Running Tights

I need a new pair of running tights. Does anyone have a fave pair you can recommend??

Blah-humbug

That's how I feel right now. I'm upset. Super upset. Once again we are not going to be able to try for a baby. Hubby was put on a business trip last minute and once again, will be away during our "trying" time. I mean, we might get a little time when he gets back, but very little I think. I'm trying to be optimistic and think it can still happen...so we'll see. It's still very frustrating when stupid work crap gets in the way of your life, ya know?

Good news is I think I am finally kicking my cold's ass. I finally went to the gym a couple days ago and was able to run 3.7 miles before I started to feel anything with my IT band. So then I headed on over to the stretching area and rolled around a bit on the foam roller. Umm, I HATE that thing. Seriously. It freakin' KILLS my thighs when I roll over the IT band. Youch! But it works so I'll stick with it. Then I hopped on the elliptical for 15 mins. It's so hard not being able to run but I know it'll come back with some R & R.

Also...I'm still trying to figure out what I want for Christmas. I mean, there are a gazillion things I could ask for but actually figuring those out is tough. I have a few things on the list...

1) some new yoga pants/capris and tanks. I am finally going to start going to these classes at the gym and need some new attire to help me out :-)

2) New sunglasses (I lost my 3rd pair) Yes...I need a thing around my neck :-)

3) Boots. I don't have any great boots and would love to have this pair. The perfect pair to wear with some skinny jeans (that is if I can ever find a freakin' pair of jeans that fit me right)

But I am sure my hubby would rather me get these black over the knee boots :-)

See, I said a few. I still have ALL my shopping to do. I have no idea what to get anyone. And I only have a week to go. Crap!!! Is everyone done with their shopping???

I haven't run for two days now but I have to get out tomorrow. But the next two days are going to be super hectic. I have to drop off the cat at the in-laws tomorrow, and then hopefully get out and get some shopping done. Friday we are going to Sesame Street Live and I am actually looking forward to that. Jackson loves, loves, loves Elmo and I think he'll really like this so it should be fun. And then of course I need to get out all of our Eskimo clothing and pack it all up. Shall be a packed two days but we'll get 'er done. :-)

A Funny Non-Running Joke

Sorry, but this one is funny :-)





It is near the Christmas break of the school year. The students have turned in all their work and there is really nothing more to do. All the children are restless and the teacher decides to have an early dismissal.

Teacher: "Whoever answers the questions I ask, first and correctly can leave early today."

Little Johnny says to himself "Good, I want to get outta here. I'm smart and will answer the question."

Teacher: "Who said 'Four Score and Seven Years Ago'?"

Before Johnny can open his mouth, Susie says, "Abraham Lincoln."

Teacher: "That's right Susie, you can go home."

Johnny is mad that Susie answered the question first.

Teacher: "Who said 'I Have a Dream'?"

Before Johnny can open his mouth, Mary says, "Martin Luther King."

Teacher: "That's right Mary, you can go."

Johnny is even madder than before.

Teacher: "Who said 'Ask not, what your country can do for you'?"

Before Johnny can open his mouth, Nancy says, "John F. Kennedy."

Teacher: "That's right Nancy, you may also leave."

Johnny is boiling mad that he has not been able to answer to any of the questions.

When the teacher turns her back Johnny says, "I wish these Bitches would keep their mouths shut!"

The teacher turns around: "NOW WHO SAID THAT?"

Johnny: "TIGER WOODS. CAN I GO NOW?"

Midweek Updates

Just thought I'd put it out there that I'm not pregnant, since a couple people have asked :-). I guess ovulating the day of a marathon (according to my internet ovulation calculator) is not conducive to making a baby. Oh well. Better luck this month!! I was kind of hoping for a great excuse to slack up on the running for a few weeks, er, months :-)

I did go for a run yesterday and aside from the snot-flowing nose I felt fine. But about two miles into the run my IT band started to bother me again. This is frustrating. But I guess that's what I get for running after it started to hurt during the marathon. So I hopped on the elliptical for a while more. But ya know, I am just not a elliptical kind of girl unless I am seriously kicking my ass. Literally. There is a great setting for that on the one I use!

I planned on doing something today but we had playgroup this morning and I was just tired and not feeling it so I skipped it during the afternoon. So....tomorrow I am hoping to get to the gym for a little barbell strength class or some yoga. I have been a member at the gym for a year now and have yet to attend a class. This is mostly because almost 3/4 of that year Jackson freaked out and I only got about a half hour at the gym and I didn't want to have to leave during the class. He's been great the last couple months and lately he doesn't even turn his head back when I drop him off, and when I pick him up he turns and runs the other way. Too funny!

Anways, almost two weeks until Christmas and I have zero presents bought. I still have to make a gazillion cookies to send off i carepackages. And do our Christmas/New Year cards. This is going to be a long week two weeks!

Slacky McSlacker

Holy crap I've been slacking on the running the last 4 days. Today I have to get out. I am craving a run. Last Thursday was supposed to be my "off" day and Friday turned into a "the-hubby-is-home-lets-enjoy-this-I-want-to-sleep-in" day. Saturday it SNOWED all day so I just stayed home, cooked, put up Christmas decorations and made a snowman. And Sunday I was going to go to the gym for a run but lost motivation. Darn! That night a cold came on and I got very little sleep, woke up with a ginormous headache and stuffy sinuses and just felt like crap so yup, a run didn't happen. Oh well :-) Today I'll try and get in a longer run.

I love the holiday season. Love, love, love it! The food, the lights, the cheer, all is great. Sometimes I wish we could extend it a few more weeks/months, but then I wonder if it'd be as special? I think the food could definitely make it all year and still be just as good :-)

So the plan for the rest of the week? I dunno. Without a training schedule to go by I have a hard time figuring out what to run. How does everyone form their off-season training schedules?

Now What?

Seriously. Now what? With no races in my future I am having a hard time figuring out what to do now that the marathon is over.

And umm ya, this whole waiting to find out if I am pregnant thing just stinks. I just want to know. Now :-).

More to write later but I haven't been running much at all so what to write on?

Happy belated Thanksgiving, everyone!

Two Days Later

I'm feeling ok. Sore, but ok. I had a massage today and that helped a lot! Man I wish I could afford to get one of those once a week! She said I have knots the size of baseballs in my upper traps. OK, so maybe she didn't say the size of baseballs, but she said they are big. She must have worked on those babies for a good 10 minutes...and she still couldn't get them to come out. At the end she was like "I really think you should come back in a couple weeks...you're so tight up th ere!" I also think she worked her magic on my tight IT band/quads. After my knee wasn't so sore so it must have done something. Woo hoo!!

I think chasing a toddler around for two days has kept the soreness to a minimum. Bonus! But I'd rather be lying on my couch eating ice cream. Oh wait, I did that last night anyway. I've pretty much been eating like crap the last couple of days. But I can do that, right????

So what's on the agenda? I know a little break from running, obviously. But i need to get my butt to the gym and get some weight on. Do you see those arms? Ya, no muscle. Seriously a sad, sad, sad story. Time to get back to my pushups. I did about 20 a couple weeks ago and holy hell talk about sore after that. I'm so embarrassed! Anyways, getting strong is my number one goal at the moment. But it's back to resting for now. Oh, and prepping the stomach for the food shoveling that'll be happening in a couple days. Yeah!

Philly Marathon Recap

I'll start out from the beginning. We left Saturday afternoon and it took us longer than we thought because of a couple accidents along the way, but not too bad. We got to the convention center and I had hubby illegal park outside since I'd already heard that the expo kind of sucked I had no plans of staying that long. I grabbed my goods and was going to buy some more GU chomps since I thought I might need more. Would you believe the convention center didn't allow the stands to sell them?? Apparently the convention peeps believe they interfere with the food stands. WEIRD!!!!! I grabbed some sport beans instead :-). Maggianos is located right across from the Marriott, so I was able to carbo-load with some yummy chicken pesto linguini. Yummo! We had to take it carryout because of the wait but that's ok...was kind of nice just to head back to the hotel room and chill that way. I then spent the next hour trying to decide what to wear...only to decide I'd just decide in the morning :-) Went to bed at 9:30...

