I am a runner

I am a runner.  It has taken a long time for me to feel confident in saying that.  Despite years of track and soccer, despite running on and off over the years, despite completing (finally) my first 5K...it's just been in the last few months that I feel like I have REALLY become a runner.  I make time each week to run, whether it's outside in the cold or sun...or inside on the treadmill...I do it.  It's my time for me.  When I workout at home, I get a cheering section and sometimes even company...and I LOVE that, but sometimes I need to just be on my own.

For me, running has always had a relaxing effect.  I still fall into the same breathing patterns I learned when I first made the track team in 7th grade.  An easy in through the nose out through the mouth rhythm that times out with my footfalls.  I pop in my earbuds, turn on  my audio book and just go.  It's my way of getting back on track mentally.

What I have found since completing my first 5K last year, is that the high that comes from crossing that finish line is addicting.  It keeps poking it's head up and saying "don't you think it's time to do it again?!?!"  And I do.  I really do.  And even though I make sure I make time to run every week...making time for races is a whole different thing.  Our weekends are packed generally with the girls activities and family fun and I wouldn't have it any other way...but still that pull for a medal hanging proudly on my wall is there.

I started to look into virtual races, ones where you can sign up and do your run and they mail you your medal.  I know this lacks the camaraderie of an actual race, but for me...that part isn't as important since running is a solitary thing for me.  As this idea started to take root...fate intervened.

Do you remember how when I kept hinting about a running belt for Christmas and didn't get it how I bought one, and then literally right after was approached about reviewing one?  Well maybe I need to hone this skill more on lottery numbers, but as I started looking into various runs online, I was connected with Brad at Level Up Runs.

Level Up Runs is a company "run" by runners.  They set up various virtual races so that all runners can have that medal earning opportunity.  They know how hard it is to get those races on the calendars sometimes, so they allow for you to do it on your own time!

As a lover of all things Disey, and feeling pretty Bada$$ when I complete a run, I am VERY excited about their upcoming virtual race, The Incredible Virtual Run, I mean check out this awesome medal!

The Incredible Virtual Run is open from April 15-30 for completion, all ages and levels welcome.  You can even chose your race 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon.  You can register online here.  The cost is only $25, and for you, my fine readers, they are offering a 10% off coupon code SAVE10.

I am hoping that since the hubs has started running again that he may even join me on this virtual adventure!  Have you ever done a virtual run?  What do you think of the idea?

Treadmill...or dreadmill

Ok, so I have been REALLY good about making time for me and getting my runs in over the past month (go me)!  I have been making sure the hubs and I both have time to do what we need to as part of our training...we work hard to help each other.  You know who doesn't help and doesn't play fair though...Mother Nature.  She has been a rather nasty piece of work the past week and it looks like she is going to continue with her fickle ways for a few more weeks.  Drat!

Normally, this would be ok, but I am loving getting some running back in on a regular basis...I also have high hopes that scheduling will work out for me to do a 5K the first weekend in June!  So as to not be totally thwarted by Mama Nature, the hubs and I hit the indoor track one day last week and the other day we hit the dreadmill treadmill.  The indoor track was fine and would be the better option from here on out if I could just remember to count my laps :)  I was okay at the start...but between dodging college students, listening to the C25K interval changes and pushing faster to get closer to the big fan...I lost track.

The C25K has a GPS tracker in the program, but when you are on a 200 meter track not really moving too much...it doesn't really register.  So the next day that I needed to get a run in I opted for the treadmill.  I figured at least I would know how far I ran with the treadmill and wouldn't have to burden my poor brain (LOL) with counting.  So I hoped on the treadmill, set my incline and set to it.  I felt so good after a while that I didn't even take all of the walk breaks.  So imagine my surprise when I got to the end and hadn't even gotten to the 3 mile mark.  I have been hitting that since the first week.  Even after not running for a year, I was able to break 3 miles in my first outing. 

