I really want to buy a Garmin, but shouldn't shell out the money for something like that right now. Next best thing? I downloaded the LogYourRun app for my iPhone. I don't generally run with my phone, because it's so bulky, but do take it when I have Jack or go on long runs.
We ran 4 + 1 miles. Went through the loop by the golf course and stopped at the playground at Dorset Park on the way back through. I can't believe that I am the mother of a full blown little boy now. He is not a baby anymore. He climbed up the structure and went down the (little) slide all by himself.
The run felt really tough today, my feet and ankles were feeling a little achy. I forgot to stop the timer when we went to the park- when we got home and I checked to see my average pace it said 21:37. Haha, I hope not almost two hours to run five miles. I uploaded the workout but can't figure out how to see my splits.
On our way home, Jack did a little exploring:
He would not let me get a picture of his face!
Adam is back at work tonight so Jack and I are left to fend for ourselves for dinner. We headed over to Hannaford to check out their Goldfish selection. Score one for us because they are on sale 3/$5. We bought parmesan, baby goldfish and saltine. Tonight's menu: saltine goldfish and beef vegetable soup. Yup, amazing.
I adore this photo. My grandparents on their honeymoon. I am feeling very sentimental, just finished making invitations for my grandmother's 80th birthday coming up next month. I have to say, my grandmother is the most beautiful person I will ever know.
I mean, look at her. How can you not love this woman?
J and I went for a quick four mile run tonight when I came home from work. I'm definitely starting to feel stronger pushing the jogger. I think it's time for new shoes. I'm going to stick with Mizuno, the Wave Inspire. I've gone through three pairs and really like them. Switching from the Asics I used to use (GT-2100 series and Gel Kayano) they felt too thin and lightweight. After a couple months I grew to love them.
It was Adam's turn to make dinner tonight, so we went to the Upper Deck. The key to a successful restaurant experience wth Jack is distractions. I stock my bag with toys, books and snacks. Finger foods work best because he loves to feed himself, and this way he won't get too messy. He discovered a really fun game: how many baby goldfish (we love our goldfish) can I fit in my toy car? He was so focused and spent half of the night strategizing. Of course, I think he'e a genious.
I was channeling Melissa last night. Adam said it was "my turn" to make dinner and I came up with grilled cheese and tomato soup. I used 3/4 of a block of Cabot Racer's Edge sharp cheddar for two sandwiches.
I always dip my sandwich in my soup and get bummed when I run out of sandwich. Adam brought a bag of parmesan goldfish to the table. Why? Put the goldfish in the soup! Delicious! I don't know why I haven't thought of this before. I can't wait to try different goldfish and soup combos. Maybe pizza goldfish and clam chowder?
I went to church today, otherwise known as my long run. I prayed. Prayed that I would make it through. Ten grueling miles. I almost stopped at my mom's house along the way to ask her for a ride home.
It was windy and hilly, I drank three beers last night and slept less than six hours. Not a good recipe for a long run. I also ran out of Gu, so I brought a Balance bar to eat along the way. It was so windy and cold that the bar froze in my pocket and was almost impossible to take a bit out of. The bites I did manage to get were a struggle to chew and swallow in my dry mouth. I will never again run out of my supply of Gu.
My improper fueling led to some stomach issues during and after the run, I won't go into details. You runners know what I'm talking about.
I hope you all had a great weekend. I did! I got some quality snuggle time with my super stacker.
I actually wasn't nervous going into the 5K this morning. I did have a 31:14 5K PR that needed to be broken (I told you 5K's are not my strong point!). I really wanted to come in under 30 minutes.
I was so excited Ashley was running it, too. Races are always more fun with friends.
Pre-race
We headed out and hit mile one at 9:08, then the half way point at 15:10. There weren't any more mile markers, but since it was out and back it was easy to judge the distance. I really wanted to slow down during the last half mile, but I kept telling myself "you can do this."
Coming in for the kill
This was the first time I actually felt like I "raced" a 5K, instead of "running" it. A few months ago my aunt and I were talking about the 5K, and she was saying how it is a 3.1 mile sprint. I had never thought of it that way. I don't have time to pace myself like I would in a half, I need to go out fast and hold onto it.
I came into the chute and I couldn't read the clock. My watch said 27:40, but I later found out my time was 27:24. Yea! Ashley did awesome, too, just a few seconds behind me.
Post race- 27!
