Milestones in Life, Endurance sports and Inspiration!

IRON GIRL (World Triathlon Corporation) chooses Milestones Jewelry as Official Jeweler!

2012-01-17T10:16:00.000-05:00

About 4 years ago I was standing at the start line with a few friends and my sister-in-Law, Teresa getting ready to run the 10K Iron Girl Race in Clearwater, FL. As I looked up and saw another Jewelry Company's Flags, Banners and Logos everywhere, I turned to Teresa and pointed at the Logo flag and said "One day that will say Milestones Jewelry".
After that we struggled to even be able to set up a booth and sell our Jewelry line at Iron Girl events due to some contract issues with the other company. We finally convinced Iron Girl to let us set up at expos and races to sell our Jewelry. We quickly gained respect and a great relationship with the people who put on the events. Our first year we did great at the events in Clearwater, FL and Atlanta, GA. Later we joined several of their other events. I love participating and selling at the IRON GIRL expos. They are more than a race, they are so empowering and fun for Women.

We have worked very hard to build our business and now have a full line of Exclusive Jewelery as well as Apparel and Accessories. And we are getting ready to roll out our own line of Apparel.

Well late last year we were contacted by Iron Girl asking if we'd be interested in becoming the EXCLUSIVE Jeweler of IRON GIRL. That meant we could be at all their events to sell our products and that we would be the ONLY Jeweler with the rights to design, produce and sell Iron Girl Jewelry.

I really couldn't believe it. We worked diligently for months to iron out the contract and finally this week we signed the contract and are Now Officially the IRON GIRL EXCLUSIVE JEWELER!!!

We will also be designing and providing the top finisher awards to all the IRON GIRL winners.
You're going to love the new awards!!!

I have already designed over 10 pieces for our Iron Girl line of Jewelry, they go into production this week and we should be able to premiere them by the end of February. If I must say so myself THEY ARE AWESOME!!!
So please visit us at all the Iron Girl events across the country and shop on line once we roll out our new pieces at www.milestonessportsjewelry.com or www.Irongirlshop.com

It is such an honor for us to have been chosen for this prestigious opportunity.

So next time you are standing at the start line or running through the finish line chute and see the Milestones Jewelry Logo flags and banners, remember it was a hard earned position for us and we are so proud to be able to bring to you, our customers the highest quality most unique and beautiful Jewelry possible.
Thank you to all our friends, family and especially our customers that have supported us and believed in us over the last four years. We won't let you down.

"The greatest revenge is to accomplish what others say you cannot do."

~ Unknown
Never, Never Quit!!!

In Health,
Melody

Milestones Jewelry and Apparel - Growing like a weed!

2011-11-01T11:35:00.000-04:00

Starting a New Business is an exciting and scaring adventure. When we launched this business we had no idea how fast it would grow and how many people's lives we would touch. The Growth has been so gratifying and still scary. We continue to reinvest everything back into our business. We have learned so very much and continue learning every day. Custom Silver Casting has become a big part of our business. Our goal is to eventually have most of our Silver to be Custom designed by us and produced exclusively for Milestones Jewelry. We want to offer you items that can not be found anywhere else. We are also buying an Engraving machine that is Awesome, it will do logo's, Vector art and enable us to customize pieces for you at a very reasonable price.
I mentioned in my last post that a big announcement will be made in January 2012 that I think you all will be as excited about as we are. There are so many things on the Horizon that we will soon be announcing all to be able to offer you, our customers the best products at the best prices.
On a personal note; I continue to struggle with my marathon training for the ING Miami Marathon on January 29th. Some weeks are great and others...well, not so much. I have a half marathon this weekend and I'm a bit nervous about it because it is a very Challenging course, lots of hills and a real Killer in the last mile. But I love challenges so I'll let you know how I do.
We continue to add lots of new products to our website so check back often. Our line of Apparel is growing as well as the popularity of our Sporty Bands. (headbands that look great and don't slip off) Check them out if you have not done so.
Well, I hope to see you all at one of many upcoming Expos. Check our calendar and please stop by our booth and say Hello!
Until next time.....
Melody

Living Life at Race Pace!

2011-10-09T11:43:00.001-04:00

WOW, My blog!! I had almost forgotten how to access it. It's been so long since I've made a post. That's good news and bad news. We've been so busy that I've barely had a moment to breathe. My training has suffered more than anything. But I guess we have to make choices, there are only so many hours in a day.
So since I last checked in we've been to New Jersey twice, Philly, Columbia Maryland, D.C., Nashville and Lake Lanier Island (near Atlanta, GA.) All for Triathlon Expos with the exception of Nashville which was the Women's half Marathon. Too many hours in the car. But all the Expos were great and very successful for Milestones Jewelry.

When I started this Blog it was to be about my Journey of starting a new business. I've strayed quite a bit away from that and unfortunately not recorded many things I wish I had. But the bottom line is that we are growing leaps and bounds. As they say "You've come a long way Baby!" Especially since our first event with one little table and our yellow table cloth, no logos, no signs, no tents, no grid walls, no displays, etc.
We now have a Fantastic Set up with two tents, Logo'd table clothes, Banners and signs, Awesome Displays, a full line of Apparel, Sporty Bands, Our own Custom Cast Silver and Pewter designed Jewelry, and we continue to grow. Our website has been redesigned and is being Optimized to create a higher placement on all search engines; resulting in higher Internet sales for us. We have also built a great data base of core customers. We can now communicate with over 7,000 Runners and Triathletes.

It never ceases to amaze me, the stories I hear, the people I meet at expos and through the website, on the phone and emails. They all inspire me and make me proud to have a business that touches so many people's lives.

We are working with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to set up a category on our website for a special Line of Jewelry where all purchases will have a percentage donated to LLS. We are working with several other organizations to do the same thing. Many of you know that I ran my first Marathon 6 years ago for LLS with Team in Training, so they will always hold a special place in my heart.

We are also currently working on several custom Sterling Silver pieces for two different Triathlon clubs and have tons of inquires from Race Directors and Organizations for us to create custom pieces for them.

We are also buying an Engraving machine! YEAH!!! We currently have to send all our engraved pieces to a third party and this will allow us to create some awesome Customized pieces and we hope to be able to bring the engraver to events where we can do custom engraving right on the spot!!

We are also working on a HUGE (Secret) project that I can not currently talk about. But believe me it will take this business to the next level and I think all our customers will LOVE IT!! Stayed tuned for the big announcement!!

Another big change.....We have purchased a home in St. Petersburg, FL which will allow us to spend Winters in Florida and Summers in North Carolina. The best of both Worlds.
So times are a changing!! I just hope I can keep up.

I'm in the second week of my 18 week Marathon Journey to Miami, FL on Jan. 29th. So I'll try my best to balance all that's on my plate!!

Thank you again to my friends and Family who have always believed in me and supported even my craziest ventures. And to all my customers, many whom have become my friends.
It's so wonderful to have your work be your passion!!
And I leave you with this:
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. ~Attributed to Howard Thurman

ROCK N ROLL MAN TRIATHLON

2011-06-14T16:42:00.000-04:00

Milestones Jewelry; Large and in charge at the Rock n Roll Triathlon. Both the Half Ironman and Sprint Triathlon events were Awesome. Macon, GA was around 104 degrees, no clouds in the sky. These Athletes really showed what they were made of. From our favorite young ladies to our seasoned Athletes; we were in Awe of them. Not only are they strong physically but they are some of the nicest people we have met.

Pictured here sporting her new Triathlon Tri-Pie necklace is Super Triathlete Madison Honeycutt. She's Polite, Sweet and a Rockin' Athlete. Watch out for her in the future, she's going to set some records in this sport.

So in spite of the heat, Macon was really beautiful. Great location for a race, right on the Beautiful Lake.

We also got to see one of our other favorite customers; Nobuko Fogarty and her son. What a great Mother, Son Team. Nobuko you amaze me every time I see you. You just keep on striving and achieving so much. I think you look younger every time I see you. You are a great role model for your son.

Here's Nobuko sporting one of our most popular Tri shirts "HATE TO RUN....GOTTA TRI" and her Milestones Charm Bracelet.
Thanks to all our wonderful customers.

We have just about wrapped up the new design of our website, so If you haven't seen it yet you have to check it out. Let us know what you think.
Next comes new Photo shoots and lots of new products in the works.

For me personally? Well my 18 week marathon training starts next week. I'll be training for the "Ridge to Bridge" Marathon in Morganton, NC. I hear it is a very scenic course but is limited to only 300 participants. It sold out in one day, so it must be pretty cool. I will be running with my friend Amanda and hopefully our friend Tom. So I'll keep you posted on the inevitable ups and downs of marathon training while running a business, traveling and keeping up with day to day life in the fast lane.

Remember- "Either you run the day or the day runs you".

Jim Rohn

Iron Girl from Florida to Georgia!

2011-05-31T17:14:00.000-04:00

Belly Rings were a big hit at Iron Girl, Clearwater, FL. They have a loop so you can choose from all our great charms and add it to the Belly Ring. Pictured here is one of our many happy customers.

Both our Iron Girl events in Florida and Georgia were super successes. The events were run fantastically, Customers were great as usual and we had a great time. We are looking forward to Iron Girl in Columbia Maryland in the Fall. But for now we are off to Macon, Ga. this weekend for the Rock n Roll Triathlon and then we start on the road to many more expos.

My training has been... well.... not much. I have been having a difficult time getting back in the groove. But with my marathon training program only weeks away I'm gearing back up for some serious training, and getting back on track with eating. Gotta shed a few pounds. I'm planning to run the Bridge to Ridge Marathon in Morganton, NC in October. In the meantime I've been busy planning a huge fundraising event for Logan's Run Rescue, where my beloved Aragorn came from. We are having a "PAW-TY in the PARK" which kicks off with a 5K run for the humans, followed by a 1 Mile Mutt Strut with Dogs and their owners. We have cash prizes and tons of great goodies for the goody bags for both dogs and their owners. Plus the day will be filled with great activities for Kids and the whole family, like a bounce house, face painting, Fantastic Raffle items, Music and Dog Contests like The Best Trick contest and the Dog/Owner Lookalike contest.

It's right on Lake Chatuge with a beautiful 5k course that will be run on a paved trail that goes over the Dam, with breath taking views of the Lake and mountains.

So as you can see I'm staying pretty busy. Oh I almost forgot to mention the great Garden I am growing, Heirloom tomatoes, Red & Yellow bell peppers, hot Chilli Peppers, Eggplant, cucumbers, onions, even horseradish. And of course Herbs of all kinds. I'm looking forward to a great bounty in the fall.

Well better close it up and get ready for Swimming, Tuesday is Swim night. Looking forward to a good workout.

Stay Happy and Reach for the Stars!!

Melody

Marathon & Triathlon Motivation!

2011-04-06T18:52:00.000-04:00

It's funny but I'm sure I've written about motivation or lack there of, before :-)
I ponder this question; If Running, Swimming and Cycling give me such an endorphin high and make me feel so good why do I go through periods of being so UNmotivated?
I've been in Florida since the end of January and unfortunately have had very little time to enjoy the great weather and my friends. The reason is actually a good one. Milestones Jewelry is on a huge growth curve. We have expanded our line to Clothing, Accessories and we even have Belly Rings that you can add a charm to. We have had a custom made "Milestone's Melody" Pendant and smaller charm that is a replica from our logo. We are currently in production with several other custom designs. It's all very exciting!!

