Irene

Irene came through yesterday, but for us in South Burlington it was rather uneventful. Southern Vermont, on the other hand, experienced some devastating flooding.

The restaurant decided to close on Sunday, so Adam was home and the three of us just hung out all day. It was pouring rain all day, and Jack kept going over to the jogger and getting in it (he now knows how to climb in himself). He wanted to run!

Towards the afternoon, we all started to get a little stir crazy, and I started practicing yoga, but so many distractions made it a little difficult. I ended up doing some work with my new eight-pound irons. I finally bought some free weights, since I don't have a gym membership anymore I've been slacking in the weights department.

I did make Adam take a few yoga photos for me of some of my favorite poses.

Warrior Sequence was a little difficult with sore quads from the 10 miler

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Today was a long day, inservice, open house and barbecue with all the school families. It was tiring but makes me so excited to start the school year! I can't wait to get to know my 26 kindergartners.

And I came home to this:

They are so cute. Day off tomorrow- we're off to the fair!

My Mile Markers

The morning was still engulfed in silent darkness when my alarm went off at 5:15 this morning. I struggled to get out of bed, but luckily I prepared the coffee maker last night so all I had to do was turn it on. That always makes an early hour morning so much easier. And my standing date with Melissa made getting up much easier.

We planned to do ten miles, and when she arrived (promptly) at 5:45 (I was being sketchy and drinking my coffee outside because I was afraid to wake up J) we were off. I'm not quite sure what our first few words were because we were both still in a sleepy daze.

The miles started slow and it definitely took a good couple of miles before my legs warmed up. The miles today flew by. Most of the time we talked, but sometimes (especially toward the end) we didn't say anything. It's nice to be able to spend time with someone and not have to always say something with words. We were "saying" something, because it was a conscious quiet as we neared our eight mile mark.

I just finished reading Mile Markers (M lent it to me) by Kristen Armstrong, and throughout the posts (it's a compilation from her blog) she talks about the importance of her female running friendships. We runners are a different breed. I mean, we get up at 5:15 on a Saturday to do a ten miler! The bond that is formed over miles and strengthened by miles is unquestionable, genuine and authentic. I know I've said it before, but after today I realized I've got a sole sister for life.

P.S. Check out our negative splits! Woohoo!

Put Down The Phone

Minor "crisis" in the Stoner household tonight... I have a BIG date tomorrow with one Green Mountain Runner, and it may or may not involve a headlamp. I'll tell you about it tomorrow!

Back to the "crisis"- after charging G (my new nickname for my new BFF, Garmin 405), it was frozen. Neither the buttons nor bezel were responsive, and resetting wasn't helping. After frantically searching online forums for a solution, I was able to return it to factory settings and all is (seems) well.

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J and I started off the day by running five miles on a section of the bikepath I didn't know existed (thanks GMR!). J is continuing to be an awesome little running buddy and I look forward to our runs together.

Continuing our fun morning, we went downtown this afternoon and had a nice little date: started off at Starbucks (iced coffee for me, TWO vanilla milks for him), strolled Church Street, had a mini-shopping spree at Lululemon, strolled (he ran, I chased) some more, and had pizza outside at The Pub. Gi (J's new name for Grandma) joined us.

Adam gives me a hard time because he says that I'm on my iPhone a little too much. I hate to say it, but I agree with him. I need to put it down. I don't need to check my email every hour (half hour). I don't need to constantly check Facebook. I've instilled a new rule for myself that when I'm with Jack, it's a no-frivolous-phone-usage zone. Spending the time with him this afternoon caused the realization in my self that this time with him is fleeting. Before I know it, I'll be the overbearing mother I saw several times today on Church Street, dropping J off at college. I need to take advantage of this time, this time when I (and Adam, and Gi, and Pa) am his everything. He likes to spend time with me (most of the time, ha) and I don't want him to feel like he's second to a gadget.

