Run Momma Run

2009-09-02T09:16:00.003-06:00

Daily Plate

2009-05-02T10:05:00.002-06:00

I love this site. I love graphs and pie charts. I love seeing my progress in black and white (and red and blue and green) I love that I record what I eat even if I shouldn't have eaten it. Numbers don't lie. I love that even though I am on a little plateau this week and haven't gone down the 2# I have in the weeks before, that I still feel good and know that I am making strides in the right direction.

10

2009-04-21T07:22:00.004-06:00

10 things that are motivating me right now:

I like that my pants have the saggy butt thing going on- I want to keep that up
I was able to run and sprint more without so much effort at the last soccer game
Running a 5k with Jessie in July when she comes to visit (AND that she is shrinking- I want to show progress as well)
I have lost 7.25 inches since March 27th! (and 13# since the start of the year)
A buddy of mine is losing weight and I just can't let him surpass me- I have a 4# lead that I don't want to give up!
Running with Linc again
Swimsuit season is a comin' (I never think about swimsuit season until it is here)
I teach kickboxing on Saturday mornings now
The warmer weather makes it easier for me to eat cleaner- I am busier and crave lighter fares
I feel good! Really good :)

I really have been pushing the activity and am focusing on my daily consumption. I had the opportunity to run twice on Sunday, and I took it! I could have walked that second time, but had a push in the right direction that I am grateful for. I think I need to live somewhere without a harsh winter- it just takes it toll!

Rest?

2009-03-27T20:45:00.004-06:00

I made myself rest today. It wasn't hard, but it was. I get into the mindset that I eat everyday, so I need to workout everyday. Then I get sore, which there is good sore and bad sore for me. Good sore is that I go about my day with those reminder feelings of the hard work the day before. Bad sore is when I struggle to go through the daily motions, grimacing from the pain. That is a wake up call for me that my body needs some repair.

We did mega legs on Tues at kickboxing (yea!) and so Wednesday most of my strength training was upper body. Then last night at kickboxing we did mega arms and legs (swimsuit season is coming after all) and so today I am really, really feeling it. While I planned to do the bike today, I opted to use it as a rest day to recover so tomorrow I can get the full benefits of my workouts (kickboxing and then soccer in the afternoon) instead of having a mediocre workout today and then following suit tomorrow.

I am always plagued by the thought of missing a workout day and losing my momentum. At this point I am still in pendulum mode a bit. Mind over matter. I can sacrifice today for a better tomorrow!

Did It

2009-03-26T07:30:00.003-06:00

Sometimes laziness gets the better of me. At the end of the day it can be so hard to muster a workout, even though once the decision has been made to workout, well it is easy to carry through. I have a hard time being awake enough to get a good morning workout- and it isn't feasible (I don't go to bed early enough) to get up at like 4:30 so I can be awake enough by 5:30 to be done working out by 6:30 (when life starts around here)

Last night I had the night to myself. A pile of laundry to fold, dishes that needed washing, floors picked up and swept and on and on (because housework isn't my forte). And a movie (free RedBox Wednesday and all). And a neeeed to workout. I am a multi tasker by nature, so I popped in the movie, did the stationary bike for 30 minutes, strength training for 20, serious stretching for 10, and the finished the movie off with a rousing round of laundry folding and TV room picking up.

Who is this person? Where has she been hiding???

I am so glad I didn't give into laziness and just watch a movie and knit. How cool would that have been?

Balance

2009-03-16T09:46:00.002-06:00

A test, ala MizFit:

Stand next to a piece of furniture upon which you can steady yourself should you need to.

Fold your arms across your chest, raise one leg and bend it at the knee approximately forty five degrees.

Check the second hand on your watch and close your eyes.

How long can you hold this position without uncrossing your arms, tilting sideways, moving your standing leg or touching the bent leg to the floor?

Repeat this test on your other side and compare your results with the norms:

*twenty-forty nine years: 24-28 seconds

*fifty-fifty nine years: 21 seconds

*sixty-sixty nine years: 10 seconds

*seventy – seventy nine years: 4 seconds

*eighty plus years: typically cannot complete test.

I am please to say that I held it for 30 seconds on both sides, and probably could have gone longer. Kickboxing and yoga are working. My core is feeling stronger. Closing my eyes really made me aware that what I am doing is working. Hooray!

This week's workout schedule...it's a busy week, so I have to fit it in where I can:

Monday: Brisk Walking (delivering flyers for 2 hours tonight)

Tuesday: Yoga for Athletes DVD during naptime

Wednesday: Bike Ride (weather permitting) or delivering flyers if I don't finish tonight

Thursday: Kickboxing

Friday: strength training

Saturday: kickboxing and soccer

Sunday: REST

One Day

2009-03-03T08:52:00.003-07:00

This last week I have been saying, "Today I will make good choices."

Bite sized pieces. 24 hours of good behavior (well really less than that since there are no deamons to fight whilst I sleep).

Each overall successful day, I have this urge to put a notch on the cupboard so I don't forget that one day. Little by little.

My brother commented back to me over on his blog,

"I believe in "Easy come, easy go" and also that what comes at a great sacrifice and with steady persistent effort will be around for a long time. Like saving money, you could save a ton of cash really fast, but by making a habit of saving a little, over time, you could have many many more times the money that you would have by saving briefly then quitting. You could lose a lot of weight with a crash diet really fast, but you could lose even more with smaller changes and persistent effort over time as long as you track progress and make adjustments."

I like the cut of his jib! Steady persistent effort is what I am shooting for!

Weekly To Do

2009-03-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Monday- core work

Tuesday- kickboxing

Wednesday- walk/jog

Thursday- kickboxing

Friday- strength work

Saturday- kickboxing AM Soccer PM

Sunday- walk

wordle.net

2009-03-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

I guess I really DO love my body

2009-02-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

And IM I sent to Jessie just now:

(9:35:08 AM) hannah: i decided that i deserve a huge pat on the back from myself this morning
(9:35:09 AM) hannah: HUGE
(9:35:13 AM) hannah: mya slept at joann's
(9:35:17 AM) hannah: when she does
(9:35:19 AM) hannah: kaylee sleeps in
(9:35:27 AM) hannah: kickboxing was at 8
(9:35:31 AM) hannah: i woke up and kaylee was asleep
(9:35:35 AM) hannah: it was snowing
(9:35:41 AM) hannah: i had to do a car swap
(9:35:58 AM) hannah: (switch linc and my cars AND scrape the snow off of both!)
(9:36:08 AM) hannah: so i woke kaylee up and took her to joanns so i could make the calss
(9:36:11 AM) hannah: i dont regret it
(9:36:18 AM) hannah: but man it was hard not to turn off that alarm
(9:36:23 AM) hannah: i guess i really do LOVE my body
(9:36:27 AM) hannah: sheesh

Where did the week go?

2009-02-12T14:32:00.004-07:00

I guess posting about yoga on Saturday made me think that I had written my goals for this week. Oops. Here is what has been happening and my goals for the rest of the week:

M- core/strength work
Tu- kickboxing
W-rest
Th- kickboxing
F- yoga DVD
Sa- kickboxing AM soccer PM
Su- rest

We also scored (totally FREE and it is in perfect condition!) a home gym thing like the one pictured. I have been rearranging a place for it, so right now it isn't doing a whole lot of good. I am sooo excited though and can't wait to start adding that in.

I also have started to really see and feel the changes from kickboxing. Not only do I feel stronger, but I can tell that certain areas are toning up and my clothes are fitting better/looser. I won't weigh myself until the end of the month, but the proof for me that this is working shows.

I also have been thinking about running the SLC 1/2 again in April. If I started to train now, I know I could run it with a little walking. I really miss running and would hope that all this cross training would mean I wasn't starting from scratch. I will talk it over with Linc and see what he thinks (he is much more rational that I am.)

Yoga?

2009-02-07T09:24:00.004-07:00

I have been doing a little yoga since I got a mat for Christmas, all of it from my Yoga for Athletes DVD. It is harder for me, I don't do it consistently enough to have really noticed a HUGE difference, but I like it because it is challenging and my mind is totally in it because it is hard.

Where I do kickboxing is starting a new thing that they alternate Saturday classes with yoga one week and kickboxing the next. Today was the first yoga day, the first time I have been to a real class. It was fun to do it with other people, it was fun to do it outside my house, but compared to the DVD, it wasn't much of a challenge. I found my mind wandering a lot. Which I think has its place, running for example is nice to clear my thoughts etc. But I like that kicboxing has my totally engaged in body and mind and that the hour just flies by and I leave dripping and stronger and feeling accomplished. Today was just day one, I plan to stick with it as long as they offer it and see where it takes me. I am trying to get over the feeling of not getting the most out of my hour though. I miss that cardio burn!

Recap/readjust for the week:

Mon- nothing...sick
Tues- kickboxing
Wed- major house cleaning that got me in a sweat (moving the stove and fridge etc)
Thur- kickboxing
Fri- nothing but house work (moving couches etc and lots of hands and knees cleaning)
Sat- yoga and soccer this PM
Sun- stationary bike

Weighing In?

2009-02-05T21:57:00.002-07:00

Harley does a weekly weigh in and analysis on his blog. I LOVE this, but don't know if I can do that. Both the weekly weighing and the public announcement of my weight! I am not a super private person, but I think people think I weigh less than I do (which I can't lie, I am totally cool with!) But to put that number out there? What if it doesn't change too much? What if I just note a gain or loss? Not that hundreds are reading this little spot, but ya know...

I DO like the accountability of it. I do like the idea of keeping tabs on that number and being able to make adjustments as needed instead of going a month thinking I am doing great only to see that I in fact haven't been... I do like the idea of opening myself even more and accepting who I am at any weight.

Lots to mull over tonight.

2/2 thru 2/8 Plan

2009-02-02T11:27:00.003-07:00

Monday- exercise band workout
Tuesday- kickboxing
Wednesday- power yoga
Thursday-kickboxing
Friday- rest day
Saturday- kickboxing in morning and soccer in evening
Sunday- rest or 20 minute walk

Sore, so very sore

2009-02-01T10:42:00.002-07:00

Good or bad, I think I overdid it a little last week. I am sore today, and I have a head cold. BUT, I like jolting my system back into the groove. I am really going to still try to walk for 20-30 minutes today, at a leisure pace because I want to keep my muscles and joints moving and not stiff. Maybe even some vigorous house cleaning will do it.

