I'm feeling much better today-I let myself have my pity party last night and today all is well. In fact I've had a really blessed day!
I got up and went to work really early, which meant I got to leave at 2:30. That's like the middle of the day!! I surprised the kids and picked them up early. They were so excited to see me that I got some of the biggest hugs ever.
We went to the store for a quick couple of items and then we came home and I trimmed their hair. Nothing fancy here, just a trim. I just can't see paying salon prices to take the split ends off of two tiny girls!
We ate some breakfast for dinner all together and I even let them have some dessert, which is kind of rare around here. There were lots of smiles and none of their usual bickering with each other. It has been a fantastic day!!
No running again today, as I'm working on a migraine. But I still feel blessed, even so!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Uncle Sam and Oscar
Today I did not run. Because I am depressed. Which probably means I should have run, but man did I not feel it. For the first time ever we have to pay taxes. A perfect storm of events (screwed up exemptions, new job with crap we didn't know about, I won't bore you) means we have to pay Uncle Sam. We are trying to save for a down payment for a new house so paying huge sums of money to Sam wasn't in the plans.
I live in a place that doesn't sell alcohol on Sundays so wine was out. I really could have used some sweet red wine. Instead, it was a milkshake to soothe the immediate pain. Now it's the Oscars and chocolate. Dolled up stars and Easter candy definitely make this girl smile.
Doesn't Jennifer Hudson look amazing, btw??
Also, was that guy joking or serious when he interrupted his applause and said "You're taking up my time."?
That is all.
I live in a place that doesn't sell alcohol on Sundays so wine was out. I really could have used some sweet red wine. Instead, it was a milkshake to soothe the immediate pain. Now it's the Oscars and chocolate. Dolled up stars and Easter candy definitely make this girl smile.
Doesn't Jennifer Hudson look amazing, btw??
Also, was that guy joking or serious when he interrupted his applause and said "You're taking up my time."?
That is all.
A morning date with the hubs. An evening date with the Biebs.
Yesterday the hubs and I actually paid for a babysitter (*gasp*) so we could do our long run together. We went back to our favorite paved trail on a terrible frigid morning. Now, last week it was cold, but sunny and we eventually warmed up even though we were wearing short sleeves. This week it was cold and cloudy so we opted for long sleeves, but we totally underdressed. I never warmed up!!
We tried some new fuel (still in experimentation mode). Dave had the Black Cherry Shot Bloks. He said they were great for his energy level but the taste was less than desirable. He did recommend them for people who like Dr. Pepper and really strong whiskey....which is obviously not him given the face he made while eating them. I so wish I'd had the camera!
I had the Blueberry Pomegranate GU Chomps. The taste and texture were great, but I didn't get the same kick that I experienced with last week's Clif Shot. In fact I was totally dragging the last half of our run. Last week's run felt good, this week's felt a little less good. They can't all be rainbows and sunshine I suppose.
Despite my lack of mojo we did make it our full 7 miles in 1:19:29, average pace 11:22.*
And then we went to Longhorn Steakhouse and stuffed our gizzards! Followed by White Chocolate Mochas at Starbucks since we were feeling smart for having a gift card to Longhorn!
We picked up the girls and made them take much needed naps, and then minus the hubs, we had a girls night out. We went to see Justin Bieber: Never Say Never 3D. Because I have little girls. And little girls have Bieber Fever. It was cute and not nearly as painful as I'd imagined. The home videos of him as a little boy were really cute and I was pleasantly surprised to see how hard he actually worked for his career. He wasn't quite the overnight sensation I had imagined. Cute movie.
The girls wanted their picture with the Biebs:
*Split times, for those who want to know:
Mile 1 - 11:00
Mile 2 - 11:43
Mile 3 - 11:36
Mile 4 - 11:25
Mile 5 - 11:38
Mile 6 - 11:33
Mile 7 - 10:36
Must. Get. Faster.
We tried some new fuel (still in experimentation mode). Dave had the Black Cherry Shot Bloks. He said they were great for his energy level but the taste was less than desirable. He did recommend them for people who like Dr. Pepper and really strong whiskey....which is obviously not him given the face he made while eating them. I so wish I'd had the camera!
I had the Blueberry Pomegranate GU Chomps. The taste and texture were great, but I didn't get the same kick that I experienced with last week's Clif Shot. In fact I was totally dragging the last half of our run. Last week's run felt good, this week's felt a little less good. They can't all be rainbows and sunshine I suppose.