Woke up before the alarm; 4:20-something. But I wasn't ready to get up so I just laid in bed until 4:50. I was surprised that I didn't start to get the nervous feelings I usually do before big days. The hubster was nice enough to take the steel cut oats I'd made the day before over to the 7-11 and heat 'em up in the microwave. I loved having a great support "team." :-) Ate a banana and peanut butter and drank about 12 oz of gatorade. I went outside in my shorts to see how cold I'd be. I finally decided I'd wear my shorts and sleeveless top because I warm up quickly and the sun would be shining. Soooo happy I decided not to wear my capris and/or a long sleeve shirt.

We took off around 6:10 and caught a taxi. I know...lazy, but I didn't feel like wasting any energy :-) We got there and I realized that even though I went pee right before I left I still had to go again. I think the 12 oz of gatorade was too much for me. Anyway, went to get in line at the port-o-potty and the lines were so long and didn't move AT ALL. I decided to just wait until after the race started and lose the 30 seconds or so I'd have to lose in order to pee. But as I was about to get in the corrals I noticed men peeing next to the softball field fences and I told the hubby how much I HATE men because they have the unfair advantage. But there were some women who had already decided to pop-a-squat and he's like why don't you just go? So yup, if you noticed those women peeing next to the trees in the WIDE open...that might just have been my butt in the open :-). Very happy I did it though! haha! But because of all my peeing nonsense I missed linking up with Natalie ('Lil Runner) and I am soooo bummed we didn't get to meet that day! Hopefully there will be another time to meet!

So onto the actual race!!! The waves were very well organized. Loved this!! This is the first run I've been a part of that is organized in this many waves and it helps out soooo much! I situated myself near the 3:30 group, and it turned out I was near the front when the wave took off. Kind of nice not to be in the middle of a crapload of runners, but I was quickly passed by a lot of people. Anyways, I was bummed they didn't have any music going in the beginning!! I thought for sure I'd hear the rocky theme song or something!

My plan was to stick near the 3:30 pacer so I'd have a sense of how fast I was really going since I didn't have my Polar on me (remember my foot pod didn't work...I didn't get it back from repair before the race...boo!). My legs felt a little heavy in the beginning but overall I felt great going at this pace. The first mile flew by and before I knew it we reached the 10K point and I saw the hubby here, too. It starts to get a little fuzzy for me at this point. I'm trying to remember the route and I can't really remember :-) Almost forgot...I saw a lady holding a sign around this time that said "you're only getting started." Really? Really??? Who has a sign like this?? I can't decide what's worse...this one or the ones people hold at mile 24 that say "you're almost there."

There ended up being more hills than I thought we'd get. There was a big hill around mile 8 (I think). I think it was at this point or a little after I felt a little something-something happening in my left knee. I kind of shrugged it off but not soon after it become more than a little something-something. My first thought was you have to be f*cking kidding me. I managed to train the entire time without an injury and NOW is when I have something happen to me?? I kept going, keeping the 3:30 balloons in sight. I stopped I think around mile 11 or 12 to stretch out the quad and that seemed to help a little. But by the halfway point it was hurting A LOT. I started thinking that maybe I should just stop and finish with the half-marathoners since I didn't know if I'd be able to make it and what's the point of really injuring myself. But then I started telling myself that I'd go until I couldn't go any more. I saw the hubby and told him my knee was killing me and he said you can do it, you can do it. So then I told myself I could do it...yada, yada, yada. But I had to alter my stride a lot at this point so my knee wouldn't hurt. Not good.

I think I kept going with the 3:30 balloons in sight, but I slowed down a bit and had to stop a couple more times to stretch. I got to mile 17 or so I think and had to pee and stop and stretch again. I couldn't see the 3:30 balloons anymore at this point and was pretty bummed. It was at about this point I saw the leaders. They actually looked like they were working hard so it made me feel a little better :-)

At this point I gotta say I was happy to be running through Manayunk. I soooo wanted to just pull over and start drinking the beer!! I was happy to get to the turn around at mile 20 because just knowing mentally that I was on the way back made it a little easier to deal with. But knowing I still had 6 miles to go was tough! My legs were starting to get really tired at this point from my altered stride. At this point a girl came up from behind me and I decided to try and stay with her to help me mentally. That worked for a while but around mile 22 I had to stop and stretch again.

The last 4 really are a blur for me. I just remember doing the math and thinking ok if you push this mile then you can add a minute onto the last mile and still BQ. It was kind of like a reward system :-). I knew at this point it was going to be down to the wire if I was going to make it. I got to mile 24 around 3:20 I think and I was like, ok you can do this...just dig in and concentrate on other things. So I started the mantra...dig, dig, dig. Thank God for the support at this point. I would have liked to have it from 22 on but I'll take the last 2 miles! Especially loved the sign I saw a girl/woman holding that said "single and supportive." Made me laugh out loud. I swung my hips and dug, dug, dug and finally I saw signs that said finish line with an arrow, but somehow missed the 26 sign. Seriously...they should have had a huge sign so you knew you could totally kick it into overdrive. But anyway, back to the finish line signs...seriously, there were a lot of signs and I, like Natalie/Lil Runner, kept thinking where the f#ck is this dang finish line. It was on a curve and I had NOOO idea how much further I had to go. I finally saw it and realized I was going to make it in time to BQ and got a little emotional. It was a tough 26.2 miles but I'm glad I stuck it out. I'm not a quitter!

It still feels like I got a C- since I barely qualified but I am proud of myself. I think I am a little self-critical. :-)

All-in-all it was a great marathon. I couldn't have asked for better running weather. It was a beautiful day and I'm glad I was able to share with with the hubster!!

Here are my split times. You can see I seriously slowed down the last 8 miles! Official finish time was 3:38:05.

10K0:50:17Half1:46:1030K2:33:20

BQ yay!!

I did it...but barely. I did it in 3:38, so only two minutes to spare. Those last three miles were the longest miles EVER. I will write more later...off to get an ice bath :-)

what to wear what to wear

seriously deciding what to wear is the most difficult decision.

temps starting is around 40...topping out at 50 when I finish. I get warm really easily so this is a really tough choice for me!!!!!!

Hoping I can figure this out in the morning...time to get some sleep!

Day before eating

What do you guys eat the day before the marathon?? I'm trying to cut out the fiber, but so many carbs are loaded with fiber, so if I do that, it's like, what do I eat??? Maybe just cut out the whole wheat stuff and lesson the amounts of high fiber fruits and eat more veggies?

Two Days!

Countdown is officially on! I can't believe I'm down to two days; the last couple months have flown by. I'm still nervous about how I'm going to do. To say my training plan has been a bit all-over-the-place would be being nice. I haven't really been sticking to a great plan. Kind of a mix of things because I didn't know where to place myself (experienced or middle of the road runner). I know I am somewhat experienced since I've been running for a while, but it's not like I've been following great training plans for a long time. Anyways, it'll be interesting to see what happens on Sunday. My minimum goal is to beat my previous time, which is 4:05:59. That's a 9:40 minute mile and I think I can beat that. I'm hoping I can anyway! My ultimate, "holy crap I did it" goal is a 3:30. I'd love to run a 3:30, but that's an 8 minute mile and I'm not so sure I can do that. The McMillan calculator predicted I'd run a 3:33 based off of my Army 10-miler time. So, I'll just go out there aiming for an 8:15 pace and see what happens!!

I just checked the weather and it's looking FANTASTIC for race day!! Start time temp should be around 42 degrees and by the time I finish it should be around 56 or so. So I think this means I'll be wearing shorts and a tank with a throw-a-way long sleeve shirt. I get warmed up quickly so I could probably run in just the tank and shorts and wear gloves and a headband. But I'd hate to be cold and not warm up properly so I guess I should play it safe :-)

I'm also hoping to meet Lil Runner this weekend since she's also running. This will be my first meeting of any of my blogger friends I've made over the last few years.

OK, off to do the laundry, make some food for the weekend and pack. It is just a little more difficult planning the weekend with a lil one in tow :-). The hubby will be on kid control by himself on Sunday so that shall be interesting! I think I am more happy for the great weather for this reason than I am about running in it!

