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!