Ti Time

Jack and I had a pretty open afternoon, so we loaded up the car with drinks and snacks and headed to Shelburne to go on my favorite run. It's called the Ti Path, and it's an unpaved trail that connects Shelburne Village and Lake Champlain. We ran seven miles through the woods and past the lake and it was perfect.

And I'm pretty much obsessed with my Garmin. I love being able to just look at my wrist and see how far I've ran.

Race Mistakes

Even though I'm happy with my race results from the 10K this weekend, I made some crucial mistakes. Rookie mistakes- and I should know better.

1. I did a 4 mile tempo run at 10K pace on Thursday- two days before the race. I was so psyched to have my new Garmin that I went out and gave the run all I had. Not a good idea right before a race.

2. I went out the night before, not late, but I went out. Indulged in not-so-great quality pre-race fuel, beers, burger and fries. Those are post-race treats- I always eat pasta the night before a race or big run.

3. Not enough H2O. I know I did not hydrate well enough in the week, night and morning before the race.

4. No breakfast- for some reason, I couldn't stomach eating anything before the race. When the gun went off, all I had in my belly was a little water, coffee and a Jet Blackberry Gu.

...

I did an easy 4 mile run today, yesterday was a rest day. My legs felt a little heavy, but nothing hurt, which is good. The past couple of days I've been having some foot and ankle pain, but today was feeling much better.

Round Church 10K Race Recap

Yesterday was the Round Church 10K- this race is only for women, and also features a 5K run and walk. It's a special race for me because the Round Church is where Adam and I got married! Maybe I'll post some pics of that tomorrow!

This is the only- and really bad quality, at that- photo I took (trying to showcase my new tech device).

I woke up Saturday morning feeling tired and groggy, made coffee but wasn't able to eat anything. I changed outfits a few times, but still ended up wearing a new running top by Isis (which proved to be a big mistake- it was too baggy, long and hot) and even changed out of my new running shoes and into my old right before heading out the door.

We arrived with plenty of time and used the restrooms, chatted with other runners.. did all the regular pre-race activities. My mom and I had decided to run together and we did. The miles passed quickly and seemingly easily- until the last mile. It was an out and back course, and the only time we stopped to walk was through the water station at the turnaround.

My mom and I stuck to the plan and kept pace- starting with a 10:09 mile, finishing with an 8:45 mile, and 8:15 2/10 mile sprint to the finish and finished with a time of 58:47. I'm happy with this time- especially since it's only my second 10K. I love the 6.2 mile distance and am looking forward to running more in the future. It takes a little more oomph that a 5K but not the stress of the half. I like the sounds of that!

Fingers crossed, we found a great (non-family member) babysitter for Jack. My memories growing up babysitting are some of the best memories I have. I loved (and still do!) the children I babysat, and they adored me. We would have so much fun together.. Go on adventures and act just plain silly. I would love for Jack to form a similar relationship with his babysitter, and this person will look forward to hanging with him. Here's to hoping we found her!

I met my mom, aunts and uncles tonight at Breakwaters. And my BFF Caitlin! C and I have been best friends since freshman year in high school, and have been ever since. No matter how busy life gets, I know I always have Caitlin. Months can pass where we don't get a chance to see each other, but when we do, it's like time hasn't passed at all. Don't you love friends like that?

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Tomorrow I am running a 10K! It's only my second 10K and I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a little nervous. If beer, turkey burgers and sweet potato fries are proper 10K fuel, I'm all set! But I have my outfit laid out and Garmin charged... Can't wait to tell you all about it!

I'm In Love

It's true! The Garmin Forerunner is amazing! It arrived yesterday and of course I had to try it out when I got home from work. I'm having a little trouble downloading the software, though. Has anyone else with Garmins had trouble with the software, or am I just completely technologically illiterate?

I really, really, really want to run today to play with my new toy, but I know I shouldn't because I have a race tomorrow. Maybe J and I will do an easy couple of miles to loosen up my legs!