Keeping my fingers crossed for low-anxiety/nervousness and a great weekend traveling!

The last few runs

So...can't believe I am on the last week!! Hard to believe that in 6 days I'll be running a marathon. As much as I am nervous about running it, I am excited, too. I am nervous as to whether or not I'll make my goal. But I'm excited to see if I can make my goal. I sooo want to do great on this big run. It's time to start the mental preparations, visualizations and all that good stuff. I really believe this trick works. I mean of course I have to have the physical prep work done, too, but I think a lot can be said for positive thinking and visualizing doing well. I need to sit down here in a couple minutes and plan out our meals for the rest of the week, too. Time to start building up that carb supply!! Now that makes me a happy camper!!

I just checked the weather for the weekend and it says there is a chance for rain on Sunday. That's a long ways away so I'm not sweating it. Saturday is supposed to be a great day so at least we can get out and hopefully get some great shots of the city. This is our third time to the city. The last time I went I was 5 months preggo. One of my best friends is from Philly so we went to visit her...and so of course we got this shot :-)

I debated if we should bring Jackson with us. It'd be kind of nice to get a weekend away from everything. But I really want to take a pic of ALL of us once I finish this!! So that weekend away will just have to wait a bit :-)

I'm also trying to decide what to wear. It's going to be cold at the start so a throw-away shirt is going to be a must. But shorts or capri tights? Decisions, decisions! And I'm not sure how I'm going to carry all of my nutrition. I have a fuel belt but I don't know if I really want to wear it the entire way. I'm used to running with it but running without is better! I plan on bringing a couple bags of chomps and a gel.

And like my previous post says I'm also trying to compile my playlist. Who all runs with music? It's kind of nice at points to rely on the crowd, but from what I've read it seems like there will be points during the race with little or no crowd support so music will be a must!

Alrighty, off to finish picking up the house. Then it's off to pick up the hubby. It's been three weeks since we've seen him so we're VERY EXCITED!!!!

Music for the run...

I need some new jams. Something that's going to push me through the three and a half hours of pain :-)

What do you all have on your playlist to make you move????

Today's RW Quote

I signed up to get the daily email. Here's today's; how true is this??? :-)

In the 30 years I've been a runner I've run more than

150,000 miles. Still, some of the hardest steps I take are

those first fewgetting out the door for daily runs.

- Bill Rodgers' Lifetime Running Plan

Carbo loading

So does carbo loading two weeks out from the marathon count?? *wink* *wink*

I made these boys with the help of my lovely assistant. They are really, really yummy. Now I just have to get them in the freezer so I don't eat them all at once!!!

And then while I made the frosting 'lil Mr decided to get some of his own. I had my back turned and I heard "mm, num, num." Apparently he liked them :-)

And last night as I was bringing in the groceries he decided to tear into the olive bread I brought. All I heard from upstairs was "mmmm, num num." I went down to see what he had discovered...only to discover him eating the loaf. Notice a theme???????

Lil Runner Giveaway

Make your way over to Lil Runner. She's having another giveaway!!! A yummy chocolate one!

When is our government going to act?

Until a few weeks ago, I had no idea that BPA was in so much of our canned foods. It really is scary how much we don't know and how much the government shields certain information. I thought I'd share an article from today's NY Times.

Chemicals in our Foods and Bodies

Of course we have no idea if there really is any evidence this certain hormone is the real cause of our issues. Just think about how many different chemicals we come into contact with every day. However, there are scientific trials done on lab rats that indicate BPA directly caused birth defects and other abnormalities. Since I have a degree in biology, I'll take the scientists studies seriously!!! I, for one, would hate to not take action now and find out 5 or however many years later that it is in fact harmful to our bodies. So, I'll be playing it safe and really watching what we eat. Thankfully I don't really eat too many canned foods. HOWEVER, that being said, I do eat a lot of canned tomatoes. And in a previous article it states there is a large amount of BPA in canned, acidic foods. So, it's time to stock up on tomatoes in glass jars and waxy-cardboard containers.

30% off at Gap and its sister stores...attached the link this time

Click here to get the coupon. Hope it works. Let me know if it doesn't....

My helper

So I have to share this because I think it's just way too cute :-) And I normally am much better at being a disciplinarian and stickin' to what I say....don't want you thinking I'm one of "those" moms :-)

The end is the best...make sure you see the look he gives me!!!

Pictres only...

Forgot to post a pic of my cute little ducky on Halloween. I scored the costume for $10 at Target. Yay for waiting till the last minute!!!

And was just checkin' in on the latest Hollywood gossip. They have a pic of Giselle Bundchen and can you say cute mama???

30% off at Gap and its sister stores...

Leave me a comment with your email addy if you'd like a 30% off coupon for the stores.

FYI....Old Navy's outerwear is 50% off.....

Feeling better about my decisions

Thanks for making me feel better. I slept on it and had a good day today and am very thankful that I didn't get pregnant when I had originally thought I"d be ready, ie...a few months after J turned 1. I know he is still a baby at heart and I like it that he gets all my attention. I think it'll be easier for all of us having him a little older so he understands it a bit better. PLUS, there is NO WAY I want to be having a baby around with a tot who is two...and no hubby around. Mama can't handle that! I'm still running it through my head whether or not I will try and run a 8:30 pace for the marathon. I'm totally leaving it up to the day to see how I feel. If I feel like sheiza then I am not going to ruin the day just to try for my goal. Ultimate goal is to just run another marathon and do the best I can. So that's still going to be my goal :-) And to remember to enjoy the day!!! I have only run one other marathon but I have fond memories of it. I was still stationed in Germany so I ran the Frankfurt Marathon (2006) and it was a good last hurrah before I left the country. I still remember the gift bag from the expo: we received a bunch of stuff...to include 6 hard boiled eggs. Weird, right?. I remember going through different parts of the city thinking, wow, I am totally going to miss this place!! And I do. Really, really badly! I remember being the only one in regular shorts. Seems Germans wear Spandex for marathons :-). It was just such a great day. I didn't get to share it with my hubby because he was back in the States training up for his new job. But my parents were there and that made it totally special. They spent many hours coming to my high school sports games so it was nice to have them there again by my side, and watch me accomplish a big goal of mine!

Natalie...we are going to really need to link up...even if not for the marathon (depending on what I decide...). You're planning on running around a 9 minute pace, right? Err, there abouts anyway. We're staying at the airport Marriott on Saturday. I'll obviously be coming in for the expo, though.

Never "perfect"

I have this really bad habit at staying or looking back at the past and wishing I would have made different decisions. I am really starting to rethink my decision to hold off getting pregnant. It's really starting to bother me. I know it's way easier to look back on it and think that I should have made a different decision. anyways, I'm rambling.

I couldn't take the suspense so I took a pregnancy test. Not pregnant. Of course I am not supposed to get my period until Sunday but I figure a negative test now means not pregnant since it's so close. I'm so frustrated! We have "tried" three times now and no luck. Of course I say "tried" because according to my online ovulation planner the hubster wasn't really home for much of the necessary special times, i.e. the day I ovulated. Still, we ahem, tried as much as possible anyway.

But still, I'm frustrated. Part of me looks back and says WTF was I thinking waiting? I know in my heart I wasn't ready to give up my body and everything that goes along with being pregnant; sick, uncomfortable, tired, etc. BUT now that I really want to be pregnant, and want a baby, all of those things seem so stupid and extremely selfish. Plus, of the last 6 months I think the hubster has actually "been available" twice. And that was early on. So, yes, life also just got in the way. Sperm donor anyone??? I've said this before but, why oh why can't we just pick up our kids from the market? I know there is a saying about getting pregnant, something along the lines of it being the one thing in life we just can't truly control. And it's true. No matter how type-a we want life to be, ultimately when it comes to baby making it truly is out of hands (sorta).

And the marathon...part of me is just not wanting to run it. I'm being a total baby. Again with the negativity. I just really, really wanted to qualify...why I don't know. But now that I really don't think I will I am just getting a bad attitude and want to just say screw it and not run. This is just not my normal mindset at all; not a quitter. I get frustrated easily but not a quitter. Plus, who knows, what if this training really is a problem at trying to get pregnant?