I placed second in my age group! I mean, the field wasn't huge, but I don't care. I'll take it!
I brought my running stuff to work so I could go for a quick run at the end of the day before heading home. I remembered everything... except for running socks. I wasn't going to abandon the run just because of socks, so I ran in my heavy duty Smartwools. I looked pretty sweet, running tights and striped Smartwools pulled up mid-calf.
I ran a little over three miles and the socks sucked the whole time. I like snug fitting socks with the elastic around the middle when I run. My feet just didn't feel right with every step.
Did you know any toy can be a ride on toy?
Yup, it's true.
Ashley and I are running a race this weekend. I'm excited! Personally I struggle with 5Ks but I'm hoping I can set a PR this weekend since I've been mixing more speedwork into my routine.
Jack and I had a nice five mile run this afternoon. He clearly enjoyed it.
He really actually enjoys the Chariot, as long as he has snacks, milk, toy cars, books and sees many, many dogs along the route.
I ran the same five mile route as yesterday. I felt fairly quick yesterday, but the same route today took only two minutes longer. And today I was shoving an extra 55 pounds around.
We saw many other runners along the route today. One running trait I possess is the wave. I love to wave at my fellow runners out there pounding the pavement. Especially the really serious ones. It sort of bums me out, though, when the wave isn't returned. I understand, sometimes it's missed, and too late to return. But other times, I know they saw my wave but just chose to ignore it. Come on, not even a nod? I love the community of runners but I think there is definitely an elitism some runners possess. I mean, I know you are WAY faster than me, but just give me a little wave, nod, smile... whatever.
Side note, Sesame Street Live was awesome! I wish I had taken pictures. The look on Jack's face when he saw Big Bird, Ernie, Bert and ELMO was priceless. He actually sat through about 95% of the hour-and-a-half performance.
Today was the first time in a long time that I have done a true morning run. Got up, had a cup of coffee and ran. I enjoy running like this. It feels very fresh, without the weight of the day hanging over you. It was an "easy" five miles. One of the reasons why I wanted to run this morning was because I did Bodypump last night. I haven't done BP in a couple of weeks so I knew if I waited until later in the day the lunges from last night would be coming back to bite me.
Okay, so I am going to be one of those obnoxious moms for a moment. I know Jack is not "perfect" and there are a millions and millions of other babies in the world. But, there is just something so special about your own child. I babysat for a family with three kids for a long time. I loved those children and still do, but there is nothing that compares to my own child.
Jack is growing up so fast. It is so fun to watch and I feel very lucky to be a part of it. Everything is new and exciting and he is up for doing just about anything. As a parent, there are good days and bad days. The past few days with Adam and I both home have been wonderful. I'm starting to see less and less of my little baby and more and more of a little boy.
So, what am I loving Tuesday? Jack!
We're off to Sesame Street Live at the Flynn this afternoon. Yee haw!
9.5 miles / hilly, slightly breezy / should have made a playlist bc I constantly was skipping to the next song
I had a great run. I felt strong and comfortable with the distance. I had mapped out the route last night and thought about veering from it, but stuck to the plan because I knew the distance (no Garmin yet for this gal). It was a hilly route, but when there are uphills there are downhills, too.
I really tried to concentrate on a slow, easy pace. Especially had to hold back in the first couple miles because I get so fired up and just want to run fast. I've learned through mistakes in training before that long runs are not races. I should not be shooting for race pace on a long run. Who is going to care if I PR? Save it for the real deal!
I kept the pace around 10:45 / mile and it worked out well. Didn't feel completely zapped at the end and probably could have ran a couple more miles. I also took a Gu around mile five. I didn't take one before I started because I had just had toast, banana and coffee and didn't feel the need. It seemed to work well for my stomach, too. I didn't get the cramps I usually get a couple hours after a long run. I made sure to drink a lot of water yesterday, too.
I have not sported my Uggs in almost two weeks and all signs of my recurring plantar fasciitis have disappeared. Yeah!
I just loaded up on two big bowls of pasta. I have a longish run planned for tomorrow. 8-9 miles, maybe more depending on how I feel. I'll let you know how it goes!
4 miles / mostly flat / rocked out to Britney Spears
Great run today. I ran the four miles in 38 minutes, and let me tell you, that is fast for me. I didn't feel completely wiped at the end either. It's amazing what hard work will do. For all the years running pre-Jack, I just plodded along, never adding speedwork. I have always been good about cross training, but my speed never really increased. I had run several 5Ks and 10Ks, and two half marathons and two 8 milers but never saw much improvement. The past six months I have been adding quality workouts to my routine and I am starting to see the benefits. It's very encouraging.