Despite my lack of mojo we did make it our full 7 miles in 1:19:29, average pace 11:22.*
And then we went to Longhorn Steakhouse and stuffed our gizzards! Followed by White Chocolate Mochas at Starbucks since we were feeling smart for having a gift card to Longhorn!
We picked up the girls and made them take much needed naps, and then minus the hubs, we had a girls night out. We went to see Justin Bieber: Never Say Never 3D. Because I have little girls. And little girls have Bieber Fever. It was cute and not nearly as painful as I'd imagined. The home videos of him as a little boy were really cute and I was pleasantly surprised to see how hard he actually worked for his career. He wasn't quite the overnight sensation I had imagined. Cute movie.
The girls wanted their picture with the Biebs:
*Split times, for those who want to know:
Mile 1 - 11:00
Mile 2 - 11:43
Mile 3 - 11:36
Mile 4 - 11:25
Mile 5 - 11:38
Mile 6 - 11:33
Mile 7 - 10:36
Must. Get. Faster.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Must Have Gear
Today I had a great run. Mostly because I really didn't want to run, but I did it anyway. I've been so tired this week. I haven't wanted to get out of bed for work, I've been dragging all day at work, and by the time I've gotten home I've been so exhausted I just want to collapse in bed. Except I can't, because I'm a mom. I know the other moms out there will understand.
Today I got home a good half hour before the hubby and kids got here and I was so, so tempted to lay down on the bed and watch some trash TV or just "rest my eyes" until they got home. It is so rare for me to have the house completely to myself. The silence and privacy was so very tempting!
But, I laced up my shoes and hit the road. It was only a 2 miler scheduled for today so I used that to my advantage when I was playing the mental game to get out the door. I ended up finishing the 2 miles in 20:12 which I find to be awesome for someone who didn't have the energy to run in the first place!
I got a new product in the mail a couple days ago. I mean, I bought it and the Fed Ex man delivered it to me. I don't have sponsors beating down my door or anything. Anyway, after the run in with the dog last week I decided to order a SPIbelt. With warmer weather teasing us, I know shorts weather is just around the corner. At least I hope it is. And when I start wearing shorts, I stop carrying my cell phone. It makes me beyond nervous to be out by myself without too, in case of emergency. So, enter the SPIbelt:
It is A-MAZ-ING! I've used it twice so far and it is awesome! Once you put it on, you forget that it's there. It doesn't bounce or ride up. It doesn't squeeze your waist. You don't feel it at all. In fact, tonight I came home and cooked dinner with it still on because I forgot it was there. And look how deceptively small it looks. But it expands to easily hold my iPhone:
And if I had been going on a longer run I could have easily squeezed a few gels in there, my car keys, and probably even more stuff. It is deceptively huge. I couldn't be more pleased with this purchase! If you have ever stressed about how to carry everything you need for a run, especially during shorts weather, get one of these now! They are FAB!
Nope, I didn't get paid or reimbursed in any manner to brag on this thing. But I wish I would. SPIbelt = new love of my life.
Today I got home a good half hour before the hubby and kids got here and I was so, so tempted to lay down on the bed and watch some trash TV or just "rest my eyes" until they got home. It is so rare for me to have the house completely to myself. The silence and privacy was so very tempting!
But, I laced up my shoes and hit the road. It was only a 2 miler scheduled for today so I used that to my advantage when I was playing the mental game to get out the door. I ended up finishing the 2 miles in 20:12 which I find to be awesome for someone who didn't have the energy to run in the first place!
I got a new product in the mail a couple days ago. I mean, I bought it and the Fed Ex man delivered it to me. I don't have sponsors beating down my door or anything. Anyway, after the run in with the dog last week I decided to order a SPIbelt. With warmer weather teasing us, I know shorts weather is just around the corner. At least I hope it is. And when I start wearing shorts, I stop carrying my cell phone. It makes me beyond nervous to be out by myself without too, in case of emergency. So, enter the SPIbelt:
It is A-MAZ-ING! I've used it twice so far and it is awesome! Once you put it on, you forget that it's there. It doesn't bounce or ride up. It doesn't squeeze your waist. You don't feel it at all. In fact, tonight I came home and cooked dinner with it still on because I forgot it was there. And look how deceptively small it looks. But it expands to easily hold my iPhone:
And if I had been going on a longer run I could have easily squeezed a few gels in there, my car keys, and probably even more stuff. It is deceptively huge. I couldn't be more pleased with this purchase! If you have ever stressed about how to carry everything you need for a run, especially during shorts weather, get one of these now! They are FAB!