Ok, off to bed to get a better mindset! But first I'll be stopping to eat a couple strawberries out of the edible arrangement my hubby sent me. They are super delicious! So much better than flowers!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Also...Sunday was a GREAT day!

Not only did I have a great run, but I got home in time to take my ice bath, catch the last few miles of the NYC marathon (felt so bad for Paula...she looked like she was in so much pain), AND I was able to watch the Vikings game (I never get to watch my team play since I live in the DC area), and they beat the Packers. What a great game!

finally....a good run!

My las, long run went well. And that makes me feel super happy. I will say it was a very LONG and BORING run. I had to run the entire 20 miles by myself again. The next time I choose to do a marathon I will choose one that someone will run and train with me so I am not so alone in the training. :-) But getting out there to run has been kind of hard these days. I fear I am overtraining and getting bored. But being in the taper keeps me going. I know I am on the downhill and will see the end of the marathon soon! Sad part is I am not really looking forward to running it. I think the hardest part is setting a goal for yourself and hoping you will make it, but having that part in in the back of your brain that thinks and knows you just won't do it. I hate being such a pessimist and Negative Nancy. I need to do the psycho-babble and tell myself I can do it. Afterall, I ran my 20 miler well (and of course "well" is all relative...I'm not super fast ya know!). The first 20 miles I ran at a 9:15 to 9:45 pace. It got tough at points because I knew how much further I had to go...and I was bored already. Plus I kept thinking back to how much I wish I could have stayed at my friend's house because she was making pancakes, eggs, sausage and hashbrowns when I dropped off the boy. Talk about discipline! Anyways, back to the 20-miler. The last half of the run I ran at a 8:00 to 8:30 pace. There were times I felt like I was really pushing myself to maintain the pace, and others I was completely in the zone and it felt "easy." Not sure if I'll be able to maintain that pace for 20 odd miles but I'll try my bestest. :-)

I really don't know if I should just set my hopes a little lower and aim for a pace I know I can maintain. Or do I just go forward with my plan and hope I don't die out at the end?

On non-running topics...since we decided to not, not-try any more...I'm waiting impatiently for Sunday to get here. I could take a test now but am telling myself to just wait it out and see what happens. If nothing happens now I really do hope that baby making is good for marathons cuz we'll be pretty darn focused the minute my hubby gets home...and that's only days away from the marathon :-).

Holy Roids

So today I woke up with my first experience of the "roids." It's horrible! I went to google "can running cause hemorrhoids" and when I had typed can running cause...., hemorrhoids came up without having to type it. So I guess more people have this issue than I think? I never thought I'd be prone to hemorrhoids because I eat my dose of fiber and have no issues with you know what. So what gives? Do any other runners have this problem?

Also, lets just say I was super happy tonight for the self-checkout aisle. I usually don't get embarrassed but I seriously felt like I was 16 and buying tampons. :-)

Knocking off item #1

So...the run last weekend. It was "only" a 13-miler. Love that I can say "only" when in reality it isn't an "only" number; just seems "only" since I already did a 20-miler. Anyhoo...it went ok for the most part. I had some great stuff to write about that was funny during the run but now I can't remember what those things are!

It was the most gorgeous day for a run! And I decided to run along the Mount Vernon Trail. Oh, so beautiful. It's been a while since I've been there to run or bike. Only problem with running there is wishing you lived there! There are so many cute, old houses that I would love to move into. I'm really jealous of whomever gets to live there!

The run was going great until about mile 4 when my stomach started rumbling. Not good! I squeezed, and I squeezed. Then I started looking for a spot. Umm, that trail is so not situated for runners with stomach issues. Or anyone with stomach issues for that matter. It took me at least 2 miles to find a spot I could actually hide in both directions. Stomach was not OK the remainder of the run and I ended up stopping 2 more times. I think it was the gels...maybe I need to just try and eat less at once??

Other than that I felt great. My legs started feeling a little heavy at points but that was just because I had to run faster to get to a point I could stop :-).

After that I got a little "me" time in since my MIL was watching the boy. I decided to eat at Chipotle in Old Town. yum. I've tried to recreate their rice a few times and I have had no success! What is their secret?????? Then I strolled over to Ann Taylor Loft to buy a few things; and tried unsuccessfully to buy a pair of skinny jeans. I thought that because I am thinner now I might be able to fit into them. Not so much at all. Can you say thunder thighs???

And since it was so nice out I got a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks and kept on a walking. Old town is just so beautiful. I love that area and really wish we lived there (too bad it's way too freaking expensive). Then a lady with a little girl stopped and asked me if I was a tourist. I said, well I guess so since I don't really live here. I was ready to give directions but no, she was just explaining to her daughter why tourists come to Old Town and then made a point to say "see, honey, we are lucky to live here." I was like, gee thanks, RUB IT IN WHY DON'T YOU. :-) I'm beginning to see that suburban life is just not for me. Way too boring, fake and cookie cutter. Not my cup of tea. But it is a good area and close to the country. But I think this country girl has officially been citified!

Anyways, that was my Sunday in a nutshell. I've had a couple good runs this week...still have to get out for today's run. But the legs are feeling heavy and I don't know if that's an ok sign or if I should take a day off. But it is the last big week: last 20-miler this weekend...YAY!

Well, the boy has woken from sleepy-hood and is yelling "mama" at the top of his lungs so I guess my break is over!

Needing to post

- run report from this weekend.

- my internal war between working and not working

- stressful life

- missing the Army (guess that goes back to point number 2)

I'll get to these SOMEDAY. Ha Ha!

NY Times article about slower marathoners

I just finished reading this....kind of interesting. I guess personally, I could care less if slower runners run the marathon or not. There was a group of about 6 who trained for my last marathon. I mostly ran with one other girl since she was the same pace as I am; the others were a bit slower than us. And even though they ended up running the marathon about an hour and a half slower, they still finished it. Do I think they "ruined" the race; nope. Do I get the points about increasing costs by keeping it open longer...sure, and if that's the reason they have a time limit I totally understand. But lets not create a time limit just to keep the mystique of the marathon there. I have yet to come across a person who thinks a marathon is easy! Although I am really surprised to read that only 20% of last year's NYC Marathon participants finished in 5:30 or less. I never realized such a large group finished slower than that!

Here's the article:

Plodders Have a Place, but Is It in a Marathon?

Pre-Race and Race Nutrition

I'm curious to see what everyone eats before their runs. I was doing a bagel and peanut butter but I am not sure that is enough since last weekend I was starved before I started the run. Might have to try something different!

And I was doing a gel and water during my run...started at 30 mins and then every 30 after. BUT now that it is colder out it seems that drinking the water with the gel seems to be too much because I had to stop to pee twice on my long run. Does anyone else have any race nutrition plans that don't include so much water? Or maybe I don't have to drink so much water with the gel...need to work on that this weekend. I only have a few longer runs left to work on this stuff so I better get it figured out before the big day! :-)

Love Hate Relationship

I have a serious love hate relationship with my gadgets. So you know how I said I had issues with my foot pod to my Polar running watch last week? Well, we're still having issues. It isn't working and the only thing I can do at this point is send it in to Polar. I really don't want to give it up; I am really attached to it! Part of me says "hey, you can do this...just run for feel." But you know, sometimes I just like to know how fast I am going. I honestly would have no problem turning it in if I could keep my watch and just train by HR. BUT I have to send that in too! The only other option is to throw $50 bucks down for a new pod and then just send the whole thing in later on after the marathon. I guess it might be helpful to have two pods just in case I have issues again...then I always have a back up. I just wish they'd send me a new one :-)

In some ways not knowing my speed is a bit liberating. It forces me to get back to just running to run. I mean, sure I'm still checking my HR every so often just to be sure I'm not climbing up into the red areas. But it really is nice not to be so concerned with hitting the right pace. Maybe this is happening for a good reason? But it would be nice to have the sucker for the marathon so I can maintain a slow pace for the beginning, because I know I will go with the crowds and go out too fast if I don't have something to reign me in! But then again, I only had a watch for the last marathon so I could technically be ok :-)

I can't wait to get out for my run today! Gotta love this warmer Fall weather!!!

