Back At It with a Spirit Stick

Well it’s been almost a whole year since I have posted on here. A lot has happened in a year. Moved to Florida, moved back from Florida, experienced my first hurricane, ran a marathon, ran a Nautical 10 miler, turned another year older, set some goals, smashed some goals, failed some goals however amongst all that, life has gone on and it’s been getting crazier and crazier but today my whole post is focused on one thing and one thing only. The Spirit Stick.
Yes that’s correct, as a sport momma you know that I have to purchase all the pictures that are extremely over priced and never ever turn out well. Well for my precious son, I had the order option of getting a “Spirit Stick”. I thought to myself, oh this will be great, I can bring it to games to cheer him on, he will be all in his football gear with his number and I’ll be there yelling for him waving my “Spirit Stick” around and it will be perfect.
That is not the case folks. What I received was his head, giant sized on a paint stick of sorts. It’s super creepy and he looks a bit demonic. So this is my PSA, DO NOT ORDER THE SPIRIT STICK. The spirit part is demonic and the stick is a paint stirring stick. You’re welcome for saving you the additional 20.00 on that 400.00 picture order. I’m not quite for sure what to do with this “Spirit Stick” but it has already been used to scare the ever living daylights out of me twice already 😬

Aloha Days 1&2

My first whole full day on the island was like a dream come true, well of course after I got rid of my headache from flying!!

 I spent the day wrapped in contentment and relaxation. The beach was warm, the waves were loud in the most soothing tone, the cool breeze and sun on my skin never felt so refreshing. Walking down the beach listening to the sounds surrounding me was like a step back in time to a place that felt so familiar but so new at the same time. I took a journal with me, I haven’t journaled in years but I though well maybe… and these were the words that were penned that evening after I had settled in before bed….

A reacquaintance of old and new. Memories from the past bridge to new memories being made. A connection, unexplainable but perfect. A connection from long ago embracing a connection current. The most pleasant of reunions. Everything fits perfectly as it once was. A soul connection finding it’s home again.

I quickly fell right into step with island time which was central time – five hours. I did get my 2:30am calls from the kids getting ready for school and I welcomed them even though a bit sleepy.

My second day I awoke and headed to the beach for some sun rise yoga. It was quiet and still except for the sand crabs that would scurry in and out of their holes while I was enjoying my practice. One of the most beautiful sights to ever wake to was to see the first rays of light hit the water and the waves dance under it. Then the color explosion as the light would flood in and the blues and greens would intermingle and the gray and blue of the sky would be broken up by the brightness of the sun. It was amazing to be able to take that all in, all alone, in the silence of a new day.

My Yoga Buddy

Instead of hanging around the cabin and Bellows today a trip was taken to the North Shore. It was very interesting to take in all the scenery that the island had to offer. I traveled through little communities with islanders out and about, through what I would have considered “island countryside” and of course mile after mile of gorgeous beach views and tourist hot spots. I also had the yummiest banana Slurpee from 7/11. It tasted just like a banana laffy taffy. While this may seem unimportant to some, THERE ARE NO 7/11s in Central Illinois!!!!

Kokololio Beach

Kualoa Ranch

China mans hat

After returning from my little trip I fell right back into the relaxation of just being there. I always would head to the beach before the sun set to catch the last warmth of it as it faded in the distance and darkness would set in. I do believe that the only other thing more relaxing as a morning beach sunrise, is a still dark starlit sky sparkling above the ocean at night with the mountains as a backdrop. Absolutely breathtaking.

Up Next…..Five miles and 2000 feet

Hawaiian Days

While it has been a whole month since my first day in Hawai’i it feels as if on some levels it was so long ago and on others it was just last week. While I have gotten to tell of my Hawaiian adventure to some I thought I would share it on here just in case you’ve missed it. So here it is day by day.