Just think how fast I could have been without the bottle of wine and half a pizza consumed last night.
5.7 miles / with jogger / hilly and windy / no music
It was an awesome 59 degrees today! Rockin! We ran the golf course loop, plus a little because we stopped at the park on Dorset Street on the way back through. It felt like a tough run, 1. I was pushing the 20 plus pound Chariot with the 27 pound Jack in it (if you can't do the math, that's at least 45 pounds) and 2. it was really windy, especially up on Dorset Street. He got a little fussy around mile three. At first I couldn't figure out why and then I realized he was getting splashed by the front tire. I put the wind guard down and all was fine.
I realized I need to run with the jogger more often if I want to feel as comfortable as I felt with it last summer. Today it felt really difficult. I wanted to walk up the hills, but I pushed through and ran them all. This makes me happy. I haven't run longer than eight miles yet but I'm feeling pretty good about my half marathon coming up.
Our rocking neighbors, Ashley, Chris and Ella came over for dinner tonight. I am feeling so blessed for having all these amazing, supporting people in our lives. Life is good!
I woke up this morning feeling fine, but by 10 am was a monster. We came home yesterday and immediately picked up Jack from my mom's. I missed him so much! We saw so many kids in the city, it made me wish we had brought him with us.
I needed to go for a run so I got Jack dressed and myself ready to go. I was trying to put his jacket on so I could put him in the jogger and he just threw a tantrum. It wasn't really like a traditional tantrum, he was just crying and crying for no apparent reason. I feel awful, I became extremely frustrated. He was obviously tired (I knew he'd nap on the run) so I went upstairs to put him in his crib. He cried even harder and I became more frustrated. I don't know why. I hadn't ran since Sunday (or done any sort of workout other than walking) and I know this affects me. Adam could sense my frustration so he came up, took over and told me "go do what you need to do."
So I ran. And it felt great. Looped up through the golf course. Hilly and breezy. Blasted the tunes. The sun was shining, it was perfect. I came home feeling completely refreshed. Ah all better.
We went down to Church Street to watch the SD Ireland truck parade. I love how involved in the community this company is. And they are nice to boot!
He looks like such a big boy!
We enjoyed a nice lunch at Vermont Pub (Jack's favorite restaurant) to celebrate the holiday.
So Adam and I are in Boston for a little getaway. We don't have any plans at all other than eating, drinking and shopping. Sounds about right.
We arrived today around 3 pm. Had a slight snag because I had to run to the DMV because my license was expired. Couldn't risk being denied alcohol. Especially since I look 16 and all.
We walked around Newbury Street this afternoon, stopping at several bars for beers alOng the way. We went to Nike Town today and of was a huge letdown! I used to be a huge Nike fan but I am feeling like it's the same thing season to season. I had intended to run while we are here but I forgot my sneakers. Adam is happy about that.
Adam is snoring away now and I'm wide awake. I love this time, but boy, I miss Jack!
Ashley called and suggested a gym go tonight and I wasn't really feeling it but I knew it would make me feel better. I struggled through the five miles on the treadmill but ended up running them faster than I had thought I could. I wanted to go for six but the congestion in my head said no. It's great working out and running with someone (even if it's treadmills side by side) who is also a great motivator. A little push to get me out the door.
After the run we were all set to pump some iron.
Until a trainer told us they close at 6:00 on Sundays (it was 6:07). That would explain why we had the whole floor to ourselves.
Jack is currently obsessed with throwing anything and everything over the gate at the bottom of the stairs. Notice my slippers and the pillows off the couch.
We had a great day yesterday, didn't do much other than teach yoga in the morning. I had a full class which I love, because it sort of gets me pumped up. I was still battling this head cold, or whatever it is, so I pretty much just instructed and didn't do many of the asanas.
Jack refused to talk a nap yesterday, but he wasn't cranky at all.
Later in the afternoon, I put him in the jogger and set out for a run/walk. Big mistake. It was great for him, because he fell asleep right away. But I on the other hand, battled a constant running nose and lungs that couldn't get enough air. We went four miles, and I think I ran a little over two of those miles.