Check out "lil Runner's giveaway!!

Lil Runner is hosting a giveaway for some great items. Check it out!!!

Doesn't this look yummy??

Click on the pic for the link to the recipe :-) Happy Fall!

The WORST Run.....EVER

Where to start, where to start. I had my long run yesterday and as I wrote earlier I was deciding on running with a group or not. Well, I decided I would of course when I learned that I could meet someone there! Why not, right? And by meet I mean meet one of the bloggers I follow. I'll first preface this by saying I was really, really excited for this run because I really thought I'd be kicking its ass. I had two great runs (albeit short) on Friday and Saturday. I felt awesome. Like I could run for miles. So I thought I"d have a great run on Sunday. I ran both easy at a 9 min pace, but my HR was only at about 60-65% so I thought I"d feel great and might even push my planned 9:00 pace to about 8:30 to 8:45 for a bulk of the run and then push it out to a 8:15-8:00 for a few miles.

Now....let me get back to why it was the worst run ever. All day Saturday I was just in a pissy mood. I am soooooo sick of my husband's current assignment and am really ready for him to be done with it but I know we still have at least 6 more months of this shitty situation. To say I HATE his job right now is an understatement. I am sick of carrying everything on my shoulders. Most days I handle it ok; I understand and get it that it is my job as a stay-at-home mom. But every couple months I have a day like I did Saturday. And it doesn't top it off that he is sick right now (and only home for a few days). So much for helping out around here! So Saturday night I went to bed early so I'd be well rested for the run. I couldn't sleep. too much on my mind and I was still pissed at the hubby. So I started talking to the hubby about it and needless to say we had some lively conversations...err...arguments. Hubby isn't the worst husband ever. He does help out around here when he can. He tries. Most of the time. It's more his jobs fault than it is his at this point. Anyway, enough bitchin' about that.

Back to the run.....here is a recap and a list of my possible mistakes that made it so crappy...

MISTAKE numero one: I didn't fall asleep until about 12:30 1:00 at least because I was so bothered by it all. So...up and at 'em at 5:30. I get up, make my bagel and PB. Had a half a cup of coffee.

MISTAKE numero two: I was only able to eat 3/4 of the bagel because I was nervous about meeting the running group. I know, I am retarded. I'm way more of an introvert than an extrovert. I hopped in the car a little later than I planned. I knew the route because I googled it earlier so I could do a little recon since I hate relying on my GPS alone. And wouldn't you know that all this prep AND having a GPS would do me no good?

MISTAKE numero three: I made two wrong turns and was 10 minutes late because of it. I got to the parking lot just in time to see the group heading out. So freakin' frustrating!!!!! And since no one knew me I didn't feel like yelling out at them asking them to stop. Not a great way to meet a group :-). So.....I sat in my car pissed at myself for my shitty driving skills. I then get out and get ready to go.

MISTAKE numero four: Hop on the trail only to discover my stupid footpod isn't working. I hate doing my long runs without being able to track my pace. But in the back of my mind I'm thinking maybe I can catch the group if I run fast enough.

MISTAKE numero five: I went out way too fast...went out about a half a mile and then realized I was on the wrong trail. CRAP! At this point I decide I might as well just run back to the parking lot and get a quarter from the car to see if I can reset my foot pod. Tried for about 5 mins and then decided it wasn't happening. So I head out again, and at least on the right trail this time. But at this point I should have been about 20 minutes into my run. I failed to remember this little point and didn't account for this in my nutrition plan. I should have eaten one of the bananas I brought with me. But I didn't. And I pretty much bonked since I waited till I was 30 mins into my run to start taking my gels. Ugg.

I felt like shit. I was so frustrated and upset. I didn't want to run 20 miles by myself. Luckily it is REALLY scenic and pretty on the trail. But I am not kidding when I say I had to push myself the entire run. There was no runner's high on this run. My heart rate SUCKED. Ya know that low HR I had on my two previous runs...ya, nowhere in site for this run. I was running a "slow" 9:20 pace and my HR was at about 70-72%. My legs felt so heavy and my heart rate was shit.

And to top it off I almost twisted my ankle like three times during the run. Stupid rocks and whatever kind of nut shells were on the trail. :-) I'm pretty sure that whatever wildlife ran for their dear lives when they heard me curse as loud as I did!!!

So lessons learned from this run: leave on time...and really, really watch my GPS. Eat more for breakfast. And don't let things get to me so much!! Hopefully I'll be able to meet my blogger friend some other time!!!!

Oh and to top off my shitty day...I got home and started the water to take an ice bath. Go downstairs to get the bag of ice I bought the night before and the icemaker full of ice (our water doesn't get very cold here). Put in the bag of ice and go out to take my clothes off and get my pumpkin spice latte and come back to discover all of the ice melted. Think to myself that it's weird it melted so quickly....put my hand in to discover that I had the HOT water on and not the cold. Dope!!! Yup, that pretty much topped off my day folks :-).

But the sun is shining today so here is hoping to a great week!!!!!

Group or no group?

I have an opportunity to do my 20-miler with a running group this weekend, but I have never met any of them before. I feel kind of weird just showing up to run with a bunch of strangers, but I don't really know if I want to run the 20-miler all by my lonesome. I know I can do it, but do I want to do it!!!?? Plus, I don't live near-by....more outside the beltway, so I'd have to drive in about a half hour to do it.

What do you guys think?

Check out the latest mile markers posting

If you don't already read Kristin Armstrong's blog please do! I love her writing!! Her latest post is a great one and you should check it out!!!

On the small side

On a daily basis I think to myself "I really, really, really miss my nursing boobs." At least then I could fill out a bra. I know it's already old news that your boobs just aren't the same after a pregnancy and breast feeding. But, when you start out as an "almost full a" cup size girl, it really is scary when you're all done. Even being a B cup has to be better because even though they might sag a bit those girls can still fill out a bra. My girls on the other hand, have no luck filling out a push up bra.

It makes shopping for bras soooo difficult! And I think it should be mandatory to show size A girls in the picks when you're shopping for bras in size "a." I mean THERE IS NO WAY the girls will ever look that "good" in that bra, vickie!!!!

So, I guess I'll just keep wearing my all-cotton, no-push-up style bras for the rest of my life. Until the next kid comes along that is :-).

OK, off to do my speedwork for the week!

No run today

well, I did get a run in yesterday and it actually felt pretty good! I can't remember if I even wrote that in the post so sorry if you're reading this the the second time :-)

BUT I didn't get one in today. I had planned on doing an afternoon run once munchkin woke up from his nap. Well, today of all days he slept for over 3 hours and he usually only sleeps for an hour and a half to 2 hrs. That didn't leave time to get out...oh well :-). Maybe if I am feeling like doing a little something I'll hop on downstairs to the rower and weights...at least get a little cardio in. This is why I have a hard time fitting in running...and why I remind myself that I just have to run in the morning and get it out of the way so that nothing can!

I did get this in my daily email from Spark (you all might get this already so it might also be something you read for the 2nd time :-)). But this is seriously icky...and you wonder how many people eat these without honestly realizing how bad they are for you!!!!

These are the top ten worst restaurant salads nutrition wise....again....yuck!

Number 10

Romano's Macaroni Grill Chicken Florentine Salad – 1,020 calories/17 grams/2,830 mg sodium

Number 9

Quiznos Chicken Caesar Flatbread Salad – 1,020 calories/69 grams fat/2,120 mg sodium

Number 8

Quiznos Roasted Chicken Flatbread Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing – 1,070 calories/71 grams fat/1,770 mg sodium

Number 7

Chili's Boneless Buffalo Chicken Salad – 1,070 calories/77 grams fat/4,380 mg sodium

Number 6

Chili's Southwestern Cobb Salad – 1,080 calories/71 grams/2,650 mg sodium

Number 5

Ruby Tuesday's Carolina Chicken Salad – 1,129 calories/71 grams fat

Number 4

Baja Fresh Charbroiled Steak Tostada Salad – 1,230 calories/63 grams fat/2,380 mg sodium

Number 3

Chili's Quesadilla Explosion Salad – 1,390 calories/89 grams fat/2,710 mg sodium

Number 2

Chevy's Fresh Mex Grilled Fajita Salad made with Chicken, Carnitas, Shrimp or Steak - 1,450-1,620 calories/27-37 grams fat/1,570-2,530 mg sodium

And the Number 1 worst restaurant salad you may be eating is….