Monday April 3^rd 12:01am. Yes that is 12:01am. I thought for the sake of saving some money that it would be a wise decision to fly out from St. Louis instead of Peoria. So my adventure began in the early morning hours of the 3^rd by packing up and driving three hours to the St. Louis Airport. My first flight was to Salt Lake City with a 5:40 departure time so I was determined to get there by 3:00 to check in like a diligent traveler. As I pulled into the airport, parked in long term parking, grabbed the shuttle and headed to the main terminal building I was so ecstatic to get this trip started. As I went in with my lovely luggage to the Delta counter, no one was there. No one was even in the area of the counter, it was dark, lonely and silent. As I sat there it then occurred to me after some investigation that the Delta counter did not even open until 5:00. WHAT THE HECK!!! I could have slept for two more hours!!!

After the counter opened and we boarded the flight off we went.  I need to tell you that I hate flying. I absolutely cannot stand it. I had a really good window seat and there was a seat between me and the man on the isle so I was thinking that this was going to be a smooth flight. And it was for about a half an hour. Then turbulence started to happen. I hate turbulence and I hate flying!!! I am starting the sweat profusely and am having visions on the aircraft splitting in half and my heart is racing as I am white knuckling the armrests and I look over and the man in my row is just sitting there. Cool as a cucumber. He then looks at me and says “I fly all the time this is nothing.” So lesson learned, if he wasn’t freaking then I am not going to freak. Then all of the sudden, his coffee cup, empty thank goodness, flew across the row and he looked a bit freaked out as it literally felt like we were flying sideways. I was seriously looking in the behind the seat storage for the barf bag and trying not to pee my pants at the same time. After it calmed down I was able to compose myself just a bit but I was so thankful to land and have a couple hour layover in Salt Lake City.

Relaxing safely on the ground in Salt Lake City

After a few hours of calmness it was time to board again and get to the Island. This time I was seated next to a man named Doug who was employed by Brigham Young University. Since this was a long flight I decided now would be a great time to take a sleeping pill and crash out for a couple of hours. Doug was kind enough to offer me his pillow as he wasn’t going to use it. I should also tell you how I got to know Doug’s name. As I was getting into my seat I had my purse which is a crossbody and I was wearing a longer necklace and I bent down to put my purse under the seat in front of me and get my seatbelt on my necklace got tangled in my purse strap almost choked myself. Doug was kind enough to lend a hand and unclasped my necklace freeing me from almost certain death!!!! After that I felt a bit obligated to introduce myself.

So Doug and I got all settled back in, me taking my sleeping pill, him reading a book and off we went.  After a bit I started to feel the effects of the sleeping pill and I was excited to fall asleep and wake up closer to the island. Off to sleepy land I went.

I woke up and hurriedly checked the on screen flight information and wouldn't

you know. I had slept for exactly a half an hour. A half an hour of a seven hour flight. So now what to do.

So, I put in my earbuds and thought well if I listen to some music maybe I can fall back asleep. After about an hour I gave up thinking this whole sleep thing was just not going to happen. Thank goodness for the TV’s on long flights. I decided to watch Hacksaw Ridge. This was supposed to be a date night movie way back when it came out but we all know how that goes. So I began watching this movie and I was sucked in. It was amazing. I did have to apologize to Doug occasionally for jumping and screaming because I am a huge wuss when it comes to surprise moments in movies!!!!

After about six and half hours I looked out my window and saw it. The most beautiful sight I have ever seen. Water so blue and mountains so green. Every shade of both in perfect unison as the waves were rolling inward toward this marvelous landscape called Oahu.

As we were circling for a bit I had such a hard time believing my eyes. I was captured at that very moment even before I stepped foot on the island.

After disembarking the airplane, getting my luggage, and saying goodbye to Doug I headed out to catch the shuttle taking me to my rental car company. The Hawaiian heat on my skin was one of the most amazing feelings ever.  I was waiting there with several others. A couple shuttles had passed for numerous companies but mine never showed up. So here I am with my cute luggage, feeling stranded at the Honolulu Airport wondering what in the world is going on. Of course, my kids are calling from home because it’s already eight o clock there so they are trying to go to bed and I’m trying to get to my freaking car place, it was a wee bit stressful at this moment. So another family waiting for the same company placed a call and about 20 minutes later we were on our way to the rental car company.

