Jul 12 2017
27 Facts about Me

Today is my 27th birthday.  I’m one step closer to matching my grandma soul with my actual age.  After 21, most of the birthdays kind of blend together.  I’ve been blogging for nearly 6 years now, so I thought it would be fun to share 27 facts you may or may not know about me.  It was actually difficult to come up with because as a blogger all I do is talk about myself…

  1. I was born in San Diego. I remember nothing because I was a baby.
  2. Since my dad was in the Navy, we lived and traveled to a lot of cool places. I grew up in England as well as Japan. Ultimately, I went to high school in Virginia.
  3. I still have relatives that live on the Orkney Islands just north of Scotland.
  4. Growing up in England, I actually went to a British school for a while.  When we moved back to the US, I had a British accent for a long time.
  5. Before swimming, I dabbled in many sports including soccer, tennis, and basketball.  I was terrible at all of them.  I never scored any goals in soccer or baskets in basketball.  When I was 6, I threw my tennis racket at another kid making fun of me.
  6. My favorite color is yellow. This useless tidbit will help you no way.
  7. Before 2012, my blog was actually called LOLZthatSwim. Then I started running.  Then I quit swimming.  So first I added LOLZthatSwim(Run) then ultimately just went with FueledbyLOLZ (incase I decide to do something completely different).  Who knows maybe I’ll rebrand to BasketballingLOLZ…

    If you remember this header, you win the internet today.
  8. I don’t want a lot of TV shows but do follow: Americas Next Top Model, Americas Got Talent (Can you tell Tyra Banks is my favorite celebrity).
  9. I like to read more nonfiction than fiction. Most of my favorite books are biographies or autobiographies.
  10. I don’t like dogs. I’m sorry I don’t. I’ve been attacked by a couple.  I will tolerate them, and I’ll never harm one, but I’m not a dog person.  Left to my own, I won’t adopt a dog.
  11. One semester in college, I held the record for eating the most giant pancakes at a local diner. That was a semester I ran and swam. 
  12. I have three brothers. Most people don’t know but I also have an older brother living in Seattle.  (As well as a brother in the military and one living in VA).
  13. I was on homecoming court in high school.  The glory days?  Probably not, but I got to ride around on my dad’s car in homecoming parade with my good friend D, so it’s all a win.
  14. My parents have a pet donkey. You can read about how they acquired that here.

    Hello ladiez
  15. I studied math and education until senior year of college, and then ended up changing majors to public health. Many long term readers know this!
  16. My favorite foods are squid, eel, and steak. I definitely like my protein!
  17. My favorite nonrunning brands include: JCrew, BCBG, and Kate Spade.
  18. During my first half marathon in 2012, I listened to the song “Party Rock Anthem” on repeat for the entire race.  I don’t know why, but I didn’t hate it.

    At my very first half marathon, April 2011. One of five races I have worn leggings in.
  19. My first car was a 2000 Pontiac Firebird that I had for 8 years.  That was my baby.

    Posing on my 21st birthday (but not driving 😉
  20.  Some of my favorite music includes Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac, and Nikki Minaj.  You never really know what you are going to get when you ride in a car with me.
  21. My favorite cake flavors are red velvet (which is actually just rich chocolate), orange and chocolate or cherry and chocolate.  If you were planning to get me a birthday cake, then please just make sure there is a lot of frosting.

    Let’s pretend my hair was never this color
  22. Speaking of hair, I’ve dyed my hair almost every natural color.  Black, bleach blond, auburn/red and brown.  Ultimately, I believe my hair looks best darker brown but I let it fade out in the summer. Hair is hair and will probably grow back eventually…
  23. I don’t chew gum (at all).  In college, I chewed gum a lot.  I went through an entire pack each day.  I decided I didn’t like when people chewed gum talking to me, it sometimes it made me feel bloated, and I couldn’t see any advantages to it.  So I just quit cold turkey in 2011.
  24. I love going to the zoo and animaconservationon centers.  My favorite animal is a black leopard but I like any big cats.

    Tigers for Tomorrow Dekalb Alabama
    Tigers for Tomorrow in Dekalb, AL
  25. I don’t like Kombucha juice.  I know it’s trendy but I tried it once and it made queasy.  I’ll let you guys have it…
  26. In college, I receieved the most fashion forward/trendy award…my how the times have changed.

    College graduation
  27. My goal for age 27 is to continue to live life and stay as sponateous as possible.  During college and a few years after, I suffered from anxiety when I couldn’t control a situation.  After marrying someone in the military, you learn…you can’t control anything!  It’s allowed me to take a step back and relax.  My life has definitely not gone anything like I ever imagined but I could not be happier!

Hope you enjoyed!  Tell me a fun fact about you!

Hollie 19 Comments
Jun 9 2017
A Day in the Life on Global Running Day

I don’t typically blog “day in the life” posts, and actually, I haven’t been blogging much on Fridays either.  I run out of things to say by Friday, or I don’t feel like blogging.

