Just Sky Pics

Constant motion and constantly wanting to be outside!  She is so busy, busy, busy! 


Had a great run tonight with the group.  Got a quick 3 miles in and then grabbed a glass of wine with Michele after.  Sort of perfect, and feel re-charged! 

WHAT...there is no running crisus here!

First before I get to my running melt down, let me give you all a heads up that Amy will be doing another blog interview about running Boston!!! 

You may remember her Chicago interview from THIS post and THIS post as well. 

I hesitated for a bit to ask her to do the interview.  Mostly because I wanted to be sensitive to the fact that there is great tragedy associated with this years Boston Marathon.  I know it hit a lot of people hard, myself included.  I wanted to give people time to grieve, process, and have their chance to run in honor and support of Boston before asking Amy to do an interview. 

The fact that the bombing happened doesn't negate the fact that hundreds, if not thousands, of runners trained hard and worked their butt's off to not only get to Boston, but finish, and finish before the bombing's happened.  I know that this years marathon is about so much more than running, but some were able to do just that, run, run a once in a lifetime race for some, and finish.  I felt like it was worth recognizing the hard work my friend Amy put in, and get a first-hand account of what running one of the biggest marathons in the world is like. 

Stay tuned in the next days/week(s) for Amy's interview! 

On to my running crises.  I had a moment of realization today...when I'm feeling blah about running I tend to feel blah about everything!  I had a plan leading up to the start of 1/2 training, and due to some foot bruising and pain that plan has not worked out.  And, to top it all off the last few weeks I have been using the "it's my last chance to eat this/be lazy/not run/not work out before training start" excuse.  I have had writers block, and have needed more breaks from cooking/Sky/life than normal.  You know why...I have had plenty of opportunities to run, but have blown them off.  BOOO!!!  It makes me feel BOOO about life too.  Not for long though!   

I thought I had 2'ish more weeks to get my head right, but I don't.  I just realized today that training run #1 is next Tuesday night!!!  Holy crap, I'm running a 1/2 in 10'ish weeks!?  $hit.  No more time for a running crisis people...I have got to get my butt in gear and get it done for real, for myself, and for Michelle!!!       

From The Kitchen

Kind of having writers block lately so going with a recipe today. 

Cuban Picadillo

Don't let the long list of ingredients scare you!  A lot of it is staples and it's really easy to make!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Salt and ground black pepper
1 medium onion, minced
1 green pepper, minced
2 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup raisins
3 bay leaves
1/2 cup chopped green olives
2 tablespoons capers
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Basic Rice and Beans:
1 cup long grain rice
1 small onion, diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
Salt and pepper

Directions:

1) Combine beef, pork, water, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Combine well and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
2) Dice onions and bell peppers finely. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and add peppers and onions along with oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook and stir frequently until veggies start to brown slightly, about 8 minutes.
3) Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then add tomatoes and wine and cook, using the liquid to scrape up any bits. Cook for another few minutes.
4) Stir in broth, raisins and bay leaves and bring mixture to a slight simmer.
5) Add meat mixture in 2-inch pieces to the pot and simmer gently. Cover and stir occasionally to break up meat as it cooks. Simmer for 10 minutes, but try not to overcook the meat or it will dry out.
6) Remove bay leaves and stir in olives and capers. Season with vinegar and salt and pepper.
Serve over beans and rice.

For beans and rice:
1) Add a drizzle of oil to a medium pot over medium heat. Add onions, jalapeno, and garlic and cook until soft, about five minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.
2) Stir in 1 cup of rice and cook for 30 seconds. Add 2 cups of water (refer to rice instructions for exact amount) along with drained and rinsed black beans. Stir together.
3) Cover pot and cook for 15-20 minutes over medium-low heat until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and serve while warm.
 

Picadillo recipe from Cook's Illustrated.  Beans and Rice recipe from Macheesmo.com

I follow a lot of food blogs and macheesmo is one of my favorite.  We both get Cook's Illustrated magazine, but he picks totally different recipes to make than I do from the magazines, which prompts me to try them.  This was one I skipped, but after the macheesmo post I gave it a go. 

Thank goodness I tried it because it's a new favorite!!!  As a short cut I think it would be fine with plain old rice in a rice cooker.  There is a ton of flavor in the meat and broth so you don't have to have the fancy rice. 

Good Day's

Yesterday was such a good day I didn't take the time to post.  Sky had a great day, I had a great day, Mark had a good day at work, the sun was out, picked up the tile for the bathroom!!!!!, and there was a Run Club BBQ at the store.  So much fun in one day! 