Chevy's Fresh Mex Tostada Salad with Chicken, Carnitas or Steak - 1,550-1,720 calories/37-47 grams fat/2,480-3,310 mg sodium

Not Up To Par

Last night as I was just cleaning up for dinner and getting ready to give J his nightly bath I started to feel not so good. And after giving him his bath I settled in to watch the Twins play (and lose horribly I might add). That's when the chills and aches really started. I finally took my temp and sure enough I had a low-grade fever. I hate being sick. And I hate being sick and having no one to take care of me! :-)

Of course 'lil man decided that since I was sick it'd be super cool to wake up around 2 am and not go back to sleep. Not sure what his deal was but he sat in his crib for a long time just saying Mama...Mama. Of course I had already checked on him and finally just decided to go get him and bring him into bed with me. The only way he could get comfortable was to lie on me and with my achy joints that made me not so comfortable. I then set up the pack n play in my room thinking that maybe just being in the room with me would work. No dice. Brought him back into bed....still couldn't comfy...so we made a call to Daddy to see if that would help...nope. Finally about an hour later and a few strokes of the hair later he finally went to sleep. Two hours lost sleep is not good! And he still woke up at the normal time. How do kids do that???

Oh how I wish I had some sick days to use up!!!

Army 10-Miler

Check!!

It was such an AWESOME day for a run! I will write more later but the hubster is about to get home from work and we need to spend lots of time together since he leaves again in a few days.

I did PR with a 1:17 finish time and that makes me happy. I was shooting for a 1:15 BUT I'll take what I got. It was hard to get going in the beginning because lots of runners started out in places they shouldn't have. That really bugs me. So I ran a bit slower in the beginning and wasted tons of energy running around people. I felt like I was in the Atari game frogger. Seriously. But it was such a beautiful day! I honestly don't think the weather could have been any better. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Long run re-scheduled

So....been running a lot with Jackson in the Chariot. Man, pushing 50 pounds adds a new training element :-). He's been pretty good about it lately. And luckily the last couple times he's been tired anyway and taken a nap while we ran. That is kind of a love/hate ordeal for me because if he naps while I run that means I get zero time to do anything at the house while he naps, and no "me" time. But I can't complain because I am able to run. So the housework just ends up sliding a little bit more! Oh well....I am the only one that has to see it anyway.

I had to re-schedule my long run this week. Since the hubster is away I need someone to watch him because there is just no way I could push the chariot that far AND there is no way the kiddo would actually sit in there that long. I guess I could always wake up at 4 am and run but that sounds like no fun to me. And still, pushing the chariot for 18 miles, umm, ya, not fun.

I was really hoping my in-laws would help me out this weekend but no such luck. I feel like a major beyotch because I am so hard on them. I mean, I know they have to have lives of their own and all, but really, is it that hard to help out your freakin' daughter-in-law and not to mention, see your only grandson?????????? Ya it really bothers me. They just aren't so sure they are going to go anywhere this weekend and are waiting to decide until Saturday morning. Seriously is freakin' frustrating to me.

Sorry, done with that. So now I will hav to run tomorrow....by myself. I really, really don't want to run by myself. For me, 18 miles can get alittle long by myself. so I am hoping my Ipod gets me through it.

And I'm hoping the 8 miles I ran today doesn't kick me in the arse tomorrow. I really did it thinking my in-laws would be able to watch him.

Report tomorrow about how it went! Hoping all goes well!!!

I hate aging!!!

I was looking at pics from about 5 years ago and holy shit I look older now!! I look so much better back then!! What happened? Do we really age that much in 5 years???? Or actually, do kids, pregnancy and life combined with those two things actually make us age that much more??? Wowzers!!!

Good Cookbook

The Everything Organic Cooking for Your Baby and Toddler
Link to Amazon

I wish I would have had this cookbook when Jackson was younger! It is pretty simple but some days I just can't think of different combinations. It seems to be based on the Eating Clean principles.

I made the Pumpkin Spice Muffins today. I haven't tried them out just yet but will let you know how they taste!

Finally going to bed.....

I need someone here to make me go to bed. I never end up going to bed early like I intend to!! And it isn' tlike I end up doing something spectacular. Often times I'm online looking at decorating stuff....or training stuff...or completely random stuff. A lot of times catching up on Facebook and blogging. Looking for recipes....

Stuff that can wait. But it never does. Tomorrow....it will be bedtime by 930 for me!!! Seriously have to go to bed early tomorrow!

Exhausted

So....maybe I jumped up my mileage too quickly. Or maybe the walking in NYC on both Saturday and Sunday did me in. I am exhausted today! I was supposed to run a 4-mile tempo run today (with 1 mile warm up and 1 cool down) and I just couldn't do it so the run turned into a 4 mile easy run. I was seriously dying out there. I guess I could think it was from the heat since it was a little warm this morning, but I really don't think it is the heat. I'm headed upstairs to try and get a little nap in while the munchkin gets his nap in. Lets hope this goes away...

Has anyone else got this tired from their increase in mileage? I really don't remember this happening when i trained for my first marathon.

Acceptance: Part 1

There are sooo many things in my life I have a hard time accepting, and I will talk about 'em all later. But today I bring you accepting what I can fit in. I have a really hard time accepting that sometimes, life just happens and I can't really fit in my running. Yesterday I wanted to run 5-7 miles before I left for NYC. Well, Jackson decided it'd be super cool to sleep in and not let me get my run in. There are many other days like this in my life. And I have a hard time accepting this sometimes. :-) Need to get better at this!!!

Anyhoo, I went for a run this morning (only four....it started to downpour and I didn't want to really ruin my legs for tomorrow's long run of 16 miles). But I have to say I am totally refreshed and ready for the run tomorrow. I really miss the city!!! I didn't wear my Ipod and I am glad I didn't since I was able to really focus on the sight and sounds around me. And the smells...oh how much I missed the smell of urine and horsecrap. Ha ha!! I have to say it's been a while since I've done any runs outside of the neighborhood and it's amazing how much easier it is running in a "new" area. BUT, I forgot how hilly the park is!! Wow...legs were feeling that. Need to run hills a bit more I think!

OK, off to plan my route for tomorrow's run. The babe is sleeping and I'm hoping he wakes up in a good mood so we can hit up something fun. NYC with a kid is different....especially when it's raining. When we lived here I spent many hours reading in coffee shops. Oh how the times have changed!!!

Blah

Most days I come up with these great things I want to write, but I just don't end up doing it. The hubby has actually been home for a few weeks now so I have just been enjoying that. But it can't last forever....he's gone again for three weeks. So now I have to really, really focus on getting in my mileage. It's so much easier when he's here! Since here isn't here I now I have to wait until Jackson wakes up and eats breakfast. It has been about a month since I've done a longer run while pushing him in the Chariot, so it will be interesting to see how that goes tomorrow :-).

I am still working on figuring out my running schedule/plan for the marathon and how to fit in the 10-miler. I pretty much have it mapped out but there are so many different options and plans. I think I have combined a few of them to make it into what I want and can handle. I just really don't want to end up with some kind of injury. Last marathon I ended up getting (what I think anyway) a possible stress fracture in my foot and it didn't end up bothering me too badly until the last 5 miles and it was not fun at all. Another reason why my time totally sucked :-)

Speaking of the marathon...I have been going over my plan to run the marathon again. I just am starting to feel like it is a dumb idea and I should just go ahead and try and get pregnant. And then I also look at the running schedule and think to myself....wow, do I REALLY want to end up running all of those long runs?????? :-)

My quads are feeling a bit tight and I really wanted to go swimming today instead of going for a run but the only time I could get it in was this morning. Unfortunately I had no idea traffic would be backed as badly as it was so I turned around and only ended up running 3 miles today. And I really wanted to get some strength-training in or a core workout at the minimum and that also didn't happen. I HATE it when I don't accomplish the things I really want to do. I like to be able to check the block :-)

Oh ya and to top it off I totally flubbed up my roast chicken. So embarrassing. Especially since it was dinner for me and J and a friend and her kiddo.