I’m not sure how it happened, but Wednesday was one of the busiest, but most fun days I’ve had in awhile so I thought I would share.  It doesn’t hurt that it was Global Running Day either.

If you followed LOLZ blog last year, you might remember seeing one of my friends Montana.  Montana is a good friend, and I ran and raced with her several times.  Unfortunately, (but fortunately), a job took her to Rhode Island.

She was back in town for a couple of days, so we were able to start Global Running Day together with my longest run in a while (6 miles).  The run flew by, and it was one of the best I’ve had in a while.  As I continue running, I can’t say it feels amazing, but I feel mentally good about where I’m at right now.

After that I got ready to head up to North Jersey.  I like New Jersey for many reasons but since it’s a small state, driving “across the state”, isn’t a big deal.  When I lived in Texas, it was also 90 minutes to drive to a big city.

I met up with my friend Devon at the Urban Griddle in Newark for a date and what better place than a diner?  Devon is one of my good friends; I just wish we lived closer! She recently ran the Boston Marathon and PRed with a 3:06.

After a fun couple of hours, I made the trek back home.  As most people know, the New Jersey Turnpike is great…until it’s not.  The Delaware Memorial Bridge had a construction fire and they closed it completely down.  It’s the main arterty of East Coast travel.  They also completely shut down the turnpike at exit 4 (my exit).

This created a massive backup on both the turnpike and 295.  The Garden State is typically known for traffic, but it’s unusual for it to be on the turnpike on a weekday.

That was no big deal, except with every vehicle getting off and going through the toll at exit 4, it created a huge backup.  It took me over 90 minutes to go 3 miles.  Needless to say, I spent most of the time contemplating my escape route incase I had to use the bathroom.

After that, I stopped at home for enough time to eat and headed off to work.  As most people know, I work at a running store and you have to celebrate Global Running Day there right?

We had a big group run complete with raffles from various shoe companies and Lululemon.  We had a tremendous turnout with over 200+ people.  As much as I would love to have run with the group, it’s important for me to take things at my pace right now.  (Plus I ran with Montana and I didn’t need a bonus run).

Finally, I got back home at 9 and by that time, I was ready to go to bed.  (Not that that is any different than any other day).  In all, it was a great and wonderful day.  I caught up with so many friends and it made me appreciate the sport even more than I do now.

Questions for you:

How did you spend Global Running Day? 

Do you like to stay busy or prefer relaxing time? 

Hollie 4 Comments
Jun 23 2016
Summer Loving

It’s been a while since I’ve done a traditional “Thinking Out Loud” style post.

With the start of summer, I thought I would include some of my favorite things and thoughts.  These are all products I’ve been using frequently and all things I like.  I’m not being paid to promote anything although if there is a season 5, I would love to be on Orange is the New Black.

So what am I loving?

Cardio: 

Lately, I’ve loved the pool.  I can probably guarantee, once I’m running again I won’t go too often but right now it’s been okay and kept my cardio up.

swimming

Entertainment:

Orange is the New Black: Last Tuesday, Lindsey interviewed me for her Podcast: “Can I have Another”?  She mentioned I should get into the Netflix show: Orange is the New Black. Before last week, I had heard of the show before but hadn’t seen an episode…then I watched one episode last Tuesday.  Followed by season 1, season 2 and season 3.  Now I’m just starting season 4 so you can see how that went.  Being sick and unable to run has its advantages (I guess).

Podcasts: Obviously I like Can I have Another by Lindsey.  She’s interviewed a bunch of interesting and fun people.  I like listening while getting ready for work on Friday mornings.  Even if you aren’t a runner, you’ll enjoy the conversation.  I feel like I’m just hanging out (or evesdropping) on someone’s conversation.

Food:

I’ve basically been eating anything with Calcium and Vitamin D: As I mentioned earlier this week, both my Calcium and Vitamin D levels came back in the normal range.  That being said, I’m still attempting to get as much as possible without overdosing or getting a kidney stone.  Luckily for smoothies, milk and cheese.

Sunwarrior sent me a few samples of their latest meal replacement shake powders to try. While I’m not running, 160 calories is a nice snack.  The new Illumin8 mix has a blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.  It’s not a full meal, but it’s a good pick me up in the afternoon.  I’ve been blending them with ice, milk, cocoa powder and sweetener.  For one of them, I added leftover beets which surprisingly tasted great and made me feel healthier.

Sunwarrior Protein Illumin8

After trying the samples they sent, I think I’m going to go purchase more.  I like the taste, and extra protein is not a bad thing for me right now.