Today was another pretty great day!  Sunny, Sky and I got all the grocery shopping done, Sky took a long nap, and then big step here...she spent some time in daycare this afternoon so Mark and I could attend an auction. 

There was complimentary daycare at the auction and we gave it a go, and she did great!  Thank you to Ryan and Elya for inviting us, and to Ryan for peaking in on Sky for us.  We didn't want her to see us, but were wondering how things were going. 

It seems like in the last few days she is talking so much more, so much clearer, and in complete sentences now and then.  Can't believe she is almost 2!  

On tap for tomorrow is a morning trail run, and Sky has a b-day party to attend.  Mark cut his hand pretty good, so won't be working on tile tomorrow, it sure is pretty to look at though. 

Lot's of running going on this weekend with Eugene and local races.  Have fun whatever your running, or non running plans may be this weekend! 

A couple of not great Sky pics from yesterday...

I was trying to wake her up so I could take her to meet Mark, but she was so out.  She looks so big in this pic...so tall!

Hates the sun in her eyes, but won't leave the glasses on for more than 3 seconds.  Had to talk her into leaving them on long enough to take a pic.

Beautiful Day

Warm'ish and sunny all day!  Just look at how big the stroller group was today!!!!!!

 

 

The sun comes out and so do the stroller mommies!  (I'm in the green.) 

 

 

Unexpected lunch with Mark at the park after the run was a nice little treat for all of us.  Sky loves her Daddy so much, and the freedom of running through the park, she was one happy little girl!

 

Today's run was a little special to me because I work really hard at making all paces feel welcome.  I know what it's like to be slower and left behind, but trying my hardest.  Hello, I'm there every Tuesday night...running my fastest miles, pushing myself really hard, and still coming in last.* 

 

So, I came up with a plan to allow the faster runners to run, the C25K'ers (couch to 5K training program) and walking/running interval people to do their thing, and the walkers to walk.  I had an idea in my head of where the walkers and run/walkers would intersect so that if anyone wanted to finish out with the walkers they could.  I presented the plan to the group a few weeks ago, but due to terrible weather, and no walk/runners showing up it didn't happen until today. 

 

We had 3 fast runners, 3 run/walkers (I stayed with them) and the rest were walkers.  And, it went PERFECTLY!!!  The runners got a butt kicking because Kirsten is fast!  The meet up spot that I thought would work ended up being perfect.  The walkers were there right as us run/walkers got there!  

 

I struggle with pacing others, so I really focused on keeping it hard enough to be challenging, but paying attention and knowing when to slow things up and when to walk.  The feedback after was all really positive.  I'm super excited that it seemed to go so well!    

 

*Michelle and I ran last night with the group...the Asics rep was there and sponsored a predict a mile challenge.  Basically you predicted how fast or slow you could run a mile at the track and the person who was the closest got free shoes.  I wasn't participating in the winning free stuff part of it, but was there to get a run in and help pace Michelle.  She predicted 9:30...she finished in 9:17 and would have been so much faster, but we slowed the last lap way, way down because we were too fast and would be too far off her predicted pace.  She was in the top 5 for being closest and ended up with a free pair of shorts.  The shoe winner was only 1 second off her predicted pace! 

 

Anyway, after the run we were talking about how much stronger we are as runners, how much time we have taken off our average pace, and you know what it felt good to consider where we were compared to where we are.  I'll take finishing last, or near last, Tuesday nights because I know how far we have come, and what I'm capable of!  We are so much stronger and better and it's only looking up from here! 

 

Tomorrow is a rest day, but will probably end up doing some stretching or easy yoga and foam rolling...and lots of outside time with Sky in the sun! 

 

        



Camping Trip Pics

We headed up to the Beckham property at Lake Cushman for the first camping trip of the year last weekend! 

I have to say, while I really wanted to keep tabs on how the 50K was going, it was also really nice not to have any cell phone service.  There is something to be said for forced disconnection and not hearing any news after a week of being glued to the TV/News! 

We were happy that the weather cleared up, and even though it was cool we had sun. 

Some pics from the weekend...

I posted my fave pic from the weekend a few days ago (cute one of Mark and Sky sitting on the ground together) well this is what was happening right before that pic.  Sky having a fit on the ground with snot strings and all.  We wouldn't let her walk into the lake and that resulted in a melt down on the trail.  We sent the rest of the group ahead while Mark and I sat and let her work it out.  Like a good Mommy I took pics. 