I just set up an account on this daily plate website. You can track what you eat and what you burn. My brother and sister both use it and have good things to say (and are both shrinking). From first glance and just entering in yesterdays food/exercise, I can see that it is up my alley.

In the past I have struggled with writing down all I eat because it didn't really tell me anything. I know what I eat! But, seeing all the calories I burned yesterday and all I ate in numbers is pretty shocking. Because I worked out at an intense level twice yesterday, I burned a whole lotta calories. I ate a hamburger and fries, and even though I didn't go over (in fact I am still way under) my daily calories, it is kinda sick to think that I worked that hard to basically burn off a sub-par burger and fries.

Weekly Goals Adapted

2009-01-30T07:20:00.007-07:00

Yoga on Monday...CHECK!

Kickboxing on Tuesday...CHECK! (brought two friends to try it out)

Bike on Wednesday...nope! Too sore from Mon and Tues. Recovery day

Kickboxing on Thursday...CHECK! (brought Hillary!)

Yoga on Friday...CHECK! 30 min on bike during naptime because it's date night!

Saturday morning kickboxing...CHECK!

Saturday evening soccer game...CHECK!

Sunday...adapting to do Yoga if I am not too sore. Superbowl party that day and I gotta do something! Maybe a 30 min walk if the weather holds.

eta: in red

To Plan

2009-01-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

This week I plan to:

Monday: yoga
Tuesday: kickboxing
Wednesday: stationary bike
Thursday: kickboxing
Friday: yoga
Saturday AM: kickboxing or 5k (still checking the weather!)
Saturday PM: soccer game
Sunday: rest day

Man that looks awesome written down...now to make it happen!

Sound Advice

2009-01-23T13:19:00.003-07:00

My brother Harley is a weight losing/fitness Hee-Man. He just posted about his thinking when it comes to tossing out food (after my sister and I commented on an earlier post saying there was no way we could have thrown away his wife's unbelievable chocolate cake!). Totally worth reading for me as this is an area (and everything food related) that I struggle with. I have the hardest time wasting food. If there is a piece of pie leftover, you know I will eat it the next day and the chances of it ending up in my garbage are slimmer than slim. The time and effort that goes into making things for me, well enjoying it is the payoff. My food bugdet is tight (whose isn't?) and the thought of throwing money away, well that makes my blood pressure rise!

I want to be able to adopt his thinking in a lot of aspects and think that I can, if I don't try to embrace his whole philosphy all at once. First step for me will be acknowledging that I enjoyed it and I am full and can make it again. That this isn't the last time I will be able to eat 'xyz'.

Baby steps, baby steps...

focus.focus.focus

2009-01-16T15:07:00.002-07:00

Focus is the word of the year for me. Last year it was adapt and man, there was a lot of the going on. Toward the end, it was all about not running and finding other things I could do with my bum leg. Now the leg seems to be more than on the mend, thanks to a stationary bike and yoga. Soccer starts in a week, so this weekend I will venture out for a jog and see how the running goes. If I don't die, I have a list of things I need to be able to do before I can play, like sprint and cut and run etc. Should be funny if nothing else!

I have badgered a few friends to run a 5k with me in March, the same one I ran last year as my first official race. I love that I haven't hit the pavement since the day before Thanksgiving and here I am, talking people into a race. (Go me.) I figure even if I run 1/8 of it and walk the rest, well that is fine by me. Its all progress in the right direction. I am focused in on getting my running back.

I wish I could commit to running the SLC 1/2 again this year, but it is looking more and more like I would be pushing myself too soon. I am giving myself until the end of the month to decide. The last thing this lady needs is to tear her tendon again!

From the List

2008-12-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

I made this list of 101 things to do in 1001 days and am so excited about it. I am not the resolution type, but I am a 'cross it off the list type', so this feels bite sized and doable.

I want to track the health related ones here with everything else. In this area, it is more habits to form than just a project to cross off the list, so the work is greater, but I know having this list printed and in my line of vision each day will help.

And my formatting is screwy, so it re-numbered them but I am not one to spend time on such a silly thing- it's all good. So in no real order of import:

run a marathon before I’m 30
make drinking enough water a day a habit
find ten meatless meals that we all enjoy
eat two meatless meals a week
resume karate training
teach kickboxing again
give blood regularly for a year
go ice skating
run 5 miles in the rain
climb a mountain and reach the summit to watch the sun setting
try 10 new/different foods
become flexible through yoga
take my girls swimming each week in a summer
lose 20 pounds
make a conscience effort to move more and eat less
plant a garden each summer
workout 5 days a week
floss regularly- ugh.
make an inspiration board to add to
add 5 things to this list
blog about crossing these off the list so I have a record

Here's to a new year of being healthy inside and out!

Worth Noting

2008-12-29T09:21:00.002-07:00

I totally just threw out a TON of holiday snacks and treats and various crap we have accumulated over the holiday weekend. I hate wasting food, really I do, so this feels monumental. I am thinking that because 90% of it is stuff I didn't spend money on, that it was that much easier to toss and not feel as guilty or wasteful about it.

HUGE sigh of relief. This feels like a new direction. I mean I actually threw perfectly good, good tasting food in.the.trash. Gunna ride that wave of accomplishment today and see what else I can vanquish from my life!

Back in the saddle

2008-12-27T23:33:00.003-07:00

My brother and I traded equipment- my treadmill for his bike. His wife's pregnant and can't do the bike anymore, and I can do the bike, but no running for a few weeks. Win/win as she is able to stay fit indoors with all the snow!

I rode for 45 sweaty minutes today and it was glorious! I haven't been able to work up a good sweat since the day after Thanksgiving and the incident. The boot is off, I am healing nicely and should be able to start running in a few weeks and hopefully (if I stick to my stretching and all) be able to play soccer by the end of January!

Persistence pays off. My doctor was surprised at the progress at my two week follow up. I drove myself there, no boot needed. I knew I could do it, knew I had the discipline to do the exercises at home to mend my broken body. I just had to trust myself that I could do it. Trust myself that I wanted it bad enough. No excuses. The older I get, the more I realize that almost anything is possible, you just have to want it enough and put that desire into action.

I made a specific and measurable goal with a time line- the best and easiest kind for me to accomplish. Obviously I have no problems patting myself on my back :)

Seasonal Finger Exercises

2008-12-14T08:42:00.002-07:00

I made taffy yesterday and for some reason, I always forget how fun/hard it is to pull. My hands are actually sore today. Too bad the pulling doesn't burn off enough calories to make eating it guiltless. We made doughnuts at my mother in laws later in the day as well and I kneaded that dough for at least 10 minutes. That was worth at least one doughnut hole, right?

Holiday baking...my holidays just aren't complete without it. And yet- it would be so nice to not have these temptations. My neighbors and family are sure happy to be on the receiving end of my offloading.

Intake

2008-12-09T14:23:00.005-07:00

I have learned that I typically work out harder/more so I don't have to stress as much about what I eat. I can eat right for weeks and nary drop a pound, but as soon as I start to sweat, the weight starts to drop off. It's a good like I love being active I guess :)

Now that my working out is hobbling around the house and pushups/planks/situps/stretching, I can't get away with that.

Maybe this injury is just what I needed to reign in my eating habits and get me focused on intake this holiday season instead of focusing on the "repairing" through exercise. It sure sounds like a healthier approach. If I can get control of this area, I will be a force to reckon with once I can do cardio workouts again.

As of today, I have much better range of motion and have removed one level of the wedge in the boot. I have goals to be driving to my two week follow-up appt on the 18th, but wonder if it is silly to make goals when it comes to recovery? Long term (if I consider January as the long term, which I do) I really want to be healed and start the soccer season and resume the kickboxing and mild running. They are lofty goals, but I am stretching and walking in the boot a ton and feel the difference. I don't want to set myself up for failure, but I can't let this drive to reach these goals pass my by. I am hoping that by following doctors orders that he will give me the go ahead to keep on and trust my body when it comes time to get back to it.

Like a Peach Baby

2008-12-05T15:06:00.008-07:00

So I took off the boot to do some mid-day/the kids are napping/get me out of this thing stretches. I guess I didn't look to close last night, but man the bruising it getting impressive. Some people are grossed out by stuff like this, but I plan to e-mail the pictures to various family and friends (who I know dig this kind of thing as well) as bragging rights. If you saw how I hurt myself, you wouldn't believe these came from that and that I have any reason to brag. It was such a random, minor extension of my leg- sigh. This, well it looks like I lost a fight with a trash compactor.
And don't mind the crummy floor and stubbly legs...it hurts to shave my legs okay! And like I am going to be sweeping and mopping- ha!

Disgusting close detail shot of the front of my leg. How in the world is the front of my leg bruising- I mean the pop was in my calf so I expect the pain and bruising there. This is most interesting...

The BOOT!

2008-12-05T08:49:00.003-07:00

I love modern medicine. I went to a specialist yesterday and he quickly diagnosed me with an Achilles tear, high up in my calf. No rupture, so no surgery! *Phew*

They fitted me with a boot that has wedges under the heal so I am basically walking with a high heel on the right leg. After a week, I peel a wedge off. This with some basic towel stretches and I should be good to go. Even from wearing it since yesterday morning, I can tell a huge difference. It is slow getting around, but much better than crutches. And I can't drive- which basically sucks.

So I probably won't be running again this year, or kickboxing. But I have been doing tons of core and upper body stuff and noticing a difference in just a week. Now I can add stretching to the mix and go from there. I am just so grateful that surgery isn't on the docket for my holidays!

Core

2008-12-02T14:17:00.003-07:00

Want to work your core and arms? Walk around using crutches for 4 straight days. Oooooffff.

I pulled something in my lower leg (calf area) on Friday night playing volleyball with the family and went to InstaCare over the weekend because I still can't bear any weight on this leg. Ugh. Seeing a sports medicine specialist on Thursday where they will hopefully tell me it is just a pull and only physical therapy in order. I can't even think about surgery right now.

I was/am so bummed because I had just started to go back to kickboxing classes again and made this whole gameplan with running during these cold months. Now I am focusing on upper body stuff that I can do from a sitting position that requires nothing from the lower limbs. I can still do pushups from my knees- so that is good. Just lacking on cardio, which is what I neeeeeed. I know I will come back from this, I just hate detours!