The sidewalks and bikepath in SB are still pretty atrocious. Slushy and wet, but I shouldn't complain because at least they are semi-plowed. It only took the town a week... We went down Dorset Street which even though is a busy street traffic wise, has a nice wide bikepath and sidewalk. It had the best conditions with only minor puddles. After our turnaround by Mills and Greer, I yelled at a driver in front of Healthy Living. I'm trying to be nice and positive but sometimes drivers just get me so angry. Often they are not paying attention. And almost always when this happens the driver happens to be on a cell phone. We were crossing in front of Healthy Living- cars pulling out of the store had the red light and as we were in the crosswalk a driver pulled right through in front of us. Right into the middle of the crosswalk. She was turning left, so there was no reason to be out that far. She was on the phone, and I said "There's a crosswalk here!" Ha, I pointed to the crosswalk, too. I know, I'm so badass. I don't even think she heard what I said but it made me feel a little better.
I feel like as a runner, I am pretty aware of my surroundings. I try to be courteous to drivers and follow the rules of the road. I try not to wear my headphones unless I'm on a truly pedestrian only path so I can hear anything that might be coming my way. I'm constantly dodging cars when I'm in crosswalks and then face the dirty looks from drivers like I am in their way. The absolute worse place for this is the McDonald's on Williston Road. No one ever looks pulling out of that place (big surprise, huh?). Do other runners experience this or is it just me?
So, it's Friday night. Baby is sleeping, chef husband is working and I'm sick. I should be sleeping but I guess I'll share a few of my obsessions instead.
Andy Cohen
How can you not love him?
Back to Nature's Crazy Bugs Mac and Cheese
I make this for Jack and can't help but to eat most of it.
Girl Scout Cookies
I ordered seven boxes of Girl Scout cookies and they haven't been delivered yet! Come on! I know they're in. I even offered to pick them up myself. I wait all year for this.
Paige Premium Denim Skyline Ankle Peg in Super Rebelious
First of all, they don't look anything like this on me, but I still love them.
"Cropped" but just the perfect length for my 5'1'' frame.
The good news.. I'm on vacation for a week! Besides teaching yoga twice this weekend and writing up a couple of invoices, I am off until Friday!
The bad news... I'm sick. I can't even follow my own advice. I always stress the importance of rest days in a running schedule and increasing mileage 10-15% a week. The past few weeks I have increased mileage almost 30% and have added more yoga and weight training to my schedule and it has caught up with me. Add in subbing extra classes at the gym, two new accounts and a crazy week at the store (did I mention I also manage a boutique? Yes I think it's time I simplify my work schedule).
Okay, enough with the poor me, poor me. I ran five miles on the treadmill last night and felt great! My body is really appreciating this rest day today. I think Jack is, too. We spent the whole day together and had an awesome time! Had lunch and played at Zachary's (classy) with our awesometastic neighbors, Ashley and Ella. I don't think I'm going to refer to them as neighbors anymore. They are friends who happen to live two doors down from us. How awesome is that?
We visited Papa (my grandfather) this afternoon and cruised a couple of shoe stores, Marshall's and Toys R Us. A pretty great day in my book.
I arrived at the gym right at the height of the rush-hour with the after-work crowd. I dropped Jack off and sprinted to the treadmill sign up sheet. They were all being used, except for two but one had already been signed up for. The next available time wasn't until 6:00. I don't understand people. Why sign up for a treadmill if you're not going to use it? There are many of use who would put it to good use and log some miles. But wait... #9 is open. The pink treadmill. I look on the sign up sheet and it isn't signed up for so I write my initials into three 15 minute slots (45 minute time limit) and then write "Dan" into two slots. I'm so tricky. I go over and hop on pink treadmill #9, and what do I see?!? OUT OF ORDER. DO NOT USE. Oh man, this blows. I stared at that sign up sheet for a good five minutes trying to find a loophole, but to no avail had to sign up for a 6:00 slot on #7. I head upstairs to use the elliptical. I come back down at 6:00, and what do I see? Someone using my #7 treadmill. She teaches yoga here, too, so she's an employee and should know the sign up policy. #1 is not in use, but somebody had signed up for it, but I decided to erase their name and write mine in. It ended up being a good choice because I got to run next to a guy in cargo shorts who fist pumped the whole time and cheered for himself when he was finished.
Holy snow yesterday. If this had been in the beginning of the snow season, I would have been psyched to have a legitimate excuse to stay inside and hang in my pajamas all day. Yesterday, on the other hand, I had total cabin fever.
