I Actually Made Something I Saw On Pinterest

Phew, that was a busy week. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. After I posted last Sunday, things just got crazy. Sunday night, Jack woke up with a fever and we gave him ibuprofen and he went back to bed. When I left for work he still wasn't feeling well, but Adam was home with him so I wasn't worried. Well, when the phone rang in the kindergarten room at 10 am, I knew there was a problem. It was Adam, calling to say that Jack had a seizure. I rushed home to find poor Jack crying, burning up, and disoriented. His doctor said to try to keep his fever down and within 24 hours, he was back to himself.

On Tuesday, I made my first craft from Pinterest: glitter snow playdough. I decided to make this as my gift for my kindergartners, but I didn't factor in the excessive amount of time and materials I would need to make enough playdough for 26 five-year-olds. It came out really cute, but needless to say, I will not be making this again next year.

Later in the week, I made chocolate dipped peanut butter pretzel sandwiches, also found on Pinterest. I feel so domesticated.

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With a half day at school on Wednesday, craziness took over the school day and vacation couldn't come quickly enough.

The Streak Is Over

I finally ran today - in 17 degree temps - after nine days off. I've been sick this past week and just couldn't seem to kick it. It's still lingering but the run in the cold today actually made me feel better.

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My blogging has been sparse lately, because between being a mom, working full time, and sleeping 14 hours a day there hasn't been much time. Why have I been so tired?

Our little family of three will soon be becoming a family of four! We are so excited for Jack to become a big brother, and I think he is, too. He just doesn't know it yet.

I'm only 11 weeks pregnant, but still 29 weeks doesn't seem that far away. I'm feeling good, just tired and nauseous at different times during the day. I've been most queasy at dinner time, and it usually passes just in time for bed time.

No weight gain so far, but according to the midwife it's two pounds. I explained to her that the first time I was weighed I wasn't wearing my Dansko's, coat (with iPhone in the pocket) and jeans (jeans are heavier than real pants- that's what I tell myself), so the second time with all these additions the number was bound to be higher.

I hope to continue teaching yoga for as long as I can. Even though I sometimes dread getting up on a Saturday morning (especially in the dead of winter), I do love teaching.

That's all for now- with second trimester soon on it's way I should have more energy and more random posts to fill up this little space.

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I'm off to wear my other hat- waitress. Happy Sunday!

Where?

Enjoying a My Little Cupcake

It's been a busy and exciting week around here! I've been running every other day, and this week ran five, four and three miles. Plus I taught yoga yesterday. I'm loving teaching at a different location (still the same gym). It's more studio-like and I can control the temp in the room, which means I can crank it up (until people complain, then I turn it back down).

There are still squirrels in the heating ducts in the room, though (happened last year, too) and it can be a little distracting during Savasana hearing them scurry around.

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Lately I have been obsessed with 30 Rock. It's on Netflix on demand and is the funniest show I've seen in a long time. And I love Alec Baldwin. I get excited when we put on an episode of Thomas and Friends for Jack and he's the narrarator.

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I'm not sure where I going with the post, but maybe I'll be back later with more.

Flashback

Flashback: Halloween

We had so much fun trick-or-treating on Halloween. First we rang a few doorbells in our neighborhood, and then headed to Mamet and Papa's- which clearly was the neighborhood to be in. There were so many kids and families dressed up and the Halloween spirit was alive and well. Our little neighborhood was a little quiet. Jack was hesitant at first, but then got into it. When someone didn't come to the door, he wasn't happy and insisted we wait.

The Conductor and Mamet the Clown

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Although this will be Jack's third winter, it will be his first time to really get excited about the snow. Last year he had fun getting pulled in the sled, but would get cold and annoyed pretty quickly.

We had our first mini-snowstorm the day before Thanksgiving and Jack and I took full advantage by bundling up and heading out in the snow (later on that day I strapped on my Yak Traks and went for a five mile run in the snow).

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Running news: I closed out November with 60 miles total. A little lower than I would have liked, but after running two half marathon within a few weeks of each other, it was a good idea to go easy. I'm ready to add more cross training and would love to take (not teach) one yoga class a week, and keep up easy running miles through December. I started out with four easy miles on the first, so that's a start.

Olivia

Where do I start?