Nope, I didn't get paid or reimbursed in any manner to brag on this thing. But I wish I would. SPIbelt = new love of my life.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Too. Much. Chocolate.
Today I ate half a bag (you know...the big bag) of peanut M&M's. There was also a run in with a Caramello Bar and a bottle of Yoo Hoo. And some hot chocolate. And a couple bites of cadbury dairy milk. I don't know what got into me! Tomorrow I plan to pack a giant salad to eat at work for lunch. My body needs veggies and protein before it shuts down from the sugar overload.
Today I ran a quick 3 miles outside before taking T. to dance class. I decided to get back to the basics thanks to something I read at The Hungry Runner Girl today. I couldn't go all the way, I mean I didn't leave my Garmin at home or anything crazy like that. But I did decide not to look at it, except when it sounded the alarm at the mile markers*. I did not watch my pace, I did not stress that I was running too fast or too slow, I did not count down the tenths of miles until I would be back at my car.
Instead, I ran what felt good. If it felt too easy, I picked up the pace. If it felt too hard, I slowed it down a little. I appreciated every foot step, and even had a monologue going on in my mind about how each and every foot step was literally getting me closer to my immediate half marathon goal and my more distant full marathon goal. I appreciated the nature around me...even if I wasn't happy that it was snowing!! And the entire run felt amazing. It wasn't one more check on my To Do list. It was me, enjoying myself. It was the best solo run I've had in a long time. And my time wasn't too bad either, even without checking the pace every 20 seconds. Go figure.
3 miles in 32:13. Average Pace: 10:45.
*I just learned how to set my Garmin to automatically chime at me at the mile markers on Saturday. Yes, I have had this watch for two years. No, I am not ashamed.
Today I ran a quick 3 miles outside before taking T. to dance class. I decided to get back to the basics thanks to something I read at The Hungry Runner Girl today. I couldn't go all the way, I mean I didn't leave my Garmin at home or anything crazy like that. But I did decide not to look at it, except when it sounded the alarm at the mile markers*. I did not watch my pace, I did not stress that I was running too fast or too slow, I did not count down the tenths of miles until I would be back at my car.
Instead, I ran what felt good. If it felt too easy, I picked up the pace. If it felt too hard, I slowed it down a little. I appreciated every foot step, and even had a monologue going on in my mind about how each and every foot step was literally getting me closer to my immediate half marathon goal and my more distant full marathon goal. I appreciated the nature around me...even if I wasn't happy that it was snowing!! And the entire run felt amazing. It wasn't one more check on my To Do list. It was me, enjoying myself. It was the best solo run I've had in a long time. And my time wasn't too bad either, even without checking the pace every 20 seconds. Go figure.
3 miles in 32:13. Average Pace: 10:45.
*I just learned how to set my Garmin to automatically chime at me at the mile markers on Saturday. Yes, I have had this watch for two years. No, I am not ashamed.
Monday, February 21, 2011
My Treadmill Lives the Good Life
Saturday night (technically early Sunday morning) I was up with a stomach bug. All night long I felt TERRIBLE. It was horrible, and all I really kept thinking was "NOOOOO!!! I have to run today in order to get my four running days in!!". Sunday was a rainy day, but fairly warm so it would have been a great day to run which made it even worse.
I laid around all day Sunday, watching TV, napping, not eating and generally feeling miserable. Finally at the end of the day I sucked it up and got on the treadmill to run 2 miles. I figured even if I didn't make it the whole way, I could still say I ran four days for the week.
I had a pretty sweet setup going:
That's the setup that let me pound out 2 miles in 21:15 (10:38 pace) even while sick! That made 12 weekly miles in 4 days of running. I felt proud. And tired.
A. was tired too. We had to wake her up from her nap and she promptly snuck into the chair and fell back asleep. It was too adorable...so I just let her go back to sleep!
I laid around all day Sunday, watching TV, napping, not eating and generally feeling miserable. Finally at the end of the day I sucked it up and got on the treadmill to run 2 miles. I figured even if I didn't make it the whole way, I could still say I ran four days for the week.