Maybe if I feel like writing again I'll hop on here one more time before I go to bed. But the kitchen is calling my name. So much to do tonight since I have to get my bags packed, too! I am heading to NYC for a few days and I can't wait to go for a run in Central Park. Oh how I miss that place!!!! And I can tell you I will NOT be eating super healthy over the next couple of days! Can you say Cannolis???????!!!!!!!! Yummy!!! And the bagels of course, too. I can't find a great bagel anywhere around here. I plan on eating one as my pre-run and post-run snacks! Yummy!!!

Question for training...

So...say I do a training run in the heat. I have to run slower to keep my heart rate down. Do I just ignore my HR and train on the speed I think I need to train at or do I slow 'er down to keep my HR within my zone?? I've been slowing down a bit to keep my HR in the zone....but wondering if I should speed it up anyway?

Philly Marathon Here I come!! (or so I hope)

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much, nor suffer much, for they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

I did it! I registered for the Philly Marathon. So come pregnancy or not my ass will be running a marathon again. My training for the 10-miler is pretty much right on track with the training required for the marathon so I am hoping not to be behind. I am just really, really pissed I didn't sign up two days ago; I would have saved myself $25 bucks. Seriously retarded. Oh well :-).

Only downside I am already sweating: NO MP3s are allowed at the race. Umm.....doh! I don't know if I can make it 26.2 miles without my music. Especially if I am trying to run just as fast as I can....darn, darn darn!! There better be PLENTY of cheering fans!!!

A week already?

Has it really been a week since I posted? Wow....that week went by quickly! I am still in the middle of which decision to go with. I mean, part of me says "what the hell are you thinking trying to qualify for Boston? As IF you have a chance?" And then I laugh at myself and really think if it's possible. I mean, I know I can't really say it's a waste to try and qualify. Because even if I don't I know I will train hard and will be in great shape going into the pregnancy. That's an added bonus, right?

I did the race calculator on runner's world and it says if I can run a 5K in 22 mins then I can run a marathon in 3:20 something. Hmm, somehow I think that is just a weee bit on the not so correct side. I don't think i could sustain that pace for 26 miles. I mean, I am not running the 5k all out (it's just my training runs), but it's still around 80 to 85 percent of my MHR. So what gives?

Also...been trying to put together a plan just to see how it'd look on the training calendar. But I don't know how to incorporate the Army 10-miler into the training plan. I really don't want to fork out the dough for a coach but I might have to. I need someone to help me a) answer the question about if I even think I have a shot in hell at qualifying.....and b) how to put a plan together to help me achieve this VERY LOFTY goal.

On non-running notes, I can't believe the weather! Holy crapola! I mean, we still had our DC/NOVA hot and humid weather this weekend and then voila...we're into lovely warm 70s and not humid weather. I am one happy lady with this weather change!!!!!!! I had a new stride in my run this morning. I was just lovin' it!

But can you believe it's the 1st of September?? Really?? Really? Summer is really over??????

timing of #2

No, not talking about THAT number 2. I'm talking about kiddo number two. The hubster and I had a plan that we'd keep the kids two years apart....like pretty much on the money. And then April rolled around and I just wasn't ready to give my body back up to a hungry baby. I really wanted to get in better shape, and honestly, was still really waiting for my body to fully heal. Pubic symphysis pain is just not so much fun. Only recently (like in the last few weeks) has my pain "down there" went away. Sometimes if I lift something heavy it still comes back. So I am kinda weary about getting preggo again because it was not fun dealing with that recovery.

Anyway, part of me has also been putting it off because I don't want to "just" run the Army 10 miler: I want to do well. If I'm preggo I can't run really hard. And now am I not only wondering if I should hold up so I can run the 10 miler, but I am now thinking I might hold off so I can run the Philly Marathon...and actually run hard. Well, I mean, run at least a 8:30 pace. And yes, this would qualify me for Boston. But I don't even know if I'd be able to run this hard for the marathon. My one and only I ran about a 9 min pace. But that was 3 years ago. But for that trainup I did zero "speed work." All of my races were at an "easy" pace.

Is it dumb to hold off getting preggo for these reasons?? I mean I have other things to think about, too. We will most likely move next summer (government work...yay). So timing the baby into that is also critical. Just too many things to think about :-)

Back to the routine

Back to the double Rs....routine and reality. Vacation was great but sometimes it is nice to be back into the regular swings of life. My mom had the entire time off from work so that made her in better moods than usual :-). My brother was also around the entire time since it's still summer (he's 13). He's at a pretty good age for watching the munchkin so it seems I had lots of breaks from tending to the kiddo. And Jackson had sooo much fun with my bro; so much that my brother's name was usually the first word out of his mouth in the morning. Too cute!

I didn't get as much running in as I'd hoped. On the ride home from the airport (a 5 hr drive..blech) I started to feel like crap, developed a fever and felt like puking most of the ride. I started to feel a little better by the time we got home. But around 2 am I woke up to a lovely sound next to me....blach...and then the smell. Poor kiddo must have come down with the same thing but he actually puked. Luckily he wasn't phased by it too much and went back to sleep. But we woke up and I still felt not so great so I didn't run Tuesday or Wednesday. But I did get a run in on Thursday and Friday...then I was off to pick up the hubster back at the airport. It was great because we actually spent the night in "the city" and just enjoyed some kid free time. Planned on going running there but sleeping in, cuddled up to the hubby (a rarity) was just waaaayyyy more fun. Sunday it rained ALL day long...no run for me that day. But Monday I did get a great 9 miler in and felt pretty good....and then did a 7 mile tempo run a couple days later and then it was two more days of travel.

Yesterday I slept in and thought I'd pay for the mistake of not waking up to my alarm. But thankfully mother nature gave us a great day weather wise and I ran 12 miles. I think I ran it a little faster than I should have considering I haven't been running a lot but I felt good so I kept going :-). Legs are a little sore today but it's slowly going away...time to hop on the bike for a bit and get an active recovery workout in.

So enough with the boring writing. Sometimes feel like I hardly run at all when I read others blogs...like DC Running mama.....Salty One. Seriously.....you girls get your miles in. But anyway, I digress. During these longer runs I start thinking about all the things I want to write on here. It's my "only" connection to the outside world really. These are the times I really miss working. It seems that when I do talk to other moms the only talking we do is kid related or some other "boring" topic. I really miss having real conversations. Ya know, ones where we talk about saving the world and crap...haha, I mean talking about the latest and greatest hollywood gossip. Ok, some deep philosophical talk would be great, too (I do really miss those). I'd love to talk to people about how we can get more and more friends to make a difference in our world. The peeps on NPR recently talked about the American small dairy farmers and how it has evolved into the system that exists at the moment (sad one by the way). Anyway, there are a few posts that don't talk about anything near running that I'd like to get out. I need to make some friends here that actually do care about this kind of stuff and want to make a difference.

Well, the munchkin just woke up from his nap and is asking for me. Anyone know a toddler sleep specialist????? :-) He has been sleeping like crap for the last few weeks. I need some help!!!!

Lack of balance this week

I had a low mileage week this week. Mostly my fault, as in being dedicated, but also just because J had had a rough week sleep wise and hubby is away again....so I was a bit on the tired side. Plus my knee is hurting and I don't know if it's from upping my training or from my new shoes. I added a day of intervals a few weeks ago and I don't know if I have just been going too hard or what. So I backed off this week partly to give my body a rest and partly because of J. and also my lack of balancing everything by myself. Some weeks are just like this for me. I hate it that I don't make time to workout because I always feel better after I've worked out.

But we are headed home to my parent's place for ten days so I will have plenty of helpers to watch J. I have yet to pack and there is still laundry to finish so I can't do anything until that is taken care of. I might just have to crack open a soda and sit on the couch for a bit to decompress before the master packing session begins. I hate the baggage fees so I always try and fit everything into one suitcase. It'll be tough this time because I have to include stuff for each season :-). Seems that way every time I go home to Minnesota during the summer! It's sometimes hotter during the day but always cool enough for pants and long sleeves. Oh and it is always buggy so pants and long sleeves are usually required anyway!