I'm off the high of my new half marathon PR, but I'll give you a quick recap:

Like Melissa, I wasn't too pumped for this race. I ran it last year and was dreading the hilly course. Packet pick-up was non-eventful, getting handed only a bib and a lecture about having your bib clearly visible since there is no chip timing. Yes, no chip timing with a 600 person mass start.

I woke up the morning of feeling rested and ready as I could be to run. Melissa texted me to say she wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be running. I'd be lying if I said I didn't think of backing out. But I went, made a friend at the start, and off I went. I got nervous over the first few miles because the course was so congested. I wasn't hoping for a PR, but when the first couple mile splits were around 10:45- 11:00, I thought a PR was completely out of the picture. The course was completely changed, yet race directors said nothing about this, and maps handed out and on the website reflected the old course. The race became a complete bottleneck at mile 2 as we entered a single lane trail, that was also an out-and-back, so as runners were trying to merge, and run both ways on a narrow path, passing was impossible.

I had put my music on right from the start and just decided to relax and run. Once the course cleared out, I began to see my splits were speeding up, and I was on track to finish 2:10. The last few miles were hilly and tough, but I thought of Melissa and our runs. Our runs are never easy, and this would be over soon enough. I neared the finish line and my Garmin said 2:07 but I was hesitant to get excited because of the mass start, but when I saw that clock read 2:07 when I crossed the line, I was ecstatic.

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And it's clearly not my day. I have just uploaded tons of pictures to share but I can't add them to the blog. Bummer!

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Jack just turned two! He's such a sweet (and active) boy and we are so lucky to have him. In the words of Olivia's mom, "You really wear me out, but I love you anyway." Come to think of it, Jack and Olivia have a lot in common.

In Case You're Wondering

I set a new half marathon PR yesterday: 2:07:15. I'll give you the details later- I am just too excited not to share!

Wifteen Wednesday

Hi friends! We've missed you! Apparently, I like to stay busy. I thought I'd fill you in with what I've been up to with a "Thirteen Thursday," but then I realized it's only Wednesday, so I made up a W number (don't tell my kindergartners).

1. Last week, while Jack and I were out for a run, an older man flagged me down. He and his wife were staying at the hotel next to Al's (you might remember my love affair with Al's).

"Hello, sorry to bother you, but my wife and I are from out-of-town and were wondering if this (pointing to Al's) is an okay place to eat?"

"Um, heck yes." I think things got a little uncomfortable when I began salivating after raving about the corn dogs for five minutes straight. I think I convinced him. I'll take my free corn dogs for life now, Al.

2. I finally check out my race photos from Leaf Peeper's Half Marathon. And I'm in love. It's the first time I've actually considered ordering a print. But, at $8 for one 5x7, not gonna happen.

For Leaf Peeper's, I bought a pair of Lululemon Run: Inspire crops. I loved them- the length, fit and storage (a zipper pocket in the back and two pockets in the front). But by the time the race was over, the stitching had unraveled completely- and on non friction spots (like my calves- if it had been my inner thighs, well that's another story). They just didn't seem like Lulu quality. I exchanged them for another pair- had to get black because they were all out of grey- and this new pair seems much better. I'm thinking they're going to make an appearance on Sunday.

3. On Sunday, I'm running another half marathon. I'm nervous, because every run this week has been a struggle- with both my body and mind. I'm hoping just to have fun and enjoy the race. I don't want to get greedy and expect another PR.

4. I just discovered 30 Rock on Netflix, and I'm obsessed. It's hysterical!

5. Jack went trick-or-treating for the first time this Halloween, and he had a blast! I need to upload and edit the photos, but I will post them ASAP. He was a train conductor and after a couple houses, really got into the swing of things. He was pretty upset when we rang a doorbell and no one came to the door. He started looking in the windows and didn't want to leave the porch. Boy wanted his candy (takes after his Mama).

6. My sugar intake is at an all-time high. Maybe this has something to do with my awful runs.

7. My mother-in-law called tonight to tell me that she booked a beach house in Maine again! August 11, I'm looking forward to you.

8. My baby turns two in less than a month. I can't believe how fast these two years have flown by. While running (solo) today, I listened to Michael Buble, and "I Just Haven't Met You Yet" came on. I listened to this song while I was pregnant, and I have to say, I shed a few tears. Love that song.