Our Expos have been absolutely wonderful starting with ING Miami in January and hopefully wrapping up beautifully this weekend with IRON GIRL in Clearwater. Then next week we pack it in and go back home to the mountains of North Carolina. As much as I love Florida; I miss my deck overlooking the mountain ranges and my home, long walks through the woods with the dogs and my running buddies.
Which brings me back to my point of motivation. I think part of why I have not been running or doing my Triathlon training is I don't really have a core group of manics to meet up with. I know you shouldn't have to be motivated by others but it helps when you know people are expecting you to show up.
Anyway, I enjoy running with those folks as I've stated in the past. I miss them and can't wait to get my butt kicked on the hills with them late next week. Tar-Hell here I come! I wonder if the Hills have missed me as much as I've missed them? I wonder if my friends will remember to include me in the email trail that starts around 11am every morning about where and when we are Running, Cycling or Swimming?

I wonder how fast I'll get back in the shape I was in when I left? Wonder, Wonder! Soon I shall see!

And on that note I'll leave you with this:

"So When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal"
Napoleon Hill

It's NOT "JUST" a Half marathon; it's a Milestone Endurance Accomplishment!

2011-03-23T15:55:00.000-04:00

For the last several years Milestones Jewelry has done the Marathon and half marathon Expo circuit. We have had the pleasure of meeting and talking to so many wonderful people. People of all walks of life, all sizes, shapes and all running for a different reason. One of the most common comments I hear is I'm JUST running the Half marathon". "JUST"!!....Are you kidding me? 13.1 miles or 21.1 Kilometers is a LONG way! It takes the same training, Endurance, the same sacrifices, the same Passion and commitment and joy of running as the Marathon. I always tell these people that they should be proud of their accomplishment and not feel like it's only a stepping stone to the marathon. Running a marathon is great if that's what your goal is. But running a half marathon is a Milestone Endurance Accomplishment!

The half marathon is the fastest growing running distance race in the past several years. Don't ever feel less for running a half as a friend or co-worker that runs a full marathon.

As a matter of fact my two fastest running friends (sub 6 minute milers) ONLY run half marathons. That's their passion. All my running Buddies in North Carolina could easily run a full marathon and several of us do. But the majority of them LIVE for the HALF! They train so much harder than most of the marathon runners I know. Speed work, Intervals, running in any kind of weather, Snow, rain, wind, nothing stops them. Oh and hills? Just the mention of a route that involves the most difficult hills puts a huge smile on their face.
They are currently Training for the Nashville Half marathon and I hear they are more focused and are training harder than ever. Everyone wants a PR and I'm sure they'll all get it. Me? I'm in Florida still on the marathon circuit trying to get in enough training to do "JUST" a SPRINT Triathlon.....We'll save that one for another post.

So I'll close by saying Take the word "JUST" out of your vocabulary. Proudly proclaim when asked "I AM A Runner and I run HALF Marathons". Remember It's not just a half marathon it's a Milestone Endurance Accomplishment! If it was easy everyone would be doing it!!

I am in Awe of everyone that has trained for a half marathon and crossed that finish line. No one can ever take that feeling of accomplishment away from you.

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham

My first Triathlon-How to pick a race?

2011-03-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

OK, So I've started Swimming and biking, and continuing my running of course. But my first question to you seasoned Triathletes is how do you put all the training together? I feel like I can only do one sport per day because of time restraints. And then the BIGGEST question, is how far out should I pick a race (I just started training and need to do my first Tri before my next marathon training starts in June). Oh and which race do I choose?? One with a really short swim or for the location, one with Women only?? I really need to pick a race and sign up. I seem to be so unmotivated if I don't' have a specific race I'm training for. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
Then there's the problem of working so many of the best Triathlons. Hard to work and then do the Tri the next day and leave my poor husband to work the race day expo by himself. Well, a lot to think about.
Today is Cycling and a few miles running after that. I'm really trying to put 2 sports together each day.
So I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

Meanwhile, on the Milestones Jewelry front, We are adding so many great products.We now have some unbelievable Pandora style starter bracelets and great European style beads to go on them. Check out our website for the 13.1, 26.2, and running shoe beads PLUS we just got in Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck in European style beads, they fit Pandora, troll and all European style bracelets.

Use the code BLOG to receive 10% off all purchases you make prior to March 31st!!!
We will be adding tons more products so visit our website often to see all the new exciting products.

http://milestonessportsjewelry.com/shop/mickey-mouse-european-bead-906

Have a great day,
Melody

Our Whirl wind tour of the marathon Expos in Florida

2011-03-05T19:30:00.000-05:00

Whew!! After 6 marathon expos over 5 weeks, from Miami to Jacksonville I can say I am completed exhausted, exhilarated, and ready to get back into my work out routine. It's been a great journey, all of our expos were profitable and we met and got reacquainted with so many nice friends and customers of Milestones Jewelry.
We are working on our website, which seems a never ending project to update it with new pictures of all the great new products we have launched. My big challenge right now is photography, We are building a light box, bought an expensive camera that I can not seem to figure our how to use correctly but where's there's a will there's a way. I am so looking forward to the day I can just whip out my camera and new design, shoot, upload and have it on the website. Patience my friends say, Patience!!
I am enjoying being in Florida, I did my first bike ride this week, 20 miles and it was so enjoyable. I am doing a long run tomorrow and looking forward to cycling with my husband next week.

We have a bit of a break, (compared to teh last 5 weeks) so we are going to try to get in at least one beach day and spend some time with friend we haven't seen in a very long time.
I do miss my home and North Carolina in many ways but I have to say that going out for Sushi around the corner and calling for delivery pizza is really a treat. In NC there is none of that, However, we eat so much healthier in NC because we are forced to cook. And luckily my husband is a great cook and has a nice heathly dinner ready for me most nights when I return from my run with the Murphy Manics.

So my goal over our remaining 3 weeks is to work on my website upgrade, design some new Triathlon charms..... Stay tuned for Belly Rings you ripped Triathletes and runners. and enjoy some time with friends and my babies Maya and Aragorn.

So as I leave you with hopes of a quick return; I will just say thank you to all of you that inspire me on a daily basis and those of my customers, friends and family that AMAZE me. I love you all, and count myself so very lucky to have the job I have and the opportunity to create, meet great people and be my own boss. Damn I am a slave driver!!!!!!
Stay tuned and tell your friends, we are hoping to figure out how to have my husband guest post on this blog about being the spouse of a compulsive runner. I think many spouses and significant others will appreciate his insights and share so many frustrations and accomplishments! Plus he's such a better writer than me and so much more interesting.
Treat each day like it's your last one,

Melody

HOME SWEET HOME!

2011-01-16T12:40:00.000-05:00

Well we finally returned home from our visit in Florida and our expo at the Mobile First Light marathon in Mobile, AL. We had a wonderful time with my family but had to extend our stay due to the terrible weather in North Carolina. We live at the top of a mountain and when it snows the road to our home is not passable without chains on the tires. But we are here and ready to get back to work, home life and training. My Triathlon training is not going very well at all. Between the traveling and little fact that I can not cycle AT ALL here with all the snow and ice, only the swimming and running is really possible at this time. But we'll be in Florida soon enough and I look forward to actually learning HOW to ride my bike. :-) I have lots of friends there that are great at cycling so I'm hoping they will help me out.
Since my Jacksonville marathon my training has been very sporadic. It's so hard after you run a marathon and don't have a set date for your next event, to stay on track with training. So I think I'll sit down today and pick a Triathlon to sign up for in Spring, a sprint Tri of course:-) and then I am thinking of committing (mentally) to run the Mohawk Hudson marathon in upstate New York in October, IF.......I don't get into the New York City marathon on November 6th. So it's New York either way. I'll see how training goes and decide if I'll go for my BQ in this marathon or just hope to shave 6-7 minutes this marathon, and then try to qualify in my next marathon after that. Lots to think about. I'll keep you posted on my decision on the Triathlon I pick!!
Well I hope everyone's new year is off to a great start!! Set your goals now and go after them. I'll keep you posted on mine.
Have a great day!!
Melody

JACKSONVILLE MARATON-WHAT I LEARNED!

2010-12-21T12:11:00.000-05:00

Well the Jacksonville marathon is finally over. I struggled through 18 weeks of an intense running program. I had many great weeks and some bad weeks. I was never sure how I'd do considering all my training was in the hills of North Carolina and my marathon was flat all the way. Many times I wanted to give up, throw in the towel. But as predicted by all my friends the hill training paid off big. I shaved 27 minutes off my best marathon time. I came in at 4:17:30, and the best part is I was that I held a consistent pace for all 26.2 miles, and achieved a negative split. (I ran the last half of the marathon faster than the first half, which is pretty difficult to do).
This marathon and the 18 weeks and even prior to that has given taught me many things:

1. Just like life; You get out of a marathon what you put in.

2. Your support system is paramount. If you don't have the support of your family, especially your spouse it's almost impossible to excel in the marathon. So I thank my husband from the bottom of my heart for being the best cheerleader ever.

3. The people you train with make all the difference in the world. Train with unmotivated, half serious people, you become like them. Train with people like my "Murphy Maniacs" you become like them. I can not thank my running friends in Murphy enough. I can't express their zest for running, their dedication, their consistency, their drive. I wish I could find the words to describe them. They have made me SO MUCH more of a better runner and better person. Thank you, Pat, Jennifer, Tania, Tracy, David, Paul, and Daisy. You guys will help me get to Boston.

4. It's true that a marathon is 80% mental and 20% physical. Running Jacksonville was difficult mentally because I am so used to crowd support, this was like a really long run with basically no one around. So being mentally strong was a big factor in my PR.

5. And finally I learned that any thing is possible. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. But of course you have to put the work in to it. Nothing good comes easy. I never thought I'd even get close enough to be thinking about qualifying for Boston.

So in closing; again I thank my husband for always supporting me, putting up with the training and being the best cheerleader during my marathons. I thank Marsha (mom) and Norman (Papa) for teaching me that I can do any thing I put my mind to. I thank my running buddies in Murphy, Christine, my Coach; the Rock Star Joe, who never lets up or gives up on me.
Special thanks to Amanda & Pat for all their pep talks.When I wanted to drop out and give up on this marathon. You ladies are a Class act! And my brother, Eric and Sister in law Teresa, you guys are always there for me. Also, thanks to my many friends that are always there to motivate me and never let me down.

I am so very thankful for my health and my friends and family. It's a great time for all of us to reflect on the past but more importantly to look to the future.
I realize that just one kind word, one email, one phone call can really change a person. So I challenge you to set your own goals high for the coming year, and motivate that friend, co-worker or family member to achieve their goals as well. You can make a big difference in someones life.

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” Tennessee Williams

FANTASTIC FLORIDA Marathon Expos

2010-12-02T15:10:00.001-05:00

Well, We have one last Florida marathon Expo remaining for 2010, the Marathon of the West Palm Beaches. My husband Stuart and Christine will be working that one while I hold down the fort with my Babies, Aragorn and Maya, and continue my last weeks of training for the Jacksonville marathon on December 19th.