Breakfast of pancakes and raisins.  

Spent a lot of time on her bike!

Michelle, Kiera, Abi, Me, Sky, Grace...the girls.  

She also spent a lot of time puddle stomping...thank goodness for overalls while camping!

Love that smile!

 

 

There are more pics HERE tons more cute Sky pics.  You would think she was the only one on the trip! 

 

She LOVED being outside all day, running around and playing to her hearts content.  We have ourselves a book reading, sports watching, outdoor loving little girl!  Pretty perfect!

50K Results

Before I post anything else this week I must share the results from this weekends 50K that my sister and brother-in-law did.  I was frustrated because I didn't have cell service while camping, so had to wait until we were back to civilization Sunday to find out what went down. 

My sister made it to the 15.5 checkpoint, 40 minutes faster than last year, and called it a day there.  Same check point that they both stopped last year. 

I know her well enough to know she gave it all she had.  There is a very fine line as a runner of knowing when to push through and when to be done, and she needed to be done at 15.5.  Her youngest had been extremely sick the night before, and while she trained perfectly she only had a few hours of sleep.  And, when you have over 3,000 feet of elevation in 15.5 miles and only a few hours of sleep well you may have to stop short of 50K. 

Brian on the other hand did make the full 50K in just over 10 hours with over 7,000 feet of elevation. 

Close enough to the finish to hear it, but not see it yet.

 

I can't even begin to imagine running for 10 hours.  I watched a video of Brian running the last 200 ish yards, and I cried, and cried, and cried.  You could hear how tired he was in his voice.  Brian was giving very short one word answers.  Those words sounded painful, like it was costing all he had to utter them. 

 

I'm so very proud of both of them.  I know it wasn't easy for Beth to stop at 15.5...sometimes DNF'ing can be harder mentally than pushing on.  I'm so proud of Brian that I don't even know how to put it into words. 

 

  

 



Camping - We Are Back

I will take time to post more later, but for now...my favorite pic from the weekend...

...those two are so content snuggled up together!  We had great weather and had a great weekend with friends!

Shout Out (and First Camping Trip of the Season!)

Shout Out - To my sister and husband who are taking on the Diablo 50K this weekend.  Check out her pre-race post HERE

This is a race that got them last year, their first DNF.  It was hot, like in the 90's, which this early in the season is not what was expected or trained for.  At the 13.1 checkpoint my sister was having enough issues with the heat (heart was acting up) that they made the smart choice to be done. 

I'm so proud of her, and my brother in law, for taking it on again this year.  I have been following her weekly runs and she has spent a ton more time on the mountain this year, making the best of the 3 ish hours of "no kid" time she has a day. 

I get the feeling that they are more confident in themselves this time around. 

No matter what happens out there tomorrow they both push themselves to the limit and leave it all out there.  I know they are going to give it there all!  They are already winners in my book for even registering for a 50K!

I have zero running planned for the weekend.  For one we are camping and two I'm still keeping the weekly miles on the lower side to give any and all nagging pains a chance to heal before 1/2 training starts in a couple weeks.  Still trying to get multiple runs a week in, but not ramping up the miles.  I have been strength training though, and focusing on drinking lots of water.

I was excited that I had zero blister issues this week.  Seems foot powder in the socks and gel deodorant on the outside may be the answer.  Strange combo, but if it works I'm not going to question it.  The true test will be once we start hitting 7+ mile runs. 

Sky pic...I think she likes her new camping chair!  It's raining, but that isn't unusual for around here and Sky loves being outside even in the rain.  So a camping we will go. 

Her mommy really should brush her hair, and put some pants on her!

No matter your plans have a great weekend...and sis get up that mountain!!!

 

 

Thankful Thursday

First - Thoughts going out to West, TX.  There are some hard times ahead for such a small town dealing with a large disaster and the loss of life.   

I am thankful that I had such a lovely weekend away with my BFF!  My first weekend away since Sky...long overdue!  She is in such good hands with her Daddy, while I missed her I didn't worry about her one little bit.  

Michelle and I headed to E WA for a weekend full of great food, wine, and company! 

What the weekend was all about!

My favorite grape!  I came home with a very nice bottle of Syrah from Hedges winery...so GOOD! 

 

 

The grounds of the winery right down the road from their house.  It was a beautiful sunny day, but very, very, very windy. 

 

 Last winery of the day.