I think that's all I have for now.



Proof

Stolen from GMR... Proof that I PR'd yesterday

Halloween Came Early

Please excuse the pizza sauce on Jack's face

Today, we celebrated. Celebrating my mom's (54th- shhh, don't tell her I told you) birthday, and the excited news that....

My mama's getting married!!! Exciting stuff going on around here.. We are so lucky to have Tom joining our little family!

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Yesterday, we celebrated Halloween early with a parade on Church Street. Jack got to hang out with his cousins, Emily, Luca and Henry.

And just to further demonstrate how big Jack is for his age- he'll be two in November: Henry, who is sitting to the left of Jack, is four years old. They are the same size.

My favorite picture is this last one- look at Sue (Adam's mom- in the black sweatshirt) in the background. She's loving the parade!

Another One Bites the Dust

5:00 am wake up call for a 5:30 date with Green Mountain Runner. I woke up, taking up the whole bed, which meant Adam had fallen asleep on the couch last night. I tiptoed downstairs (sleeping baby upstairs) and yes, there he was, Wii remote on his chest and Top Gear loaded up on Netflix.

I started to make coffee and Adam woke up and asked "What are you doing?" "I'm going for a run with Melissa." "Why?"

Why? Because I've become the crazy runner lady. And I love it.

The first nine miles were run in complete darkness- luckily Melissa came prepared with a headlamp, flashing light, vest and wrist reflector. We were prepared. The first few miles today were tough. At mile four I had no idea how I was going to complete nine more. We chatted the whole time and I always love our talks when we run. Except when I say uncomfortable things, like at mile 11, calling a lady on the street a dumbass for telling us not to get wet (it had already been raining the entire run).

We finished 13.1 miles in 2:10:04. My "half marathon" PR is 2:10:38- does this count as a new PR?

My legs felt really tired and trashed today, but what felt awesome? My stomach. I have become used to cramps (and more- I won't go into detail) towards the end of long runs, and for a while after- usually the entire day. Today I had no stomach problems at all. Zero. It felt amazing to finish a run and not have to run to the bathroom (and stay there for a while). Fuel today before was coffee, water and a tablespoon of honey. Throughout the run, I ate a Balance bar and drank lemon-lime Nuun. I'm going to try this again on the eight-ish mile run next weekend before the race and see how I feel. I might try to add a little something extra pre-run but stick with the Balance bar during.

Thanks, GMR, for another great run! She pushed me through the last few miles. I was done at mile ten, and was struggling to keep up the pace. She pushed the pace and luckily I was able to hold on. She encouraged me to run sub-9 for the last mile, and we did.

Thanks For Listening, Again

This is not a healthy eating blog. I have no interest in blogging my every eats. But also I am no model of healthy eating at all. I don't like to touch on diet per se, because really it's not something on my radar (but am realizing maybe it should be). A few months ago I talked about my binge eating ways- how I can't say "just one" to anything- cookies, brownies, cheese, crackers.

I have been feeling a little sluggish and tired lately, and I know one aspect of my life that is probably contributing to this: my diet. I *try* to be healthy, but NEVER say no. I have never said no to a dessert in my life. This wouldn't be a problem if my diets was filled with wholesome, real foods 95% of the time, but it's not. I'm not dieting, and I don't want to lose weight. I was to eat to feel good and strong, and know that eating a calzone and bag of Chex Mix for dinner isn't conducive to this goal. I'm hoping that by putting this goal out there, I'm going to have some extra willpower.

Thanks for listening, again.

Back On

Can you believe it's Friday already? Oh wait, it's only Wednesday. But I have Thursday and Friday off, so it's the weekend for me!

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Last Sunday, Jack had a playdate with Ella.

She looks like she's a little unsure of J...

They played really well together and at one point, I thought, "I could handle twins." Haha. I love watching them together, because Ella is Jack's first friend: born just two weeks before him. I can't wait to show them these pictures when they are teenagers.