When I got home, the hubs told me a matching story from his treadmill experience, and he covers his display so he can't see the distance while he is running so he was SUPER surprised.  I kept trying to push harder and harder but to no avail.  It was so depressing! 

So...has anyone else ever noticed this discrepancy?  I feel so treadmill cheated!

Healthy Heart, Happy Heart

me on my run

This is me in all  my sun squinty glory!  You may not be able to tell, but I am pretty happy in this pic.  Ok, you can't tell but come on now, I'm blinded by the sun and trying to take a selfie while running. :)  I have made mention MANY times before (Running Along, Have running shoes, can travel, Re-program my run, Put my face on the milk carton!) my love of running.  I used to run multiple times a week...then the doc said no more when I was prego with mini me.  After that little ball of perfection came forth, I started again and things weren't quite right...but I muddled through.  Then I broke my foot (and didn't realize it) and after a year of on again off again pain, had to have surgery.  Since that point...I have been trying to find a show that didn't feel like it was basically killing my feet when I run/workout/etc.  I am hoping that the most recent order I made is my "knight in shining treads"...more on that is to come though in a later post. 

I decided to start the couch to 5K program, well I talked about it and the good ole hubs actually pushed me into finally starting...and I am LOVING it!  I forgot JUST how good that runners high can be.  I'm easing back in and just loving it.  It's my time for just me...and my kiddos are loving seeing me go!  Now, I've said before on my face book page that I have been lucky enough to join the ranks of three other AMAZING writers on another blog page as well, The Journey, and I hope you will check us out over there too!  Lots of great things happening!  Well last week to get ready to kick off Get Active America Week I talked about this whole "getting back into running thing."  I it has been go time ever since.

Something different this time around is where I am running.  To keep it as easy as possible to start, I am just running in my neighborhood.  I used to be a trail runner...and then was relegated to the treadmill when the weather didn't cooperate...but this time I am just hitting the pavement (literally)  which means no excuses!  C25K is a 3 day a week program, so as long as I check the forecast...I am good to go.  It rained and rained yesterday so as I was leaving work I bundles up in my raincoat, got on my rain boots and headed down the 3 flights of stairs...imagine my surprise when it was sunny and beautiful!  I mean, I went for a short walk at lunch and it was MISERABLE...so this was practically a miracle.  My first thought...I can run tonight!

So I am on track...and loving it.  I am making my heart happy and healthy and making time for me and being cheered on (literally) by my family!  What an amazing feeling.  I am so blessed.  On top of that...we are continuing our "get outside when you can" plans with the kids and being active and playing outdoors whenever the weather allows.  So after dinner last night and before family dog walk time...mini me and I got in some badminton, bubble mowing and chalk drawing.  Then it was dog walk, bath, treat and bed right before the storms rolled back in.  All this healthy activity is making my heart healthy yes...but this precious time with my family is what is REALLY making my heart happy!!

my beauty making something beautiful

Add on to ALL of this excitement the fact that I just found out yesterday that I was selected to be an I'm Fit Possible Ambassador!!!  I feel like this is the start of a wonderful windfall of good fortune due to good health!  How exciting! 

Re-program my run

I find it funny that some birthdays are harder then others to deal with.  I was okay with 30, but not 31...I was okay with 35 but today I find 36 to be hard.  Not sure why, but I do.  Part of it may be that there are goals I set that I guess I thought by now I would have done.  The one that keeps coming to mind is my elusive 5K.

My husband asked me the other night why I didn't think I could go out and run one.  Well, because...and then I started to stammer, and then I started to rattle off excuses...I haven't trained, my running shoes are old, I suck.  :)  My friends are all starting to get into the 5K hype, and I have always wanted to run one...but something always comes up.  Maybe it's a underlying fear of something happening.  The first time I was really trying to train was the best surprise ever...I got preggers with mini me.  The next time I ended up under the knife and having my foot go partially bionic though....not a good surprise at all.