 

 

Uncle Paul made lamb for dinner the night before, so for lunch while whine tasting we had lamb gyros, Greek Salad made my Aunt Candy, and tzatziki sauce made by me with some conversions done by Michelle since we combined two different tzatziki recipes.  One of the wineries had a somewhat protected from the wind patio that we were able to picnic on.

 

 

 

I'm thankful I got to spend a lovely weekend with people I love!  Thank you Michelle for driving, thank you Candy and Paul for hosting, and thank goodness for grapes!  :)

 

      



Good Day

That's Sky's new thing, saying Good Day.  We try and make each day an adventure and make each day a Good Day.  Now that she is talking all the time she will talk about her day if you ask her if she had a good day. 

Chances are she won't say anything that is understandable, (when she is excited and talking fast it's all foreign, but she gestures and everything) but it's super cute to see her face when she is excited and talking about her day.

I had a good day too.  I feel a little less heavy of heart today.  Last night was the Tuesday Night run group at Fleet Feet and Michelle and I showed our Boston support with these bibs...

 
It was a heavy run.  I just felt weighted down with sadness, like there was a shadow looming over everything.  I was so tired after the run...emotionally and mentally from all the news coverage and the stories that were coming out.  And, physical because well it's a fast group to run with and I'm always pushing my pace. 

But, that is one of the amazing things about running.  There is nothing like a run to purge emotion, stress, sadness, and sweat. 

On the flip side, this morning's stroller run was amazing!  I had a super fast running mommy to run with, who is new to the area.  Not only was the pace being pushed we talked the entire time getting to know each other.  Like a double workout for me because it's not easy for me to talk and run at the same time, even if it's a slow pace.  I always sound like I'm about to die even if I feel great.   

Today's run is the fastest stroller run we have had on the "original" route.  Finished in under 30 minutes, it usually takes 45.  I'm 50% surprised I kept that kind of pace with the stroller and 50% impressed with myself.  :) 

Best part was nothing hurt, no blister issues, I just felt good!  I wish every run could be like that.

The rest of the day was good too.  Sky spent time with Grammy and Grandpy and I got a bit of Sky free time, something I always appreciate. 

Sky pics...

...watching Daddy work outside.  She just wanted to be out there with him so bad, but he was cleaning up after Bishop and had the lawnmower out.

She was semi content to jump from window to window watching him work.  Love her little pig tails!

She sure loves her Daddy!   


 

Pound It

It doesn't seem right to get back to regularly scheduled blogging just yet.  Until I'm able to go to run group tonight and show my Boston support it just doesn't feel right. 

So I will post this instead...

...Sky and Reagan giving each other pounds at lunch today.  When things get scary in the world it's nice to have the little people in our lives to focus on. 

Hang in there everyone.  Find your way to honor, support, and process. 

Thinking of Boston

Let me start by saying I'm thankful for all the calls, and messages on FB, from family and friends making sure the friends/acquaintances I know who where running Boston were ok. 

Everyone is accounted for and safe. 

I'm at a loss really as to what to think or feel about the whole thing.  I just feel bad for everyone in Boston right now. 

Lives were lost and others have been altered forever.  That fact should not be diminished or live in the shadow of The Boston Marathon. 

As a runner I feel bad for all those that worked so hard to BQ, for some it takes years to qualify, they cross the finish line tired yet high from their accomplishment, only to have their Boston experience tied to such a horrible tragedy. 

I also feel bad for those that didn't get to finish, where stopped along the route and maybe not fully understanding what the heck is going on.  Boston is a once in a lifetime experience for some and to have this be part of it is really unfortunate. 

I'm sure the citizens of Boston are angry, scared, confused, feeling picked on, sad etc.  I feel for them and hope they feel the love and energy being sent their way from across the country. 

It's going to be a stressful time for a while I'm sure for all those in Boston. 

I know what happened today is much bigger than running, but us runners like to do something to show our support.  We run races in honor of loved ones, to raise money for causes we believe in, and we run to deal with our emotions.  So when I saw this idea posted on FB I was sold...

Runner friends, this was posted in a running group I am in. I will be wearing one tomorrow! A running buddy had a great idea that all runner's should wear a race shirt tomorrow in honor of the Boston Marathon victims and as a sign of unity.

I don't have a Boston Marathon shirt, but I will be wearing my 1/2 marathon shirt at my group run tomorrow night!  I know not a single person in Boston will know I have a race shirt on to show my support, but I do believe that if enough of us do this the positive energy will float on the wind to them. 