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Update: Running and I are back on (deja vu? I feel like a just said this a couple weeks ago). Since the half marathon, I've been in sort of a running slump, lacking any real desire to run. Usually, I crave a run. After Saturday's run, I was feeling better about the act then took Sunday and Monday off. I ran six miles solo yesterday (in 54 minutes!) and ran four miles today with J and the teacher I work with and her daughter, Lilly (J's new friend, too- they are in the same classroom). It was great to run with someone new at a leisurely pace and just enjoy the act of running.

New PR

Last night I text Melissa, hinting at a morning run. It would be a 5 am, and we made plans. Suddenly I had cold feet. It had been a long week, and sleeping in (albeit until 7) might be a necessity. I felt really bad cancelling on her, but I did. I hope she forgives me!

Morning came and it looked like skipping the 5 am running date was a good idea. Adam woke me up at 8:20, saying, "Don't you need to teach yoga?" Why, yes. Yes, I do. My class starts at 8:45. Whoops.

The day went on, and I kept thinking about my long run. I have a half marathon on November 6, and I'd like to get two double-digit runs in and have a one week taper. It was nearing Jack's nap time, so I put him in the jogger and we were off. He fell asleep quickly (if only for 45 minutes) and I cruised along. It started to pour around mile 7, and I almost called it quits. I was so close to home and a warm shower was calling my name. The rain let up a little bit, and heck, I was already wet (and Jack was dry- the Chariot has an awesome rain cover) so I thought I better finish. Ten miles done, averaging 10:17- remember, I was pushing 60 pounds! This is a new distance record with the jogger- the previous longest run J and I had done together was eight miles. He is such a fun little running partner.

One Knee

Three years ago today, on top of Snake Mountain, Adam proposed. Even though I had been suspecting he was up to something, I was completely surprised.

That day we had decided spur of the moment to go for a hike and on the way, Adam wanted to stop to get wine. Oddly enough, I didn't find this strange. When we got to the top, we hung out for a while and then he had to go into the woods to go to the bathroom. He was gone for a really long time. I started to get worried and finally he came back, and he was acting so nervous and odd. It was getting chilly and I was ready to head home. All of a sudden, he was down on one knee. I don't remember what he said- it's all sort of a blur and happened so fast.

I said yes.

I love him.

Controversy

I don't usually bring up current events related news on the blog, but I'd like to talk about Amber Miller.


Source

 For those who haven't heard of Amber Miller, she completed the 2011 Chicago Marathon at 39 weeks pregnant, and gave birth several hours later. At first glance, I was appalled. This seemed to me a selfish move by the mother, putting the baby at high risk. But the more I read about it, the less crazy it seemed. This woman has run several marathons and has run sub-4 hour marathons, so running marathons is nothing new to her body. She has run two marathons while pregnant before Chicago 2011. Obviously if you've never run before, pregnancy is not the time to take up running and sign up for a marathon. But if it's something your body is used to, and you can do it safely, why not?

The kicker for me? She completed the marathon in 6 hours 25 minutes- clearly she took the race easy for herself. She said she ran in the beginning, and then walked most of the second half. At first I thought she was crazy, but now I think, good for her. What do you think?

Like Riding a Bike

What did I do tonight? I pulled out my Dansko clogs and waitressed! I waitressed through college and for a few years after graduation while I subbed at schools and floated around, figuring out what I wanted to do. The restaurant I worked at became like my second family- the owners, coworkers and customers. I left two weeks before Jack was due and other than working once or twice after he was born, I haven't been back (other than for the occasional pizza fix).

When I left, it was a good time personally for me to leave. I was getting burnt out- from the crazy hours and the crazy customers. I always said I would never go back, but then again, there's a lot of things I say that never happen (like the hundred push up challenge... someday, someday).

When I walked into the restaurant tonight, it was like I had never left. I honestly felt like I was coming home. It was as if I had never left. I liked it.

Where Do I Start?

The Leaf Peeper Half Marathon swag bag is one of the best I've seen. It's sort of an anti-swag bag, including no actual bag, no endless paper coupons that I never use, and no teeny tiny samples I never use, either. The entry fee gets you a bib and number (duh!), long sleeve cotton t-shirt and jar of pasta sauce. I personally love the t-shirts given at Leaf Peeper's. If I'm going to get a cotton shirt, I'd rather it be long sleeve. I get more use out of them. Plus, I love the iconic Leaf Peeper logo. And then there's the pasta sauce. It's not just any sauce- it was Bove's vodka sauce.

source

My love affair with Bove's vodka sauce began over ten years ago. It was sort of an obsession- so much so that my best friend gave me several jars for my 16th birthday. The sauce is a little spicy, and I love that every jar tastes a little different which adds to the hometown flavor.