Sweaty and Happy

Sweaty and happy after our run (sorry about the creepy eyes). We ran four miles with my mom, and my mom and I decided that we are going to run together at our 10K this weekend. We are going to kick some TRASH!

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J usually goes to bed around 8:30, but when I brought him up to his room last night to get ready for "night night," he wasn't into it. Adam was at the restaurant, so since it was just J and I let him stay up and hang with me. We watched a movie (Mickey's Clubhouse) and he stayed up until 10:30.

Biting the Bullet

Source

For the past several months, I have been having some serious Garmin Forerunner envy. This envy has multiplied on my last couple runs... (here and here). After months of price comparing, shopping around, asking Melissa a billion questions, I did it.I mean, I've been talking about it since February.

In order to justify this purchase, I've been cleaning out my closet this summer and selling items that I clearly will never wear again. Size 25 Seven for all Mankinds, Abercrombie mini skirts, too-trendy and too-big-for-my-face Christian Dior sunglasses... you get the idea. Adam loved it because it increased his closet real estate. Cleaning out feels really good and makes it easier to get dressed when you know all the items in the closet are items that FIT (maternity clothes are tucked away nicely).

I am so excited!! The Garmin 405 was on sale on Amazon and I got $3.99 one-day shipping, so it will be here tomorrow!

Patent Pending

Please excuse this lovely picture. After several attempts at a self portrait, this was the best one. I'm not sure what's going on with my legs, I was attempting to make it look like my thighs don't touch.

It's Wednesday and tomorrow is Thursday, which means it is my last day at the store. I'm ready. As much as I love this store, there's only so much I can do as a manager, and not the owner. Some day my mom and I will have our own store and we can do what we want.

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I like surprises. Yesterday afternoon my mom called and said that if Adam and I wanted to have a date night, she would watch Jack. I texted Adam, not expecting a response {because he never replies to my texts}, but this time I promptly received a "sure." 

I rushed home after work and Adam was just starting to feed J dinner, which left me with about 25 minutes {J takes a while eating}. All day my nose has been runny, allergy medicine wasn't helping, so I knew I had one solution if I wanted to ENJOY our evening out. I quickly {for me} ran two miles, and runny, stuffy nose disappeared. Getting a sweat on and getting the blood flowing is now my sure-fire way to beat my allergies.

After rinsing the sweat off and changing, we were off. We went to American Flatbread and because we didn't have an almost-two-year-old with us, the hour long wait didn't bother us one bit. We tasted local beers, had their signature salad with goat cheese and the meat special flatbread {sausage, peppers, fennel and chard}. It was a pretty perfect evening.

Isn't he handsome?

Ten Mile Success

I had a long run on the books this weekend- it called for eight miles, but I ended up doing ten (just because I'm awesome, haha). A quarter mile warm-up and quarter mile cool-down, plus 9.5 with Melissa! It was my lucky week because I got to run with her twice. I wanted to run longer than the run on my schedule (I'm on week 5), because, well I'm not really following the schedule. And I need to work on my endurance. My 5K times predict a much faster half marathon than I can produce, and I'd really like to break 2:15 at the Leef Peepers half marathon on October 2.

The miles with Melissa flew by.

We even closed the run with a little over a mile of hill repeats.

I wore my fuel belt and ate a package of Clif Shot Bloks and a couple of Melissa's Stingers (I think that's what they're called). This is definitely a successful run in my books! After this confidence building run, I'm feeling pretty good.

Why I Run

When I first started running, I preferred to run alone. If I wasn't running on the treadmill, I was outside, hitting the pavement solo. I was afraid to run with others, afraid I was too slow, couldn't keep up and hold them back.

I have grown as a runner and woman, to love running with others. In the past year, Melissa and I have connected through running and become great friends outside of running. Running together isn't just about the running. She called us "sole sisters." I like that. Running with friends enables you to connect and relate, as you spit out mumbles of words through huffs and puffs as you're powering up a hill. It's good for you mind and body.