I wish everyone in Boston, all those impacted, and all those feeling stressed or sad about what happened peace in their hearts. 

Boston Marathon Time

Before I share what an awesome weekend I had I must beg forgiveness from Amy for not wishing her good luck before running her very first Boston Marathon today!

I have no good excuse other than with Sky being sick, and me getting ready for a weekend away and on the road I just missed it.  Plus, I sort of though she was having to wait until next year because of how late the race was in the season that she BQ'd on, but that was last year that she BQ right before Boston and had to wait until this year.  I'm only a year behind...that's what being a mommy does to you! 

Anyway, Amy I'm tracking you live (sounds so stockerish!) and approaching the 30K checkpoint, you are killing it girl!  Negative splits at every checkpoint and a great pace! 

I can't wait to hear all about it!   

I wish there was a live feed I could catch.  The one I was watching only covered the winners and trophy presentation then it ended.  I am stuck with a stick figure of Amy running on the digital map on the website.  Oh well. 

From the Kitchen

Last week I made an asparagus tempura in my new stainless steel pan that Mark got me for my birthday. 

First, before continuing, I should make clear my love for this pan!  It is so pretty, and I swear it cooks everything better, and it makes me feel like a real chef when using it.  Every time I use it I smile and feel happy!   

Back to the tempura, I put the oil in, cranked the heat, and even though I don't care at all for asparagus, turned out a really good batch of tempura asparagus.

I waited for the oil to cool completely to dump it out and clean the pan, and that is where the frustration began.  The oil had burned onto the pan like a coat of shellac, and I could not get it off no matter what.    

All I could think about was how I just ruined the pan I love most to cook with and how much $$ Mark spent on it.  I didn't know if I should bash myself over the head with the pan or start crying I was so upset. 

I did a little research and the same two tips kept popping up.  Soak it in a sink of hot water with dishwasher machine soap or get some Bar Keepers Friend and scrub it with that. 

So I soaked it for hours in the sink and that got most of it off, but there was still enough left stuck on there that I broke down and got some Bar Keepers Friend.  Which BTW - I now feel should be a stable in every kitchen! 

 

I did not love the idea of using a cleaner in a pan I would be cooking food in, but I washed it with hot water and soap after I was done and the pan looks like new!  And, better yet all the oil is cleaned off! 

 

Lessons learned:

-Know how to use your pan.  Stainless Steel heats differently than other pans, it's more even and Med heat is like High in other pans.  I'm still trying to get this part right, it will take some time.

 

-When the users manual that comes with your pan suggests a cleaner (it suggested Bar Keepers Friend and I kind of ignored that tip) get it and use it!

 

-When making tempura anything make sure you have a thermometer that works in oil, you really do need to make sure it's not too hot.

 

-Don't tempura in you most expensive pan you own...it only leads to tears and frustration! 

 

Happy cooking and running this weekend.  I won't be running because I'm going to be wine tasting and enjoying my girls weekend with Michelle, Aunt Candy and Uncle Paul! 

 

 



Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for a very easy going little girl, and a really great girl friend! 

Eleanore is one of those girlfriends that every woman should be lucky enough to have.  There is zero competition with her.  She wants everyone to look and feel amazing and will offer advice, pointers, and even open up a spot for a hair cut on her "special client" day! 

Not very many women are confident enough with themselves to want their friends to shine as well, and I LOVE that about her.  I also love that she pushes me to be a faster runner.   

And, I love letting her work her magic on my hair.  Got a totally new style today that is so much fun, and so much shorter than before.  I LOVE it! 

The front is still long, but the back and sides are super duper short, and I LOVE it!

Sky was a champ today...The Lexus was back in the shop to finish up the work that it needed.  So, since I had an appointment, we had to drive Mark into work, and since his work is 60 seconds from El's salon, Sky and I had 2 hours to kill.  We had breakfast, don't worry I cleaned every possible surface she would come in contact with since she is still in reverse quarantine.  She was a big fan of the French toast I got her. 

Still had time to kill after that so went to Target to get a few travel size items for my girls trip this weekend, and found an adorable hat on clearance for her...

...and since it was sunny she of course needed her glasses...

...and the best part was it was a day of killing time, waiting around for my hair appointment/the car/to go pick Mark up from work and not once did she act up.  Totally pleasant the entire time.  

To recap...I got to spend the day with my lovely little girl, one of my best girl friends, and I got my car back...It was a good day and for that I'm thankful!  