I dug into that jar tonight, and two bowls of linguine later... I'm satisfied.

Dear Mr. Bove,
This is a great batch.

Love,
Danielle

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Mr. J is still sick so I left work around noon so Adam could get to work and I could get home to J. He's on the mend but still not 100%. My mom came over so I could go for a quick run. It was my first run since the half on Sunday and it felt good. A little over five miles, and my legs felt strong. I love running in the fall- temps are perfect and I get to wear capris. I love running in capris.

After my linguine and vodka sauce binge and J went to bed, I weeded through the mail. I hadn't checked the mailbox in over a week (sorry postman!) and it was stuffed. The good stuff? Two issues of People, two issues of Glamour, one issue of Runner's World, and catalogs galore- Anthropologie, Title Nine, Athleta. Now the question is, where do I start?

Thanks For Listening

Here is my poor sick baby. {That is my Pooh from when I was a baby} I have never seen him want to get in his crib and sleep as much as he wanted to tonight. What started as a fever on Monday, a couple nights of coughing and wheezing, and a doctor's visit today has turned out to be croup. Nothing too serious, but it's never fun to see your baby sick. I think he scared most of the staff and patients at the pediatricians today. He did not want to be weighed. Maybe he was embarrassed- 33 pounds. But check his ears and throat? Yeah, that's okay.

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Can you believe it's October? I say this at the beginning of every month- I can't believe it's ______! But each time I really mean it. Time just goes by so fast. September was a good month: started a new job that I love, trained for a half marathon- ran 111 miles in September- and managed to sneak in date nights with Adam even though we don't share mutual days off (thanks Mom!).

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And because I have some time, I'm going to share some rants and raves.

Rave: Mizuno Wave Elixer

After a couple failed running shoe attempts- Wave Inspire 7, Brooks Ravenna 2, Brooks Ghost (really bad choice- never take advice from a Dick's employee).. I finally landed on the Wave Elixer. I was fitted by an awesome associate at my local Fleet Feet (if you're in Burlington- check out Fleet Feet in Essex and I couldn't be happier. They are light and flexible, and remind me of my old Inspires that I loved.

Rave: Papa (and Mamet!)

My grandpa, Papa, looks like he found some relief for his aching back. He's been suffering from some serious arthritic back pain for quite a while now and it was difficult to see him in so much pain. He's a super active 81-year-old and isn't ready to slow down anytime soon. After getting "we can't do anything for you" one too many times, it looks like his doctor today was able to help. Let's all say a little prayer, okay?

Rant: You're a runner?

A woman today (who may or may not have been a coworker) made this comment when she found out I ran. "You're a runner?!?" It didn't come in the way that says, "Oh, wow, I didn't know you ran." It came across as, "I'm surprised you run, because you don't look like you do." I'm not sure which one she meant, but knowing this woman she probably meant the first one. Surprisingly, I didn't let it bother me. I wanted to make some quick comment back, but anyone who knows me, knows that I am not quick with comebacks. I do know she "runs" and I'm pretty sure I can run faster.

Okay.. rant done. Thanks for listening :)

Rave: Lululemon

I'm obsessed! I blame Liz, then Melissa hopped on board and I just had to see what all the fuss is about. Yes, the fuss is for good reason. All of my other workout, yoga and running clothes suddenly seem inferior to my Lulu gear. Note to Adam: Lulu makes excellent engagement anniversary, Christmas, Valentine's Day, birthday, Mother's Day and wedding anniversary gifts. Just saying.

Leaf Peepers Race Recap

Sunday, October 2 was the 28th running of the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon in Waterbury, Vermont. It's a no frills, hometown race with about 900 runners (also includes a 5K). It was a special year to run this race, as Waterbury recently experienced catastrophe and devastation from Irene. It was my second time running this race- the first time was three years ago (a week before Adam and I got engaged!) and I had an awful time. I went out too fast and ended up walking the last three miles.