The last 5 weeks have been a whirl wind for all of us at Milestones. We are so appreciative to all our customers and all the great folks we met at the last expos. We have so many repeat customers and are so Thankful for all of your support. Also we want to Thank all the great race/expo directors who created a wonderful buying and selling experience for these events. The BIGGEST thanks goes to my husband, Stuart whom without I would have never made it through these events. He and Christine trading off shows with me has been a Blessing. The sacrifice will be worth it when I run Jacksonville and hopefully make him proud.
Also I am so proud of our new Christmas Ornament that we designed and had cast in Pewter for us. It has our Milestones runner in the center, and in a week or so we will have our new Sterling Silver Milestones runner girl charm. If you haven't gotten your ornament yet go to our website and order now before they are all gone. We are getting low on inventory and won't be having any more made until next year. You will not find this ornament anywhere else as we own the design. Well I hope to write many more times before the end of the year. But I do want to wish you all a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season.
Melody

Milestones Jewelry setting "Milestones"

2010-11-17T12:18:00.000-05:00

Well as always it's been way too long since I've posted to this blog. We have been Crazy busy with Milestones Jewelry and going through all of our growing pains. We have added a new clothing line to our business and New Jewelry designs as well. I'm so excited about our new Christmas Tree ornament that we had cast for us featuring our Runner girl from our logo. And we should be receiving next week our new Runner girl charm in sterling silver as well as the 13.1 (half marathon) and 26.2 (full marathon) Barell beads that fit Pandora style bracelets.
Reflecting back now over the last 2 and 1/2 years, we have come so far since our first set up in Treasure Island, FL at a 5K with just a little table, yellow table cloth and laminated signs. Now we have a rockin' set up, Beautiful banners, logo table cloths and grid walls!!
We can barely keep up with the website orders. We are sponsors of the new Facebook application called "IjustRan" that you can log your miles in running, swimming and biking. It's too cool!!
So Milestones Jewelry is on the road again to Florida, this weekend the Women's half marathon in St. Petersburg, next Coco Beach for Space Coast marathon, which I am going to run as a long training run for the "real thing", Jacksonville marathon in December. Then we go to West Palm Beach for the last of the Florida Expos this year. Then we'll be off to Jacksonville where I'm hoping for a huge P.R. (Personal best time). My training has been going well, other than my IT band problems. Last two long runs have been great! I felt strong and still had gas in the tank after my 19 miler and 20 miler last week. So if I can keep injuries at bay and keep up with my weekly mileage I should do well in the marathon.
Well, better run :-) Remember what Abe Lincoln said:
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years".

MARATHONS AND MOTIVATION

2010-10-28T15:33:00.000-04:00

I really don't know where to start. It's been so long since my last entry. I guess I'm just wondering about Motivation, how do you get it? How do you lose it? In my last entry appropriately titled NO DOUBT, I talked about how motivated I was. So I guess this one is about well.....DOUBT! I'm 7 weeks away from my planned Jacksonville marathon. I pulled a hamstring running a half marathon several weeks ago. I set a new PR and was very happy with my performance. The hamstring is feeling much better now, NOW it's my left knee that's bothering me. We think it is ITB, known as IT Band syndrome, which really in your hip but the pain is in the knee. Anyway it started about 2 weeks ago on my long run of 16 miles. I had to walk a lot and was in severe pain. Like most runners, I'm running through it with just a few days here and there off.
But what worries me even more is that I feel like my long run distances are no where near as many or as long as they have been in my last two marathon training programs. I really haven't had one good long run, NOT ONE!! That's really bad, with only 7 weeks to go. I'll try for an 18 miler this Saturday with some friends.
I emailed my Rock Star Coach, and he says give it 2 weeks and see how I feel, but he's really talking about the knee pain, not the DOUBT about where I am in my training and if I'm ready to set a PR in Jacksonville. I will not be happy with anything other than a sub 4:30 marathon. (btw, this is fast for me so don't laugh if you're thinking "you" could do that in your sleep).

So I am struggling as whether or not to drop out of Jacksonville. I have not signed up yet, not made airfare reservations, nor hotel, etc. Jacksonville does not sell out so I have the Luxury of waiting to make a decision. Maybe this is bad, if I'd paid and made all the arrangements like I have in the past maybe I'd be more committed, or feel different. I really don't know. I guess things change drastically when you are shooting for a PR time and not just to finish. I know I can finish, I just don't want to be miserable the last 6 miles or more like I was in Paris. So I have really no answers! It's very difficult when I have so many Milestones Jewelry Expos coming up and we are so busy. But that's a good thing. Well I guess I will just keep putting one foot in front of the other and come to a decision. I'll keep you posted.
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go". ~T.S. Eliot

Road Trip...Nashville, Lake Lanier, Chickamauga, then Florida!

2010-09-22T13:15:00.000-04:00

This is me sprinting to the finish line in a recent 5K race. I actually placed first in my age division (the old lady's division, I call it) :-)
But I set a P.R. and feel that I am getting stronger and a little faster. My training is going well for the Jacksonville Bank Marathon. December 19th will be here before I know it. I'm hoping that running all the hills around here in North Carolina will help me set a nice P.R. in Jacksonville. But it's too early to start putting that much pressure on myself. I will just try to stay consistent, get in all my weekly miles and stay healthy and injury free.

Well Milestones Jewelry goes on the Road again this weekend. We are off to the Nashville Women's half marathon in Tennessee on Thursday for a two day expo, then it's the Lake Lanier Triathlon (near Atlanta, GA.), Buttar Tri in Orlando, then Chickamauga (near Chattanooga, TN) then off to Florida for St. Pete Women's half, . Space Coast marathon, & The marathon of the West Palm Beaches. All should be great shows and we are very excited for all our past and new customers to see our new line of Pewter Jewelry and Gifts as well as our new line of Apparel and lots of new Jewelry designs. Check it all out on our website at www.milestonessportsjewelry.com.
I look forward to seeing you at one of these great event expos coming up. Please stop by our booth to say hello and check out all our great new items.
Until next time..." Take a great leap, one that is wider than what your pants can allow, and you will never be the same."
Robert Philemon Kanyike --- Uganda

NO DOUBT!

2010-09-09T11:34:00.001-04:00

The principle is competing against yourself. It's about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before. -Steve Young

So as I went into my 4th week of my 18 week marathon training program, I was full of doubt. Doubt that I'd have the time to train properly, that I'd be able to meet my time goal. The doubt that I'd let myself and my coach down. The crazy thing is that I know that I can do anything I set my mind to. I am blessed to have the good health to be able to train for another marathon. As Samuel Johnson said "Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance."

I must thank my Mother and Papa who always told me all things are possible if you believe in yourself. And they spent a great deal of time helping me to believe it! I am so grateful to have such a supportive family, husband, and circle of friends to cheer me on in all I do and encounter in life.

But at the end of the day it is really only ourselves we must depend on. No one else can run my miles for me, eat right for me, or keep me mentally strong.

So as I was running my 13 miles on Monday, Labor Day I realized just how much I do love to run. I run because I'm sad, because I'm happy, I run from things, and towards them. I run alone and with groups of friends and groups of strangers. People often ask that question of me; Why do you run? I usually quip something stupid like "I don't really know, guess I'm crazy". But of course I wouldn't be training for my 6th marathon if that were the real reason.

My company Milestones Jewelry recently started carrying a line of clothing with inspirational sayings on the shirts and the one that rings the most true for me is the one that says "I RUN...for MYSELF". I run for achievement, to keep myself in check, to realize that some days things are difficult and others are easy. I run to be outdoors, to experience the weather. When I worked in corporate America, some days I'd have no idea what the weather felt like that day because I was in an office all day.    I love the feeling of being so tired that I think I can not take another step, and then I love more the feeling I get when I dig down deep and go another mile, or 20. I love crossing the finish line, the emotions of completing a task I have been training for for over 4 months. I always cry as I cross the finish line of a marathon or usually when I can see it. All the emotions, the ups and downs, the missed runs, the extra mileage, the sacrifice, the pain, the runners high, the gratefulness of my good health & the people who have supported me and sacrificed for me. The people who are there in spirit.

So now as I complete this blog, doubt is gone, at least for a while. I know I have a long 14 weeks ahead of me. I'm sure I'll come back and read this entry many times before I lace up my shoes and stand nervously at the start line of the Jacksonville Bank Marathon on December 19th, 2010.

My goal is to be standing there and have NO DOUBT that I will run my best race ever. That I have put in what I expect to get out. That I am strong, and will again experience a high that I will never be able to put into words. So I will continue to blog about my journey to that start line, and how much it parallels life in general.

Remember you have only one chance at this life, ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

Home Sweet Home & Exciting new products on Website!!

2010-08-21T15:19:00.000-04:00

Home sweet home! New Jersey & Philly were great but it's so good to be back home. Back with my dogs, Aragorn at top and Maya underneath. And back to my workout schedule in the mountains!!
There are so many exciting things going on with Milestones Jewelry. If you have not checked out our website lately you really should take a minute to peruse the site at www.milestonessportsjewelry.com. We have new categories like "Gifts for Men" and "Gifts $25 and under". It's not too soon to start your Holiday shopping. And if you are a triathlete or have one on your gift list you have got to check out all our new items in our Triathlon category! We have Christmas ornaments with runners and cyclist on them, Mesh Cinch bags for running, Triathlons or they can be used to carry just about anything, and they are only $14.99!!
And speaking of Triathletes.........Look out! My partner Christine Sparks just completed her 1st Triathlon and is already signed up for a second one! She rocked it out at the Crystal River Triathlon with a great finishing time, she's looking to improve even more at her next one in Venice, FL

Congratulations to Christine and her friend Libby!
That's Christine on the Right! She's drawn first blood so I guess the challenge is on for me to get into gear and do my first Triathlon. Since I'm training for the Jacksonville, FL marathon, it's been very hard for me to get my cycling and swimming in so I may have to wait until after my marathon and do my first Triathlon in the spring. Marathon training and running your own business, traveling to expos and home life is a FULL PLATE, to say the least. But I love it and I'm hoping for a great race in Jacksonville. Christine is also training for the same marathon.
Well take care, stay healthy, live life to the fullest and remember don't take a free ride in your own life!
Give it all you've got and then a little bit more. 12 mile long run for me tomorrow.......Can't wait :-)
Melody

On the road to New Jersey & Philly Triathlon Events

2010-07-26T16:48:00.000-04:00

Well last weekend was a Milestone Sales Record event for Milestones Sports Jewelry. The New Jersey State Triathlon in Princeton, put on by CGI Racing was a fantastic event for us and the Awesome Athletes as well. We rolled out our new line of Pewter Jewelry that includes a great Tri Pendant on an adjustable rope necklace for men. but the ladies loved it too.
The Entire line was a huge hit!!! Real Men Wear Jewelry......Tri it!!!!! Check it out at http://www.milestonessportsjewelry.com/
This coming weekend we are off to the Women's SheRox Tri in Philly. We are looking forward to another great event.Then the following weekend we wrap it up with the Jersey Girl Ti on the Jersey shore!!!
We enjoy these events so much. We meet such nice people. All ages, sizes, & shapes. They are amazing people. The first timers are so much fun to talk with. I am especially interested in picking their brains and listening to their stories because I am training for my first Triathlon, Oct. 2nd at Lake Lanier near Atlanta, GA .At the same time I'll be training for my 6th marathon in Jacksonville, FL on December 19th. Some times I think I'm crazy, but it keeps me going and keeps me focused on a specific goal. The Triathlon is a big challenge. I just bought my first road bike and am excited to get home and start my cycling training. My business partner, Christine just completed her first Triathlon this weekend at Crystal River, FL so the Challenge is on. Now she can wear all our cool Triathlon Jewelry and I can't, until I complete my first Tri. I love the Jewelry so much that it's worth it to train and complete a Triathlon. Plus it's a great new challenge for me.
Well stay healthy, and remember if you can dream it, you can achieve it!!!
In health,
Melody

Great Triathlon events & New Milestones coming in the near future!

2010-07-12T15:29:00.000-04:00

So many exciting things going on since my last post. Milestones Jewelry is launching a whole new line of Triathlon Jewelry. The Pendant at the left is just one example. It's pewter on an adjustable cord. It looks great on guys and girls alike. And we are pricing it so everyone can afford it. Only $19.99!!!! It's not on the website yet. But check out our Expo calendar, They will be available there and we are taking pre-orders with free shipping. Just e-mail us. WOW, things have been so exciting lately. this weekend we were at the Waterfront Tri in Chattanooga, TN, what a beautiful venue. well organized race, an Olympic distance Tri, the athletes were Awesome to say the least!! What's next? We are off the New Jersey for the New Jersey State Tri in Princeton, then SheRox Philly, and then back to NJ for "Jersey Girl" Tri.
In Florida my partner, Christine will be at the World famous "TOP GUN" Triathlon!
After the Paris marathon I said, I'm done with marathons for a while, I was training for my first Triathlon when I realized I still have something to prove at the marathon...so I have committed to run the Jacksonville marathon on December 19th. Christine and other friends will be joining me. After that I'll go back to my Tri training and target a spring Triathlon probably in Florida.
Check out our website if you haven't done so lately, We've added a ton of great Silver and Gold charms, lots of new necklaces and bracelets and coming soon, our new line of Tri Jewelry.
Milestones Jewelry is available in Florida running stores; Fit2Run and Running Zone in Melbourne Florida. if you'd like to see our Jewelry in your favorite running store, tell the manager and owners about us.
We'll have speed work at the track today so I better get some work done. Stay tuned for lots of new and exciting things from Milestones Jewelry.