Sky's First Running Outfit!

Last week Mark and I checked out Blue, the Goodwill's upscale consignment shop in the Proctor district.  I was surprised to find a good sized men's section and a kid section as well.  We scored this outfit for Sky...

 She looks so focused in the above pic, like she is lining up for a race! 

 

Her very fist workout/running outfit, a pink Adidas warm up outfit!  She even pops the collar!  This may just have to be her Wednesday run with Mommy uniform! 

Today was not a running day though.  Super windy and raining like crazy.  Two other ladies showed up and one of them is a walker.  So all three of us walked just over 2 miles in the crazy weather.  We took some funny twists and turns trying to keep the wind to our back.  It worked for the most part.

I'm ok with a walk for the day since I ran hard last night.  Not a bad thing to rest my foot and legs since hard core training starts in a few weeks.  I'm actually looking forward to it!

Seriously if you live in the Tacoma area go check out Blue, nice stuff for great prices! 

The Running Wall and the Mommy Wall

 Have you ever hit the wall before you even put your running cloths on?!  I was dragging a$$ this afternoon and totally felt like I not only hit the wall but bashed my head in on it and broke all my bones. 

I didn't sleep very well last night, I also had a drink last night, and I know I didn't drink enough water today, plus my leg's were sore from Saturday, and Sunday's runs.  Maybe that all contributed to it, maybe not.  But, I still laced up and headed to Fleet Feet for the group run. 

Running is a funny thing because I felt like crap mentally and was feeling like I didn't fuel properly before the run yet turned in a record mile on the Garmin and ran significantly faster than my 5K PR pace!  A 26 ish minute 2.87 mile run.  And, I still came in dead last for the 3 mile group. 

Whatever.  The only real competition is with myself and my mind.  I may be last, but I'm running some of the fastest miles I have ever run, so I'm happy. 

Still had some painful hot spots rubbing on my feet.  Got another pair of socks in the mail today, so will test them out tomorrow and see what happens.  I wish I could find some Tuff Skin locally, none of the stores around here have it, so will have to order some online and see if that helps at all. 

Not sure if part of my problem today is I'm feeling like a worn out mommy.  Sky being sick for so long is hard on her and us, and I can tell I'm not handling things as well as I would like.  Good thing I have a girls weekend away this weekend...I feel like I really need it.  Best part is once I'm back Sky and I can get back to her normal schedule and resume play to learn and her play date with Reagan! 

She gave her big girl bed a try at nap time today, at her request.  It lasted for maybe 3 minutes and then she was back in the crib.  She insisted on having all her favorite things in bed with her...

 

...maybe that is why she couldn't sleep...too many stuffed animals in bed.

 

One bright spot in my mommy life was some much needed validation from the pediatrician about Sky and where she is in her development mentally and physically.  I keep feeling like I should have structured learning time with her and set aside some "school" time each day, but turns out what I/we are doing is working great and she is doing great. 

 

There are so many paths to get to the same, or at least similar, destinations and it's so easy to doubt the twists and turns we take as parents.  It's nice to know that our approach is working, not that anyone else's isn't, and not that I think our way is the only way, or the right way.  It's right for us and for Sky and that's all that really matters.  

 

But, man it gets hard when there are parents that are so quick to point out that by the time their little one was 22 months old they were potty trained, reading, writing their name, accepted into college, and already had the first million in the bank.  It's easy to start feeling like the looser parent sometimes, even though I'm pretty confident we are not looser parents.  :) 

 

Looking forward to getting Sky out of the house tomorrow for a run.  Thankfully her stroller is fully enclosed so she will not have any exposure to others or germs, so I'm still following the advice of the Dr. in limiting her exposure this week. 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Took a Drill To My Feet

So Friday despite Sky being so sick we had to cancel birthday dinner plans, Mark was kind enough to let me still go get my mani/pedi that I had scheduled.  I was super thankful he took on a most difficult Sky girl because this mommy needed the break, and my coupon was about to expire.

I purchased the mani/pedi through Amazon Local Deals and got the super duper mani/pedi for $20.  Regular price is $65!  I maybe get one pedicure a year, and hardly ever get mani's.  I just don't want to pay for something I can do myself at home, and do well I might add. 

I must be the only runner they have ever worked on because my missing toenails, and really, really short nails on the toes that do have them drew multiple comments.  As did the calluses.  The calluses were so bad they literally got out a drill, attached some sandpaper and went to town. 