27 run

2008-11-14T09:04:00.004-07:00

It's my birthday and I'll run if I want to...run if I want to...RUN if I want to...You would run too if it happened alone!

I wish I could run 27 miles to commemorate my 27 years. I am thinking 2.7 miles should do it. I'm all about celebrating what this old body can do! Call it a gift to myself :)

Fat and Happy

2008-11-10T07:26:00.006-07:00

Why isn't is okay to be fat and happy? This is a conversation my husband and I were having yesterday that has my mind spinning. (He is thin and fit- I am curvy and fit)

It was brought up by the fact that we don't know many couples that don't give each other a hard time about what the other party eats. We do not do this. Ever. At all. In public or private. Good or bad, this level of respect regarding food seems to work for us. But I can tell you that if he ever asked me if 'I thought I should be eating that piece of chocolate cake?' in front of anyone, a little part of me would die inside...not because he was drawing attention to my weight or embarrassing me, but because I would feel belittled and ashamed that he would "put me down" instead of build me up whether it was in front of others or in our dining room.

Then I remarked that most women (because I can't speak for men) who have ever had a problem with food are well aware of what they should and should not eat. I don't need someone on the sidelines magnifying the decisions I make. And why the public format? Like by bringing it up, the couple is acknowledging that we know what you know- that she/he needs to lose weight? I have yet to be in a situation where the person who is being pointed at acts in any way other than retaliation or withdrawal. I understand wanting your partner to help you stick to your diet, but it just seems to foster more of an uncomfortable divide than unity.

But then I think of the whole aspect of why is it expected that if you are even slightly overweight that you have to be unhappy with it? I know there is appearance and health and all that to think about, but if I feel comfortable with what I carry around with me, why is it looked down upon that I am happy with that? Why is there an implied weakness or hopelessness or like someone is settling to be overweight?

Yes, I know I could lose some weight. BUT, I am happy with me. I can do what I want to do. My husband loves me inside and out, my girls don't see a woman who is counting every point or stressing everything that goes in my mouth, they see a mom who will run and chase them, do cartwheels (well, my version of them-ha!) and dance at a moments notice. I don't care what I look like doing them- I am fun and enjoying life! I am trying. I don't disregard what my curvy body can do and that feels powerful- but also like I shouldn't shout it from the rooftops, because I am not supposed to love being this way. Which is ridiculous!

So I am coming out of the fat closet, climbing that mountain (because I can!) and shouting for all to hear:

I love my body and don't feel ashamed and I don't care what anyone has to say about that!

Sometimes I wish I still lived in Texas...

2008-11-06T11:35:00.004-07:00

Because it freaking snowed yesterday. A lot.

Because running outside in the winter here really, really, really sucks. And I liked running with my family but trying to run with a stroller when there are snow drifts isn't a good idea. Plus you get the feeling people are judging you for subjecting your kids to this freezing weather just so you can get your run on.

Because treadmills are so boring. I try, I TRY!

But.

I dusted it off yesterday and will keep going. Ugh. Enter the season of un-enjoyable running for me! I better find a race to sign up for to motivate me to keep on keepin' on. I don't want to put this horse down because come spring, I am going to be wantin' to go the distance.

Apologizing?

2008-10-30T09:32:00.003-06:00

A strange thing happened last night. My younger sister is in town and we usually go out for sushi when she visiting. This trip included my two sisters, my mom and three friends. We ordered and ordered (it was happy hour and we had a killer coupon). They brought the rolls out, plates upon plates and everyone dives in, talking and commenting and the like. One of the friends there (my sisters) was peckishly eating here and there and then started to make comments like, "Oh I should just stop, maybe one more." and "I really shouldn't be eating this".

I don't understand this public self lynching. I have never felt like I needed to justify or apologize to others for what I was eating. Never needed to bring it to everyone's attention. No one was keeping track of what she was eating. No one there would have given a rat's ass if she ate 12 rolls all to herself! I wanted to tell her that no one there cared- get over the guilt and enjoy yourself. It was sushi- not a donut factory. I would be a liar if I said it took any of the fun out of the evening- but it did leave me thinking last night.

Do people do that to draw attention to how much everyone else is eating?
Do they do that so others know that they are thinking about what they eat?
Do they want me to make some comment about how great they look and that they shouldn't be worrying about what they eat?
Is it a good thing I bit my tongue instead of telling her to get over herself? (of course it is!)

It makes me think about people who specialize in negative self talk. If you are always pointing out your insecurities why would anyone see anything different? Why do I need to see more in you that you see in yourself? (like saying you look fat all day then putting something on and asking your man if you look fat in it- poor bugger) If your kids see you hating your body and making snide comments (even if you think no one hears you), how will they see you? Will they mimic your actions themselves? I don't think you have to go around spouting how great you are (you don't have to, but I wouldn't complain) but if I tell you that you look great, say thank you and move on. I am always tempted that when a compliment is given and the recipient brushes it off and disagrees to say, "Oh man your right- you do look awful today. What was I thinking?"

I wonder how many friends I would lose... :)

I do see so much good in so many of the women in my life and it frustrates me that they don't seem to see it in themselves. I wonder why we are wired so differently and it makes me focus in even more on what I am projecting onto my girls. I don't want negative self talk to be part of their vocabulary!

Kickin'

2008-10-25T23:13:00.008-06:00

Tonight's soccer game just rocked. It did. Period.

We were down a few girls, so a lot more game time for me and the other three (woohoo!) The other team ran us ragged and I haven't sprinted that much in a while, but I felt so great. Since when do I like sprinting? Learn something new everyday eh? I am trying to convince Linc that we should go to the track and run sprints tomorrow...we shall see.

Our team lost, but that isn't why we play (says the losing team!) I will never tire of the raw power feeling I get from playing sports. The camaraderie, the adrenaline of going head to head with your opponents, scoring a well played goal...sigh. It feels good.

It is empowering, and I hope hope hope that my girls both choose sports as an outlet for themselves. I know (without a doubt) that being in sports throughout my childhood/adolescence is one of the main reasons I have had little trouble with poor self esteem/worth/body image. And I have to give credit to my mom, she rocked in that department and I still haven't figured out her secret because it isn't like she sat me and my sisters down and laid anything out for us. Teaching by example perhaps?

I have memories of being different from my girl friends, but would always try to challenge myself to use those differences in my favor. It is a trait that is so embedded in my personality and effects all aspects of my life. I love it and know it sets me apart.

Being ME (mom/wife/friend/woman/sister/daughter/person) has always been about what my body can do and it always will be. THAT is the gift I want my girls to have.

photo ilovesoccer14 on flickr

No Pain....

2008-10-21T10:51:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was one of those days where you feel the insanity that mothering can be creeping too close to the surface. Mondays are my worst days- yesterday it appeared to be a 'worst' kind of day for the girls as well. Oh man.

We usually go running when Linc gets home from work/school and man I wanted to cancel- how fortunate am I that I am accountable to him? So far I have been the driving force behind his training, but yesterday it was that commitment I made to him that got me out the door.

I can't lie, I hated the run, my body did not want to be out there, but we did it. I survived it and went to bed patting myself on the back for not coming up with an excuse.

It really is the little things in life that matter, that are worth celebrating.

Couch to 5k Hubby

2008-10-10T20:40:00.003-06:00

So Linc and I are still playing soccer on the weekends and he has been mentioning how he wishes he could run longer. I finally convinced him to start a Couch to 5k program because I have heard nothing but good things about them (it?). It has been so fun to go with him and sometimes push our girls along. He has a longer stride than me, so I find that I am pushing myself a little more in areas that I didn't realize I could push myself in. When I started running I just started, no real plan until I was actually training for the 1/2 marathon and could run about 3 miles without issue. I so wish I would have started on something like this. It is brilliant for the beginner runner. He works full time and has school and homework, but so far has been able to do this program 3 times a week without feeling like it is pressing him for time too much.

I am finding that the older we get the more I like the active hobbies together- figuring out what works and what doesn't with kids. There is this feeling of contentment when you are both pushing your bodies to preform better, all the while spending quality time together and being examples to your kids. It is a 2 month program and I hope by the end of it he will want to keep running- if not for distance for the companionship, fun competition, and support he offers me.

Balance

2008-09-30T09:31:00.003-06:00

I feel like I need this lately. Balance in all things, but lately it is more with my body.

Now that I am feeling better energy wise, I just take off and don't look back. I have this problem with trying to make up for lost time. I know you can't ever get it back, but just the desire to cram it all in now that my body will cooperate is there. I know what doesn't get done today will be there tomorrow, but the joy of being in control is what drives me some days. Go, go, go.

Then the crash.

But I am like this. I work myself to the bone and then crash. It is a crazy cycle that I am realizing is only serving my ego and not good for my whole self.

October is going to be all about balance for me.

One of those people...

2008-09-21T07:47:00.004-06:00

On Fridays we head over to the library for some Spanish Story time. There are usually about 5-6 kids there and a handful of parents. Since I have my little 18 month old, sitting on the rug isn't as easy for her as it is for Mya, so we end up out in the hall for most of the 40 minute class.

We went running right before so I was in my workout garb and while waiting in the hallway happened to notice how long and obstacle free it was. So what do I do- lunges and squats while following Kaylee up and down. I didn't think I did that many, especially with all the toddler interruptions, but man was I sore yesterday. Good sore. Hurts to walk down the stairs sore. Proud sore.

I always hear about people who will seize the moment and do stuff like this, but rarely am I one of them. It felt good. Now the question in, do I have the guts to do it next week during her other two classes there where there are other moms and toddlers roaming the halls? I keep telling myself that there is nothing to be embarassed about, afterall, I am the one seizing the moment for a better me! I'll report back...

Anemic No More

2008-09-17T11:32:00.000-06:00

So I fell off the face of the earth and am finally back. Mid July my energy and sleep were starting to be off and I just thought it was summer and the loose schedule we kept. Still pushed myself as I always do.

Then August crept in and things were getting worse rather than better. I assumed I needed to get better sleep, be more disciplined etc. That wasn't helping- I could go to bed at 9pm or midnight and I would still feel like I was dragging my feet the next day.