I also know though that part of it is my insane jealousy and competitive nature.  I love running, and have no problem just going out and running for the sheer pleasure of it...but when I hear the word race my head goes straight to time an I feel as though I need to conquer the first time out a certain time.  Maybe because I was a sprinter in track as a kid...I don't know.  The hubs, awesome man that he is, can kick my butt on both pace and time when we run...and this makes me crazy.  I KNOW we don't have to do things at the same pace...but seriously (no, I mean for real, seriously) I am INSANELY competitive. 

How can I re-program my thought process on running when it comes to races?? 

Making Waves

Mini me and me at the beach


What an AMAZING weekend!  While we are all a bit sad this week while my oldest is off with her Aunt in South Carolina, it is giving the hubs and I a great opportunity to spend lots of 1 on 1 time with the wee one.  After we packed up Maddy and sent her on her way, Arden decided she wanted to go to the beach.  Once Momma's little bull headed baby gets an idea in her head its nearly impossible to sway her.  We had a laundry list of errands that needed to be taken care of but Dadoo announced, "ok lets get our swimsuits on and go."  It is moments like these that make me stop and really appreciate how lucky I am to be teamed up with him.  He reminds me that there is always time for Home Depot and mulch buying...he makes me a better parent.  So we slathered ourselves in sunscreen, got in our suits and hit the beach.

It was a PERFECT morning.  We got there before the crowds rolled in, before the oppressively hot temps took over (which they did later that afternoon) and just played and laughed and had a blast.  It was especially nice to mark another milestone off of her list...baby's first trip to the beach.  Living in NE Ohio, nice beaches are few and far between...but this weekend we seemed to find our own little slice of Heaven in the sand.



sandcastle by dadoo and daughter designs :)

 

On Sunday we took the dog to the park to swim in the river and walk the trails some.  Now back in the day these trails were well worn by my hubby and me.  We would take the dog over and run 2-3 miles, then "dunk the dog in the river" and head home.  I LOVED these runs!  Even in crazy hot weather, running along the bridle trails under the tress with my hubby was always one of my favorite times of day.  Soooooo as we were walking along yesterday on the trails I decided that I wanted a bit of a run, but how to make this fun?  I tried tag and it worked BEAUTIFULLY!  We got mini me engaged in about a mile or so of interval running trying to chase and tag me, me trying to chase and tag her, chasing Dadoo and the pup, being chased by Dadoo and pup.  It felt amazing to run, and even more so to run with my little miss and hear her giggling along the way.  Bu doing it as tag and in intervals no one was overworked, we let her set the pace...and afterwards she asked it we could do it again.  How amazing would it be to instill my love for running into my wee one?!?!  I am hoping this could be the start of a healthy and fun new activity for us to do as a family. :)

 

The benefits of getting us all up and moving is obvious, but we can also bond as a family through exercise....I LOVE IT!!



Take the idea and RUN with it

I love running.  I have said it before, I'm sure I will say it again...in fact I will right now, I love running.  I have talked about it in previous blogs, there is just something about running.  For me, its time to think and process and just be alone with my thoughts.  I had a great run this morning at the gym.  It was unplanned and quite honestly, just what I needed to start my day.  My workout buddy decided to skip (again) today, so I didn't feel obligated to attend a class.  It was me and my audiobook and we just set to it.

Now, I have also mentioned before how much I want to run a 5K.  It has been a goal of mine for a long time.    I had conditioned myself last year and was ready to go when my foot surgery came up. In the grand scheme of running, a 5K seems so small.  In all honesty, I have been toying with the idea of trying to train for a (at least) half marathon.  I want one of those cool stickers for my car.  You know the ones I'm talking about, the 13.1.

How awesome would it feel to accomplish that?!?!  I read a blog a few days ago, Girl Evolving, and the way Kim over there talks about running...I know exactly how she feels.  I think reading that is what pushed me back to the treadmill this morning.  I have just had such a NEED to run since then. 