How to get your MOJO BACK!

2010-06-06T14:19:00.000-04:00

WOW, I have been reading so many blogs and talking to so many people that just don't know why they can't get motivated. And unfortunately I am one of them. For once my brain is in it, but my body doesn't want to seem to follow. I have big plans, my first Triathlon among them. I joined a new fitness center with a pool, so I am a bit excited about swimming. And I went mountain biking for the time yesterday and loved it. And I have a great group of running buddies, so WHY oh Why am I still feeling unmotivated?
It's just so not me! I am usually the ring leader to motivate everyone else.
I am just slugging my way through work outs. I even bought new trail shoes, what's it going to take?
I guess you just have to lace up the shoes, put on the swim suit, drag out the bike and JUST DO IT!!

I sometimes wonder if it's more fun and motivating if you DON'T have a race planned, but then again maybe it's the reverse. I obviously don't have the answers. But I'm certainly searching for them.
I think I have more reasons to be motivated now than before. Great places to run, great weather, great friends that run together almost everyday and regardless of weather and uncontrolled forces. They are true Warriors. So what's wrong with me?

I will just keeping putting one foot in front of the other and see what happens. any suggestions are welcomed. Seems many people are experiencing the same thing as I am so you motivated folks out there please chime in, we need you.

The really cool thing is that Milestones Sports Jewelry website is really looking great. Lots of new products and we are currently working on adding lots and lots of charms, Gold and Sterling silver. So check it out at http://www.milestonessportsjewelry.com/ and e-mail me with your suggestions on how to get my MOJO BACK~~~

FINISHED PARIS MARATHON...WHAT'S NEXT?

2010-05-19T12:20:00.002-04:00

So I finished the Paris marathon, and I'm glad I can say I did it! It certainly was not one of my proudest moments in my running career. I still had jet lag, my training leading up to the event was sub-par at best. I let too many outer elements affect my training. I crossed the START line 20 minutes after the gun went off and then like an idiot tried to catch my pace group. which I did, and then at mile 18 it was pretty much over. I struggled from 18-26.2 miles but some how managed to cross the finish line in under 5 hours. I was disappointed to say the least. But I learned a lot, and will not make the same mistakes again. But I did have a fantastic vacation in Paris.What a wonder city!
I've said it before, "Life is like a marathon". You get out of it what you put in! You can't make up for lost time, or days past. You must be consistent, stay the course, stay motivated and just simply put in the work it takes to meet your goals. It's not going to happen on it's on. Also having fear & worry cripples you. Going out too fast; trying to "catch up" doesn't work in a marathon or in life. You must pace yourself and have a good game plan. Once you have your plan don't panic if something goes work, stay the course, slow & steady. And lastly FINISH STRONG! Dig down deep when things are tough, when you are in pain, focus on each step you take, and enjoy your journey. The end will come soon enough.
So now I am faced with the question of What's next? I need goals, I like goals, I like achieving them the best!
I've been a bit lost since returning from Paris. My running has taken a back seat to my business, my newly adopted dog "Aragorn" and trying to get my life in order. I sit here today not sure what my next step is.
I do have the Warrior Dash this Sunday. A crazy idea. I am not in shape for it but will be the Warrior none the less. After all you get a free T-shirt and a Warrior Helmet! check out the website to see just how crazy I am. http://www.warriordash.com/
So I'll go and have fun with my friends and continue to think about my next accomplishment. Hmmm.........
Another marathon? A half? My first Triathlon? A long hike on the Appalachian Trail? or maybe something really out there. I'll keep you posted, let me know if you have any suggestions that might peak my interest.
Until then stay safe and live life, Remember you can not rewind a single day!
In Health,
Melody

Florida trip and Expos coming to a close.

2010-03-08T08:42:00.000-05:00

Well it's been over 5 weeks since we packed up the truck and left the snow of North Carolina for Sunny Florida, which actually turned out to be pretty cold. It's been a busy trip with barely time to see our friends.
The Expos all went very well, with Gasparilla in Tampa and The Princess in Disney topping the list. We met many nice people and sold tons of jewelry to help our customers commorate their Milestone.
My training for Paris has been more difficult than I expected. Standing on my feet for very long hours at expos every Friday and Saturday then doing a long run of over 18 miles on Sundays has been challenging. But some how I've managed to get in most of my weekly mileage and get in a half marathon, which I amazed myself by setting a PR.
So this Friday we take the long drive back to North Carolina and continue my training and 2 more expos before flying off to Paris. ING Georgia on March 19 & 20 and the Knoxville, TN marathon the following weekend. I still have a 20, 21 and 22 mile long run to look forward to. But I know it will all be worth it once the plane lands in Paris, I celebrate my 50th birthday and run my 5th marathon on April 11th, then let the vacation begin!!!
I am still raising money for Logan's run rescue, a great animal recue organization in N.C. So my run with be for the dogs. I know that even though I have not raised as much as I would have liked, that the money will be well spent on helping my four legged friends. I will miss my brother, sister-in-law, Christine and my other friends but I am ready to get home and settle back into a daily routine.
Have a great day!
"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today"
James Dean

Running, Jewelry, Expos, Florida and the DOGS!!

2010-02-23T15:33:00.002-05:00

Well it has been forever since I've updated this blog. so much to tell and so little time to tell it in. We've been in Florida for about 3 and half weeks. It's been busier than I ever imagined. Preparing for Expos, working expos, making jewelry for Expos and of course trying to keep up with my training for the Paris marathon which is now only 7 short weeks away. I know I should be excited about going to France and my vacation that will follow my 50th birthday and my 5th marathon. but.......all I can think about and worry about is the marathon itself. I have an ankle injury that is nagging met to death. I've never gone into a marathon with any injuries. I am so very nervous. I have really trained hard for this one, more than the ones in the past and have had many more challenges than any ones in the past as well. We'll see if that will make me stronger or if this old body will let me down. :-(
We are working the Tampa Gasparilla final marathon this weekend, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and then I will attempt to run the Gasparilla half marathon with my sister-in-law, Teresa. This will be a good test on my conditioning and to see if the ankle will hold up.
NOW FOR THE DOGS........i am continuing my fundraising efforts in the few minutes I can squeeze in during this busy time. to date I have raised about $800 but need much more. When I return home I will resume my quest to get some great items for our Silent auction and dinner dance fundraiser that will take place after the Paris marathon on May 15th. That should be very exciting.
Well, I want to keep this brief and my alarm just went off warning me to get on my running clothes and lace up the shoes to go run. so I'm off!!!!!
check out my website calendar for our upcoming events. We have The princess half marathon at Disney next weekend then home one weekend then ING Georgia in Atlanta, and so many more exciting expos and races to follow.

"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail." - Henry Wheeler Shaw
Stay healthy and reach for the stars!!!

Running for the "Run"

2010-01-20T15:39:00.002-05:00

Well I am officially running for the "Run" now. That's Logan's Run Animal Rescue.
I am raising money by running 26.2 miles in Paris, France for my 5th marathon. As those of you who know me know that I am passionate about many things, but high on my list is fundraising (Paying it forward) and running. This year I choose to run for a small organization where I felt I could make the biggest impact. Animal control in this area that I live in is...how can I say? Almost non-existent. If not for Logan's Run Rescue there would be so many more abused, and abandoned animals roaming the beautiful roads I run on and call home now.
Since their inception, barely a year ago they have helped over 175 stray and abandoned animals find good homes and the number is growing every week. It truly is saving lives one cat and dog at a time. It costs an average of $60 per animal to get one spayed or neutered and often by the time they get a dog or cat adopted they have over $100 or more invested in that animal. All donations they raise and 100% of all the funds I raise for my marathon go directly to helping these animals.
I also was fortunate enough to be invited to the last board meeting for LRR and volunteered to be on the fundraising committee full time. So I'll be helping them out even after the Paris marathon. The people on the board are some of the nicest people I have ever met and are so passionate about this mission. We have some great fundraising ideas, Like a Walk in the Park for dogs and I am even considering looking into putting on a 5K run, 1 mile fun run for kids and a walk for the dogs. Our area doesn't have many races so I think we could do a good job advertising it and get a great turn out for a great cause. Also we are working on a dinner and silent auction to be held in May after I return from France.
I know fundraising for my marathon will be very difficult as some people may feel it is not a problem that affects them directly. But I urge you, that if you can help please do. It has to start somewhere. Any animal, any where in the world that we can help is an act of kindness and greatly needed.
Please go to www.logansrunrescue.com to find out more about the great dogs that are available for adoption and the great job these folks are doing educating the community.
On another note I am feverishly getting ready for our marathon "marathon" for Milestones Jewelry in Florida. We will be doing 5 marathons Expos from Feb.5-March 7th, On the list is The Melbourne music half marathon, The Suncoast Classic 5K & 10K in St. Pete, 26.2 with Donna in Jacksonville, Gasparilla in Tampa and then then Disney's Princess half marathon in Orlando. Then one weekend to drive back, make jewelry, recover and then off to Atlanta for ING Georgia.
I am planning on running in the Melbourne half and the Gasparilla half. I'll be dead on my feet, but I figure they'll help me get a feel of my process towards Paris. I can't wait to see my friends and family in Florida and have lots of running partners. Though I do have to say that I am very pleased to finally have found some running buddies (other than the dogs) here in Murphy. some very nice folks who have been nice enough invite me to join them on several runs a week. They are tough cookies too. They hit the hills like they are nothing, they are much faster than I am but I know running with them will make me stronger. so on that note I will close so that I can change to go run the hills in the cemetery (No that's not a typo)they run in a cemetery that has a great huge hill loop. Very difficult and challenging. but as a very nice man that I met last night said "Run the hills and race the flats" Great advice.
And I will leave you with this great quote:
I don't believe in the concept of hell, but if I did I would think of it as filled with people who were cruel to animals. Gary Larson

THE "CANINE CRUSADERS" RUNNING CLUB

2010-01-11T13:43:00.006-05:00

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Click play above to see the video.
Yes this is my running club. "The Canine Crusaders". They are great friends and great running partners. Without them I'm not sure I could stay motivated. It took me a while to convince some of them to join my club but I finally won them over. Now when they see me they come charging at me, hit a stride and run with me pushing me to go faster. So many times they run ahead and then keep looking back at me as if to say "Really, why are you going so slow?". Some of them come from very good homes, but some not so much. They are all left to run free and encounter many bad situations. But when we are all running together, all the bad is forgotten and everyone is happy. I thank them over and over for getting me to the Chicago marathon. I was so lonely running by myself before we became a club. One of them, Smokey bones (pictured above)probably saved my life. One day we were running and we passed a house with very mean people who raised their dog to fight. The dog jumped up on me, pushing me down and ready to attack when Smokey bones jumped on him and then ran away causing the dog to chase him. Luckily Smokey out ran him and was fine. I managed to get away as well.
I hope they hear me when I thank them and talk to them about the challenges in my training and in life. They really seem to care, especially at the end of the run when they get a treat and a big hug from me. I think they like hugs better than treats.
So now they are probably missing me as I have not been able to run outside much due to snow and ice. But today I hope to join them as it is getting above 30 degrees. I will need their help to stay motivated in my training for the Paris marathon. They have also inspired me to help out one of our local rescue centers, called "Logans Run rescue". I will be posting some unbelievable statistics on the progress the rescue center is making. Check out my fundraising page to find out more at www.logansrunrescue.com If you can give (even a little bit) I would greatly appreciate it and you can rest assured that you donation will be used 100% to help the abused and abandoned animals as well as the education of my community about spaying and neutering. I will be meeting some of the members on Wednesday and am so very excited. Well stay tuned. We have many other members in our running club not pictured in the video, as I get additional pictures I will post them, as I want all my friends to get their screen time. Thank you crusaders....see you in a few hours.

“Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.”
Emily Dickinson

SPACE TO PARIS

2009-12-30T12:56:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
SPACE TO PARIS

I guess you are thinking that Space is a round about way to get to Paris. But let me explain....... There is a lot of time and distance between Space and Paris, however this is my story. It's been so very long since I've posted on my blog for more reasons than anyone wants to know. Mostly because things have been so busy and hectic. but anyway let's start with Space, that would be the SpaceCoast marathon and first marathon for my biz partner, Christine (seen on right of picture, that's me beside her). I am so very proud of her and thanks to her I was able to experience the last 9 miles running with her. The Spacecoast Marathon is small by comparison to the bigger Chicago, New York, Disney marathons but it was a beautiful course and the weather couldn't have been better, even for Christine. Miss picky! Anyway we had a nice Expo and she had a rockin' race with a great finishing time.
And that brings me to Paris..... I am currently training for my next marathon in Paris, France on April 11th 2010, Just 2 days after my 50th birthday. I thought it would be a great 50th birthday present to myself and prove us "mature gals" can still achieve big accomplishments. My 18 week training program started December 6th, so I am now in my 4th week of training. I really slacked off between Chicago and my new training schedule so I am really struggling to regain my fitness level. I am also dealing with lots of other challenges. I've gotten a bit used to the steep hills, but I have had some bad encounters with dogs whose owners don't seem to care where they roam, but then again I've also made friends with about 8 dogs that run regularly with me on one of my routes. I've named them all and will post pictures and tell you more about my "canine running club" in future post. And speaking of Canines...I have been trying to decide what Charity to raise money for for this marathon. There are so many worthy ones and most that are officially associated with the marathon are very large organizations with lots of money. I had decided I wanted to do something to help rescue animals and had toiled with an organization called Canine partners, dogs that help people with disabilities. A great cause but they are based out of the UK and the more I thought about it and the more I experienced the problem in my own backyard, with the ignorance of so many animal owners, the more it became clear to me that I need to raise money to help a local organization that is committed to putting an end to the problem we have here. Enter "Logan's Run", a rescue organization that places all dogs in foster homes until they find permanent homes for them. They are also extremely active in spaying/neutering, medical care and temperament training. While seeking rescues and homes for the abandoned. I will be putting together a website and taking donations through that and also putting together some events on the web and here in Murphy, NC. Plus I'll be in Florida doing many marathon expos for Milestones Jewelry and plan some fundraising events there. I hope you will follow my progress in my training and my fundraising.
I am excited about having the opportunity to help Logan's Run in their quest.
Here is their mission statement:
The "call" of Logan's Run Rescue is to give humane care and rescue to abandoned animals and to promote spay and neutering of pets; to reduce over-population while adopting a commitment to change the community's awareness and educate the public in improving the welfare of companion pets. Logan' Run Rescue will not endorse or support euthanizing healthy animals with reasonable temperaments, including those who are elderly. This rescue will attempt to treat those that are sick and work to improve the temperament of those who are ill-tempered because of past treatment or a lack of socialization." WOW, is all I can say!!!!!
check them out at www.logansrunrescue.com

"When you have the enthusiasm and the passion, you end up figuring how to excel".

Deena Kastor, U.S. Olympic Marathoner

LIFE IS LIKE A MARATHON

2009-11-08T18:18:00.002-05:00

Life is so much like a marathon! Your first step is your longest stride.

You decide on a program to follow (a life plan) and you try your best to follow it, but inevitably something comes up and you skip a work out or a work out goes poorly. So you do your best to get back on track, and then everything is clicking, going as planned and one morning you wake up with a minor injury, you nurture it and hopefully in a few days with adjustments you are back on track with your training. You are committed in a way you never thought possible. But so many days you don’t want to run, don’t want to eat right, and just don’t want to be present in your training. But you do it anyway, and then as you progress into the training you start to feel strong, you have the days when you think you’ll never make it and the days that YOU KNOW no one can stop you.
Unfortunately in marathon training as in life you sometimes sustain an injury that cannot be nursed back to health in time for your targeted marathon, you try running through the injury, you try everything. Nothing works and you have to drop out of that particular marathon. It crushes you and you believe nothing could be worse. You feel like giving it all up and think you can’t go on.
But you later discover that it does not mean your marathon days are OVER. You’ll work it out, get the help you need, you’ll rehab the injury and you’ll target another date for your next marathon. And this time you’ll look out for the warning signs, you’ll know better what to do to avoid the injuries. And you’ll train harder, and better. And you’ll still have your good days and bad but you’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other and soon you’ll be standing at the start line of that marathon. You’ll remember the lessons learned in the past. You’ll not make the same mistakes again, and if others try to stand in your way you’ll understand WHERE they come from but you will not let that detour you. You are running a marathon, called "YOUR LIFE”. You must be present in it every moment, for life is not a given but a given gift.
And when you step up to the start line you will be ready, you will have trained for this and you’ll know, start slow and steady, don’t rush, enjoy each moment, it will not last forever. At times you’ll feel like quitting but you’ll repeat one of your favorite mantras; mine Is “Pain is temporary, Pride is FOREVER!”
You WILL cross the finish line of this marathon and the ones to come. Many things will go into your training for the future marathons of life. You’ll never forget that you can make it to the finish line. By having the courage to take the first step in the direction you want to go is forever life changing and is rewarding each time you accomplish what you set out to do. .
As all of us recreational athletes know, it’s all about your PR, your “Personal best”, we all strive to beat our PR with each race, as in life we need to strive to beat our PR every day.
“If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late could you say goodbye to yesterday? Would you live each moment like your last, leave old pictures in the past? Donate every dime you had, if today was your last day? So live like you're living twice, don’t take a free ride in your life. So do what it takes, you can’t rewind a moment in this life“. From the band Nickleback. Check out the entire lyrics at http://www.metrolyrics.com/if-today-was-your-last-day-lyrics-nickelback.html Great song!! And every word is great to live by.
What next Milestone you are targeting?
Run on my friends. Your health, physically and mentally is the most important thing you have.

NEW MILESTONES TO COME....

2009-10-25T12:13:00.003-04:00

Well I am enjoying the changes of the seasons here in South West North Carolina. My husband, Stuart and I took a little adventure yesterday. We packed a picnic and our baby Maya and went for a drive on a country road through Northern Georgia. We stopped at some beautiful waterfalls (I'd love to show you the pictures but our camera battery was dead). The fall foliage was fantastic. We drove to the quaint town of Dahlonega. We fell in love with it. It's a military college town, with tons of shops and restaurants just bustling with activity. We plan to go back week after next for the "Hemlock Festival" and walk around and enjoy the town. We were planning on visiting
Amicalola falls but there was not enough time. We will go back there in several weeks for some nice hiking. We just can't believe there is so much beauty in our own back yard and that since owning this home in the mountains we never really had time on our visits to explore. But now that we are living here full time we are on a mission to find all the great hikes, biking trails, lakes, rivers and scenic drives. I will be reporting on those as we embark on this new journey and I look forward to posting pictures to share with you.
My other big adventures will be traveling throughout Florida in November for many marathon expos for Milestones Jewelry. Check out the calendar on this blog for all our upcoming shows. Then of course I am continuing my running, adding in Pilate's, Yoga and abs and buns classes. My official training for Paris marathon starts December 1st, and goes through the very coldest months in North Carolina. December-March. I could get lucky and get a mild winter and hope that it warms up in March. But that will be another changing of the seasons that I will get to experience by foot up close and personal as I battle the elements of mother nature. I look forward to many Milestones to come in the months that lie ahead.
For my business it will be figuring out if the BIG EXPOS will pay off, and personally the test of my true will and strength through training for my next Marathon.
I leave you with these two great quotes:
“If my ship sails from sight, it doesn't mean my journey ends, it simply means the river bends.” John Enoch Powell

“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.”
Bob Moawad

In Health,
Melody

CONQUERING CHICAGO MARATHON

2009-10-14T18:20:00.002-04:00

Well that's me at the Chicago marathon Expo with famous runner, now writer, Bart Yasso. So it's over now and I'm still on such an endorphin high. 18 hard weeks of training, with a Career change, move to North Carolina, and complete life overhaul thrown in for fun. It was challenging and at times a difficult road to this marathon. But I can tell you, it is so true that marathons are a metaphor for life, you get out of them what you put in. And boy did I get a ton out of my difficulties of training in the steep hills of N.C. It was a very lonely road at times, and I struggled to stay motivated. The mind will play many games with you when you are running alone, in pouring rain for 22 long miles, or 19, or 16 or speed work. I spent more hours running in rain than I care to remember. But I set a PR (Personal Record) by more than 24 minutes. And best of all I was strong in the last 6 miles, something I have never experienced in any of my former marathons. It was freezing cold, coldest day in history of the Chicago marathon. Lucky us, I ran with my brother Eric, his wife Teresa, and their dear friend Bill (that I've seen grow up) and friends Nicole and Sheresa. Everyone set a PR that day. It was glorious.
So many fond memories I will hold forever, like locking arms with my Brother and Bill as we approached the start line. (it took 20 minutes just to get to the start line, good thing it was a chip timed race.)
I dedicated this race to my friend Wendy who is currently battling Brain Cancer. She is a champion and a fighter, and when things got tough I just thought of the strength it takes to go through what she is going through and never ever giving up.
So I will close for now and hopefully have more time for post in the future. As I start now to cross train, biking, weight lifting and swimming and then December 1st start my new 18 week training program for the Paris Marathon. I plan on running for a Charity for that one. Chicago was my only marathon that I did not raise money for Charity. I want to always pay it forward, so if you have any suggestions as to what charity I should raise money for for please e-mail me at info@milestonessportsjewelry.com I have a few in mind that I am very passionate about but would love to hear your feedback, maybe a charity that not too many people do fundraising for, that really needs it.
so I leave you with a quote from the song "If this was your last day" by Nickelback; "EACH DAY IS A GIFT, NOT A GIVEN RIGHT"
Go out there and give it all you got. You never know what you are capable of until you try.
In Health,
Melody

CHICAGO only 4 weeks to go!

2009-09-15T14:05:00.003-04:00

Before we get to the Chicago marathon update I have some catching up to do. Pictured here looking fabulous as always, is my partner Christine Sparks. Christine lives in St. Pete, FL and works all our expos and races in that area. We have some really exciting big events coming up. Visit our calendar or website for detailed dates and locations. Also Christine is training for her first full marathon,
SPACE COAST in Cocoa Beach, FL on November 29th. Of course Milestones Jewelry will be a featured vendor at the Expo for the marathon. The picture of her is from the US 10K CLASSIC in Atlanta. We love our Florida races, great partners and loyal followers but we are very excited to be branching out into north Georgia, SW North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. We are working on securing Vendor partnerships with some really great events in those areas. Also stay tuned for a ton of new products. We are currently working on a new photo shoot so we can post our new designs to our on line shopping. But remember we love to do custom work, so if you don't see what you are looking for on line now please e-mail us with your request.