During the race this weekend, I reflected on my run on the same road three years earlier. I was still new to the running world and didn't know proper training techniques for ME. I knew techniques, knew what I read in Runner's World, but didn't know what worked for me. As a newbie runner, I was a little lost and naive. I didn't get the "hurt" part of a race. I walked those last couple miles because I was hurting. I've grown a lot in the past three years, and the difference this time during the last three miles was that I knew I could deal with the pain.

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When Melissa and I talked about my goals for this race, it made me really proud and blessed to have someone like her in my life who believes in me.

The race started and I was mindful to start off slow. Mile one was 10:15, mile two 9:45, mile three 9:40. I was a little nervous because I felt like I was starting off too fast. I slowed down a little but for the most part decided to just hold on. Melissa tweeted a quote about going from good to great. I decided that I was going to test myself and see if I could hold sub 10 minute miles for this race. I wouldn't know if I didn't try. With a 10:20 exception at mile ten (took an extra long water station walk break), I was able to maintain my pace.

It was chilly and rained for most of the race, and because it was an out and back, the last few miles were really boring. I listed to music for the last couple of miles, and Adele.. she really got me pumped up.

When I rounded the corner and saw 2:10 on the clock, I was so excited. I crossed the finish line in 2:10:34- taking six minutes off my previous half marathon PR (Mad Half). I couldn't wait to tell Melissa! If she hadn't put 2:10 in my mind, I don't know if I would have gone for it. I think I would have settled for the easy way out.

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My aunt ran the race, too- it was so nice to spend the day with her, chat and catch up. She is such an inspiration- as a woman, mother and runner. She killed it- finishing in 1:47! Sadly, I took no pics. I will steal the professional pics and share them with they're ready.

So Not Nervous

I'm not sure of this is good or bad, but I'm completely not nervous about the race tomorrow. It will be my 7th 13.1 and I am really excited! It's supposed to rain and have a temp around 55, so I'm a little concerned as to how to dress. I'm thinking capris and a tank. The race doesn't start until 11:00 so I'm glad I will have some time in the morning and can sleep in a little (please and thank you, Jack). I can't wait to tell you all about it! I'm ready to run.

Thanks to my running sister, Melissa, for getting me through this training cycle. I don't know what I would have done without you. I'll be thinking of you and our long runs tomorrow when the race gets tough. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for listening. Thank you for being you!

Do What You Love

On Saturday, my mom, Tom, Jack (in the jogger) and I ran a 5K fun run. It was a memorial run/walk/ride in honor of my mom's friend who died tragically in a the swim portion of a triathlon a couple of months ago. The race was untimed and we all ran together. It was a great event to honor someone who did so much for their community. I could see the positive impact he had on the lives in his town in the faces of the volunteers and participants. Steve's father spoke before the start of the race, and he said, "Steve died doing what he loved." It sounds simple, doesn't it? Do what you love.

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I love to run. And I love to run with Melissa! We ran five miles in under 50 minutes, and I was pushing J, so this is a super success in my book. I think I might have called her a bitch around mile 2. We talked about running, of course, and she asked what my goals are for the half this Sunday. I said I didn't have any goals (big lie). She pressed on, not letting me off with that answer. 2:15. I told her. That's my goal, and she promptly insisted I could do 2:10-2:13. It's so nice to have a friend who supports and pushes me. I think I was afraid to say my goal out loud, because what if I don't meet it? Four more sleeps and we'll find out!

It's Hard

Do you ever feel like the weekend just leaves you more tired? That's how I feel. I try to get so many things done in two little days and by the time Sunday night rolls around, all I want to do is watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians (works out well that it airs Sunday nights) and have a glass of wine.

Having an almost-two-year-old is hard. Jack is such a sweet little boy, but he is busy, non-stop. By the time he's ready for bed, I'm ready for bed, too. Last night I stayed up a little too late to feed my alone time craving. My friend, Becca, wrote an interesting post about "alone time," and since I read it, it's been on my mind. I haven't run much this week either, so I think that in itself is contributing to this craving.

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Jack started "school" last week. It's an infant / toddler program but I'm calling it school, I guess because it's at a school (the same school I am at). The first day went well, the second day... not so much. He didn't want to go into the classroom the moment we got there because he knew I was going to leave. I played with him for a little while but then it was time to go, I said my goodbyes and the tears started. Not just tears- sobs. It broke my heart.