Then all the sickness that stuck around here. Ugh. Finally I had to go to the doctor because I started to break out in hives (!@#$%) and had a sore throat that wouldn't go away. Basically, I think my body was over stressed! After being tested for strep and mono, my doctor ran a few more blood tests and it turns out that I was 'severely anemic'. Who knew? After reading all about low iron and the side effects, things started to make sense and I felt so foolish for not thinking of it as I have been anemic after each of my deliveries.

Last week I started IV therapy where I will go once a week for two months to get iron injections. (It is pretty posh actually. I get to be in a room alone and read or watch TV or nap for an hour. Alone!) Two injections down and I feel like a different person! I actually have the mental and physical energy to do more than just make it through the day! I am sleeping better and feel clear headed. Less grumpy. More able.

As far as running, in a lot of ways I feel like I am starting over. But I have been down this road before, so it is nothing new and I like the idea of already knowing the way.

Could this month be any longer?

2008-08-27T08:51:00.002-06:00

August has been a tough one for me. Between taking care of me being sick, my family being sick, me being sick and then ending with a weeks' worth of them being sick, a mini vacation and then the summer heat/my garden is getting away from me/trying to put my house back together, it has also been an almost no-run month. Eeeekk! I have still been keeping active and all that, just not running, and I yearn for it so! I feel like I dropped off the face of the running planet and it frustrates me. But, it is what it is and time to move on.

The mornings are cooler and things have slowed down. Linc started back to school today, so routine is returning. Today my girls and I have been overhauling the house- going through toys, throwing things out, washing and hanging the blankets to dry. Laundry and more laundry. A sort of pre-fall cleaning you could say. The windows are open and I can just feel the weight of August leaving through them. The germs and lazy dog days of summer are gone. Tomorrow is a new day and back to running for me. I can't wait!

Sick

2008-08-04T13:22:00.003-06:00

I've been sick...and my race is on Saturday.

The goal for the next few days is to focus on feeling better. Going to bed earlier (this is my biggest struggle right now) will make a huge difference. And just letting things go during the day and not letting it wear me down. Dishes are done-ish, laundry is done-ish, the toys...well lets just say the girls get to see all their options. It's okay though. It is just a week in the grand scheme of things.

Aside from my soccer game on Saturday, I have been taking it easy since last Monday and instead of freaking out about those miles lost I am considering them a wash because I can't get them back. My body knows how to run, it knows what 13.1 miles feel like. It will just be a different race this time around. Run differently than I thought it would. Slow and steady, finishing being the goal. No PR, no pressure, lots of walking. It is through a beautiful canyon, so I should have plenty of time to appreciate the view on the way down. I briefly considered throwing in the towel on this one, but that isn't my style. I think there is more to learn from doing something and having it go a total different way than calling it quits.

Where Did I Go?

2008-07-22T11:35:00.000-06:00

Running has been hard lately. The motivation to get back into my routine has been lacking to say the least. I have been making excuses to myself- like being too tired (hello...go to bed earlier) or that our day is too full so I don't have time (ah, the quintessential time excuse- bleh) Really, they are all lame, so last night I put an end to that and feel good about it. In control again.

I think part of all this is that I have been doing other active things that are pulling my attention to them. Running is still great and good and what have you- but it isn't competitive like soccer (I seriously am loving it and all the sprinting I get to do). It doesn't have the satisfaction of hitting a bag and burning a ton of calories in a small space of time. It doesn't have the thrill of making it up a mountain on my bike and speeding back down, the adrenaline like nothing else. But I still love it and crave it and am looking forward to my race in less than three weeks (eeek!) . I just need to slow down and stop spreading myself so thin. Once winter hits, I fear looking back at this summer and wishing I would have gone biking or hiking more. Enjoyed those outside runs more than I did. It is all perspective- and I think I lost mine for a while but am getting it back. I don't want to look back with regret, but I also don't want to look back and regret that I was in such a hurry to do it all instead of enjoying it all.

With pregnancy and babies I kinda lost touch with the fitness part of me over the last 4+ years. I finally feel like me again- and it is refreshing to know that fitness is such a part of who I am. Motherhood didn't steal that away from me- success! It had been masked over, yes, but now that my 'childbearing stage' is over, I think that gave me motivation to dig this part of me out and she is here to stay. So I can chill out and stop trying to gulp down all I can do now. This is me and there is no way this drive is going anywhere.

I say it's about freaking time I accepted that.

The Struggle

2008-07-16T11:05:00.000-06:00

Some weekday runs don't happen. Despite my best efforts to be up and ready and have them ready- some times it is those unforeseen things and emotions that stop me dead in my tracks.

This whole week has been one of those mornings. I get up, I get myself and the girls ready for our run. I am always in a bit of a hurry to get out the door by 7:30 because any later and it is just too hot by mid run and miserable all around. So in all this rushing, I don't pay attention. I am in THE zone, focused on THE goal. It is usually around 7:15 that I stop and realize that Kaylee is cranky (she is never cranky) and Mya is grumpy and unmotivated (unusual for my toddler who wakes up asking what the plan is for the day). They need me. What they DO NOT need is to be pushed around for 5 miles.

So I change clothes and switch back into mom mode. Stack books to read. Get the crayons out. Drink the tea that tastes better because of the fine pink plastic it is served in. Relish in the smiles and giggles and try to feed off the vibes. I play the part, all the while trying not to think too much about what it cost that morning. Try to just get over it and myself and keep my head above the waters of self pity.

Running with kids is hard. The actual running and pushing and stopping and starting and refereeing that is required to make.it.happen. There are aspects I enjoy, but can't deny that it isn't exactly ideal.

Sometimes they get in a groove so you can get in a groove and you don't have to fight for every mile. Sometimes you do what you have to do to make it work.

And sometimes you smile and nod when others tell you that you are crazy and to just go before they wake up or at night (like it never occurred to you!), knowing that they don't know how impossible that is. They don't know that your husband works and schools and fathers and husbands full time. That you wouldn't dream of asking him to drag his weary body from bed a second earlier than he needs to so you can go for a run. That any time he is home at night and not doing homework, that you would rather sit next to him and talk or play or watch or just be instead of heading out the door. They don't know. So you shake your head and smile and refrain from judging because they don't realize the life you live, choice or no.

Where am I going with this? I don't really know. More just putting it out there because it is on my mind and something I keep coming back to.

So to those mom's that run solo- I try not to envy but celebrate you.
To those mom's that run with small company- I am you. I know you and what it took to get out there on the road. I celebrate you.

Kickin' It

2008-07-11T07:33:00.000-06:00

Last night I biked over to the karate school for my first class in 4 years! Man it kicked my butt, but in the best way. I remembered so much (love how muscle memory works) and it was more that I physically wasn't as strong as I used to be and struggled with some of the strength moves.

I kept thinking:
I used to teach this!
I could teach this again!
I can't believe this used to be easy!
I am here and loving this!
My whole body is gunna feel this in the morning!

And it does. I love soreness with a purpose. Don't know how I am going to do my push-ups today, but I will give it my best go.

One of my favorite parts was digging out my old, worn gloves- the look, the feel, even the smell! I couldn't find my hand wraps, but it was still awesome to really hit (and kick!) a bag again. That adrenaline rush, the stress leaving through every jab, hook and cross. It is some serious anger management and you are so focused on what you are doing that you can't really think of anything else. Love it.

One thing I was amazed by: it was hard, but I wasn't winded like I was expecting. I didn't need to take extra breaks and my endurance pulled me through. Yea for running and all the hard work I have put in this year to get here!

Next goal, to drag a friend or two with me to the next class...you can't keep this awesomeness to yourself.

Holy Crap

2008-07-09T07:04:00.000-06:00

I am ONE month away from the Provo River 1/2 marathon. This summer is flying by. Even though I am behind on training, I am still excited and know it will be awesome. I have two goals for the race- but I will post about those later.

I am on week 3, day two of the push-up challenge. This week is uber-hard, but I am getting through it and feeling so strong. I wish I would have taken a before picture- but I took one today, so that's good enough.

This last weekend I ran into my old karate sensi at the pool. We caught up and then started talking about karate and kick boxing. I am (was?) a 3rd degree brown belt, then unexpectedly was pregnant with my first and had to stop 5 months into the pregnancy. I went back for a little while but the new mom life didn't jive well. Being so close to that black belt and not meeting that goal has been such a thorn in my side. Time and money are always topping the list of things keeping me from going back. Well- he suggested coming back and training for a month then taking over the kick boxing classes again and trading that for the remainder of my belt lessons. How cool is that?!?! I still need to work out the time logistics of it, but just knowing that he will work with me is a boost and has me thinking creatively on how to make it happen.

We just started our new soccer season and two games in, we haven't won, but I've scored once (not an easy feat on a co-ed team) and feel like my 'skills' are coming along nicely. It's fun to feel that competitive edge again and do something so active with my man.

Confessions

2008-07-08T19:28:00.000-06:00

Not so much from sinning, more like slacking.

It all started on the 25th of June. My BFF who moved 2000 miles away last summer came to town for a 19 day visit (5 days left-woohoo!)

That same day, my cute little sister came into town for a 12 day visit.

Three days after their coupled arrival, my brother and his little family moved back from their 4-month work related stint in Austin.

So, lots of hanging out. Lots of walking and playing. Lots of outing and about-ing. Lunches and dinners and snacks and movies and play dates and swimming. Lots. Really. I am not the homebody type!

My running has been erratic to say the least. I have still been running, mostly doing long runs, still cross training with soccer and biking and doing lots of core strength along with the push up challenge. But I am slacking on actually being up to date with my race training mileage. I guess being a week ahead a couple weeks ago will only make me feel one week behind instead of two!

It has been in the back of my mind- these legitimate excuses for not being consistent. But now, now I must face them and make a game plan so next week doesn't sneak up on me. I am going to enjoy the rest of my best friend's visit and fit in what I can when I can, and then it is smack down time come Monday morning. Having a plan is half the battle for me...

Celebrate

2008-07-04T10:07:00.000-06:00

Today I celebrate that I have:

Walked/Jogged/Quickly Delivered flyers for 3 miles
then
Biked up and down hills for 12 miles
then
Done the hardest day so far of the push-up challenge
and
Rocked all three of those with a gusto
now
I get to enjoy the rest of this holiday and the 4th of July banana split that awaits me tonight without feeling an ounce of guilt!