Chicago? Well I am logging lots and lots of miles. I was lucky enough to be back in the Tampa Bay area where I did my 21 mile run with my sister in law, Teresa and her friend Nicole. It was a great run, especially since I wasn't running alone,and I was running on flat land. But in the last 3 miles I got lost, my Garmin (better known as my permanent running partner) kept shutting off, and the Florida sun was beating me down like a dog. Teresa and Nicole were doing 18 miles and I had lost them several miles back when I had to stop at 7-11 for water. Right when I thought I couldn't take another step, the girls drove up beside me to cheer me on. Little did they know that as soon as I saw them I would break down in tears. Long runs this late in marathon training can really break you down and cause you to be so emotional. I shouted over the busy traffic "My watch died, I got lost and I don't know how far I've gone, but I MUST do 21 miles". At that point Nicole, (who had just run 18 miles herself) JUMPED from the car and said "LET'S GO, you only have a mile to go and I'm running it with you". I did have to stop one more time to Boo-Hoo loudly to get it out of my system so I could breath and then we sprinted the last mile to make sure I got in my 21 miler. Teresa followed in the car to make sure we were OK. Now that's what I call friendship. And that's just one of the many things I love about running and runners. We are a family, always there to help out a fellow runner. Thanks so much to Teresa and Nicole. I love you both and can't wait to cross the finish line with you and our gang on October 11th in Chicago.
Oh and I just got an e-mail from my coach, Joe Burgasser and he says
"I REPEAT, IT WILL NOT BE HOT FOR THE CHICAGO MARATHON THIS YEAR", and this man is always right
:-)
"People begin running for any number of motives, but we stick to it for one basic reason-to find out who we really are".
George Sheehan, M.D.

Until next time, remember regardless of what you choose to accomplish in life
"NEVER QUIT"
Melody

UPCOMING SHOWS, CHICAGO, AND PARIS!

2009-08-25T10:30:00.003-04:00

WOW, so very much going on. Milestones Jewelry is gearing up for one of our biggest expos to date; The US 10K CLASSIC in Atlanta, GA. Over 15,000 runners for the 10K plus I'm not sure how many for the 100K Bike ride. We are super excited and making lots of new designs. We are making some bracelets with college colors and running charms so customers can show their team pride and their passion for their sport.
My partner Christine is coming up from Florida to work the show with me, it will be good to see her.
Chicago.....training is going pretty good. Did my long run last Sunday at Chatuge Dam trail; 18 miles, this Sunday, 19 miles, then 20, 21 and 22, then I can coast into my one taper week. I think my coach is crazy, but I'm obviously crazier than he is for following his crazy schedule. I really hope the weather is cool.
PARIS........Yes, Paris, France, they announced the official date of the marathon; April 11th, 2 days after my 50th birthday. It will be my 5th marathon, on my 50th birthday! What a way to celebrate.
But for now I need to concentrate on Milestones Jewelry and Chicago marathon. All is going great in the mountains, I am loving my new life but still trying to settle into a routine.
Running alone in very lonely, I have met a few runners but no one really to run with. I think I'll post a flyer asking people to help me form a running club.
Life is very good!!!!

BACK FROM HAWAII, AND LACKING MOTIVATION

2009-08-14T15:57:00.007-04:00

Well, I'm back in North Carolina from Hawaii and for some reason unknown to me I am lacking motivation to run. My flight left on Monday afternoon and got back to Atlanta on Tuesday, then we had a 2 1/2 hour drive from Atlanta to our home. So that wiped out those 2 days for running. I ran 4 miles on Wednesday and 5 yesterday. but I have not run at all today, waiting to see if it cools down a bit and hopefully will get in my scheduled 8 miler. Chicago marathon is only 8 weeks away. This week was supposed to be the start of my really serious running, lots of mileage!! But I'm way behind and not wanting to put in the time. There's so much to do, trying to catch up from being gone so long.
Maybe it has something to do with the sad news I received yesterday that my high school sweetheart; Jerry Trimble passed away August 9th at the young age of 49 from a heart attack. I am really sad and have been reflecting on those "good ole days" when we were young and had not a care in the world. I feel so bad for his family and all those that loved him. He was my first love and I guess that's one we never understand and never forget. May he rest in peace.
So I must forge on.....I am very blessed to have my health and my family and friends who love me so much. But most of all I am thankful to have my husband Stuart; without him I would never be living the type of life I am today. He is a wonderful man and I look forward to exploring many new adventures as we embark on this next stage of our lives here in North Carolina. We have friends coming to visit next week from New Jersey and Florida and look forward to some fun whitewater rafting and just catching up. Until then remember........
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years"....Abraham Lincoln

SURFING HANELAI, KAUAI

2009-08-09T01:30:00.004-04:00

Surfing Hanelai Bay in Kauai, Hawaii. What a blast. The picture is of my friends Marty and Charity, Brad, and my husband Stu. I'm the cutie in the middle of the surf board, just kidding. Wow, what a blast we have been having. Beautiful Scenery, the Wainea Canyon, The Na Pali Coast, Zip Lining, and now surfing. I love it. and I havent' missed a single run yet. Tomorrow I'm running 15 miles on a trail that runs on a cliff over looking the Pacific Ocean. I hope it goes well, I'm a bit tired but I think I'll be OK especially since the scenery will be so beautiful. The food is great here, especialy if you love Sushi as much as I do. Everything is so fresh. We are off to a cool Tapas restaurant tonight with the gang. More to come after I return and put my picture album together for your viewing pleasure.
Aloha!!
Melody

KAUAI MILESTONES

2009-08-04T14:32:00.008-04:00

I am setting lots of Milestones here in Kauai. Did my 16 mile long run yesterday, great sceanery along the way. Going Snorkeling on the Napali Coast today, Zipping and Surf lessons the following days, then video shoot for Milestones Sports Jewelry, check us out at www.milstonessportsjewelry.com and be on the look out for a new video with lots of new Jewelry items.
The view is from my condo, so this is what I look at each morning I wake up. The views are unbelievable. Enjoying every second. Oh and if you love Sushi, it doesn't get any better than here. Well must go pack up for Catamaran/snorkeling trip. Will check in again soon.

SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON

2009-07-28T15:42:00.005-04:00

Well I watched the movie "Spirit of the marathon" for the second time the other night. I had seen it before but at the time it was not as significant because I was training to run the New York City marathon and this movie is centered around training for the Chicago marathon. Well now I'm training for Chicago and the movie was something I greatly needed. My motivation for running is lacking right now. I'm tired, I'm sore from moving, I hurt my back moving a concrete bench, the hills are so steep around here that my legs feel like they have concrete in them, and worst of all I am the lone runner. (could I have more excuses? :-). If you watch the movie you will see the girl that always runs alone, she seems much more at peach with that than I am. I am missing my running partner, Christine terribly. I miss my running club members especially on days like today, Tuesdays are track day, speed work outs. So the movie helped me a bit, that is until I went for my long run this past Sunday. I did not scout my route ahead of time and picked one of the roads with the steepest hills in the area. My 16 mile scheduled run turned into a 13 mile run. I just couldn't take another step. It's amazing because I do love running up here, just not over 13 miles. Everyone says it will make me stronger for Chicago. The really good news is that I'm leaving for Hawaii this Saturday and will be there for 10 days, so all my runs will be on FLAT land in Kawaii. I hear it's beautiful there. When I get back I will drive around some other areas and try to find better routes for my remaining long runs.
So back to the movie, I highly recommend it, it's well done, interesting, and motivational. Tonight after track work out (if it will stop raining and storming) I am going to watch "Marathon man, 50 marathons, in 50 states, in 50 days". Gee if that can't motivate me then there's no hope. I am doing my longest run to date in Hawaii, 16 miles. We are also shooting a video for Milestones Jewelry. It will be on my website and I'll post on this blog as well, oh yea and UTube. Hope it comes out great. So I guess my lesson for this post is that even when you are unmotivated, lonely and just don't want to do something, but know you need to; just get up and do it anyway. I know the lone running will make me mentally stronger and the hills better make me physically stronger. And after all that is what the marathon of life is all about; putting one foot in front of the other, "relentless forward motion". And when I dig down deep I know that the challenges I face in my training for the marathon are nothing compared to what so many face everyday. and I know that I am thankful for my Health and thankful that I CAN run. So I'm asking myself right now "Are you going to be a wimp today? or are you going to go out in the stormy weather and give it all you've got? It's time for the lone runner to lace up her shoes and go to track and run my scheduled workout as best I can. Stay tuned for the outcome!!!!!!!!!!!

Flickr

2009-07-20T16:50:00.001-04:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

MILESTONES IN THE MOUNTAINS

2009-07-16T12:26:00.000-04:00

Well I am finally moved in to my home in Murphy, N.C. The move has been really hard, so much unpacking, heavy lifting, etc. very tiring and hard on the legs. But it is so beautiful here I just can't put it into words. This has been my dream to move here since we bought this house 8 years ago. WOW, and here I am. I have had many Milestones since; but my two biggest ones are my first long run here last Sunday, 14 miles, and not one flat spot to be had. I am running from the bottom of my mountain down a main road. Now "main road" is very relative, not too many cars, but lots of dogs trying to become my new running partners and no bike or running lanes. So when cars do approach I have to jump off the side of the road. But anyway my 14 miler was truly a Milestone, I didn't know if I could make the full 14 miles without walking (but I did) and second, I had been stung by a bee the day before and my left inner leg was very swollen, I encountered many dogs on the way, ran some of the steepest hills I have run in many years, fell off the side of the highway and slightly twisted my right ankle (at 7 miles) and then ran the next 7 miles in driving rain!! But...I was so happy to be running in these beautiful mountains with the song birds, roosters, wild rabbits, turkeys, cows, horses, Dogs :-), and at the top of each hill another beautiful vista.
So now to my second Milestone... My first track workout alone. The fitness center near my house has a 1/4 mile track of sorts. It's really beautiful, sunflowers growing in the center of the track, I saw several wild rabbits, which reminded me of the tortoise and the hare story; I think that was a sign for me to be the "tortoise" :-). It was a great workout, 8-200's with a 200 rest in between, mile warm up and mile and half cool down. I was really stoked after my workout. I took some videos with my camera that closely resemble The Blair witch project photography. I was a little slower than my goal times but my legs are super sore from trying to adjust to so much hill running. I am just so thankful to be living in such a beautiful place.
I'm finally starting to get a bit organized, still tons to do, and looking forward to getting some gardening done. Hard work, but a big pay off. I will close with two list, "Things I love" and "Things I hate" here.
Things I love,:
The weather, The song birds, The views, the chipmunks living under my back deck, The quite, the darkness at night, all the cool things I see while running, people I don't know waving to me like a friend, drinking out of the stone water fountain at the church, the first half of my regular run is mostly down hill, having Bruce as a neighbor (he knows how to do everything), spending most of the day with my dog Maya and walking her on our shaded gravel path, the fresh produce at the "Old Well market", but mostly the peace in my heart.
Things I dislike:
THE SQUIRRELS, ticks, BEES, the few cars that don't move over when I'm running, and the last half of my regular run is ALL UP HILL (and I mean steep up hill) and I miss my family and running buddy Christine.
Not too bad; I'd say the good FAR, FAR out weighs the bad.
SO far I'm not lonely, too busy for that. I am looking forward to getting caught up enough that I can take time to sit on my deck and enjoy the view and get some time at the Lake and rivers.
Slow down my friends, Life just moves too fast. There's just so much to enjoy, and as the saying goes, the best things in really are FREE.
now go out and set your own Milestones.
and Speaking of Milestones....don't forget to visit my website and remember our jewelry makes great unique gifts. www.milestonessportsjewelry.com or you can e-mail me at info@milestonessportsjewelry.com
Stay tuned.....Chicago marathon is only 12 weeks and 4 days away. OMG!!
I have a 8 miler to run this afternoon, can't wait!!

ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER OPENS!!

2009-06-28T21:49:00.002-04:00

So today I was packing all my "stuff" that has become so UNIMPORTANT to me NOW, and making the last minute plans for the permanent move to N.C. I am supposed to say I'm nervous but I'm not.....not about the move. I can't wait for the fresh air, the walks with my baby Maya, my new office, my new garden and tons of potted plants. Running the hills to make me stronger for Chicago marathon. The cooler weather, THE WHITE WATER..... I can taste the adrenaline !!!!

Yes, some would say one door is closing for me...... I don't see it that way, but OK, if it is, I'm ready, and and I see a huge sea parting for me to walk through at my leisure.....I am filled with hope and anticipation. I can taste the adventure of my new life. Not that my old one was anything I'd ever change a minute of. I have been so lucky, so blessed, and I have made the most of every thing I could in my life. I have the best of everything....the best mother, mother's husband, Papa (father), Papa's wife, my husband, brother, sister in-laws, brother-in law; the best friends, house, car, coach, but most of all I have what all these people have contributed to my life to make me ..well ME. With all my flaws, I can still look in the mirror and be happy with who I've turned out to be.

I am so blessed, and I know that is a term thrown around so loosely I hate even using it. But I must tell you that the growth I've experienced over the last 3 years or so is so profound that I could never find words to describe it.
Today something that touched my life very deeply is that my brother drove over an hour to see me for less than 30 minutes, I offer to buy him a camera for his computer so we can see each other and communicate on Skype when I'm in North Carolina and before I get home from our friends house he has bought the camera, and signed up for Skype. Maybe it doesn't sound like a lot to you but you should be lucky enough to know my brother.

So I could go on forever, because my heart is so filled up with Hope and joy. but I'll spare you. I leave you with, just this: "Look INSIDE yourself for happiness as it is the only place you will truly find it, be true to yourself and your dreams and most importantly be true to those who TRULY love you, and they are not always those that you think".
This post is dedicated to my brother Eric. I love you and I thank you for ALWAYS keeping me grounded and most of all for your unconditional love.
May "Skype" be with us!!! OK and The FORCE TOO!!!

CHICAGO MARATHON...HERE I COME!

2009-06-12T09:19:00.002-04:00

Week One of my Chicago Marathon training is well underway. So far I've run 24 miles over 4 days and I'm already exhausted. I think I'll take today off from running as I have so much to do to get ready for our busy Milestones Jewelry weekend. We have 2 events tonight(Friday). Christine is working the "Adventure Island Picnic run" in Tampa and I'm working the "Taphouse 5K" in Oldsmar. (I think I got the better gig, the winners get a beer mug shaped like a boot that they wear around their neck and refill with beer until it's all gone). Not a bad gig for a Friday night. And then tomorrow we have package pickup expo for the Dunedin Triathlon and the Sunday morning we'll be working the Dunedin Tri. Whew, I'm tired already.
I normally do my long run for the week on Sunday morning but we have to get up at 4:00 am to leave for the Triathlon. So I think I'll get up tomorrow morning and do my 12 mile long run then. I'll still be short on my miles for the week. Dang!!
Well all is going well, doing a lot of packaging for my move to North Carolina, but frankly I can't wait to get out of this heat. It's hot up there too right now but the humidity is around 45% not 105% like here :-). Well I guess I'll get it all done somehow.
Gotta run,
Take care! My quote for today I saw on a church billboard while I was running. "ASPIRE TO INSPIRE BEFORE YOU EXPIRE"
Don't forget Milestones Jewelry has some great gift ideas for your family and friends Birthdays, and to commemorate their racing events. check out all the great jewelry ideas at milestonesporstsjewelry.com
In health,
Melody

MADDOG Triathlong leaves me DOG tired but happy!!

2009-06-02T14:56:00.006-04:00

READY,SET, SHOP!!Milestones Jewelry on line shopping is up and running!!! :-) FINALLY!!
I hope you will check it out. We have something for everyone, from the walker, runner, triathlete as well as inspirational jewelry that everyone will love.
click on the link at the beginning of this post (Milestones Jewelry).

I'm So excited that our on line shopping website is FINALLY DONE. And I want to tell you about our weekend at the Maddog Triathlon this weekend. I had no idea, but from what they told me the Maddog Triathlon club is the biggest Triathlon club in the country. And let me tell you they put on a great event. Milestones Jewelry was one of the sponsors and vendors and we enjoyed great success. So many people expressed how much they loved our jewelry and proved it by making purchases to commemorate their own race and many bought presents for their friends and family. But as my headline says; it left me DOG tired. Me and my partner were on our feet 12 hours just on Saturday alone.
So now I'm concentrating on optimizing my website and getting my first E-newsletter designed and ready to go out to all the great folks who have signed up for our Milestones Jewelry E-mail club. If you'd like to sign up (and you'll want to because we'll be giving away great prizes, offering discounts and including articles and links you'll find very interesting and helpful. just log on to www.milestonessportsjewelry.com and you'll see the sign up box for our E-mail Club on the left side of the home page site.
Well gotta run, it's Tuesday and that can only mean one thing......SPEED WORK AT THE TRACK!!!
Stay tuned.....Chicago marathon 18 week training program starts next Monday and only 29 days before I move to North Carolina. The next 29 days should be interesting. Quote for the day:
Days are scrolls: write on them only what you want remembered.
-Bchya Ibn Pakuda

Milestones Jewelry website is up and RUNNING! GO SHOPPING NOW!

2009-05-28T11:52:00.006-04:00

YEAH!!! I thought we'd never get here....but the Milestones Jewelry website is up and running. check us out at milestonessportsjewelry.com I hope everyone will go on and check it out. It's so exciting. It's been so much more work than I ever imagined but I know it will be worth it. It will continue to be a work in progress as we replace some pictures with better ones and replace some products that we have recently designed but not posted. Any suggestions are welcomed. We have an E-Mailer going out as soon as I can finish designing it and I hope you will sign up for the e-mail club when you log on to our website. Each month we will be offer discounts, interesting articles, race news as well as a chance to win great prizes. Well I gotta run for now. Still work to do on website and E-mailer. Plus we have a huge 3 day event this weekend, the Maddog Triathlon. I'm looking forward to meeting some more cool athletes and hopefully making lots of sales. And of course I'll eagerly be awaiting our first official website order:-) Who will it be?
Stay tuned. Monday I'll have a full report of Maddog and hopefully news on my first website order.
Thanks for coming along for the ride with me. Now we're really gonna have some fun!!!
Melody

NO ONE TOLD ME..........

2009-05-23T15:47:00.005-04:00

OK, No one told me how hard it would be to start my own business or how exhilarating it would be either. No one told me that when you work for yourself you rarely know what day it is.
It's Saturday and I just found out it's Memorial day weekend. Are you kidding? I can't take off on Monday, too much to do. No one told me that when I was pitched this big curve ball that I'd step up to the plate, take my stance, choke up on the bat and prepare to "hit it out of the park". OK, I haven't actually made contact with the ball yet, but I can smell it coming at me. I can smell the dust that the ball and bat striking right in the sweet spot will create. OK, I'm getting a little carried away.
But my website is painfully close to going live, and I'm so close to my BIG move to the mountains of North Carolina. AND least we forget; painfully close to my OFFICIAL Chicago marathon training program. My coach says I'll be more than ready with all hill work outs but I am always paranoid that I'll get injured. My knee kept me from running on Friday and today it was 100% great. who knows. age I guess:-)
Next weekend we have a big 3 day event in Madeira Beach,FL, The MADDOG Triathlon. I love that name. They are a huge Tri club in the area. So stay tuned for our story on that next week.
Sense my last post I've been super busy with the business, ordering, doing the website, designing Jewelry and Marketing. I am wondering how I got up every morning for 30 years, Monday-Friday, got showered and dressed, drove 40 minutes to work to sit in a cubicle and call on clients in other cities and states, write meaningless reports and have some one do roll call to make sure I was in my seat at 8:30am and 5:30pm. Really what year is this? As hard as I am working, and how I worry sometimes, I can not believe I didn't do this sooner. I have never been happier, (I have my moments) But this is what life should be about. I run and workout when I feel like it and work the rest of the day until dinner, sometimes fix dinner and then work again.
I could have never done it without the support of my husband, family and friends. I love you all.
Stayed tuned for quite a bit of adventure in the next months as my website launches, I move to North Carolina, and make contact with that fast pitch coming my way.
Watch out world..........I love home runs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but I'll take a base hit for now if I have to.
Keep on pushing yourself to do whatever you have dreamed~~

Milestones ROCKED "Danskins SheROX"

2009-05-11T14:38:00.002-04:00

WOW!! What more can I say, other than we ROCKED IT!! SheROX ROCKS!! What a great event and Expo for us. This event had all the elements perfect for Milestones Jewelry to really shine.
2200 ALL FEMALE triathlon participants with lots of first timers. Plus every participant was required to come to the expo to rack their bikes for the next mornings triathlon. Other than having 2 other Jewelry vendors there, all the elements were perfect. The race director and expo coordinator were fantastic and a pleasure to work with. Thanks Erin and Mr. "Z".
We set record sales numbers and I know I say it every time; but it's so true, we met so many nice people who are so passionate about their sport. Girls, keep up the great work and I hope to see many of you again at our upcoming events. Next weekend we are at the US Secret Service 5K race in Tampa, FL. Join us if you can. AND THE BIG NEWS............the on line shopping on our website is really, really close to being up and running. I can't wait!!!!
Well, I've got tons of things to do to get ready for our next events and btw, my training for the Chicago Marathon officially starts June 1. I was sick most of last week and exhausted yesterday, so I missed my long run. Christine and I are going to try and sweat out 9 miles today if we can.
I've got to get back in my grove on my mileage. We'll see what this week holds, but if I can stay healthy I should have a nice base going into my marathon training schedule.
keep on running, biking and swimming. See you on the road to a healthy life.
Melody

COOL NEW SET UP FOR MILESTONES JEWELRY

2009-05-03T12:48:00.002-04:00

Well, Milestones is looking better and better. We have a new set up with double banners and a nice E-Z pop up tent. The tent wasn't really that E-Z to set up but we figured it out.
We had a good day at the May Classic 5K in Hyde Park, Tampa on Saturday. Again, we met tons of nice people who all seemed to love our line of running and endurance sports jewelry.
We are gearing up for this weekends "Danskins SheROX" all woman's triathlon in Orlando.
It's our first big paid expo and we are super nervous. We have the expense of the expo entry, hotel for one night, gasoline, food, etc. We need a really good day on Saturday just to break even. But I know we will make some good contacts and it's great exposure for us. So stay tuned for the outcome on that one.
Check out the picture of our new set up!!!
Also our website is coming along. I can't wait until that is up and running.
and speaking of running; I haven't done much this past week. I ran on Monday and Tuesday and had great runs, then Wednesday I came down with this horrible flu. Hope it's not the swine flu. :-(
I'm going to the Dr. tomorrow to make sure and to get some meds. I need to get back on the road running. I don't want to lose my fitness level. I need to be strong going into my Chicago marathon training that starts June 1st. Which just happens to be the same day I'm moving to North Carolina. Yes, I'm moving but our business will remain here in Florida with my partner, Christine. She will continue doing shows in Florida. I'll be flying down for the bigger shows to help her out. Then I plan on setting up some shows and expos in the SW North Carolina area and of course managing the website. I'll keep you posted on the move and my Chicago marathon training.
Have a great week and I'll check back in after SheROX.
Melody