I peeked in during lunch and he didn't look too happy. I held back from going in, knowing saying goodbye a second time in one day would be a bad idea. When I picked him up at the end of the day he had just woken up from a nap and seemed fine. I'm just so worried that he's not going to like it, not play with the other kids, not like me for leaving him there.

He's only been twice, so I know I need to give it more time. The only thing that bums me out is his drinking situation- both days I packed him a cup of juice and a cup of milk, and both days he hasn't had any. They are both still full, in his lunch box when I pick him up. J is a child who loves milk, loves juice, loves water. He would live off a liquid diet if we let him. On Friday when we were leaving he was crying for juice, and drank both the milk and juice within five minutes. I think next week I will leave his cup out so hopefully he can grab it when he's thirsty instead of waiting for it to be given to him.

And I know I'm just being the overprotective mother, and that he'll do fine. I'm just hoping this week goes better. Friday was a long day knowing he was only a few hundred feet away, crying for me.

This motherhood stuff is hard.

13 Years and Still Going Strong

Trains in Shoes

 Why do the weekends go by so fast? I think trains in shoes pretty much sums up our weekend!

First of all, I want to congratulate my running sister, Melissa, on completing her first ultra-relay! No big deal, a team of 10 runners covering 200 miles in 24 hours. Melissa, I am so proud of you. Next up, 26.2!

I woke up Saturday morning with 14 miles on tap before yoga. Long story short, I wimped out. I would have to be running in the dark for 1 1/2 hours at least (darn sunrise at 6:30) and with no head lamp, doing this solo scared me a little bit. I ended up pushing the run to the early evening on Saturday and completed 13.1 miles. I ran from my mom's house and headed downtown, making a pit stop at my grandparent's before heading back to Mama's.

It was a LONG run. I didn't listen to any music and tried to focus on my breath and footsteps. I ended up focusing on the drunk college kids stumbling around Burlington. It was Saturday night, after all. I thought about my runs with Melissa, and about the runs she completed during the last 24 hours. If she could run 9 miles uphill at 4 am, I could do this.

And now... taper. I'm ready for it!

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Adam, Jack and I were able to spend some time with my {best} friend {forever} Caitlin, her husband Josh, and their two little boys, Sawyer and Shamus. It was so nice to get all of us together, even if just for a couple of hours. We definitely need to do this more often.

I have a feeling Caitlin and I are going get some payback from these two during their teenage years. They already look like they're up to something.

Caitlin and I have been best friends since we met in 1998 and now, it's so fun to see our boys together. I'm so lucky to have her in my life, and to share this motherhood ride with. And even when the boys are older and don't want to hang with their mamas anymore, I know she'll be there, ready to tear up the dance floor with me (not that we don't still do that now).

'Noons

I have a new schedule, and it's working out well. I'm out of the house earlier in the morning, but am home by 3 pm, which is great. It leaves plenty of time to hang with J in the afternoon and get things done around the house. It will be nice when the days get shorter because I'll actually see a few minutes of daylight. It's a bummer that Adam and I don't have any of the same days off, but because I do get home earlier it gives us plenty of family time in the afternoons on the days Adam is off.

I've gotten three afternoon runs in this week, all with J: five, six and seven (today) miles. Yesterday we took a new route by the airport and J loved seeing the planes overhead. I went by the airport again today but he fell asleep.. Hence the longer run.

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In the past couple of weeks, Jack's speech has exploded! He's mimicking most words (sometimes audibly, sometimes not.. I understand him, though!) and it's so exciting! He has the sweetest little voice and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that soon "Di," turns into "Mama."

A New Kind Of Sore

J has been hyper today. Really hyper. Right now he's in his crib, not wanted to sleep and thisclose to climbing out. He didn't want to nap today so putting him in the car and then stroller was the way to success in that department. While he napped in the stroller, my mom and I relaxed at Breakwaters, enjoying the fleeting days of summer.

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I ran this morning- solo- four miles. I know for many of you, 18 miles is a doable run, but for me, 18 miles in 36 hours is A LOT. My quads haven't been this sore in a long time! I'm getting really excited for Leaf Peepers in a couple weeks. I'm feeling ready - much more prepared than when I ran it three years ago.