I had a pretty sweet setup going:
Why yes, we DO have 3 TV's in front of the treaddy. Ok, technically it's two TV's and a laptop. The big TV is really for the kids to watch because you can't see it from the exercise equipment. The top TV is the one that is actually high enough to see from the treadmill or spin bike, so is the one we usually have on. The laptop is because sometimes a girl's gotta watch Hulu. I missed Survivor so I had to catch up, obvs.
I had the speakers right there on the treadmill so I could hear REALLY well when Phillip and Francesca started going at it and proving themselves crazy right from the get go. Note the fan, aimed right at my face. It might be my favorite part. There's the yellow post-it note to keep the pulse sensor from going wacko and giving me pulse readings, even when I'm not actually touching the sensor. And my motivation: the big tacky piece of paper that is taped on that says MARATHON:
"When the guy says go, you start to suffer -- or you might as well not be out there. It's a small piece of your life, make it hurt."
~Aaron Cox, Winner of US Mountain Biking Championship
That's the setup that let me pound out 2 miles in 21:15 (10:38 pace) even while sick! That made 12 weekly miles in 4 days of running. I felt proud. And tired.
A. was tired too. We had to wake her up from her nap and she promptly snuck into the chair and fell back asleep. It was too adorable...so I just let her go back to sleep!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Same, But Different
Today we watched a home movie from when T. was a baby. She was getting burped, and after she obliged I said "Good Girl!!!" (insert baby talk here) and she jumped a MILE. On the video, I crack up and even snort. In real life while watching, I cracked up and even snorted. It was like surround sound all of a sudden because I sounded exactly like I did six years ago. It was weird, especially since I feel like I've changed so very much in those six years!
Yesterday, the hubby and I got a babysitter so we could go run together, kid-free. We set out to run 6 miles on a gorgeous, sunny, COLD day. It was 34 degrees and Dave normally won't run in that weather but he did it anyway and it was great! We ran 6 miles on some stellar paved trails in the next town over. The scenery was gorgeous and runners were out all over the place.
Dave wanted to start out slowly (he's only resumed running within the last couple weeks) so we were aiming for 12:00 miles to begin with. We stopped at 3 miles to get a drink, chew some energy and turn around to come back. Dave ate some Shot Bloks, I took a strawberry Clif Shot w/caffeine. And I nearly gagged on the taste and texture (it was my first time). I have weird issues with texture anyway to be fair, but man that thing was nasty. But with that said, I did get a kick and we busted out some major negative splits for the last 3 miles.
Mile 1: 12:00 (hit it exactly, I should totally be a pacer)
Mile 2: 12:12
Mile 3: 12:17
Mile 4: 11:29
Mile 5: 11:24
Mile 6: 10:25
Total time: 1:09:49, average pace 11:39.
We both felt good, and I for one have no soreness today (Tiger Tail baby!!). I've been running 6 miles for a while now on Saturdays and I wanted to keep doing that until it felt good before I started growing the distance. I finally think I'm ready to move up, so next week we've decided to tackle 7 miles!
A couple miles today will finally accomplish my much sought after 4 day running week!
Yesterday, the hubby and I got a babysitter so we could go run together, kid-free. We set out to run 6 miles on a gorgeous, sunny, COLD day. It was 34 degrees and Dave normally won't run in that weather but he did it anyway and it was great! We ran 6 miles on some stellar paved trails in the next town over. The scenery was gorgeous and runners were out all over the place.
Dave wanted to start out slowly (he's only resumed running within the last couple weeks) so we were aiming for 12:00 miles to begin with. We stopped at 3 miles to get a drink, chew some energy and turn around to come back. Dave ate some Shot Bloks, I took a strawberry Clif Shot w/caffeine. And I nearly gagged on the taste and texture (it was my first time). I have weird issues with texture anyway to be fair, but man that thing was nasty. But with that said, I did get a kick and we busted out some major negative splits for the last 3 miles.
Mile 1: 12:00 (hit it exactly, I should totally be a pacer)
Mile 2: 12:12
Mile 3: 12:17
Mile 4: 11:29
Mile 5: 11:24
Mile 6: 10:25
Total time: 1:09:49, average pace 11:39.
We both felt good, and I for one have no soreness today (Tiger Tail baby!!). I've been running 6 miles for a while now on Saturdays and I wanted to keep doing that until it felt good before I started growing the distance. I finally think I'm ready to move up, so next week we've decided to tackle 7 miles!
A couple miles today will finally accomplish my much sought after 4 day running week!
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