Yesterday we ran and the miles passed fast. Sometimes we talk and sometimes we don't, but having a friend right there next to you during a run is a wonderful feeling.

And, she makes me run fast!

Round and Round

Sneeze, sneeze, sniffle.. that was my day. Damn allergies. They hit like a ton of bricks and just don't let up. The funny thing is, though, that running actually helps. The past few days I've woken up in the morning with an allergy attack and as soon as I start running they subside and I'm fine for the rest of the day. Today, though, I couldn't get a run in this morning so I took my Alavert and went on with my day.

I picked Jack up from my mom's after work and headed home. It was a day. I did not want to run, but I needed to run. On top of the allergies, I was stressed to the max. When I'm stressed, running is just about the only thing that can help. Jack will be attending a new daycare program in the fall at the school where I will be teaching (!). I was told he could attend 2 days/week, which fit our schedule perfectly. Well, today I was told they've had some snags in the program and it won't be opening until October (I'm in kindergarten so I'll be starting September). This leaves us all of September needing care for Jack on Thursdays and Fridays. Who am I going to find to babysit from 1-3:30, two days a week?!? Deep breath, I know it will all work out...

Okay, so back to running. I didn't want to run, but I did, and came back feeling 100% better: mentally and physically. Jack was an awesome running mate tonight. At one point he turned around and looked at me, and it was like he was surprised that I was there. He's at such a fun age right now, it's like everything is an adventure.

And do you know what I love? {please don't judge me for the next statement} I love passing other runners when I have the jogger. I know, I know. Whatever- I've never been very fast myself, so passing anyone gives me a little boost. I saw a woman running up ahead, and as we went along she kept getting closer and closer. She looked like she was in good shape, which made the passing even sweeter. I stepped on the gas and did it. Ahhh, I loved it. I'm so glad I decided to run.

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One more fair pic:

I'm not sure what it is about the merry-go-round, but I adore it. I couldn't wait to take Jack on it because I knew he would love it. After about the fifth time around, I started to get a little dizzy, though.

Field Days

Yesterday's workout was a strength-interval session in the backyard with J and I am sore today!

One Minute Each:
Jumping Jacks
Lunges
Squats
Reverse Walking Lunges
Burpees
Pushups
Dips
Plank
Side Plank (R)
Side Plank (L)
Leg Lifts (R)
Leg Lifts (L)
Superman

Repeat X3

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We went had some good, old fashioned fun yesterday- we went to the fair! Addison County Fair and Fields Days is a very small town fair, but it's the perfect size for little ones. Jack loved it!

We rode the rides, tried chocolate milk for the first time and soaked in the grease and treats distinct to the fair.

Fried oreos (amazing), pretending to be racers and cows, and visiting real cows. Jack had to wave hello to every cow in the barn.

Luckily the fair only comes around once a year because I think that's all I can stand.

Mind Over Matter

Happy Monday in the Stoner house.. We went downtown today intending on going to Penny Cluse for gingerbread pancakes, but J had other plans. He fell asleep on the way so we put him in the stroller to sleep longer once we got downtown. Penny Cluse's tables are a little too close together to navigate a stroller through so we had lunch outside at Leunig's and could let J-man nap tableside while we ate. It was yummy.. Salade Nicoise - the hard boiled egg was left out, but I managed.

Since J was sleeping we attempted to go to babygap, but he woke up. For some reason, he HATES that store, so it was a no-go. He needs some new fall clothes, since he'll be going to preschool in the fall!

Next up was Breakwaters, perfect spot on the water on a sunny summer day. Grilled cheese for J and Switchbacks for the grown-ups. We closed the outing with maple creemees.

