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Thanks Giving October 31 2016

While November is the noted time for giving thanks, I believe gratitude is something we should concentrate on every day throughout every year.  Here are a few things for which I am constantly and consistently thankful.   I hope you will share yours.


Exercise Every Day August 27 2016

The first Monday in September is 'Labor Day', but studies show that laboring (aka: exercising) even a short time every day can make a lifetime of difference. 

Stuffed Cabbage July 29 2016

One of my favorite meals is stuffed cabbage.  An easy, yummy recipe to make the same great meal in a time-saving way.


Priorities July 29 2016

When did we stop making ourselves not only a priority, but one at the top of our lists?  Did we ever consider our own needs as being as important, if not more, than the needs of others?  Shouldn't we?

Mantras June 29 2016

How you speak to yourself directly influences how you feel about yourself.  Try using words to encourage, not discourage.  Here’s how to create meaningful mantras. 


Family Hummus Recipe May 30 2016

While hummus is en vogue now, it has been a staple in my mother's family as long as I can remember.  Chockful of tangy taste and healthy fats, this appetizing appetizer and sandwich spread is easy to make - my grandfather did it for years and my mom continues the tradition today... with one small change.  Click here to learn our family recipe.

Measuring Success April 28 2016 1 Comment

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word ‘success’ as: ‘The fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect or fame’.  But I think that word can have a much more personal meaning, which I contemplated over my very special 26.2 mile journey this past month.  Here's what I learned on what I deem to be quite a successful day.

Learn To Love Exercise January 19 2016

The other day, upon hearing I am a marathoner and triathlete, a friend of a friend asked me if I “loved” running and working out.  I don’t think she expected such a complicated answer...  Here’s how I learned to love what I do and how you may find the same adoration too.


New Year New Goals December 30 2015

The New Year is prime time for making resolutions, and setting goals focused on fitness are perennial favorites.  Now, making resolutions is one thing; keeping them is another.  A recent study shows that 98% of people who resolve to do something do not follow through.  Let’s be part of the 2% and make goals that stick.

Giving Thanks October 29 2015

While November is the noted time for giving thanks, I believe gratitude is something we should concentrate on every day throughout every year.  You can never say – or hear – ‘thank you’ enough, and that hit home for me on October 25th when I had the honor of running the 40th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC.  Here are things for which I am grateful – I hope you will share yours.


Lighten Up July 28 2015

Too often we are our own worst critics.  We remind ourselves of our faults rather than celebrate our triumphs, and that can be detrimental.  Don't let negative self-talk weigh you down - use your own words to lift your spirits.  Here are a few hows and whys to speaking nicely to ourselves. 


HappyBirthdayJWalkingDesigns July 14 2015 4 Comments

Today – July 15th – JWalking Designs turns 2!  And what an amazing ride it has been.


Perfect Travel Companion June 24 2015

Want a perfect traveling partner – one comfortable and fashionable for touring; washable and dryable overnight in hotel sinks; and foldable and lightweight to beat airline suitcase weigh restrictions?  Our JWalking Designs’ pocketed, patterned and plaid active skirts are just the thing! 


JWalking Designs Photo Contest June 24 2015

At JWalking Designs, we love celebrating the accomplishments of our amazing band of JWalkers and Kilted Warriors, and love sharing your feats of greatness with the world!  So, this summer, we are hosting our first ever ‘photo contest’! Submit your pictures to receive $10 off a future purchase (one per person) and be entered into a contest to win a free kilt/skirt/shirt of your choice! Email us your JWalking photos to - jwalkingphotos@gmail.com – and we look forward to showing them off in our future social media campaigns!


The Language of Movement May 18 2015

Studies show that people are more open to opening their minds while moving. The genius behind Apple, Steve Jobs, used to hold walking meetings with his second-in-command, Larry Ellison - they felt that walking while talking was productive time spent.  I found the same with my dad, even when it seemed as if we did not speak the same language.

Earth Friendly Fabric April 21 2015

What do plastic water bottles have to do with running kilts, skirts and shirts?  Would you be surprised to learn the answer is: “Everything”?

No Regrets April 16 2015 1 Comment

I came across this quote:

“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” (unknown)

Is there something you wished you did, but fear stopped you from taking that first step?  I have many and I am now making a vow not to let me pass on opportunities less they pass me by.


Stress Less March 19 2015

April is "National Stress Awareness Month" - the government asks us to take a critical look at how prolonged stress can adversely affect our health and well-being.  Since dwelling on the negative can be a source of tension, I choose to look towards positive actions we can take to regroup, release and relax.

March Forward February 13 2015

I've been feeling a little "stuck" lately. I can clearly see my goal, but I feel like I'm slogging through a river of mud to reach it. You too?

Getting 'unstuck' is as physical as it is mental, and I've found a few tips to keep us marching forward when times are tough.


Help Stop My Mind From Racing January 14 2015 1 Comment

I'm the type of person who is motivated by having something "in pen" on the calendar - a deadline, an event, a race date gets me to move.  Seeing that date approaching builds excitement, anticipation and, too often, stress. Many times, months in advance, my mind starts racing just thinking about all I need to do to accomplish that task. 

We spend so much time talking about how to perfectly prepare our bodies to race, but how do we train our brains NOT to? 

Friends December 30 2014

The legendary Joe Cocker said it best: "I get by with a little help from my friends."  True in life, and especially in regards to exercise!

I am extremely lucky to have found a great group of Workout Buddies!  They motivate me to move, even on an early Saturday morning, when leaving my comfy, toasty bed is the last thing I want.  

So, why should you enlist a "Pace Partner in Crime", and how can you find one? 


HappyHolidaysChallenge December 01 2014 4 Comments

Our Happy Holidays Challenge - What Makes You Smile This Season?

There is a lot of hustle and bustle scheduled for December.  From gearing up for the holiday rush and wrapping up the end of this year, I get a tad lost on my own 'daily focus' list.  I know I am hardly alone in solving this priority puzzle. But, what can be done to give each of us a meaningful moment of "me time" each day?

I came up with this idea while running from store-to-store while Black Friday shopping.  While finding gifts I think will make my loved ones smile makes me smile, I realized I got as much, if not more, happiness from the moments that were happening around me.  So, I stopped looking at that t-shirt as a well-priced gift and took a second to laugh at the funny saying; I stopped stressing that traffic was moving too slow and took a second to laugh at my mom who sings Taylor Swift off-key in the passenger seat (for the record, I cringed at both the traffic and the singing); and I stopped checking my "to do" list and took time to visit longer with friends-turned-family.

I plan to make time, each day, for those moments and hope you'll join me on my quest for happiness.

Alison


Lessons Learned November 30 2014

2014 has truly been a tremendous year, and I can definitely declare I have learned a lot.  Many of the 'life lessons' learned relate well to a recent 26.2 mile journey my friend Kandi and I made, better known as The 2014 New York City Marathon.  Here are our milestones; hopefully you'll learn from our sometimes trying triumphs.   


Appreciating My Own Skin November 29 2014

(As written for Identity Magazine, November 2014)

“If you were an animal, which animal would you be?”

That’s always been an easy question to answer as I have been a “chameleon” most of my 42 years.