Lay Off Already!

2008-07-02T10:18:00.001-06:00

Because I am trying to be nice. To be the bigger person. Really trying to not let people like you bring me down. So instead of telling you off once and for all because that would make a few situations in life really, really uncomfortable for others...a post, esp for YOU (but don't feel flattered)

Lay off lady! I know I am not 'skinny' and in fact chubby in places. I know you are jealous of my drive and tenacity to make and meet goals right before your eyes. I know deep down you wish you could accomplish in a week half of what a day in my life consists of. At the core, I know you don't really want to bring me down, but you just can't help yourself because you want company.

Your comment, "Wow, you are doing another race so soon? I am still so amazed that YOU could run the one you did earlier this year without training for a looong time. I'm surprised a doctor would recommend it." (yes- she said that)

I know you have good genes and feel proud that you can "eat whatever you want and it just doesn't stick" and brag about how you have "never had to diet in your life". But you are weak. You are frail and have the body of a 13 year old boy. I got curves baby and I wouldn't trade places with you for anything. My struggles and triumphs make me who I am. My body is transforming, what is yours doing?

The fact is this: I am strong. I am fit. I could run circles around you.

Now stop with the passive aggressive talk already and leave me alone. I am untouchable.

Adapt

2008-06-30T09:57:00.000-06:00

My word for 2008 is adapt and oh how I love how this year is going because of it. Having a word for the year changed 2007 for me and this year it is pushing me to think outside the box and really accomplish my goals. And the year is only 1/2 over!

In regards to the 100 push-up challenge there has still been some adapting going on. After repeating week one I was still not where I think I should have been at the week's end as far as ability and strength and soreness go. Okay, now what? After reading some articles about core strength and how to gain it back after c-sections, I am going to continue on with the challenge, doing knee push-ups the whole way through. Long term I am hoping that after doing 100 knee push-ups I can reassess and possibly repeat the challenge with toe push-ups. I think I have been stressing my core too much and doing more harm that good. Planks are going well, but I am so sore from it all. I can handle sore and actually like feeling the effects of a good workout, but this has been totally different and not abating at all.

In the past I think this would have felt like a failure to me, not meeting the goal with the original guidelines, but surprisingly it doesn't reek of failure at all. If anything, it feels empowering to go at my pace and adapt so I succeed. Who is this person I am becoming?!?!?

Registered

2008-06-29T19:46:00.000-06:00

I finally heard back from the Provo River 1/2 Marathon people and I am for sure in! They don't update their site a lot, so I finally dug around and contacted someone and all that. After missing the Hobble Creek 1/2 sign up I was getting worried. August 9th baby!

I have been training and actually realized yesterday after my 7 mile run (!@#$%) that I am a week ahead...how did that happen?!?! I was supposed to do a 5k- call me overachiever. So now I guess I should just repeat the week and continue on? I am excited though because we are going on a trip at the end of July and my longest training run was going to be that weekend but now it is the week after. Woot!

It was a great run- really good. Most of my long runs I get to go solo because I can take the girls to Grandma's house. This run was early morning and beautiful. There was a guy running a ways ahead of me and I kept pace with him pretty much- the hills were a little harder to keep up but I managed. Then the sun came out and he took his shirt off...man oh man. I am not even kidding here, it was just what I needed (ha!) to keep my pace and not lose the eye candy/motivation. If only I could schedule and have a really buff/toned/good looking guy run in front of me all the time...a girl can dream.

To the Core

2008-06-25T11:40:00.000-06:00

I have been reading reviews from the 100 push-up challenge that so many are taking and it seems most people are through week one with mixed reviews.

I completed week 1 last Friday and can I just tell you how freaking hard it was? I maxed out at 10 push-ups on my initial test, so I was in the middle column as far as training goes. I totally, TOTALLY forgot how much doing push-ups on your toes works your core. I've done push-ups on and off in the past, but mostly on my knees which I am learning wasn't doing much for my core. I have had two c-sections and haven't done anything more than crunches as far as ab/back work goes. Instead of beating myself up about it though, I've accepted that my focus has been more on running and now is as good a time as ever to add core workouts. What do I have to lose?

My core is weak. I know this now more than ever. But I KNOW this- and planks and keeping with the challenge are my solution. I repeated week one of the challenge because I didn't want to struggle the entire time and get discouraged. I am all about working smart when it comes to a goal. Reassessing and tweaking things early on. This isn't saying that it is easy now, but it is doable and still fun, two things that = success for me.

Finding my Pace

2008-06-24T14:06:00.000-06:00

This morning was a great training run. It was shorter, 3 miles. When I trained for the SLC 1/2 I loosely followed a training plan and ended up doing some last minute training. This time I am right on track with this one and it feels so different. I feel much more confident and at ease with my running, even with the stroller. My long runs aren't as painful. I am still slower, I still take walking breaks when I need them, but I feel good. Better than ever. I have a pace I am keeping and this works for me. I have so much time in front of me to improve and get faster. Enjoying the now and it feels good.

Winner Winner

2008-06-24T13:55:00.000-06:00

Workout Mommy has giveaways and today I got the latest one- a sample pack from Snacktrition. I can't even tell you how awesome these taste. Very crisp nuts and not super salty. But the fruit and nut mix...

It has no peanuts, no walnuts, and NO RAISINS! This is like a mix made specifically for me. I hate how most mixes use peanuts and raisins as their filler. Oh but this, THIS is fantastic. This is something I want to hide away so my kids and my man don't know it exists. And I just might- they seem to like raisins and peanuts just fine.

So thanks for the giveaway and thanks for the new addiction!

Decadence List

2008-06-23T10:42:00.001-06:00

I have been reading MizFit's site a lot lately- go there! She has some great tips and suggestions and opens up a lot of good discussions. Today she opened the can on emotional eating. I don't feel like I have a problem in this area and it was interesting to read comments and think of WHY I don't struggle here. Emotional eating is a coping mechanism- everyone has them. I think everyone needs them. Be it eating, blogging, reading, yelling, exercising- they come in many forms. Obviously some are healthy and some are not. I choose to search out healthy ones- and yes, it is a choice and not always an easy one!

I was raised to meet problems head on, come up with a solution and move on with your day. Sitting idly by and whining about what was bothering me was not an option. I was taught that re-hashing something over and over was self serving and that if it was really bothering me, I would want to solve the problem. I think in some ways this makes me a good friend to have, but in others, not so great because women like to complain! I have the hardest time listening to someone vent over and over again about the same things. It makes me tired and feel frustrated for them. But I think it can be good because I always have ideas and suggestions (hopefully when they are wanted) on how to solve the problem and move on. With my man it is oh so helpful because he knows that if I 'vent' about something it is because I want his input with how to fix it, not that I am just complaining to complain.

I kinda went on a rant there didn't I...

So here are my coping mechanisms. MizFit calls it a decadence list, filled with things that make you feel good and have nothing to do with food. Stress relievers that feel like an indulgence. It was pretty fun to make:

Reading in the bath at night
Weeding my garden
Running with a friend
Making dinner and taking it to a neighbor
Grocery shopping alone
Sex (keepin' it real here)
Going to the library alone
Reading for 15 minutes while the girls play
Playing soccer on the weekends
Talking to a friend (I don't talk on the phone a lot so this is a treat)
Hiking or mountain biking
Putting on make-up (something I rarely do it feel like pampering)
Going to my mom's house to chill out
Making bread or rolls
Creating art
Taking a shower with my man
Cleaning out my car
Riding my bike up a huge hill and then speeding back down
Blogging
Listening to music really, really loud
Driving up the canyon (not a lot of that going on lately)
Going on a date

I am sure I could think of more but I am out of time- it was fun to make. Now to print it, with room to list more, and stick it in my bag so it is with me. Loved this!

Kitchen Cardio

2008-06-20T09:58:00.000-06:00

So after reading a TON of info on losing the belly inches...it takes place in the kitchen and with cardio. I think I have the cardio down with running, so I am happy to say that 1/2 the battle is under control. But eating. Ah food, how I love you.

I know how to eat healthy and make good choices, I just don't all the time. I enjoy food- not because I am bored, not because I have some emotional need to fill, not because I don't know how to cook and prepare healthy meals because I do. I just really enjoy the whole experience that is eating. I enjoy healthy food and unhealthy food. There are only about 5 edible things I have come across that I don't like- I am an equal opportunity eater!

I love to garden and harvest food. I love to cook and bake and grill and plan to go to culinary school once my girls are both in school. I enjoy eating a great piece of chocolate cake and realizing that is has cayenne in it. Or the other night I made these sandwiches and seriously felt like my life wouldn't be as rich had I not tried one. It was that good. My skinny man has these same feelings towards food- he just has a rockin' metabolism and gets enough cardio in when we play soccer that he maintains. The man loves bacon more than life and he is still the same size he was when he said, "I do!"

I read and listen to people say how junk food is so hard to not buy and eat and how it is their downfall because they have kids etc. I don't get that. I am not a junk food person and neither are my kids- eating and laziness don't go together for me. I rarely buy prepackaged foods (so expensive!) and prefer that if I want a snack, to make it. Cookies are so easy to make and far better than an Oreo...

These all sound like excuses, and I don't mean them to be. But maybe that are. The facts are- looking at my eating patterns, I do well for breakfast and lunch on most days. Any snacks I do have are usually fruit/veggies/yogurt/cottage cheese or pretzels if I want something salty. Dinner and dessert are my downfalls. Damn nemesis-i... I really like a good meal and dessert just makes life great. Making and filling my families bellies with a good hearty meal is a huge pride/ego/meaningful thing for me. My husband will eat healthier dinners to support me, but I know that deep down, he misses the bacon. Someone suggested that he get his fix at lunchtime in the office- but we don't do fast food. He usually takes dinner leftovers and is the envy of his co-workers heading to McD's for lunch.

But, I need a plan. I know this. It all comes to eating, it always has!

An aside:
I did keep coming across cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper, and ginseng as spices that help you "experience an extra boost in how quickly you can lose belly fat and improve your complete overall health!" And of course in the fine print it always says that they work, coupled balanced diet and exercise. So funny.

Questions...

2008-06-18T15:39:00.000-06:00

Why are my rest days so hard? I know I should consider it a good thing that I am to a point that taking a day off from running is mentally harder than just going everyday, but it can still be frustrating. I know that my body needs time to rest and heal physically, but mentally it is just rough. I feel somewhat idle because I didn't start the day off with a run.