However, after running this morning, I was reminded of something very important.  Proper footwear.  I have asked before about shoe recommendations, and have since stumbled upon some great articles about shopping for shoes as well as  an article laying out The Best Running Shoe for your Style (oh yeah, thanks Shape.com for both of these amazing articles).  These are the sad but proud shoes I have been working out/running in for a while now:

Don't get me wrong, they were great shoes when I got them, but they have seen MORE than their 500 recommended miles.  Why haven't they been replaced yet?  Excellent question.  Part of it is that the next pair of shoes I get, I want to make sure they are the right shoe for me.  Which I'm hoping by following the tips offered by Shape will help me in that department.  The other, much bigger issue, is cost.  Good running shoes are not cheap.  My problem is as a parent I have a guilt chip that they secretly (unbeknownst to me) must have inserted in my head sometime while I was at the hospital after giving birth.  How else can I describe the overwhelming feeling that takes over when I even begin to LOOK at higher end stuff for myself when both girls are growing like weeds.  I don't remember there being any mention of this "guilt chip" by my OB/GYN but I have a sneaking suspicion this is all true.  :)

Anywho, this is my big obstacle.  I know that I deserve nice things, but it's hard sometimes.  So this made me think...some of you fabulous readers are "testers" for companies, or know another blogger who is.  I want to be courted by shoe companies to test and review their shoes.  Great idea right!!  Someone needs to help test things out and give feedback, I think that person should be me!

So...attention Reebok, Nike, Asics, Sketchers, Altra, K Swiss and any other running shoe manufacturer out there that I may be missing.  I look forward to hearing from you very soon.  I am a size 6 and do mostly treadmill running, with some outdoor trail running in the warmer weather.  You can reach me (as can any of you) at waitsandmeasurements@gmail.com.

Talk soon!!

"Clothes" minded

     I have been quite happy the last few weeks about how my clothing is fitting.  It makes it easier to look at the scale, the one that is barely budging, when I see how differently my clothes fit.  I know that muscle weighs more than fat, so I am good with the numbers while I add another hole to my belt so that it will be tight enough, or find a cute belt to add to something that never needed on before.  I have also been expanding my workout apparel...very slowly.  I have found that I really like to wear fitted tanks when I workout, but they aren't always the most conducive way to add the needed "support" despite their best efforts to build in a shelf.  I am the type of person though that gets tired of seeing peoples under garments hanging out all the time, so I didn't want to be "that girl" at the gym with the crazy sports bra hanging out under the cute tank...or be the one who was bouncing all over (despite there not being too much to bounce) because the built in bra wasn't cutting it.  Enter this past weekends trip to Target...

C9 by Champion Women's Seamless Racer back Bra

     I stumbled across these sports bras.  I had been looking for a few new ones anyways, but these were more than I hoped for.  They are very supportive (plus), help wick away sweat (plus) and come in a variety of colors (huge plus).  Thinking about the various tank top colors I have I decided to go with the fabulous blue pictured above, a sleek black one and a nice medium pink.  I can mix and match with the shirts I already have, feel supported and fun, and look great all at the same time.  Something about the fun colors, and having them coordinate with my tops in some fashion makes me feel okay about them being seen by the world.

Organic Cotton Chandra Capri

     Another fashion find I have been eyeing is an Organic Cotton Chandra Capri pant from Athleta.  I love the cute skirt attached to the pant for a workout so that you can still feel girly while breaking a serious sweat.  I just think it's cute.  They also have a a ton of great skorts that are made for working out that I want to add to my collection.  They will be more of a one at a time addition though because the are more of a treat (financially) to myself.  I have become a huge fan of their website though.  You MUST check it out. 
     What are some of your workout wears?  Is there a piece that you can't go without?

Like a Flash

     Okay, so tell me if anyone else out there has ever felt like this.  Sometimes when I am working out, usually it's when I'm running, I will be cruising along with my ipod and a song comes on that makes me want to dance.  As I start to get into the song more I catch my reflection in the window and see that I ma dancing around a bit while I run.  I have confessed to my ten year old that I've had these moments and it makes me want to start my own flash mob right there in the gym...but sadly no one at the gym knows of my secret and I would just be that crazy girl dancing around the gym to music only she can hear.

