. I delayed hitting the play button, using the first seven miles to listen to my body and be fully present to the amazing race day energy.

Listening to a song with a killer cadence never feels better than when you've logged a few miles, you're legs are warmed up, and you're ready to kick it into high gear.


3. "Eating Hills for Breakfast."
The St. Jude Memphis Marathon is considered a fairly flat course. Living in Chicago, one comes to realize NOTHING seems flat in comparison.

Despite doing some modest hill training-- using city bridges, the treadmill, and Stairmaster--I knew the rolling hills of Memphis would be taxing on my body. So what's a Chicago gal to do?

On the uphill climb I shortened my stride, slowed my pace to a modest trot, and shouted "I eat hills for breakfast". {Yes, I really shouted this phrase several times throughout the course}. As mentioned previously, I am not above shouting, grunting, and talking to myself during a difficult run. Give it a go sometime! I swear it works!

My downhill descent's did not attract as much attention. I simply let gravity take hold of my body and increased speed.


4. Race Preparation.
Beyond creating a training schedule appropriate for my skill level, I believe there were two key things in my race preparation enabling me to have a fun drama free marathon.

One, I researched the course like a crazy lady. I printed out a course map, and marked it up like I was editing a fifth grader's five paragraph essay. I noted the location of all the steep hills, all the Gu stations, every landmark I would find interesting, and where spectators typically were found along the course route. Additionally, Chris and I drove around near the course starting line the day before to ease anxiety about parking in the morning. {Parking was plentiful and easy on race day morning! Thank the Lord.}.

Two, surrounding myself with supportive people throughout my training. Thank you to everyone who told me I could do it!


5. Refuel. Refuel. Refuel.
Early and often is my motto for refueling.

Beginning at mile three I took water at every other aide station. Beginning at mile sixteen I took water at every aide station. {This marathon had an aide station at the 1.5 mile mark, and at every mile from mile 3 to 25.}

After an hour of running I ate two strawberry Cliff Shot Bloks. At mile nine I received my first Gu pack on course, and proceeded to pick them up at every station they were available {miles 15, 18, 21}. To prevent stomach issues, I consumed the Gu slowly over the course of a mile or two, while picking up water along the way to wash it down.

I only drank Gatorade on race day a few hours before the marathon and immediately afterward. I was too nervous it would make me sick if I consumed it while running. I've heard it can be beneficial to consume it during a race, and hope to experiment with it more in the future.

Want to learn more about my journey to my first marathon? Click here.

Have tips and tricks you use on race day? Would love to hear from you! Leave comments below.

Journey to Race Day

Approximately twenty seconds before crossing the finish line on the field of Autozone Park.
Memphis, TN. ::: December 3, 2011
Photo Credit: Chris Coons

"Beyond the very extreme of fatigue and distress, we may find amounts of ease and power we never dreamed ourselves to own; sources of strength never taxed at all because we never push through the obstruction."

-William James

I am filled with glee to report my first marathon finish. Tackling a marathon was never something I thought was in my reach as a runner. After finishing my first half marathon in Cleveland this past May, my confidence grew. I began to think differently about my physical abilities and limitations. In July I nervously revealed to Chris my desire to join him in Memphis to run the marathon. A few weeks later we signed-up for the race, and I made out my training schedule.

Throughout my training I had serious doubts about completing the race. At the beginning, I had issues with my left IT band, and pain in the ball of my left foot. With the increase of my weekly mileage, failed workouts became common. My asthma and severe fall allergies interfered with scheduled runs. I would set out on a six mile run, only to return to my apartment after a mile and a half because I couldn't breathe.  With each roadblock, thoughts of quitting would arise. But as with most of life, I didn't want to go down without a fight.

I clung furiously to moments of joy and excitement that arose on my training journey. My speed increased on shorter runs, and my form radically improved. I began to understand my body's needs. I understood when it needed rest and when it needed to be pushed. I completed my three hardest weeks of training injury free and happy. Heck, I even began to really look forward to hitting the pavement three to five days each week. My body transformed. Muscles strengthened. Endurance improved.

Mentally, I felt a shift. Running was no longer just a way to stay in shape or find common ground among peers. It became the time in my day to find clarity. It became a metaphor. My approach to running mirrored my approach to life. Thus, I could see my strengths and weaknesses in and out of my running shoes more clearly.

Reflecting upon this weekend, I can confidently say participating in the 2011 St. Jude Memphis Marathon proved to be an amazing experience. I can also confidently say, the race journey not race day changed me the most.

Over the next week I will focus on allowing my body to heal. Yoga, warm showers, a pedicure, hydration, lots of sleep, and good food will all be a part of my recovery. Then, I will lace up my shoes again and define where my feet will take me next.

I am filled with glee to report my first marathon finish. I am filled with glee to report that it won't be my last.

------

{More race day photos and reflections, as well as a peek into my adventures in Memphis to come! So be sure to check Underlined and Bold for further updates this week!} 

A Marathon Finish!

Finished my first Marathon yesterday!

4hrs. 42mins. 32secs.

Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout my marathon journey! More details and thoughts on the experience later this week.

For now, I'm headed out to explore more of Memphis!

Hope you had a fantastic weekend.

Happy Sunday everyone!!

Memphis Bound!

Chris & I had an unforeseen delay this morning. But all is well now. We are loading up our rental and hitting the road. The big marathon day is just two days away!! Memphis here we come!!

I absolutely hate packing. This smile only comes after checking and rechecking my list to
make sure I had everything I may need.

I will be M.I.A. on Underlined and Bold for a few days while traveling. But I will try my best to keep everyone posted on the marathon.

Thanks for all the support over the last few months.

Peace & Love,

Abigail

5 Things I've Learned via Marathon Training

Photo Credit: Shawn Rossi (Creative Commons)

I've made it!