I like being in a routine and I am sure if I actually made my off days more consistent, my body would get used to it. I wonder if I just walked a couple miles on my rest days if that would be a good or bad thing. More research is in order on that front. Mentally, I feel like I consume everyday, so I should be working out everyday to burn calories. Once I get why I should do things and understand the reason and how my body works, it seems easier to "follow the rules".

On the same front, why am I losing inches everywhere but my stomach? I don't weigh myself- the number game hinders my progress more than help it. I do the "how are my clothes fitting" test. How do I look in the mirror etc. My legs are a lot more toned, my butt and arms etc. But I swear all the toning in other areas is making my stomach look like more. Would doing more sit-ups help? More stretching?

I guess google and I have a date tonight. Information time...I will report back what I find out.

one hundred push ups

2008-06-15T12:32:00.000-06:00

Workout Mommy posted a link about a 100 push up challenge. Checked it ou t and I am so on board with tomorrow being day one.

I can't really see myself doing 100 in a row, this coming from someone who is possibly the most optimistic and positive person I know (heee). But I will try anything, I have no where but up to go, and 6 weeks is totally doable!

Feel free to check it out and do the challenge along with me! If you can only do one push up, they have a plan for you.

5 running facts

2008-06-11T07:52:00.000-06:00

1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago? Hm...I was in high school and playing volleyball, so I would say laps around the gym and running lines as punishment for the team not working together would sum it up.

2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
Best: The time I had Linc and the girls drop me off 10k from home and running it back. It was the furthest I had run at the time, and there was no way to cut it short. I was shocked with how well I did and that it was easier than I anticipated- but not easy. The feeling of accomplishment afterwards was the best.

Worst: Not paying attention while listening to a book, I tripped over something on the road and scraped up my leg and hands pretty bad. I was about 3 miles from home and it took forever to make it back.

3. Why do you run? See here :)

4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?
Best: Just keep running! If you are sad, run! If you are busy, run! If you are stressed, run! If you are having a great day, run! It will only get better.

Worst: To not eat before running because it would make me sick. I have learned the hard way that I have to have at least a banana or something small even before a shorter run- otherwise all that water I drink makes me nauseous.

5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
I really, really like sno cones. I want to own a little franchise someday so I can have unlimited access. I wouldn't really care if it made any money- I just want to support the summertime habit. Paying $1 for those puppies adds up! I looked into getting a Sno Shack, but we had just decided against student loans and to pay our way through school, so the dream has been put on hold. He graduates in 2010...and you know it will happen then.

The Plan

2008-06-07T06:58:00.000-06:00

Today I want to run 3 miles then bike 7-10...it is raining right now, so my morning get up and go drive isn't going to cut it. It's supposed to be sunny later today- I'll report back with what goes down.

ETA: So I waited until this afternoon when it was sunnier (If it wouldn't have been so cold and windy this morning I would have just gone then!). I ran 1.5m and biked 10m. Midway through my ride I remembered that we are playing soccer tonight...sometimes I am not the smartest woman. Oh well- at least I only ran the 1.5 instead of 3, otherwise I think I would be in a world of hurt tonight.

Today

2008-06-05T09:42:00.000-06:00

Running uphills and pushing my two little fatties in that stroller is frickin' hard. That is about all I can say for this mornings run. Well that and I am so glad it is done!

1.5m Radius

2008-06-03T07:57:00.000-06:00

Somewhere I have it in my brain that the first step in achieving a goal is to write it down- I am sure I read it somewhere.

I have been trying to go greener, little by little so the new habits stick. Re-usable bags, driving less, planting a garden, buying local, making do or doing without when possible. Now that the weather is better, I have been thinking a lot more about walking where I need to go. I live pretty close to a lot of my usual destinations- library, parks, post office, Wal-Mart and two other grocery stores in addition to a small downtown general store/butcher type place. So I have been tracking how far and long it takes me to go from place to place, the furthest being Wal-Mart at 3 miles round trip.

So for the goal, if it is within a 1.5 mile radius of my house- I want to walk/run there. Seems doable and hopefully I can increase that distance by the fall. For grocery shopping, it means going once a week instead of making two big trips a month. But I know I can fit what I need for a weeks' worth of meals in the bottom of the double jogger. I am already pretty good about walking to parks and the post office and library, but there are those times when I am just lazy and load 'em up and go. Being more environmentally friendly and teaching my girls about being responsible has been a constant goal of mine. And with gas being 3.89g right now, this just seems like a smart goal that will benefit multiple areas of my life. Right now I fill up every 3 weeks on average and I would like to see that move to once a month. Fingers crossed and here we go!

Lesson Learned

2008-06-01T07:12:00.000-06:00

Hobble Creek...oh how I wanted to run you. But I kept putting off registering for you- I mean you are like 12 weeks away. Friday I finally logged on to register to find you full. Closed. Do Not Enter. Do Not Pass Go.

Disbelieving, I called Runner's Corner and they confirmed that you were "most definitely closed" as the unknowing salesman dug the knife in a little deeper. After 5 minutes of lamenting over IM with Linc about how bummed I was, I got over you. I found a new and better (a girl has to tell herself these things- I really have no idea) race to run. It is 1o weeks away, so those two extra weeks I was on schedule for will have to be condensed into my training. I know in the past I would have taken this upset of plans hard, but I am different now. Take that pesky running gods.

But lesson learned. Don't wait.

That night, I had a girls night out in store and my man surprised me with a little package waiting on the car seat. Apparently since I had a bad running related day, he thought he would turn it around with a Nike+, something I have been sort of saving up to get but kept getting side tracked with other things to get. Ecstatic. He's the best.

MapMyRun

2008-05-30T10:09:00.000-06:00

I am loving this site! I just started to get into it and it is so easy and has so much more to offer. This is the run I did this morning with my girls. I am finding that they can't handle much more than 3 miles without falling to sleep or just being cranky. I know they will get more used to it over the summer, but right now- I am not loving pushing them for much more than 3 miles! Good run today- it was early and beautiful and it feels good to have it crossed off my list!

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ut/pleasant-grove/879687745366"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Locust Ave&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/ut/pleasant-grove"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Runs in Pleasant Grove, Utah&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

It's time...

2008-05-26T20:00:00.001-06:00

So I haven't updated for a while, I hadn't run for a while. At least not consistently. But this weekend I got back in my groove and what a good groove it is. A lot of "cross training" going on lately that has been really enjoyable. Mostly biking :) and then Linc and I have been trying out this co-ed soccer team. I played soccer when I was younger and loved it, he had never played and it getting into it. It is pretty low key: smaller indoor field, 20 minute halves, you can sub out whenever you need to, lowest co-ed skill division. But it is just fun to do something active with him. Fun to run and sprint and work until you are tanked and then rest for a few minutes before you are going back in. It is cool to run a different way, to see how much I can handle and push myself in a different direction.

The Hobble Creek 1/2 is the next big race for me and I can't wait. I have planned a 5k in June and a 10k in July to kinda keep my eye on the prize as far as motivation go. Now that I have done a couple races, I hope to feel more comfortable and just enjoy it even more. I finally hashed out a summer schedule for my running and strength training and various other activities. I have a plan, I have the tools, I have the drive. Now to just make it happen.

Is it an affair?

2008-05-06T19:59:00.000-06:00

It sure does feel like cheating...I have been cross training with my bike now that the weather is warm and I just enjoy it oh.so.much. We are in the new and exciting stage of the affair. Harmless flirting, changing my schedule around just so I can fit her in, even if it is a short jaunt. I know next comes the obsessive stage where biking is all I want to do. Then the content stage where I fit her in when it is convenient for me, and finally, I will get sick of the old bike and move on.

I have still been running- and in fact I am toying with the idea of a duathalon this summer since the St. George Marathon isn't feasible to train for with Linc in summer school. (!@#$%) Last night I biked 7.5 then ran for .5 just to see if I liked the transition. Oh baby, you bet I did. It feels pretty exciting to have so much to look forward to and to feel like the possibilities are vast and varied.

Back of the Pack

2008-04-22T12:31:00.000-06:00

I am not fast. I know this- and at this point I am more than cool with this fact and just grateful to be running at all. Sure, I aspire and will train to hopefully be faster, but for now- I feel completely comfortable in my skin.

During the 1/2 I was reminded of some thoughts I had back with the 5k. Being at the back of the pack, well, it's cool. I know there are those slower than I am, but there is like a happy medium with the runner/walkers. You get to see and be with others who have worked really hard, who may not find running easy, may not be natural athletes, but choose to make the struggle to be where they are. Some have aspirations to move up in the pack, while others are just happy to do what they do. One older lady who I was pacing with was telling me this is her 5th 1/2 marathon and her goal has always been to finish. Just to finish the race. I thought that was just awesome.

The mix of body type and age and ability is vast towards the back- I rather enjoy the diversity. I talked to quite a few people along the run and everyone was just so happy to be there- you could see it in their pink sweaty faces :)

So far, I don't know what it is like at the front of the pack. If there is the same feeling and observations of the other front runners. For now, I am just happy to be a part of the race, front or back. Being at the back though, I will say that it gives me a lot to look forward to.

Race Shots

2008-04-21T22:38:00.000-06:00

My cousin had her camera and took some shots from the day. I love that I have pictures of me running and a different perspective of the race.

Michelle made this sign- notice the artistic flair in the background- totally her style.

This is at mile 8- first time I saw them, and Mya was soooo excited- it was awesome.

Me running away...

There are like 6 pictures with her little thumb up- love it!

Post race after they found me and I just remember thinking I needed to find the gear drop place and head out before I couldn't drive home! But I am glad they took this shot.

This is the SP Megan and I took before the race- I am so glad we did as we didn't see each other after the race. Why does my head look so huge?

I have been so sore, but totally wouldn't go back and change a thing. It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to do another one in August and then possibly the St. George marathon if I get in. Here's hoping!

Salt Lake City 1/2

2008-04-19T20:25:00.001-06:00

(copied over from my regular blog)

The day started at 4:00- or really before then because I had the worst night of sleep in my life! I just couldn't shut my brain off. I got up before my alarm and just laid there not looking at the clock and trying to sleep.