Jack and I went outside with the sled and did a few laps with our neighbors Ashley and Ella. Ella is just two weeks older than Jack.
Don't they look thrilled???
After spending a good amount of time shoveling my car out I decided to venture to the store for supplies... i.e. milk, pizza and wine.
Jack and I went over to the gym later on since they opened late- at 3:00 and the playspace was open, too. Jack got to hang out with the most awesome babysitter ever- Ryan. He must be about 20 years old and he's a trainer who also works in the playspace sometimes. Jack loves him and doesn't have a problem with me leaving him with Ryan. As soon as we walked in, Jack had to find a toy to hand to Ryan (a sure sign of affection).
I ran four miles, my legs felt pretty tired from the longish run the day before but I stretched well after and I'm feeling fine today. The four miles flew by- Kourtney and Kim Take New York was on.
I taught yoga this morning, subbing for someone. I wasn't really feeling it. I love taking this class, but don't like teaching it. I've subbed this class a few times before and every time I just get bad vibes. I don't know what it is. First, I couldn't get the stereo to work with my iPod. I brought a back-up CD just in case and I got it to play, but the sound quality was awful. It stopped playing half way through class, which was fine though because the room was really warm and it was a tough class so all anyone could hear was breathing. We get through the standing postures, balances, etc and get to the finishing poses. A really strange noise comes through from overhead. It sort of sounded like feedback from the stereo, but not quite. It continued on for a while. It sounded like an animal dying. And guess what?!? It was! Probably two animals fighting, I think one lost. They were in the pipes and it sounded like they were going to come flying into the room at any moment. It made savasana nearly impossible.
Later I went back to the gym, because with the rain/sleet/snow we're having today, a run outside wasn't going to happen. I went planning on doing eight miles so I was mentally prepared. I made a rocking playlist and lucked out because Bravo was running reruns of Real Housewives of Orange County (new season starts tonight- yes!).
I ran at an easy pace but had to speed up at the end because I started to get bored keeping the same pace. I always feel the need to be pushing buttons when I'm on the treadmill. Overall I felt like I had a good run and am feeling good about my longest run of the season. It's daunting when I start into the longer runs, but once I get past the half way point it gets easier. The last four miles today were easier than the first four.
Jack went down for a nap and Adam was still sleeping (ah, the restaurant business). I headed out for a four mile easy run. I'm so glad I decided against taking the jogger. I planned a nice, flat loop with a highlight of running by Al's and smelling their glorious aromas in he air. Yum, corndogs. The sidewalks were so icy! I had to slow down to a crawl sometimes, which ended up being okay because the wind was ridiculous, too. And then the sun... Didn't wear my sunglasses (can't find them) and my eyes were burning. Definitely had tears streaming down my face the whole time. A run is a run, right?
With the days being so short and all here in the winter in Vermont, running outside on days I work is usally impossible. But with the sun now setting at 5:43, things are going to change.
I changed into my running gear at work and skipped out a few minutes early. I work right in the village in Shelburne, so there are so many great places to run. When Adam and I first moved in together, we lived in the cutest little apartment right in the village.
I can't find a picture of the outside, but I'll post as soon as I do. It was the upstairs apartment of a 200 year old farmhouse. It had a ton of charm a lot of quirks.
I ran down Harbor Road to Falls Road, to Mt. Philo Road and through some neighborhoods to Route 7 and back to Harbor Road. It was a route I used to run all the time. It really made me feel sentimental. It's part of the route I took on my first run after finding out I was pregnant. I have so many emotions and memories tied to that year when we first moved in together. For a year we worked and lived together and it was the best year (well the best year pre-Jack).
I felt really strong on the run and ran fast (fast for me). I'm slowly learning the importance of speedwork in training. I need to practice running fast in order to run fast. All these years I just throught I could magically bust out fast numbers in races. It doesn't work that way. I've become faster and stronger in the past year since having Jack than I did in the years running before I had him. When I started running last winter, three months post partum, it was basically like starting over. Even so, I managed to PR at the Shelburne Half Marathon this fall (but the half at KBVCM last year- not so much). I am by no means fast, but I guess you could say I'm getting quicker.
Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't.
I am such a happier person when I run. I took a rest day yesterday and although I needed it, I just felt blah. I was grumpy this morning. This afternoon, five miles (even if they were on a treadmill) and I am back. I just feel so much more like me when I can sweat it out.