After I finally get my rental car, which was definitely a budget rental car, I decided I would head over the NEX (Navy Exchange) and grab some essentials for my beach cabin. I pulled up to the NEX and its like a choir opened up singing. It was the biggest and most beautiful NEX ever ( I know, a bit lame but hey it’s the little things). So into the commissary I went. I was cruising along getting produce then as I was approaching the bananas a very nice marine started up a conversation with me about bananas and other fruits, and inquiring as to my visit, and how long I was planning on being there and blah blah blah. So I quickly got out of that convo, checked out and was ready to finally head to Bellows.

After a hot minute I was on the highway, during rush hour after work traffic, and I wasn’t feeling all that positive that this was in fact the same island I saw from the sky.

I was driving on the H1 heading to the H3 in quite a lot of traffic. After getting on the H3 traffic finally thinned out and the scenery was pretty. As I was quite aways out I went through the Tetsu Tunnel and then there it was. The beautiful scenery I saw from the sky. Lush green mountains against blue skies with white clouds and looking down into the valley there was the green and blue ocean stretching for as far as the eye could see. This was so breathtaking it actually brought a few tears to my eyes and a peacefulness to my soul I cannot even explain.

Bellows Beach

So on my trek to Bellows it would not have been an adventure had my trusty SIRI got me there with no issues. Instead he got me lost by trying to send me through an old abandoned gate on a shady road in a little town that I had no idea about. After looking at the map I finally figured out where the actual entrance was for the road I needed. I kept glancing at my map because all I could see was ocean on my phone but I couldn’t see it in front of me so I was getting a bit impatient and then all of the sudden after a mile on this curvy road I turned the corner and there she was in all her glory. The bluest of all blues against tan sand with palm trees abound. My heart was stolen forever in that very moment.

After a wrong turn or three or so I finally found the place for me to check in and get my cabin.

As soon as I pulled in I decided to forgo the cabin and went directly to the beach. It was there, on the warm sand listening to the waves crash that my soul was at home. A restful all-encompassing Aloha Spirit consumed me like a fire. I knew at that moment ever leaving this place was going to be one of the most difficult things I was ever going to have to do.

Bellows Mountain View

The sound that captures my soul

I went back and got settled into my cabin. I use the word cabin lightly as I believe my housing used to be officer quarters from way back when. It was the most peaceful place though. I got to go to bed that night with all my windows welcoming the cool tradewind breezes as my curtain shears floated into the air and to the lullaby of the ocean as she lapped against the sandy shore.

Bellows Beach

Up Next….The most relaxing day of my life!!!!

Dirty Girl

After visiting Chattanooga the following weekend my girlfriend Shannon and I went on a little adventure to Kenosha Wisconsin to get a little dirty.
The Dirty Girl 5k obstacle coarse was next on the list of adventures.
Of course we turned it into a girls weekend with lots of laughs, a night out dancing and a mechanical bull ride!!!














The race itself was a bit more of adventure than I think I was prepared for.
The whole getting dirty part wasn't the issue, I can get muddy with the best however, I failed to take a look at the obstacles we were to take on.
It all started out very nice with the obligatory party at the starting line with music and a Zumba type warm up. After the gun went off we dashed into the forest and came upon our first obstacle the inflatable tire trap. We ran right through them with little ease then onto the next one. An inflatable pool of sorts filled with mud and water with cargo netting to crawl under and make sure we got really muddy and dirty. This was the first of many on the course that day.
After about four muddy obstacles the running part of the run had come to a halt. Our shoes were about five pounds heavier than when we had started and were clumped with grass from the fields we were running through. So our run turned into an obstacle walk/jog.
Everything was going great until we came upon the cargo net climb.
This net obstacle was your standard cargo net that was draped over a couple metal poles heading upward then across the top of a meatal frame leading to a twenty foot fireman pole to slide down and finish the obstacle.
I started climbing up the net with no problem at all. I got to the top of the pole to start across the top and that is where I froze.
I was twenty feet off the ground, needing to cross on cargo rope netting to the pole and I completely freaked out.
In case you didn't know, I AM AFRAID OF HEIGHTS!!!!!
The rope itself was slippery and the footing holes were very wide and I was panicking.