I've made it alive through my three longest runs for my marathon training. No repeats of my 12 mile disaster. And after a 16, 18, and 20 mile run, I am more excited than ever to tackle the big 26.2 mile race in Memphis. Wahoo!

I am injury free and in good spirits.

{And if you're wondering, my sore ass ankles are still tired, but nothing to worry about.}

I really couldn't ask for anything more at this point!

So without further delay, below are a few things I've learned from the last three weeks of hard training.

1. Bring on the Hydration & Shot Bloks

With hot muggy summer days behind us, training during this amazingly mild mid-west autumn has been a blessing. The only glitch, water fountains on Chicago's lakefront trail are slowly turned off for the winter this time of year. During my 20 mile run, I only found one working water fountain around my mile 14. When I finally made it to that fountain, I practically made out with it.

Despite hating extra bulk on my runs, I will be placing a handheld water bottle or hydration system on my "Things to Buy" list in the near future.

Also, I am loving the strawberry flavored Cliff Shot Bloks at the moment. Totally yummy!! Totally refueling!!

2. Chocolate Milk + Bananas = Better Recovery

When I trained for my half marathon this past spring, chocolate milk was not consistently part of my post-run recovery regimen. During my marathon training, I have followed every long run with chocolate milk {and a banana}.My experience with soreness and fatigue have been greatly reduced in the days after those runs.

3. I've got a Sweet Spot!

Miles 7-13 are my favorite. Muscles are warm, a rhythm is established, and movement feels effortless. It feels like I'm flying.

4. Moisture from My Eyes is Inevitable

On my 16, 18, and 20 mile runs, I cried right before embarking upon the last two miles. As my body moved into unfamiliar territory each week {as this is my first time running these distances}my eyes weld up with tears. The tears didn't stem from physical pain. Rather, I felt as if my body was cleansing itself of tensions and emotions from the past. Running really has become therapeutic.

5. Yelling, Grunting, and Mantras.

When combating fatigue, yelling and grunting are go-to tricks to psyche myself up to finish strong. Shouting "You can do this," and a simple "Come on!" can snap me out of any rising doubts about finishing. It may attract a few stares now-and-again, but it totally works for me!

I also combat fatigue with simple mantras. Recently, this quote has really helped me keep my spirits up. I also will repeatedly say "leave nothing out here," to remind myself to always give it my best.

Have any tips, tricks, or revelations about running? I would love to hear from you. Leave comments below!

Romanticizing the Amish...

A visit to "Amish Country"
Ohio, May 2011

Picks to Ponder:

A weekly post featuring a few notable items I've found to be thought provoking, and/or a positive influence on my outlook on life.  


In my Home State:
Renegade Amish.

I grew-up about an hour from one of the largest Amish settlements in the country. Visits to "Amish country" {as my mother says} is an aspect of visiting my family home I most treasure. Day trips involve flea markets, strawberry patches, home-made cheese and jams. It involves seeing people live a simple life. No electricity. No cars. Uncomplicated. Lovely. Romantic.

Almost.

As with any romanticized idea we have about people or places, there are realities that counter. The New York Times recently ran an article citing a rift in the Amish community. Four terrifying assaults have resulted, and arrests have been made.

Assault and Amish are two words I never thought I'd utter in the same sentence. Nothing is perfect though. This, we must remember.

Click here to read more about the conflict.

In Journalism:

{Update!} A Good Man is Harder to Find

Last week, I featured  Katie Bolick's article "All the Single Ladies," under my journalism "Picks to Ponder". The article is still creating buzz. Therefore, I felt it only appropriate to provide an update!  

Bolick's been busy with interviews since her article went to press. I've loved listening to her speak! She has a charismatic demeanor, and answers questions with a sweet yet unyielding honesty. Her recent radio interview at WHYY with Marty Moss-Coane on Radio Times, I found particularly thought provoking.  During this interview people called in with questions, stories, and varying opinions in which Bolick responds.  

Intrigued?

Listen to the interview here!

On the Map:

Memphis Love!

I am road tripping to Memphis in a month. Wahooo! A favorite blogger of mine recently posted details of her road trip there. And in turn, my own enthusiasm increased ten-fold.

Share in my excitement by clicking here to see her fabulous blog post!

Chicago Love!

If you love the windy city as much as I do, click here to view one blogger's fabulous visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo.  She captured the beauty of this city and its famous zoo undeniably well!

I would love to read your thoughts on this weeks Picks to Ponder.

 Please leave comments & questions below, so we can discuss. 

{Missed last weeks Picks to Ponder? Click here.}

Inspiration: The Chicago Marathon

Photo Credit: Flicker (Creative Commons)

Yesterday I announced I will be running my first marathon this December in Memphis! Exciting (and scary) news. The thought of running 26.2 miles is extremely intimidating, but I love challenges. So we'll see where it leads me.

Not a runner? Click here to read my reflection about running my first half marathon in May. Most of my life I didn't enjoy running. Gradually, (with the influence of many) I changed my mind.

Over the next two months of training, I will be in constant need of inspiration. Therefore, early Sunday morning I will roll out of bed to watch the Chicago Marathon in Pilsen (around the 20 mile mark). I know seeing the strength and endurance of others will help motivate me. It will motivate me to continually tie up my laces week after week to give every bit of energy I can muster to my training.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Good luck to all the runners participating in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday!
You are my inspiration this week!

Light and Love,
Abigail

My Next Adventure!

Photo Credit: david__jones on flicker (creative commons)

Graceland and Beale Street here I come! The first weekend in December, Chris and I are road tripping to explore one of America's most historic music cities; Memphis

Our adventure includes running the St. Jude Memphis Marathon and celebrating our one year anniversary.

Stay tuned for marathon training and trip planning updates!