     Has anyone else ever wanted to do that?  I mean, you see it in musicals all the time where you just get swept up in the moment and start to sing an dance and no one gives you a second look.  My guess is though that if I were to try it in a real life situation, people would be far less forgiving.  I guess it might be different if my gym played music over a speaker system...at least then we would all be hearing the same thing and my moves would make a LITTLE more sense, but since it's me and my own mix in my ear buds...I'm guessing the white coats could get called.

     How fun would that be though.  I had to promise my oldest that I would in fact NEVER break into song and dance anywhere in public that people may know her, and definitely NOT when she is around.  I'm sure as she gets a little older the restricted list will get longer.  For right now I am happy to break into my sweet moves at home with the little one.  She loves when Momma dances with her and she has some great moves of her own.  Maybe that's where this inspiration has come from.  She has been making up songs and dancing around to them for the past few weeks.  Maybe it has something to do with my history as a dancer for the entirety of my youth.  The music is in me!  Oh well, it helps keep me moving.  Logged another three miles today with a smile on my face and a flash mob in my head!

Lo Hicimos

Dora the Explorer

     At my house right now, Dora is a huge hit.  My sweet little 2 year old has taking over right where her big sister left off about 6 -7 years ago.  For anyone who does not know, this is Dora the Explorer (above).  She and her friend Boots the monkey go through various "challenges" to reach their goals in each episode.  I love that my little one is learning Spanish and how to set and accomplish goals, but I also like the new perspective it has given me.  When Dora and Boots reach their goal they sing and dance saying Lo Hicimos, which is Spanish for "We did it."  Today at the gym, I was not on a 20 minute time constraint so I decided to run.  I decided to run until I hit the 5K goal.  I have yet to actually register for the race I have told you about in May yet (Dash for Dignity) because I wanted needed to get through the full length at least once and prove to myself what my husband has been telling me was true.  He has been telling me for weeks, ever since I first found out about this race that he knew I could do it.  Today, I did it.  Lo Hicimos!  I feel like I can use the "we" because the whole time I was running I could hear his voice in my head telling me "you can do it" and I could imagine his face and my two daughters faces as I cross that finish line.  I felt AMAZING!
     I am not sure why I have been so scared.  So what if I come in last, at least I'm going to do it!  That's more than what a lot of people can say.  Anyways, it's not about the time.  It's about me reaching (another) one of my goals.  It's about the cause that this race is supporting.  It's about my girls seeing Mommy set a goal and work towards it until she finished.  I have to say, I have been sitting at my desk all day itching to find enough free time to write this.  I am really proud of myself.  I am really happy.  I have been fueled by my runner's high all day.  I know it might sound silly, but I almost feel invincible.  This Friday the 13th has turned out to be quite a lucky one for me. 

Kickin it up a notch

     So, today I feel like Emeril.  I think it's the boot camp workout.  It kind of makes me feel invincible.  I like the way that feels.  It pushes me to work harder and longer...I really need to kick it up a notch when I do boot camp.  I was talking to my workout buddy this morning (aka my boss) and put my foot down that I am going to take this 5K business seriously, so she needn't ask me what I want to do on our gym days, I will be on the treadmill pushing myself.  I know we only workout for about 20 minutes when we go (3 x's a week) but if I up my speed a bit I can cover more ground (figuratively since I'm on the treadmill).  I think this will help.  The further I can go each session, the closer I can get to that 3.2 mile goal, the better I will feel about signing up for the 5K here in town.  It is officially a month from today, and is for such a good cause, how can I not push myself to make this happen?!?!  It's to support anti-bullying in our local schools as well as healthy eating and exercise habits for our children.  To find out more, you can check out the Dash for Dignity.  I am psyched, I can do this.  My husband has been great too.  Every time I bring it up and if I sound like I am wavering at all, he tells me I can do it.  I want my girls to see how hard I am working and see me reach this goal.  It has been a long time coming. 

this is the t-shirt I can get for registering, designed by a local 7th or 8th grader

Have running shoes, can travel

     I AM SORE!  I am sore in the best possible way.  My husband decided to try the Insanity workout program.  This is hard core.  I have never seen him work so hard.  I am so proud of him.  He has liked it so much too that he has been encouraging me to try it.  So I did.  I got off work early on Wednesday and decided I would go home and do the Fit test portion before picking up the little one from pre-school.  The fit test is only 25 minutes to get your base line, how hard can it be?  I'll tell you, it is HARD!