FREE AT LAST FROM THE CORPORATE WORLD

2009-04-30T10:25:00.002-04:00

Well Tuesday was my first day in 30 years that I didn't get up and go to my traditional radio sales job. It's time to move into the next phase of my life, I am so excited and so nervous. Talk about totally stepping out of your comfort zone. But this will give me the time I need to devote to Milestones Jewelry, packing up to move to Murphy NC, and training for the Chicago Marathon.
I certainly have plenty to keep me busy.
Milestones is really going well, we had a small event last weekend at Innisbrook resort and it was great. This weekend we are looking forward to The May classic, one of the biggest 5K's in the area from what I hear. and then next weekend we have our first really big time expo, "Danskins SheROX"; an all women's triathlon (2200 participants). We had to pay a hefty fee to be at the expo but I think we will do great.
Other exciting news: Our photos are all complete and my webmaster has uploaded them along with descriptions to our official website. So the website is really moving along now. I'm not sure when it will be complete but I'm thinking in a week. I'll be sure to e-mail everyone to let you know.
Well I am really sick today, hope it's not the swine flu, I think I'll go to the walk in clinic just to be safe. My Doctor is out of town until Monday and my insurance ends tomorrow.
So I'm bummed out that I couldn't run yesterday or today. I did have 2 nice runs so far this week, on Monday I did 6 miles and Tuesday I did 5. I'm hoping I'll feel better in the morning and can get in at least 3-4 miles. we are working the May Classic race on Saturday so no run that day but should be able to do a long run with Christine on Sunday. We only have a few more long runs together and then I'll be running solo in the mountains of North Carolina.
I will miss running with her a bunch.
well gotta run........lots to do and got to get to the Dr.
Have a great day.
Oh I just have to tell you what my long time childhood friend wrote on my face book in response to me leaving my radio job and moving to NC and starting a new business,
he wrote, "Melody, life is not a 100 yard dash. Bless you on your "marathon" in life! Here's wishing you a "personal best" in your journey".
How cool is that. I am lucky to have such great friend and family.

GREAT FAMILIES I'VE MET AT RACES & EXPOS

2009-04-22T09:23:00.004-04:00

First let me say that an update on this blog is way overdue. But here it is. My running has not been as consistant the last few weeks as I would have liked. But I think I'm back on track. Monday I logged 7 unexpected miles, by that I mean I planned on running 4 miles but decided to take a run down memory lane and go by my house that I sold last October, so the trip was a little longer than planned. Yesterday I did my weekly track work out with my running club, a tough one, 1200's with 4 minute rest and repeat with warm up and cool down 5 miles total.
And now to my main topic; GREAT FAMILIES I've met at Races and Expo for Milestones Jewelry. The picture of the cute little girl modeling her Milestones bracelet purchase is 6 year old, Cate McWilliam. Her mom Cassie was the women's overall winner at the recent Escape from Ft. Desoto triathlon. Her Dad bought her mom a custom present that I can't talk about until after mother's day. They are from Rye, NY and are a family that embraces fitness together.
Secondly you'll see the "Family of Triathletes" as described by 13 year old Kyra Sweeney from New Port Richey, FL. Her entire family runs and competes in Triathlons almost weekly. Dan and Lynn Shannon deserve a gold star for the way they are raising their daughters; Shannon (11) and Kyra. These little ladies are two of the most polite, well-spoken children I've met in a long time. Seeing families like this who all exercise together is heart warming and gives me hope that others will hear about it and adopt their lifestyles as their own.
I must also mention the Cancello family, I met Jenny at the Armadillo 5K run in Oldsmar, FL in March, she told me about her 3 daughters who were swimmers. I later had the pleasure of meeting the very polite, sweet and Athletic daughters and Jenny's super thoughtful husband, who surprised her with a purchase of a cool 26.2 gold & crystal anklet. The Cancello family is another example of a family that races and exercises together and who are setting a great example for others to follow. Last but not least the McCann family is another shining star in this category, Chuck, Pam and son Hunter, are all fierce race competitors. They consistently win or place high in their age category. But I admire them most for the way they conduct themselves as a family. Fitness is so important in so many ways. It's just been amazing for me to meet these people and get to know them. I say; keep up the good work! and I challenge others to follow their example. If you know of other exceptional families or individuals please post them on this blog for all of us to admire.
Keep on running!!!!
"Running is a gift I give myself almost everyday. Even on those days when things haven't gone great, I can come home and give myself the accomplishment of a 30 minute or more run".

MOVING AT LIGHTNING SPEED

2009-04-09T09:35:00.002-04:00

WOW, what a ride I've gotten on. Things with Milestones Jewelry are moving at Lightning speed. I can barely keep up. Who knew that little 26.2 rope anklet I made to commemorate my first marathon would turn into this. But it's all great. I'm trying not to stress out too much. But that's not really my personality :-). We have 3 races we are working this weekend. Me and Christine are splitting up, "Divide and Conquer" on Saturday. We are double booked, but I'm not complaining. Today is my 49th Birthday as well. So much going on.
Last weekend Christine and I did the 10K Iron Girl and I set another PR (for non runners, that's a "personal record"). That's one of the things I love about the sport of running. At my level you are really only competing with yourself.
So I'm moving fast (for me) on the race track, and Fast in getting Milestones Business on the road to big things.
We worked on our website yesterday with our webmaster and it's going to totally rock when it's done. The photos of the Jewelry are turning out to be much more of a challenge than we ever dreamed of, seems photographing Jewelry is one of the most difficult type of photography. But we have a great guy doing the work and what we have seen so far it FANTASTIC.
I just can't wait until the site is up for shopping so everyone can see our Jewelry Designs.
Well, as I said it's a super busy weekend for me so I better run. I will try to keep this blog more updated in the future. Please sign in and comment if you can.
Until Next time, Keep that "Relentless forward motion"!!!!
Melody

The Armadillo's were SWEET to Milestones Jewelry

2009-03-23T20:01:00.004-04:00

And I thought this past weekends race was going to be a dud as far as sales go.............WRONG AGAIN!! The Armadillo 5K and 1 mile fun run was our best race so far. The crowd was great and the race directors FANTASTIC, thanks so much to Jason and Colleen. There were only two vendors, us and a new energy drink. There were around 600 runners and they LOVED our Jewelry. In one of my past post I expressed concern that the economy might hurt sales of our higher end Swarovski Crystal line but those were the biggest sellers this weekend. We met some of the nicest people. But then runners are always the best, especially when they are on their endorphin overdrive after completing a race. So we finally got a super great one under our belt. We have two races this weekend, "The Chasco Challenge" on Saturday in New Port Richey and "Max Bayne" on Sunday at Ft. Desoto, FL. That one is a 10 miler and 5K. I have my photo shoot for my Jewelry for the website this Thursday and then it's off to the races to get my on line shopping and website up and running.
Christine and I did our long run this past Sunday; 10 miles. I took today off to do business and recover from my aching ankle. But tomorrow I'll do my scheduled 5 miles and then hopefully have a very strong week of running. Only 2 weeks until the 10K Iron Girl and then I turn 49 on April 9th. Geez...where do the years go? I'll be celebrating my birthday by working our first Triathlon expo at Bill Jackson's sporting goods in St. Petersburg. We are out and about almost every week; some weekends Christine has us booked for 3 events. Well you just gotta pound the pavement when you are launching a new business.
Thanks for tuning in.....
Gotta Run,
Melody

George W. Bush was in my Neighborhood last night

2009-03-20T14:00:00.003-04:00

OMG........ I went out for a short run last night. I was still sore from running 300's at track on Tuesday and decided to run a short 4 mile route in my neighborhood instead of my beach run. Near the end of my run I saw a few cop cars, men in black suits, & cell phones at a really nice house on my street. I assumed they were having a big party. There were 2 cop cars and cones blocking the street I wanted to turn on to but I assumed again that they were just trying to keep cars out not people. When I tried to make the turn they yelled that it was a secure area and I'd have to go the other way. I then said "Dude you are ruining my running route" (with a smile of course). Then I see a big TV camera and a reporter approach me to see if she could ask me a few questions. Long story short they did a short interview with me and and shot some B roll of me running. I looked like a total dork :-) So I was on the ABC affiliates 11 o'clock newscast. They lead with "Melody Tabman gets her workout interrupted by the George W. Bush".
so funny!!!
Anyway, Milestones Jewelry has a race this weekend called the Armadillo run 5K that we are displaying and hopefully selling our Jewelry line. I've gotten 2 e-mails and a phone call today from people who saw us at past expos and want to purchase more Jewelry. YEAH!!
I'll let you know how this weekend goes with the sales, since it's not a traditional expo I don't have too high of hopes. But right now we are just looking for all the exposure we can get and make all the connections we can make. It's a lot of hard work right now. But I feel confident that it will all pay off.
The next race I'm running is the 10K Iron Girl in Clearwater, FL and I'm registered for the Chicago Marathon, October 11th. Anyone run Chicago before, any advice??
Well, Gotta run,
Melody

MILESTONES JEWELRY is up and runnning!!!

2009-03-18T11:25:00.003-04:00

Well we had a great race expo last weekend for the Bay to Bay 5K and 15K race. The Jewelry sales went great and everyone really seemed to love our unique running and endurance bracelets, anklets and earrings. We also had inspirational book markers and key chains that were very popular. We even got a few custom orders. YEAH!!!
I have been feverishly working on my website (still no shopping on it) but it does list our upcoming races and expos that we will be selling at. This weekend we have the Armadillo 5k in Oldsmar, FL and next weekend is Max Bayne 10 mile and 5K in Ft. Desoto, FL. If you would like to see a full listing of our confirmed upcoming events go to http://www.milestonesjewelryonline.com/
and book mark the page. soon you'll be able to shop on line.
This business is a lot harder and much more work than I thought. Doing quick books (well my husband Stu is really doing that but I'm trying to learn), ordering banners, table cloths, business cards, searching for the cheapest places to order inventory, doing inventory, designing and making Jewelry and so much more. whew..........it's tiring but very exciting. I know it will take some time to make money at this. But we are doing some great networking, and meeting some unbelievable people.
The last two weeks my running has taken a back seat to the business but I am back on track this week. Me and my partner Christine ran track (speed work)last night and I'm planning on running all 6 days and taking off Saturday for the race expo.
So for now things are going well and I'm very hopeful that my running and my new business adventure will continue to blossom and improve.
It seems people are buying more of the simple jewelry, silver and the inspirational bracelets made of quartz. Do you think the Swarovski is too fancy for runners and triathletes??
Take a look at the pictures below and weigh in on what you like. Soon I'll have some much better pictures of the Jewelry and I'd love your feed back.

For now I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

"THE OBSESSION WITH RUNNING IS REALLY AN OBSESSION WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR MORE AND MORE LIFE"

Starting a new biz from the love of Running and Jewelry

2009-03-03T16:34:00.004-05:00

This is the beginning of a new business originated from two old passions; running and Arts & Crafts! Running has been a passion of mine since my Papa read Jim Fixx’s book; "The complete book of running". He took up the sport and I joined him. So from my passion for Art & Crafts, (I get that from my mother, the artist)I've now found a super cool way to incorporate these two loves; in "Milestones Jewelry". Milestones Jewelry is a new line of inspirational running and race themed jewelry designed for athletes of all levels, from the first time racer to the seasoned marathon runner! This unique collection of one of a kind, hand crafted Jewelry features "Milestone" charms for 5K, 10K, half marathons and marathons. Runners of all ages now have the opportunity to commemorate their special race with beautiful Jewelry that truly captures the essence of the race.
Milestones Jewelry uses only the finest quality materials including Swarovski crystals and sterling silver. Our products are made for runners by runners. Milestones Jewelry was founded on the love of running, racing and inspiration…and a need for jewelry to commemorate racing achievements!
This blog is intended to chronicle what I hope will be a successful business and about me personally as a runner and new business owner. I will share my successes and my failures (which I’m sure I’ll learn much from).
So enjoy and please contribute as much as you can.