 

Workout Related:

I’m doing all of my walking around in the Asics Quantum 360.  I nicknamed the shoe, the tank because there is so much support and cushion.  I ran in it for a while but because it’s the most cushioned shoe I’ve ever owned in the forefront, it got the promotion of moving from my running shoe to my only shoe.  asics quantum

This weekend I plan to run in the newest Asics Cumulus.  I love my Saucony shoes, but I need a shoe with more cushion in the forefront right now.  Who knows, the newest Hoka Clifton 3s are wider and actually fit my feet..so they might make a cameo on LOLZ blog.

So that’s what I’ve been up to and enjoying the last few days. 

Questions for you:

What have you been enjoying lately?

What is your favorite recipe? 

Hollie 23 Comments
Jan 28 2016
The Most Random Post

I haven’t done a traditional style “thinking out loud” for a while.  What am I thinking about this week?

Who really cares…I doubt anyone was at the edge of their seat waiting…

It’s been a rough welcome back to New Jersey.  I’m not shy about admitting that snow is my thing.  After going to college in the tundra of Upstate, NY where it was too cold for snow, I’m done with it.  At least in Upstate, they plowed the roads efficiently.

LOLZ red dot indicates where I went to college
LOLZ red dot indicates where I went to college
I will admit, however, I was extremely impressed with how well the roads and the Philadelphia airport parking lot was plowed.  Not having to dig my car out at 11:30 at night was a nice surprise.

It was Christmas!
It was Christmas!
Complaining about the weather doesn’t change the fact that is winter so realistically we just need to make it through February.

In addition, to the weather change I’m transitioning back to East Coast time.  Now I feel “young again” because I’m up until midnight and wake up at 8-9.  Versus crashing at 9pm…that will be next week.

A little late but I don’t know if I’ve ever discussed on the blog.  I’m a Panthers fan and the team is going to the Super Bowl.  Am I die hard, scream at the TV type of person?  No but I have followed the team and games since freshman year of college.  This year was the first year I didn’t do a fantasy football team with them winning every day (literally I have for the last 6 years…) and of course this happens.  Oh well, Kevin and I might not be freinds after this game.

I’m a Panthers fan, and we are going to the Super Bowl.  Am I die hard, scream at the TV type of person?  No, but I have followed the team and games since freshman year of college.  This was the first year I didn’t do a fantasy football team with them winning every single game (literally I have for the last six years…) and of course, this happens.

So what else am I thinking about?
A Spring Race schedule of course! I’m going back to my two favorite half marathons.

Shamrock Half (Virginia Beach) 
This is one of the best, and well put together races.  If you are looking for a good Spring half or full marathon, this is your best bet. shamrock 3

April Fools half (Atlantic City)
I am going to run the April Fools half marathon in Atlantic City.  It was my favorite race in 2014, unfortunately (LOLOLOL), I got married the same day last year.

I guess that is all I have for now, and I’ll go for a run.

Question for you: Tell me a random thought you’re having right now. 

Hollie 35 Comments
Jun 4 2015
Lorraine.

Last weekend we sold my car.  As most people know, I’ve kept the same car since getting my drivers license in 2006.

Selling my car was a little bit more emotional than I assumed it would be.  Just thinking about it, I spent nearly a decade with my 2000 Pontiac Firebird but there are some things you just have to let go.  Plus as most people know, I recently purchased a new (to me) car so there is no need for two cars.

Here is a brief history of Lorraine and I: 

During high school I worked as a lifeguard and saved for a car.  One thing I will always be grateful for was my parents teaching me how to budget and save for items you want to buy.

First drive (after doing an open water swim...no arm tattoo for me ;)
First drive (after doing an open water swim…no arm tattoo for me 😉

After shopping around with DadLOLZ, we found Lorraine.  Talking to various used car dealerships was an adventure in itself. We test-drove her around and within an hour, I knew she was “the one”.

It took time to convince mom but ultimately she allowed me to buy the car.

Lorarine was with me during high school.

During college…

college snow life.
college snow life.

During work in Oswego, my move to Texas, my move back to Virginia and into New Jersey.

Lorraine

Posing on my 21st birthday (but not driving ;)
Posing on my 21st birthday (but not driving 😉

We’ve traveled 28 states and had our fair share of adventures.

Last Feb while running with Megan and Greta I accidentally locked my keys in my car in Princeton. After a 16 mile you don't want to come back to that...
Last Feb while running with Megan and Greta I accidentally locked my keys in my car in Princeton. After a 16 mile you don’t want to come back to that…

She hauled all of my life possessions several times and even a mattress and box springs.

I got my coffee and my car...
I got my coffee and my car…

But it is time to say goodbye and relocate you to a new home.

Goodbye beautiful Lorraine.
Goodbye beautiful Lorraine.

It was obviously a little more difficult than I imagined but there comes a time in life that you must let things go.  This is the best time and I know she is in a good home.

Questions for you:

What was your first car?

What is the most expensive item you have ever purchased?

For me, it’s my car Gretchen but some of those full marathons (NYCM) will set you back too. 😉

Hollie 24 Comments
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