The only reason I let them was just that morning I had read an article debunking the thinking that calluses help prevent blisters.  According to the article I read blisters that can potentially develop under the calluses can be worse, more painful, harder to treat, and require more recovery time.  So, I let them go to town.  Sadly there are still some crazy calluses on my feet even after the sandpaper. 

Good thing I accepted that running = ugly feet a long time ago! 

All I will say about the end result is that was Friday, and Monday I'm taking off the chipped nail polish and painting my fingernails myself.  Good thing I had a coupon otherwise I would be ticked I paid full price for a cruddy manicure.  I knew when they were doing it that it wouldn't last (thinning out the top coat), but could tell they were operating as normal, so now I know not to go there again! 

Today Sky went in for her follow up appointment with her Dr. and good news is her ears are clear!  But, she still has a nasty cough and plugged sinuses.  Dr. says she doesn't think any further medication is needed, she just needs some time to make a full recovery.  It's been a month now that she has been sick back to back to back.  The orders were to keep her home, no public play places, no exposure to anyone who is sick, no exposure to other kiddos.  Even though she isn't contagious she is still in quarantine because her immune system just needs a break.  :(  Means lot's of play time in the yard, and the back side of the park where there are less people. 

Pooh once again was by her side helping get her through a Dr. visit...

 

Cadence Training!

El and I got in 5 (for me) 10 (for her) miles this morning in the cold, windy rain.  We even got a few miles of cadence training in, and you know what...I liked it!  We hit a 9:18 pace and it actually felt easy physically, but mentally it was challenging.

Keeping my stride short and quick was easy as long as I kept thinking of my laces as being tied together so I couldn't stride out too much.  Trying to land my right foot with every tick of the metronome was hard.  So hard in fact that I think that's why my knee started acting up.  In my head I felt like I needed to hear my foot hit in time with the metronome and was therefor landing much, much harder than normal.  I was going to do 6 miles with El, but stopped at 5 because the pain felt like unhealthy pain, not "normal" I'm working hard pain.  I don't like to take chances with my bad knee.  When it hurts I don't run, mostly because running doesn't bother it at all, so when it does hurt it feels really wrong. 

Foot is feeling pretty good.  It hurt more today, but I have also been walking around the house without shoes on a lot and walking barefoot just doesn't work for me or my foot.  Still trying to find the answer to the blister question.  Putting powder in the sock and glide on the outside helps, but it hasn't fixed it totally.  Every runner has their nagging thing to deal with...maybe mine is blisters and I need to accept it and live with it.  I do have a few pairs of socks on the way to me to try out.

Other than running a few times it has been a slow weekend with no plans.  Just trying to keep Sky calm and away from germs and not sharing her germs.   

We ended up cancelling my b-day dinner Friday night because she was just too sick and difficult.  Since Bob and Michelle had babysitting arranged they came over after bed time and we were able to watch Breaking Dawn 2 finally!  We had a perfect record of seeing them all in the theaters, but life just didn't allow for it this time.  Anyway, it was still a nice way to spend my birthday evening and I got a cool new laptop bag from Bob and Michelle!

Sky seems to be on an up-swing.  She is more active and her temperament is a little better.  We are going to lay low this week...no play dates or play group.  Just trying to give her immune system a break and get back to 100%.  Plus, Michelle and I have a girls weekend full of wine tasting planned and I want Sky to be as pleasant as possible for Daddy! 

A little late, but better late than never, pics from her ER visit...

Upset and not moving her arm at all...its just hanging by her side.

Daddy to the rescue...blown up hospital gloves and hazmat Pooh Bear. 

 

The three amigos keeping Sky distracted.

 

 

And, we know her elbow is back in place and not hurting because she is using to talk on the "phone".  

 

Thankful Thursday

I had a nice long post typed up and then hit a button and it was all deleted.  So the short and sweet version is...I'm thankful for such an awesome birthday yesterday.  It was vey low key, but it was perfect.  Spent time doing things I love with people I enjoy and love, and had a lot of love posted on my FB page.  I even got a few hours of me time which was really great! 

Tomorrow is my birthday dinner with Mark, Bob, and Michelle.  Very simple and easy which is what I wanted this year.  Life gets busy sometimes and when it does I just want to step back and be calm, and keep it simple.  I am an introvert at heart! 

A few Sky pics from today...

 

She must have been sitting there talking to her stuffed animals when she fell over asleep.  I could hear her one minute talking away, and then nothing.

