Live Out Loud - Ink & Changes

A little over a year ago I took an inventory of myself and decided it was time to reclaim my life. For 12 years I had been doing everything "right". Trying to run a business, be a mom, a wife and friend.

And I was dead inside. I had been making jewelry for 6 years at that point and finally had hired help. With the additional help I was able to breathe again.

During my kids' VBS week I decided to start running again after a 2 year break. And I wanted to train the way I've always dreamed about. I joined Weight Watchers and learned how to eat a reasonable amount of food in a day and finally lose the baby weight from my 8 year old "baby". I stopped filling myself with food and began to nourish my soul - and find ME again.

Those first few weeks I was happy to complete 2.5 miles. I would feel so good after and as the weight dropped off I was able to go longer and after a few months faster.

And then my world fell apart. I'll spare you the gory details but I cracked; my walls crumbled and through it all I ran.

Through all those miles the layers began to peel away. I sweated out my fears and anxiety - many miles I wept through but new dreams began to form. And old dreams reappeared and became attainable.

Sporty Girl Jewelry was born after several years as only www.hipmomjewelry.com. In February I had the opportunity to go to Africa to teach single moms a viable trade in jewelry making. Seeds were planted began to form new growth in my soul.

As I awoke from that 12 year hibernation I realized I no longer wanted to merely exist - but to live all out. So my year has been a little frenetic...

26.2? You bet. Go to Africa? Sure! A new tattoo? Why not?

And that brings me to the biggest news of all - Sporty Girl Jewelry and Hip Mom Jewelry have found a home together - in a real brick & mortar storefront. We officially opened for business yesterday. It is definitely a dream come true to have my own little piece of retail space. So if you are ever in Lawrence, KS, stop in and say howdy-do at Studio 163. 

What do you think of the new Live Out Loud & Free Charms? They will be added to the site in a couple days.

Has running or another sport helped you through hard times?

Has it helped you find courage for bold steps in life?

Today's Ride by the Numbers - & Animals

I can't help it -I'm the daughter of a farmer and a huge animal lover. Even though my kids are 13, 11 and 8 I still mentally point out every living thing I see. Everywhere.

Friends who ride or run with me quickly discover this trait as I'm pointing out every robin and bunny we see. Mentally I tally animals as I go along my routes and today was a pretty good day.

2 - Bunnies

6 - geese

1 - snapping turtle

1 - turkey

1 - duck

My favorite by far was the turkey and the duck. When I passed them they were sitting next to each other and chattering. The turkey vamoosed when I turned around to take their photo but they were so cute I couldn't resist.

Oh wait, that's not a praying mantis - that's me! Ha

So grateful for the chance to experience the sunrise and God's beautiful creation this morning.

Do you have any rides or runs planned this weekend?

Paging Dr. Google

*Warning - pity party ahead!*

Admit it - you know you do it too - spend hours googling your injuries or suspected injuries and playing sofa M.D. I have tried. Really tried. But yesterday I just couldn't keep a positive outlook. I spent hours researching my type of fracture and how long until I can return to running. I did not find one site that said I can start running now though. :(

As of yesterday I  can wear two shoes that happen to be the same but I still have 3-4 weeks until I can begin to run - walk. Part of me is scared to even start running again.

I've been biking and ellptical-ing and will add swimming back in after my tattoo heals. I'm considering trying deep water running a la Beth of SUAR too.

The truth is that I am just not me when I'm not running.

I want to read the current Runner's World so bad but each time I pick it up I get sad.

So my dear bloggie running friends, help me out of my pity party!


How much time do you spend with Dr. Google?

Do you make your kids help you with your blog posts?


Have you tried deep water running? Tips?



Date Night & Winner!

I'm just popping in for a moment to say congratulations to BitterHag Running! You are the winner of our new - and yet unnamed - necklace! Please email me at sportygirljewelry AT gmail DOT com to claim your prize.  If I could figure out how to post the random number generator on here I would. :(

On another note, I am celebrating 16 years of marriage to my imported hubby. Look how young we were - and how much hair he had!

We are off on an overnight date in the big city - our first since our 5 year anniversary. We've weathered a few storms and I can say today that we are stronger for it. He has encouraged me and stood beside me while I have pursued my dreams and I am so blessed to have him.

Happy weekend!

Recovery & the GIVEAWAY

Today I am officially one week into my stress fracture recovery. That means 1 more week in the shoe and then I can start walking. Who knew I would be so excited about walking? Today I used the elliptical at the gym for the very first time. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was able to get a good sweat on and while it wasn't the same as running - it wasn't too shabby either.

Toward the end of my workout this woman came and started running on the treadmill. I could see over her shoulder that she was running at a 5 and my first thought was "even she can run at a 5." But then that thought immediately changed to "I want to be her." When I have become that woman of a certain age, I still want to be running. So I will continue to swim, elliptical and bike. Then in a few more weeks I will walk and then run/walk. But when I am her age I will still.be.running.

Who doesn't need a little jewelry inspiration once in awhile? I know I do! So here's the giveaway!!

See this lovely silver number? See how sleek and stylish it is while still rockin' our runner girl and a distance? Here's your chance to WIN ONE! It's so brand new it's not even on the site yet.

One lucky winner will have one custom made. You will receive one necklace as shown, customized with any distance or even an inspirational word.

Here's how to enter:

*Comment below and tell me your favorite thing about running. (mandatory)

*Like us on Facebook (Extra entry - leave another comment)*Click Here!*

*Follow our blog (Extra entry - leave another comment)

*Link to the contest on your blog, tweet it or share it on facebook (Extra entries - leave comments)

Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday July 8th.

Stress Fracture & a Sneak Peek!

I know you're all jealous of my new peep-toe shoes.

The results are in and I do have a stress fracture.  2 weeks in this lovely shoe-boot and a few weeks after that before I can run. I think I pretty much went through all of the stages of grief in a few hour period. The good news is that after only 3 days in the shoe-boot  my foot feels better.  So I've done what I do best, I decided to make some jewelry. My family has refused to allow me to go out dressed like this:





Day after race - I look pretty tired!



So I decided to make something a little more socially acceptable than my race medal. The oval pendant has our signature runner girl and 26.2. The pendant can be customized with any distance, or even an inspirational word.

So what do you think?

Want one?!! Then check back on Tuesday for a GIVEAWAY!

Until then I will leave you with a teaser photo - look what else we've been up to!

Happy 4th & see you Tuesday!