After taking what seemed a lifetime to get across here I stood at the top of this muddy wet pole I was supposed to slide down. Again I froze.
There were some sweet ladies who handed me an old shirt to wipe the
pole off with so I wouldn't slide right off it, still this did not ease my panic.
Finally on the other end of the pole was a very nice firefighterish
 man standing below me and he uttered the words
"grab on tight, squeeze your thighs around it, slide down slowly and I promise I will catch you."
Well, I headed his advice on the promise that he would indeed catch me if I fell and down I went.
I landed down the pole, my legs were shaking, my heart was pounding but I did it!!!
We continued to the other obstacles which included a fire pit jump, a couple more mud baths, a very large inflatable slide, and finally a balance beam with large balls swinging about.
Other than the afraid of heights frozen moment we had such a great time and will most likely be returning this year.

Up Next......MO' Cowbell Half Marathon Adventure

From Comfort Zone Captain to Conductor of the Crazy Train

Last week I posted a picture of a list of races that I anticipate participating in this year. While I posted this with excitement and as an invitation to other runners who may want to join me I received some negative feedback and have been mulling over a response to it ever since. The negativity that surrounded the response questioned me as to why I would travel to these places and drag my family with me. After the hurt had subsided and the anger had gone, this is my response. Be forewarned it is long but definitely worth the read.

For the last fourteen years of my life my husband and I have been together. Right before we got married in May 2004 I left my military career behind, my career which I absolutely loved, at the advice of my husband. We had planned on someday having a family and we didn’t want to take the chance of both of us being deployed at the same time. This was a very smart move in hindsight because very soon after we were married we found out I was pregnant with our first child.

The years went on, the bedrooms of our home started to fill up with the sweet arrival of more children, our house became a home and I became Mrs. Fruendt. Mrs. Fruendt, the wife of Steve and the mother of three adoring kiddos.

Mrs. Fruendt was my comfort zone you see. The safe place where life was predictable everyday, adventure did not occur and joy was no where to be found. I never ventured far from my own front door and if I did I would return as soon as possible because this was my safe haven where nothing bad could occur and everything was sterile and sheltered.

Needless to say my soul was so full of restlessness and the transition from military to mom was never easy and I was at a breaking point. Then the chance of a lifetime came along that saved me and my family.

In April I went on a two and half week long trip to Africa. I visited Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda. While on the trip I saw so much suffering and heartbreak but among that I saw joy. True joy and happiness of people who had nothing, but loved with their whole hearts and made the best out of what they had. While I saw and experienced all of this outwardly it was the inward transformation happening in me that I brought home from that trip that has forever changed me.

While I was gone away from everything I knew, my comfort zone, I discovered I lost something so precious for so many years and I caught a glimpse of her while I was away, I had lost me. I became everything to everyone else and had forgotten to be true to myself along the way. While I enjoy the priviledge of being Mrs. Fruendt and a momma who loves her children ferociously, I lost Melissa along the way.

The girl I was, was lost among the laundry folding, car pooling, meal making, room parenting and the list goes on and on.

After returning I resolved to be Mrs. Melissa Spencer Fruendt, mom to three wonderful kiddos, wife to Steve, family comedian, gym fanatic, running superstar, world traveler and crazy train conductor.

We have had a lot of stops on the crazy train since I returned. Everyone has been completely out of my comfort zone and I have loved every single one. Here are just a few.

1.       I became a runner after years of trying and failing, showing my kiddos when one door closes, turn the handle and open it again, that’s how a door works.