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Never forget

Double Header

Melissa and I had a long run of 10 miles scheduled for Saturday morning. I was kind of bummed because I had to send my defective Garmin back to Amazon (but props to Amazon- they overnighted a new one before receiving my old one), but Melissa would be prepared so we could map out our route as we went. We ended up taking a new path as we headed towards the Burlington waterfront. It was really fun to do a new run. I've run downtown before- but never run downtown from my house.

We've really got the whole negative splits thing down. Now let's just see if I can do this on race day (or on next week's solo 14 mile run-eek!).

We were back from our run by 7:30- I love that. Sometimes long runs interfere with family time but it's nice to be done without anyone noticing that I was gone. After the run, I taught yoga at the gym. I'm teaching at a different location now and it's more of a "yoga" studio, which is nice. No bodypump equipment lingering around, and hopefully I can figure out how to work the heating system so I can make it nice and toasty in there.

I came back from yoga and my new Garmin was on my doorstep! Hmmm.. I was really tempted to do a short run to test it out. After J's nap, it was so beautiful out, so we headed to our favorite spot in Shelburne. We did an "easy" (hardest four miles of my life) run on the Ti Path, stopped at the park and had a picnic. It was such a nice afternoon, but I was beat!

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J and I have been getting into the routine at night of reading books in our (mine and Adam's) bed, then hanging for a little while before I bring him to his crib. Lately we've been both falling asleep and although it's so sweet, it's not a habit I want to get into. Especially since Jack now climbs onto our bed and says "nigh, nigh." But Adam took a pic the other night of the scene when he came home from work and I thought I'd share.

Another Runner

Hi friends! Hope you all are having a good week. I've been having a great week, thanks in part to my new addiction: white chocolate (dreams? I think) peanut butter. OMG.. Amazing. Adam was giving me a hard time about the fat and calories.. Well I looked it up: it actually has less fat and calories than most peanut butters, so I'm good to go (not that fat and calories ever stopped me before). The other night I mixed a scoopful with chocolate gelato. A-maz-ing.

I've been trying to keep my milage up this week, and have had a six mile solo run, and five and four milers with J in the jogger. It's supposed to be nice tomorrow so I think J and I might celebrate the weekend by going on a longer run on our favorite path. Today's run, the four mile with J, was tough. I felt like I started strong but was definitely struggling by the end. I guess it was just one of those days. I'm glad I ran though- never regretted a run. Another runner today applauded me for running with the jogger- he said he used to run with his daughter and misses it. Even though it's so much harder running while pushing 60+ pounds, I know when he's bigger I'll miss it. I just get so sentimental thinking about how we can share running- it's time that we spend that's devoted to just us. I hope J will look back fondly on his miles spent with me. Hopefully, though, by the time he's too big to be pushed, he'll be running alongside me instead.

The Sand Castle Destroyer

Adam's dad, Robie, recently sent me more pics that he took while we were in Maine, and I really love these ones!

Jack was a sandcastle destroyer- none were safe in his path.

12 Miles in the Bag

When my alarm went off at 5:00 am yesterday, I did not want to get out of bed. But after pressing snooze only once, I got up, made coffee (getting the coffee pot all set the night before so I only have to turn it on is key), got dressed and I was good to go.

Melissa arrived at 5:30 and we were off. I honestly don't remember what I said to her over those first few miles, I was in such a sleepy haze.



Yup, look at mile 1. Clearly still asleep. We started off planning to do the same out and back as last week, just tacking on extra mileage, but after heading through a neighborhood and getting semi-lost, then realizing where we were, it turned into a loop. We ran along roads that neither of us had ever run on before, which always makes for a good run.

I am so glad to have gotten 12 miles in. The run felt good, but hard. My legs were tired and the wind was blowing pretty hard at some points. I also had an urgent porta potty stop (I know you fellow runners know what I'm talking about- I know, TMI) at mile eight.

When we were finishing up the last mile, Melissa said, "I bet we can do this one in 8." I told her okay- but if I don't say anything, it's not because I don't like her. It's because I love her. That last mile was tough but I couldn't be happier that we finished with such a speedy split.

Thank you to GMR for another great long run. You rock!