Working backwards, I'll tell you about my morning: I did an eight mile run along the bikepath through the golf course. It was one of the toughest runs I've had in a long time. It was tough physically, but not mentally. In my mind, I wanted to run. I was ready. I sort of love longer runs because of the time they give me- to think, to dream, to sing along to Duffy (haven't fully embraced no iPod runs). Today, my mind wanted to run but my legs didn't. They felt heavy and tight, but I trudged along determined not to take any walk breaks. I'm looking forward to next week's long run and hope my legs feel better- let's just hope my mind cooperates.

Yogi In Training

Good evening bloggy friends! We've had a fun week over here in The Green Mountain State.

Jack and I have been running a lot together, just about every day this week. But on Friday morning, I was getting ready to go for a solo run and this was Jack:

He put on a pair of my old running shoes and went to get the jogger. He thought he was coming with me! It was so cute. I'm hoping that I am planting the running seed in him and someday when I lace up my shoes to go for a run, he will race to lace up his shoes to run with me. Although I don't wish him to grow up any faster than he already is, I can't wait for that day.

We "touched-a-truck," but J wasn't so sure.

There were all types of trucks and army vehicles on display for kids to check out. Jack liked the fire truck, but wasn't so sure about the rest of them. He was digging the fireman's hat, though. The boy loves his hats.

We lounged poolside with Aunt Mary and Connor. Connor is my youngest cousin and the most hysterical child (or person, for that matter) that you will ever meet. He loves to dance and isn't afraid to bust a move.

On Saturday night, my mom, Melissa and I went to Vinyasa at the Vineyard. It was amazing! Yoga outside, wine tasting (and beer sneaking) and live music. (Note: all pics are stolen from GMR).

The event was held at Shelburne Vineyard and was put on by the local lululemon store. It was such a fun night, and with the sun setting over the grape vines, it was perfect. It was the first time I've practiced yoga outside and I loved it. I am bound and determined to make a yogi out of Melissa. I think she's on her way.

4x2

I just looked at the calendar. My next half marathon is on October 2- eight weeks away. I haven't run more than five miles at once since the Mad Half on July 18. It's time to get my butt in gear. I'm in the process of making my own training plan to follow. So many plans show the longest training run a week before the marathon (including Hal Higdon's intermediate half plan) and this just doesn't work for me. I'm working on making my own eight week schedule and I'm going to try my very best to do some speed work and hills, maybe even go the track (please hold me to this, GMR). I'm thinking I might even be able to take Jack to the track with me (I'm probably crazy). 

Yesterday morning and today, I did the same 4.1 mile loop. Yesterday pushing J and today solo. Four minutes faster without the beast. As much as I love love love summer, running in the cooler temps in the morning is awesome.

When running with me, J now likes to yell, "Go! Go! Go!" Although he's still not talking, he understands everything. He says car, crane and boat. He calls Adam, "Da," and me, "Dee."

"No, Jack, I'm Mommy."
"Dee."

I can't believe I have an almost-two-year-old. He's not a baby anymore!

Photo Dump

Hi friends! As promised, here are some photos from our Maine vacay. Adam's parents were incredibly generous to take us on this vacation. Adam's sister, Amy, and her three children, Emily, Luca and Henry joined us, too. It was the most relaxing, easy-going week I've had in a long time. Aside from the call I got the night after Adam left (he had to go home a couple days early to get back to work) that he was in an ambulance on the way to the ER (electrical shock and heat exhaustion), it was perfect. Though Jack is still young, it was the type of vacation as a parent, you want your child to remember. The waves, the sand, the slowed down nature of day-to-day, being able to wake up and have instant play time with his cousins... perfection.

Watching the ducks and fish near the Clam Shack

It's hard to get almost 2 and 4 year olds to pose for a picture!

Goose Rocks Beach, where we spent our days

Jack let the big kids bury him completely in the sand

Shell-searching

One day, he insisted on wearing my sun hat

And wouldn't take it off

Playing with dinosaurs at the house