DINFOS Ft. Meade MD

2.       I connected with dear friends from my past and visited a place so full of good and painful memories I had been avoiding it for eighteen years. Teaching my kids that your past has gotten you to where you are now, never forget it, the people, the happiness and the heartbreak. Embrace it and carry it with you while making a future.

Fumika Kayley Kate & Connor

    3. We hosted our dear Fumika from Japan. She was with us for four weeks and now has part of our heart with her in Japan. My kids learned to step outside of their comfort zone and give their heart to someone they knew would not be here but for a short while and even though we miss her every single day we know it was absolutely worth it.

4. I danced on the street on the North Shore in Chattanooga with the hubs while my kids were super embarrassed. Hopefully my kids learned that it is ok to be silly even when everyone is watching because it doesn’t matter what others think of you.

Vols Fan 4Ever!!

5.  I screamed out loud and jumped up and down when my Vols threw a hail Mary pass and defeated Georgia at a Missouri  BWW and fist pumped a man at another table who was cheering. My sweet Kate looked at me at said “Mom, you are an embarrassment”. Even though they may have been embarrassed hopefully they learned if you are fan of a team you give them your all no matter the circumstance or location.

My Crab from the BR

      6.  I drove 791 miles one way for a crab metal from the Baltimore Running Festival. Take away, when something catches your eye and your heart go after it.

My friend Rob, who I

had not seen in 18 years,

 and his girl Shana

on the singles cruise

     7.  I went on a singles cruise
accidentally, not being single and all, met some wonderful people and danced the night away with them. Conclusion, things aren’t always the way you think they will be, dance anyway.

8.       I became a Les Mills fitness instructor. Lesson, when an opportunity comes your way you think is the furthest from what you think you are capable of take it anyway.

9.       We snuck into Neyland Stadium after hours because of information given about a possibly open gate. Just to be clear there was a Christmas party going on so there was an actual event at the stadium we were just not on the guest list and they were in the sky boxes not on the field where we happened to find ourselvesJ My kids learned that sometimes adventure can be a little dicey and the lines can be a bit blurred as long as no one is in danger.

Neyland Stadium Home of my Vols

10.   I started “working” at two different area gyms. This lets my kids know that my first and for most priority is my home but when that is in proper working order it was time for this momma to step out for a bit after being home for so long. It was very scary at first but my kids saw me put fear aside and embrace faith that it would work out, for without fear there is no faith.

11.   I got a sweet tattoo after saying for years that I hated them and I would never do it. Take away, it’s ok to change your mind after years of thinking a certain way.

Fitting life verbiage

 

  

  

  

 

12.   I decided a week before a race that we were going to drive nine hours to Mississippi only to have the race iced out, almost got killed by a sliding semi while dropping the Sh** word in front of my kids, trying to drive south to New Orleans only to have a plot twist because the interstate was closed and then heading north to Memphis. A few lessons here, first be spontaneous because predictable can get boring. Second, sometimes we say things that we shouldn’t in bad situations and it’s ok. Lastly, life has plot twists all the time, just roll with them and change your direction.

This art hangs in my living room reminding my children that adventure is awaiting

 I want to leave a legacy of love and adventure for my children. I want them to chase their dreams because they have seen me chase mine with a passion. I want them to know that life is so much more than these four walls that make up our home. I want them to love adventure and never regret the chances they didn’t take. I have but a few of regrets in life and they hurt deeply because of missed opportunity but I never want that for my children. I want them to embrace life with fervor,  love with every ounce of their soul even if it means your soul will ache if it goes wrong in the end and passionately purse what sets their souls on fire. I want them to know without uncertainty that a tomorrow is never promised and today may be all that you are given and you live it as if. I want them to hold my hand if I am blessed enough to live a long life with them sharing their memories of stops on my crazy train and know that I inspired their own adventures.