     There is a reason this workout program is named Insanity!  Here I thought that over the past few months that I had made real progress in my workouts.  I am more tone and lean than I have been in a long time, I am well on my way to my 5K...oh no.  Not after this.  I ended the 25 minute session (yes, 25 short minutes) in a sweaty, panting heap on the floor.  I had started off so strong with my switch kicks knee lefts, only to collapse during the push up version of a jumping jack. 
     I was so sore yesterday that I couldn't bring my self to move...well, not after chasing the lil one around in her gym class for an hour.  Today I did make myself get up and hit the treadmill and put in a few miles which felt great.  Working my muscles actually made them feel better.  Now, six months ago I would have never looked back at this workout program.  I would have accepted my defeat and said it just wasn't for me.  Not anymore.  I took my panting, sweating, pain riddled body as a sign that I need to push harder and try again.  I am eager to do so, but think it will have to wait until Monday.  I know what you may be thinking...I thought this blog was partially about not waiting...not using that as an excuse.  Well, you are right.  But I am pushing this back for a good reason.  We are taking the girls on a weekend surprise getaway;  and despite this workout being DVD based and portable...I think they may be upset if we use the DVD player for workouts instead of the latest Disney flick.
     Don't take that as an excuse though folks.  I have been asking around and seem to be getting a fairly good report on hotel gyms.  The majority of the people I have talked to seem happy with their gym experiences while on the road.  So this girl is packing her running shoes and plans to hit the treadmill while we are gone.  Also, as with all travel that involves the kids, we made sure that our hotel has an indoor pool...so we should be okay.

     Do you check the workout opportunities before traveling?  What are some of your "must haves" when on the road for your workouts?

TGIF...treadmill girl is FABulous!!

     Today I went to the gym and was set on running.  I haven't gotten in a good run in weeks.  I was flying solo today (my workout buddy took the day off from, well actual work...so solo gym venture) so I knew I could run.  I got to the gym just a few minutes after the doors were unlocked and had my pick of treadmills.  I had my iPhone loaded with music (some new jams added thanks to FMM), and I was determined.  I found a nice little machine set off to the side away from the other treadmills which I loved as it is inevitable in the mornings that they will fill fast, so I did a quick stretch turned on the music and went to it.
     Running for me is like a love affair.  We have our ups and downs, we have good days and bad, but in the end it is worth all the stress and strife.  I have said it before, I can feel myself relax as I run.  I can literally feel my shoulders drop as the worries that have been laboring me flow right out of my head and I focus on me.  The view out the window this morning was great too, which of course helped.  It has been a surprisingly mild winter so the grass is (mostly) green and the trees are starting to bud already, crocuses are in bloom and tulips are starting to dot the scenery with their beautiful green.  As I ran this morning, absorbing all this spring like beauty across the quad it started to snow...not nasty, cold, snow that we are used to...but snow globe snow.  The kind where you can actually sees differences in the flakes and it's drifting and dancing through the air.  Maybe it was the endorphins, I don't know, but it was such a relaxing time.  What an amazing way to start the day. 
     I put in an easy 2.5 mile run...I can't even remember the last time I made it quite that far...I have been petering out at 1.5-1.75 it seems.  I guess today the stars were all aligned for me and my run.  Thank you fitness fate for giving me this gift.  It reminds me of my goal to register for a 5K this year, and it makes it so tangible.  I was actually thinking this morning of upcoming ones I have seen on a few websites wondering if my hubby would want to join me.  Today is a good day.