(My gear all ready to go the night before.)

I drove up with my new running friend Megan and we immediatly got in line to use the porta-potties, dropped off our bags at the bag check area, then headed to the start to stretch a little- and take a SP with her camera. We were towards the back and actually walked for about 5 minutes before we had enough room to run. We stayed together for the first 3/4 a mile and then split up- she has a faster pace than I do.

(I took this picture yesterday afternoon- wanted a before shot)

I was in a good groove, feeling good, the weather was perfect for me- no long sleeved shirt needed! By mile 3 I was with a good little group and it felt like we were all pacing off each other. I usually run with one earphone in and it was awesome to have my music and then be able to hear all the people cheering along the way.

(A few minutes before draining this little pest- eeeew.)

The first 5 miles flew by- I was so amazed. At about mile 4 I started to feel a blister forming on the arch of my left foot. I never get blisters- and to get one this early?!?!? I just ran through the discomfort though and by mile 9 it must have been fully formed or numb because I don't remember it bothering me after that. 5 miles was enough- phew.

At mile 8, my on site supports were to be found. My sister Hillary, cousin Michelle, and Mya. It was so perfectly timed and I got the biggest boost from their sign and the hugs and encouragement. That they would spend their Saturday morning to support me, and bring Mya along meant the world to me! Plus just seeing familiar faces was nice.

I was just past mile 9 when the truck for the marathon front runners started to pull up with them quickly running behind. They were on mile 22 and the clock said 2:00. It was so cool to see that and be so close to these amazing athletes.

(the shirt I got- I want to wear it, like everyday...)

Shortly after that I really had to pee. I never have to when running, and I kept fighting it, thinking I didn't want to lose this little running pace group I was with. But my bladder won- damn bladder! I didn't really think about it pre-race, but you have to wait in line to use the bathrooms along the route, so I lost about 5 minutes waiting and going. Argh.

After I passed the 10 mile mark I did a hands up in the air celebration, Kristi style. That was the furthest I had run in my training and at that point I still felt pretty good and knew without a doubt that I would finish this thing. (I knew all along, even if I had to walk the whole thing- but it felt so good to still have energy and just know.)

(Last night after checking my gear twice, but still feeling too riled up to go to sleep- argh!)

Mile 11 I hit my first official wall. Lucky for me my on site supports were right around the corner. I had just finished a long running stretch, so I walked to them and hugged Mya and got the boost I needed to pull out of my thinking. I was able to run away and knew I was almost done!

By this time the wind was really blowing- so much so that at one point this officer's helmet he had sitting on his hood blew across the street. The wind was nice as far as me not feeling too hot- I pretty much loved the weather the whole time. With the wind, I would run when it was behind me and walk when it was pushing against me. I was walking more than running, but still getting there. My quads were starting to feel so tight, something I hadn't experienced before either.

The last stretch felt like forever! You turn down to go in between all the Gateway shops and it just kept going and going. I ran the last .25 of it, sprinted to the finish line and was just crying I couldn't believe it! I walked it off for a bit, found my fans and pretty much got my stuff and had to head out of there if I had any chance of driving home- my legs were spent.

(We got these great looking medals right when we crossed the finish line.)

All along the race it was hard for me not to get emotional. Even this past week, it has felt as though my emotions were very close to the surface. Just seeing the support from the people cheering, the others running who had a friend with them to pull and push along- to sing with! Seeing people in seemingly worse shape than me, plugging along and running their race. I had so many creeping thoughts of, "I am really doing this!" and then I would have to push them down before I lost it.

I had planned to focus about different things during different miles- like my girls, Linc, my mom, what I was going to eat post race! But I squashed that idea (at least thinking about anything personal- I was all about a hamburger after mile 9) after thinking about my mom and all she has made it though had me choking up a little. What was I thinking!

My main goal was to finish the race- no matter how much walking it took. I hoped to finish in under 3 hours (did I mention how I am a really s.l.o.w. runner- hee) My final time was 3:04:33- good enough for me if you minus that bathroom break, and of course I do!

(This is me post race, post 1 hour nap, post shower. I feel so different, but other than still being a little pink in the cheeks, I think I look about the same- ha!)

I am so glad I did this race. I wasn't as prepared as I would have liked to be, but I was prepared enough and learned so much. I know I want to run a marathon now- with a lot more training and knowledge before then! I know I can push my body to the limit and it won't break. I know that my body is slowing turning into a runner's body and that it is up to me to make the changes to get it all the way there. I know that I love my body and am grateful for all it does for me. My knees are forgiving and strong and young. And, I love my feet because they made it!

(post race feet, after draining my mega blister and all that fun stuff)

Freakin' Hair!

2008-04-17T20:45:00.000-06:00

Why did I cut my hair short with little freaking bangs right before a race? WHY???

I can get the front up without it driving me nuts, but now the back! Too short to put up but just long enough that it irks me.

It was on my last long run this weekend where it was 70 degrees and I was sweating like a mule and my hair was making me nuts. I have tried all this week to find something that would work, so far I am outta luck. Hopefully it will be cool enough so I am not pouring buckets, but my hair is the last freaking thing I want to be thinking about on Saturday.

I am a Runner

2008-04-09T21:05:00.000-06:00

I run because it gets my mind and body in sync.

It fits in my schedule.

I feel stronger than when I don’t run.

It is free and environmentally friendly.

I run because I can meet new people and feel an instant connection.

When my mom was diagnosed with cancer I felt helpless and alone and a friend suggested I run to clear my mind. I run because she can’t. For all the aches and pains I have after a run- I choose to bear them, she doesn't have a choice.

I run to keep my gray skies away. For the mood lift, endorphin rush, and adrenaline boost it is.

I run because I know I will always feel good about myself afterwards.

I run because 6 months ago I couldn’t even wear running shoes and I owe it to my body for giving me the ability to.

I run so my girls can see me sweat and push myself, so they know that being a committed and strong and healthy woman is beautiful. So they can learn patience.

Because it is fun to see the changes in my body. To feel fat being replaced with muscle. To see my clothes starting to look baggier.

I run because I know I don’t have future pregnancies to use as a scapegoat for not getting in shape and taking care of myself.

I run to help me move more and eat less.

I run because my husband thinks it’s sexy.

Running makes me feel a part of something bigger when I am outside and taking nature in.

Because I want to have legs that look good I a running skirt ;)

I want to run a marathon because I want to know what it feels like. To have bragging rights. I want to run 26.2 miles so I can accomplish an old goal and for the insights and perspective I will gain along the way.

I run because it makes me feel like I can do anything.

Pulled

2008-04-03T12:55:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday I ran with my new friend Megan and it was so nice to run with someone. I love that we found each other online and just kinda exchanged when and where and got to know each other on the trail. We ran about 7.5 miles up Provo Canyon, more like walked and ran. I pulled my calf muscle and it was just killing me- so I am glad that I didn't really hurt myself by pushing it, and that she was willing to walk so much. This weeks training has been good- I have been stretching like there is no tomorrow and doing some strengthening exercises. I know all the walking this weekend will help as well.

She is running the SLC 1/2 too- at a quicker pace- but it feels cool to know more and more women running it. Even if I don't run it "with" someone, just knowing that they all trained and will be there is plain motivating. I am stoked- I have a 10 mile run to do this weekend (in Seattle! woohoo!) and then pushing through the next two weeks. I can't believe it is that close and that I have come this far!

Doomed, Doomed!

2008-03-27T10:28:00.000-06:00

So this is going to be a tad whiny- don't continue if you don't want to hear it...

This has been the worst week ever! Not because of the running, but because of not being able to. If I was the superstitious type, I would say I have been jinxed.

Today I had a plan- I get Kaylee down for her morning nap, snack Mya up and plop her in front of a princess movie and hit the treadmill. 1 mile in, Mya comes to show me this glass pumpkin she pulled out of a box- right as I am telling her to be careful, she drops it- glass shatters everywhere. Get off and clean it up for 5 minutes etc. Back on the treadmill, I get another 1/2 mile running in, start to feel my groove again...

Then the door bell rings- K is sleeping so I don't want them to keep knocking and the like. I am in my indoor running finery- running tights and a tank that isn't the cleanest after a breakfast incident involving oatmeal and an 11 month old. It is my neighbor, he is in the middle of a divorce and needs to use my phone. Again. And talk about things. Again. Can't he see that I am red faced and in running shoes and gross and not in the mood to chat? But I feel bad for the guy- he is getting the short end of the stick and blah blah...Argh!

Go back down, run another 1/2- the groove is gone, I am not feeling it, mentally frustrated. Tell myself that 2 miles isn't all that bad and call it a day.

Life sucks sometimes. I suck sometimes. I am okay with that. The end.

My Own 10k

2008-03-22T21:17:00.000-06:00

Today I had Linc and the girls drop me off 6 miles from home- or 6.2 to be precise. I was amazed at how far it was in the car from what I had imagined in my mind. Crazy how that works. But I did it! I kept about the same pace as my 5k last weekend- so very PLEASED with that. At this point I honestly don't care how long it takes me, I just want to reach my goal. I would say I ran 60-70% of it- which is also about what I wanted to do and rocked that. I thought it would be a killer, so I am pleasantly surprised how good I feel. I know I will be sore tomorrow, but tonight I feel proud and happy and on my way!

5k Fun

2008-03-15T22:14:00.000-06:00

Today I ran in my first 5k and it was just awesome. Chloe sent me an e-mail last week inviting me and I am so glad I jumped at it.

(Chloe and me pre-race, sp by Chloe)

It was nice to have a first race, to have people to run it with, to have the feeling of crossing the finish line, to learn a thing or two:

1- I need to train with more hills. I guess around here it is pretty flat unless one goes searching them out. And I just ignore the incline on my treadmill- oops. The hills today rocked my knees, but I ran up every single one and that felt cool. I felt victorious.
2- Running without music is kinda nice. I paid more attention to my body and its abilities than pacing myself to the music. For a long run, I don't think I could do it without music, but it was nice for this one.
3- Running with people is awesome. Feeling part of the collective is a good feeling. Chatting here and there with Bre was great. Seeing Chloe keep her pace was inspiring.
4- Having support from both Chloe and Bre, and then my husband and mom was really cool. I felt kinda sheepish wanting them there since this was a *small* race compared to what I aspire to run, but it was my first race, so them being there fueled the experience.
5- Running in the cold is kinda nice, but about 10 minutes post race really sucks to still be outside. I can't wait for the summer.