Seriously Allergic to Running in the Cold, For Real

Another out of chronological order post but this is serious!!!
After about losing my freaking mind after not running outside since the beginning of the month I decided yesterday it would be good for my whole family if I would just brave the cold and go out for a run.
I put on my fleece running tights, long socks, UA base layer top and hat and began the search for the GPS satellite that links to my watch. I started my running jams, cranked them up and set off for a 5k.
Two miles in I was feeling really, really good so I decided that maybe I should make it a longer run. I was starting to warm up at around 2.5 miles so I continued on past my turn around and to another part of town increasing my mileage and finally ending with a 10k for the day. It felt amazing to be
back out on the pavement and getting some miles logged for the month.
After I stepped back into my house that fantastic feeling came to a screeching halt!!!!
I started taking off my wet running clothes and that's when it happened...
The itching started and then the big red dots started appearing all over my arms and face proceeding to head down and cover the rest of my body.

Revolting  rash on my shoulder

I yelled for Steve to come and take a look thinking that maybe I was just hallucinating because I had just put in a 10k after a long time of not running that far, no such luck, I had broken out in a rash with hives.
He then proceeded to ask me if I was having trouble breathing to which I responded, I am not quite for sure, I did just run further than I have in a while. He was not amused with my witty answer so he found me some drugs.
I took some children's Benadryl, because that's all we had. Now, I know to believe my kids when they say something tastes gross because that very well could have been the nastiest tasting medicine I have ever ingested. I then proceeded on with my shower and upon disembarking it had gotten worse.
After taking some time to assess the situation I came up with a conclusion.

I AM ALLERGIC TO RUNNING IN THE COLD FOR REAL!!

I tell the hubs every single day how very cold I am and how this weather is not conducive to living a healthy lifestyle and now I had proof. Proof of a big nasty rash that attacked me because my body was revolting from having to run in the cold. I don't think I need much more proof than this that for the very sake of my health I need a much warmer climate to do life in.
Also, just so you know, I ran a 5k today and guess what??? 
The rash came back!!!!

Red bumpy itchy hives on my arms :(

Running Chattanooga

Sunrise over the Tennessee River

Every year my family and I take a trip to Chattanooga Tennessee. The city is very outdoor friendly and the downtown area is beautiful. The Tennessee River runs directly through the downtown area and both sides are park like settings that offer different kinds if outdoor activities all year long.
It is a safe assumption to say that the city is very runner friendly.
Having just started running in June I had never ran the city before but I was so excited this trip to be able to run the three bridges that cross the river downtown.
Three times during the week I had the pleasure of watching the sun come up over the mountains and flood the valley with its beautiful morning haze and blue and pink skies. They were some of the most gorgeous sunrises I have ever seen.
The first morning I woke up early and drove downtown and then discovered the ire of being right on a time zone change line. I was so excited to run but I was waiting for the sun to come up so I didn't get kidnapped or trip on a curb etc.. After what seemed like and hour (15 minutes in reality) the sun finally started to come up and it was worth every second waited.

My first run was amazing. I ran over two of the three downtown bridges. My starting point was a bridge that is strictly for pedestrian traffic and I happened to be the only pedestrian on it that morning and that in itself was pretty astounding.
A couple miles into my run I was joined by other runners. I ran the city streets for the first time and just fell more in love with the city than I already had been. However, those moments of stillness and peacefulness all alone before the city woke up will always be one of my favorite running memories.

For my second run that week I ran the North Shore area. This area is considered the art district with small shops and an eclectic atmosphere. This area also includes Coolidge Park, a beautiful area with wide lit paths, great for running and a marshland project where I saw about a million turtles. After my run I decided the North Shore was the perfect yoga spot. My view of the Art Museum on the other side of the perfectly still water was breathtaking.

Yoga was going great, I was completely relaxed and flexible until I felt something on my foot only to look down and discover that I had indeed set up my mat right on an ant hill.

For my final run I decided that I needed to run the three bridges and finish at the Art Museum. What a fantastic run with a huge winding challenge at the end. I loved every single second of running Chattanooga. It is so scenic and relaxing.
When a city is built around embracing the outdoors and recreation everywhere you turn I don't think you could go wrong visiting there.
I cannot wait to head back for some more.