 

 

 

I got my hair cut a few days ago, but had to go back today to trim the front a little more.  She was content to hand out and wait.

 

She is singing in the above picture...Bruno Mars is her current fave. 

Yes, that is a knee sock on her arm as an elbow glove.  She was trying to trace her hand with her elbow length sock glove.

 

 

Decided to take today off from running and working out.  Was a good choice since Sky was super high maintenance today.  Wanted to be held and cuddled all day long!  I hope to get some yoga in tomorrow, and have some runs planned for the weekend!  

 



Sounders...

...that is what I did last night.  Watched cute boys run around the pitch...err I mean I watched a soccer match.  :)

My friend Sandi had an extra ticket and asked if I would like to tag along to which I said yes!  Thankfully Mark stuck it out with our sick little lady so I could go to the match.  Thank you Sandi letting me go with you...very nice way to lead into my birthday! 

Our seats.  Just to the right of us is the fan club with all the singing, jumping, chanting and flag waving...they are a lot of fun!  Even though the Sounders lost it was still a lot of fun.  I love the non-stop action in soccer.  No TV time outs etc.  It's just go, go, go all the time. 

Soccer players have to be among the most fit athletes, and they are cute. 

Before leaving for the match I got Sky out for a little yard work...

She needs a mini me broom and vacuum!



Even though she is sick she still needs a change from being stuck in the house.  So I got her out for a little play time in the yard so she wouldn't be more of a handful for Daddy than she already was going to be. 

She seems to be feeling better this morning though.  We are going to get ready for our Stroller Group run this morning and then take it easy the rest of the day.  So glad the sun is out for the run and so she can spend some time outside. 

Have a great day! 

First Family 5K!

That's right Mark and I ran our first 5K distance as a family with Sky yesterday.  3.1 miles in 30.01 minutes.  Not bad at all.  Mark runs on a TD during lunch at work, so this run was focused on getting legs, joints, feet used to paved running and managing pace and energy levels.   

I pushed the stroller and gave Mark distance updates every .5 miles so he could gauge how he was feeling compared to how much further there was to go.  Finished with negative splits and the last mile was about a full minute faster than the first!   

The only bad part...I forgot to use my glide and now have some sore raw spots on my inner thighs.  I think I was just so excited to go run that I spaced that step.  I was going to run today, but that is not going to happen.  Will probably do pilates instead. 

Pre-Run.

 

Since our original plan was to do a road trip (scrapped that because Sky is so sick we didn't think sitting in the car for hours would help her temperament) we opted for a short little trip to Orting to run the Foothills Trail.  The same stretch Elya and I ran for out 10K race a few weeks ago.  The views of Mt. Rainier from the trail are amazing, and it follows a river through farm'ish country.  I figured with the pretty sunny day it would be a nice place to run. 

 

 



This picture isn't as good as the real thing, but that is Mt. Rainier in the distance and Mark and Sky doing a fast warm-up walk. 

 

It was really nice running with Sky and Mark!  We walked through town a little bit after, I was surprised at how many places were open given it was Easter Sunday. 

 

Stopped by Five Guys for lunch on the way home...yuck is all I can say to that.  Not sure why everyone around here seems to think they are the best burgers ever.  We both through they were pretty terrible actually, even the fries were bad.  Now we know, and we won't be going back! 

 

Came home and tried to keep Sky happy.  She is sort of all over the place right now wanting everything and nothing all at the same time.  Nothing makes her feel better really, and I'm pretty sure the antibiotics are upsetting her tummy.  She is just not a happy camper right now. 

 

I was not a happy camper watching the Duke game either.  They got schooled big time!  Totally outplayed and outmuscled the entire game.  I do hope that Ware makes a full recovery...sick to my stomach watching his leg break like that. 

 

I saw the below picture on FB after our run and it made me smile. 

 

 

I was seriously considering stopping and walking and letting Mark finish the run without me, my legs were rubbing together that badly.  The whole last 1.5 miles hurt bad.  But, I literally thought to myself...there are people out there that would give anything to be able to run or feel anything in their legs again, even chaffing pain, so keep going! 

 

I have that kind of thought at some point during almost every run.  It's how I motivate myself to keep going, push harder, run faster, put my running shoes on in the first place.  "I run because I can, and because there are those that can't" has become my running mantra.  So seeing this on FB right after our run was kind of perfect. 

 

I hope everyone has a happy Monday and no one plays any April Fools pranks on you.  I despise April Fools day, I think it's mean.  I will not be playing any pranks on anyone!