It was a great Saturday, a great race, a great learning experience!

Crunch Time

2008-03-13T12:03:00.000-06:00

The SLC 1/2 is in exactly 36 days. I remember when it was like 90 days away and I felt like I had loads of time to prepare. I would like to say two kids and a husband get in the way of my thinking, but you know I have thought about it every.single.day.

I am a last minute kind of gal- I wish I wasn't, I really do. Last night I went to bed wondering if I was really in this thing, really committed. Part of the reason I have not registered yet is my fear of failure. If I say I am going to do something, I will climb over mountains to do it. That is just who I am, especially with commitments I make to myself. So with this I wanted to be sure. Really, really sure. I was for a while and then let sickness kill my motivation. DEAD.

Today is a new day. I read this and it has changed everything. My thinking, my drive, my desire to do it. I can do this.

The training schedule she posted is bite sized, it is direct, there is no thinking involved. Just do it.

Recommitted right now.

Swirling Thoughts

2008-03-10T16:14:00.001-06:00

I underestimated how much the girls would affect my training. How easy it would be to use them as a scapegoat for falling behind on my schedule. "Mya's still got that cough, better not take them out today." Argh! How when they have a bad day, it makes me want to run and deal with them in the stroller even less.

I underestimated how easily it is to come up with some legitimate reason to not train on a day. Today it is that my stroller wheel has a flat and I won't have time between Kaylee's nap and dinner to run and get a replacement tube. I am telling myself that I will run on the treadmill tonight- I will! But I am mourning the loss of an outside run where I go further, push myself more, enjoy it more- thus setting myself up for a crappy treadmill run.

I underestimated how getting a treadmill would change how I see running.

I never thought about getting sick and having that keep my from running- or again, being able to use that as an excuse. I would like to say that no one would run when they are sick, but I am sure there are those extra dedicated athletes out there who scoff at the common cold. I am not one of them.

I never realized it would be so hard to get back into the schedule of training after I was feeling better. How the loss of momentum really does kick your butt.

I always thought once I got going, once I liked to run, once I could run and not just walk, that it would always be that way. That getting to that point would be the final hurdle to cross. I was so wrong.

But- the important thing is that I am not ditching this, any of it. Minor setbacks are just that, minor. I am still riding this horse but adapting so I don't fall off again (or at least as much).

Friendly Boost

2008-03-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I got to meet Anne and it was seriously so fun to talk to another runner. For the first time I didn't feel like this outsider looking in on the running world and it was nice to talk about some of my 'fears' as far as actually running a marathon. Hearing about all her upcoming races kinda put a spark under me- how I hope in a year from now I am still loving this and have my own summer race schedule. Plus- it was just plain fun to meet Anne!

Push

2008-02-27T20:18:00.001-07:00

With the weather being awesome this week, I finally made it out for a run today with the girls in tow- or push as it were. Man I forgot how different it is to push them and run. It was freakin' hard! We did 4 miles total, but I bet I only really ran about 1- 1.5 miles of it. I need to do this more- it is a good cross train type thing, but after going solo so much and doing the treadmill, you just forget. (I also need to bring more snacks for them.) It made me worried about April and if I really could pull off the half, but I know with diligence, I CAN. I just need to get over the mental hurdle that taking them is and not let that be a scapegoat. I have also started to cross train with biking. I like that it uses different muscles, but still has my heart going and I enjoy it more, so I push myself harder. It is making me yearn for the summer mountain biking season :)

I am just loving this weather! It has revitalized my drive.

Back to the Tread

2008-02-21T20:48:00.001-07:00

It's only been a week and a half, but being sick just took it out of me. Finally tonight I was back on the treadmill- took it easy and just walked/lightly jogged for about an hour. It just feels good to be back where I want to be. I am trying not to stress too much about being behind with the training schedule and just push on and make the upcoming runs work for me.

Chafed

2008-01-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

In all my years of working out, I have never experienced chafing.

I can't say that anymore.

It is annoying to say the least, and a sign of things to come if I don't get my hands on some highly recommended Sports Shield soon.

Definition

2008-01-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

This is a new/long forgotten feeling, actually seeing the changes slowly manifest themselves in me. Feeling stronger everyday and seeing the changes. Small, but I have the power to define what I become. To shape my body and mind.

The Real Deal

2008-01-21T20:54:00.001-07:00

Today I really felt like an actual runner. Weird that it has taken me this long to get that "real" feeling. It snowed all day- about 12 inches here. I had talked to Linc about going running on Monday and Wednesday nights since he is home from class around 7:15. So out I went tonight- bundled up, iPod and headlamp on. it was so icy and there was so much snow. But I pushed through. It wasn't the run of the year, but I did it and just felt like I am overcoming all obstacles. Schedule, weather, evening laziness in general. I went for me and my body and I found myself thinking, "I am a runner. I am in control. This is where I want to be."

Light Up the Night

2008-01-21T08:54:00.001-07:00

Since it has been dark so early, I keep going to this "track" to run that has one light on one corner. I just don't really like track style running- there aren't points of focus for me, or things to look forward to. Just the same old thing. I like to cover a lot of ground and enjoy the idea of discovering my neighborhood on foot.

It finally occurred to me last night that I can just take my reading light. Perfect! It was a quick run that I fit in between the girls going to bed and the guys coming over to play games- 1.5 miles, but I am SO glad I made myself go. Today everything is covered with snow...

Everyday

2008-01-18T11:08:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to take some timer or self portrait shots everyday- just capturing the everyday things I do. So of course exercise plays a huge roll. This is the 9# medicine ball I have had for years, doing some ab/core work. This is one of my favorite ones to do- you just feel so strong and it takes mental toughness to keep going and finish out your reps. To challenge yourself.

Also, one of my favorite healthy eating snacks as of late is fat free sour cream mixed with half a packet of ranch dip mix. Then you just have carrots, celery, bell pepper- any crunchy veggies and just dip away. So few carbs and no fat involved. There are other go-to things I snack on, but this is new and one of my favorites at the moment. Refreshing after the workout to get something in my system until lunchtime.

Rest No More

2008-01-15T14:16:00.002-07:00

I took yesterday off after reading how important rest days are and realizing that I had gone the last 8 days and my body needed the break. It was hard to break out of that pattern- how I just do something everyday. But nice.

Today I planned to run, but the wind is brutal and I don't have a wind guard yet for the stroller. So back to strength training and really it has been 3 days since, so it was in order. I love that I am feeling stronger. That my arms and abs can go more reps. and that I can just tell the difference. I usually don't wear my ankle weights when I lift, but decided to wear them today and it was a great choice.

One of these days I will start to track my reps and have that visual on the improvements. But for now, just recording that I did them will suffice.

Tonight...

2008-01-13T20:50:00.001-07:00

I was here...

2 Miles

2008-01-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

Today I was able to run without the girls and man what a difference not pushing those 50+ pounds around makes! I didn't run the entire time, but alternated and had my heart rate up the whole time. There was someone jogging ahead of me by quite a way and I am happy to say that I kept pace with them, even with the brisk walking.

So after 6 days of strength training and then venturing out, I felt not as strong running wise, but my legs felt great. Breathing this thin/cold air is what I need to work on! Tomorrow I plan to go running alone again- thinking I will just adapt and do that on weekends since I have the opportunity to go alone. Hooray for my 2 miles! Baby steps- or leaps.

Reminder to self: bring iPod next time

Neglecting

2008-01-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

I have been seriously neglecting blogging, but after a week I am back into the swing of it there, so why not here? Luckily, the exercise has not been neglected. The running is here and there with the weather !@#$% (What I would give for a treadmill!) But on the days where we can't run, I do strength training and it has been going so well. Usually 30 minutes and I am sweating and feeling it big time. Wearing my ankle weights around all morning while I clean and mother the girls. Little by little I am taking back what is mine!

I did end up getting some sweet shoes after Christmas. I went to 26.2 in AF and they recommended these. Man they make a huge difference and I totally run better and longer with them. Hooray!

With eating I have been following the diabetic plan my mom follows, adapted to my caloric needs. She has lost so much weight doing it- so inspiring! Today is day 5 and it hasn't been too bad. Writing things down makes the difference for me. Looking forward to my two week mark. For me the crest of week two makes the biggest difference and it is much easier to manage after that.

ShoesShoesShoes

2007-12-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

So after two pregnancies, I think it is safe to say that my feet are bigger. My shoes aren't, so this is seriously making me non-enthusiastic about running. I have been looking online for different shoes and feel so lost- I don't want to spend a fortune but want something that is going to treat my feet right. Someone suggested going to a running store and having them measure and fit figure out what shoe is right for your feet. In the meantime, briskly walking will have to do, followed by some ice and heat as needed.

Snow Business

2007-12-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it snowed and snowed. Beautiful. No running for me, so I shoveled the walks, one of my favorite winter time chores. It makes my arms ache, my back feel the burn. You can tell though in the background that mother nature was working against me by sifting snow over all my hard work! It is looking like they are keeping the roads clear, so I hope to head out today for at least a walk, maybe even alone- gasp!

20 minutes shoveling snow

Uphill

2007-11-27T11:23:00.001-07:00

Today was 30 minutes of walking. I set my timer for 15 minutes and headed up hill, then turned around when it rang and headed back. Man oh man is my butt gunna be sore- and my quads from the downhill. It is supposed to snow later today/tonight, so it was overcast and had a little wind chill going on. I don't know how much snow, so I am hoping the roads are cleared soon so we can head back out. In the meantime, I will do strength training.

First Run

2007-11-26T11:49:00.001-07:00

It counts as a first run, even if you only actually ran 1/4 of the 2 miles, right?

This weekend I hit the jackpot and got a double jogging stroller off KSL Classifieds for $85! It is in almost new condition- I still can't believe it! I thought I would be saving for a long time.

Today marks what I am calling the first run. I have been walking off and on with Mya in the old stroller, but today was the day. I walked for about two minutes then ran for about 30 seconds. Alternating back and forth. Add in the 2 hours of volleyball I played on Saturday night and you are looking at one sore girl. Lovin' it. I miss this feeling. Miss the burn in my legs and lungs.

2 miles, 23 minutes, walk/ran