Here's to hoping next week goes better for me running wise!

Motivation for everyday

My aunt-in-law shared this....I think there are just way too many on here that are very true!

Now if I could just move by the ocean, do the goal setting and have a positive attitude 100% of the time!!!

the lululemon manifesto
•Drink FRESH water and as much water as you can. Water flushes unwanted toxins from your body and keeps your brain sharp.
•A daily hit of athletic-induced endorphins gives you the power to make better decisions, helps you be at peace with yourself, and offsets stress.
•Do one thing a day that scares you.
•Listen, listen, listen, and then ask strategic questions.
•Write down your short and long-term GOALS four times a year. Two personal, two business and two health goals for the next 1, 5 and 10 years. Goal setting triggers your subconscious computer.
•Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle setbacks.
•Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself.
•That which matters the most should never give way to that which matters the least.
•Stress is related to 99% of all illness.
•Jealousy works the opposite way you want it to.
•The world is changing at such a rapid rate that waiting to implement changes will leave you 2 steps behind. DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW!
•Friends are more important than money.
•Breathe deeply and appreciate the moment. Living in the moment could be the meaning of life.
•Take various vitamins. You never know what small mineral can eliminate the bottleneck to everlasting health.
•Don’t trust that an old age pension will be sufficient.
•Visualize your eventual demise. It can have an amazing effect on how you live for the moment.
•The conscious brain can only hold one thought at a time. Choose a positive thought.
•Live near the ocean and inhale the pure salt air that flows over the water, Vancouver will do nicely.
•Observe a plant before and after watering and relate these benefits to your body and brain.
•Practice yoga so you can remain active in physical sports as you age.
•Dance, sing, floss and travel.
•Children are the orgasm of life. Just like you did not know what an orgasm was before you had one, nature does not let you know how great children are until you have them.
•Successful people replace the words “wish”, “should” and “try” with “I will”.
•Creativity is maximized when you’re living in the moment.
•Nature wants us to be mediocre because we have a greater chance to survive and reproduce. Mediocre is as close to the bottom as it is to the top, and will give you a lousy life.
•lululemon athletica creates components for people to live longer, healthier and more fun lives. If we can produce products to keep people active and stress-free, we believe the world will become a much better place.
•Do not use cleaning chemicals on your kitchen counters. Someone will inevitably make a sandwich on your counter.
•SWEAT once a day to regenerate your skin.
•Communication is COMPLICATED. We are all raised in a different family with slightly different definitions of every word. An agreement is an agreement only if each party knows the conditions for satisfaction and a time is set for satisfaction to occur.
•What we do to the earth we do to ourselves.
•The pursuit of happiness is the source of all unhappiness

Almost no respect for Contador

Umm, wow! I had no idea Contador was such a "loser!"

Yay for speed

I did my speed workout today instead of yesterday and man did it feel great! It's been a while since I got a great speed training session in. I love the hardcore sessions better than the easy ones. I just feel like I don't get much out of runs if I don't push myself. I know it goes against training principles and I really wish we could run hard every time. Today I did 4x800's and clocked about a 3:30-3:50 pace. BUT it was on a treadmill so I am not sure it really counts as much. I gotta get myself on the track or at least the road so I can practice pushing myself. But since hubby is still away I had to do it on the treadmill. I'll get there eventually. I'm still rolling in my happiness of feeling great during this workout. I think pushing close to 50 pounds 4 to 5 days (or 6) is really helping out!!!

Here's to it being Friday tomorrow and hubby being home!!!

Back to the long run....

I slipped on my the last couple weeks. I missed both long runs and I wasn't happy with myself. And for a long run I mean 7+ miles. That's all I'm up to. But I did it today and I feel muuuch better about myself. Hubby is traveling again last week and next week so it was just me and the boy. I knew I should have got up early and got myself squared away before 'lil man woke up, but I went out last night WITHOUT child! So, I wasn't really up for an early morning. But he decided I'd get up somewhat early anyway (6:30....then 7:30). So anyway, I didn't get us going very much after he woke up and finally around 10 I decided to get my butt in gear and go for a run. The sun was already very much out and it was a tad bit on the warm side.

I decided to finally make my way over to the W&OD trail. It's sad that it's our first time there and we've been "here" for a year now. I have to say it was very nice to run all 8.5 miles on a trail vs in the neighborhood. It was so nice to run in a straight line, not have to worry about cars and stopping. And even though it was really warm and it was definitely more challenging than if I'd run early in the morning, it was totally worth it. I was only able to average a 9 min mile but I'll take it. And lucky enough the boy decided it'd be cool to nap the entire time so I didn't feel so bad about having him out in a stroller that long :-)

Weekly mileage:

M 3 miles

T 4 miles

W 5 miles

Th: off

F: 5 miles

Sa: off (babysat friend's daughter all day)

S: 8.5

Total: 25.5

Agenda for tomorrow: hop on the bike for some cross-training and get myself to a store to buy a new battery for my foot pod. I hate not being able to know my speed and distance!!!! And put together my official training plan. I've been looking at a gazillion different plans and I don't know which one to go with.

Also..need to decide if I'm going to run the Philly Marathon. To do or not to do.....hmm....

How The Hell???

Does she do it? I just ran across a Road Runner's Article on Anita Ortiz, ultra-runner. She won the latest Western States Ultra and holy crap, has four kids, and she's a full-time teacher. Here's a quick snip-it of the article. She has 100-110 mile weeks. That just seems really freakin' insane. I thought 60 mile weeks were really busy. I kinda think she's insane. But I'll give it to her that she could be the world's best multi-tasker! But it seems like her kids do a lot...even for being teenagers. I mean I am all for chores, but it seems like a lot. Maybe it's something we all need to think about to prepare more independent kids. I had lots of chores when I grew up but not this much!!! What do you think?

Go here for the full.

How did you train for the 100-mile race?

There's a 30-mile run I did a lot here, where I run up from East Vail over Vail Pass (at 10,662 feet), to Copper Mountain and back. And, usually, I try to avoid downhills in my training, but I did a lot in preparation for the Western States course.

What about mileage?

I put in 100 and 110 weeks, but I didn't start doing that until after Miwok [the Miwok 100K in May, in which she was second]. I did one 150-mile week. But usually, when I'm just training for anything, I put in between 90 and 100-mile weeks.

With four kids, a husband and a job, when do you do your training?

I run at 3:30 a.m. every morning. I go out for between 11 and 20 miles on trails with a headlamp. That's when I do my bulk. I get home around 7 a.m. and to work by 7:30. The kids get themselves off to school.

If I have a long lunch, I crank out an hour at home on the stair machine. After work, I come home, take the kids to soccer, dance, cross-country, whatever. If they're all gone at the same time, I go out again. Or I get another run in when the kids are asleep in the evening.

I do double days—or three times a day—every day.

What do you not do? What do you sacrifice?

I don't clean my house. My kids pick up a ton of slack. They do their own laundry, make their own lunches. I don't have to supervise them anymore.

When they were younger, I used my treadmill a lot more.

We don't sacrifice time together. We're big on the family dinner. Often it's not until 7:30 or 8 p.m. And sometimes I'll run outside or on the treadmill after dinner.

Balance

The hardest part about running with a little one is balance. I have a tough time balancing everything to get it all in (and I know I have it a bit easier since I don't work). But, my hubby travels a lot and that makes it even harder. But running = sanity, so I make the time. Some days/weeks are more difficult than others, but I like to see the progress I've made and be able to say I got it done. Sometimes the housework slips a bit but oh well :-).

One thing I'm having a tough time with now is when to run. Since hubby is away lot I can't get up at the crack of dawn to get my workout in, which is what I would prefer. So....I have to wait for J to wake up and give him breakfast. By the time I get all this done it's 9:00 and hot as heck outside. The weather has been awesome the last couple weeks; until today. Today was wretchedly hot out...and humid. Luckily it was a rest day for me. But I have a feeling tomorrow will be just as awful. And tomorrow is a longer run. We'll see how this goes!