That's a Wrap 2013!

It's time to say goodbye to 2013 and ring in 2014!  I'm ending and starting with a run of course!  Sky and I are headed to the park for a last 2013 run, and tomorrow morning Michelle and I will ring in 2014 with our first run of the year!  I'm not going to lie, I'm a little scared to take on 5 Mile Drive.  I'm just not back from all the food and time off last week.  I know it's going to hurt, but what a good way to kick my butt back into running shape.

The only reason I would agree to a morning run is because we don't have party plans this year.  We did our normal PJ party with friends last year and it was kind of a disaster.  Sky was up until 11 or so and we were all cranky the next day because of it.  So this year we cancelled the party and are taking her to Zoo Lights and coming home to watch a movie instead.  Totally low key, just how I like it!

I'm really looking forward to all the college bowl games!  We are particularly exited about the Mississippi State game today!  Thankfully Mark works from home since it's an early afternoon game.  I love NY Day and all the games.  I'm dating myself, but I actually remember when all the bowl games were played NY Day, back before there were a million different bowl games!

A couple of Sky pics, so this post isn't 100% text:

Watching cartoons with her horse.

Ok, just get ready for ton's of new outfit pics on the blog.  Sky had some Christmas money that was specifically for new cloths.  I took her to H&M yesterday and hit up the post-Christmas sale and she got lot's a cute stuff.  She picked most of it out herself too, including the shoes in this picture.  She would not let go of them and cuddled with them the rest of the day.  

So tell me:

What are your New Years Eve Plans?

What are your New Years Resolution(s)?

Two things that would have been good resolutions, but I just couldn't wait until the 1st:
-Monthly workout challenges.  I know I need to focus on cross training and strength training more than I do, and the 30 day challenges make it really easy!  It has been going really well and I plan on continuing that into 2014.  January is going to be Pilates 4 x a week on top of my normal running days.

-Cleaning up my email subscriptions.  Holy cow was I getting a ton of emails that I never even bothered reading.  I should have counted how many email lists I unsubscribed to, but it was at least 30!  Yikes, that's a lot of junk email and a lot less time spent reading emails I don't care about/deleting emails that I never will read.

Predict the winner of the Florida State vs Auburn game!  
I'm going with Auburn by 3 points.

Winter Run Challenge

I was on the fence about doing a winter run challenge.  Mostly because I'm pretty good at getting out there and running, I like it too much not to do it!  But, after yesterday's painfully slow and just down right not fun run I figured I could use the added incentive.  I knew I would regret all the cookies, wine, and not running during Christmas.  Maybe a stroller run wasn't the best "first run back" run, but Sky really wanted to run as well.  Actually running her pace felt pretty great.  

It's all right though, I'm giving myself this week to get back into it slowly, then next week I start pushing the pace to get back down to speed.  Perfect timing because the challenge starts next week!

 
Check out RUNwithJess.com HERE to register for the free challenge.  There are different levels you can pick, each week you reach your goal you are entered to win a prize, and it's free!!!  The hardest 6 weeks of running are here and this will for sure help me get my a$$ out there!

The last two days have been fun around here.  One of my favorite things about Christmas in E WA is unpacking everything once we get home.  Most of the gifts go right into bins for safe and easy transport home, so we don't get a chance to use them.  It's almost like Christmas again when we unpack and get a chance to actually use/play with the stuff.  I'm really loving the new entryway table and dishes I got!  No more ugly brown plates/bowls in my food pictures!  

 

It looks so much nicer than what we had and it takes up less room which is really nice!  Sky was always on the verge of cracking her head on the old one when she was running laps through the house.  

Sky loves her horse to pieces.  Even when not rocking she just sits on it and is constantly playing with it's tail and moving it around the room so it's always right next to her.   

I have a lot of pictures from last week that I didn't share.  I have to say it was really nice being less connected for a few days.  I could easily get used to that!  anyway here are a few pictures from our time in E WA...

Sky's tablet was one of the few gifts we did open and start using.  It came in so handy when she needed a few minutes, or a bit longer while we wine tasted, of quiet time.  BTW - that is not her glass of wine!

Wine, wine, wine...you can't really visit the Red Mountain area without going to at least one winery, it's practically a sin!  Terra Blanca is within walking/running distance of my Aunt and Uncles which made it the easy choice for a quick visit. Their Block 8 Syrah is really one of the best I've had!

That is a lot of wine glasses for just 4 people...and now you know why I don't run when we are over there.  Wine does not make great hydration for running.

My Aunt and Uncles very unique and beautiful Christmas Tree.  It was all red, green, and Santa themed.  It was a little shocking at first, but once you get over the idea of how a traditional tree should look it is really beautiful. 

Thank goodness Mark found this indoor play option because it was in the low 20's to mid 30's most days, and that is too cold for Sky to happily play outside.  She needed an outlet big time for all that energy!  Columbia West Cheer has indoor play areas that are open to the public for periods of time and is only $5, but we got in for free since it was our first visit.  Sky must have liked it because it was a huge ugly fit when we left. 

She spent a good 30 minutes in this play kitchen cooking and organizing everything.  She was so content being in charge of her own kitchen, plus this was one of the few areas non of the other kids seemed very interested in, so she had it all to herself...such an only child! 

Watching a moving with her new BFF's.  It must have been a serious part of the movie?  

A few pictures of Christmas Morning.

 I'm already missing the clear, blue, sunny skies that are E WA. 

 Someone across the river from my Aunt and Uncle put on a pretty impressive, pro quality, fireworks display.  Sky LOVED it!  

Don't let the bright sun fool you, it was really cold outside!  We only lasted about 20 minutes at the park before we had to warm back up.  

I'm really thankful that we get to spend time over there with family we love!  It's always pretty laid back and easy going which is really nice given the busy flurry of the season. 

A few down days and then New Years Eve!!!  

Tell me...how are you ringing in the new year? 

I'm running 5 mile drive with Michelle New Year's morning.  First run of the year, and a great way to start the year! 

Food Comma

I feel like I'm in a Christmas Food/Wine Haze!!!  So much yummy food some sweet, most of it not.  I have had way more steak and potatoes the last two days than I eat in a month.  It's all been so good, but my tummy is ready for real world eating again. 

Totally ready to get back to running too.  Kinda wish I had my running stuff with me.  But, everyone needs a break now and then, so I'm embracing that and enjoying the down time.  Besides, it is really cold over here, so staying warm with wine and sweats is fine with me! 

A few pictures from the last couple of days. 

My Aunt and Uncle's very cool Christmas Tree.

Wore her out with presents and playing...all snuggles the rest of the day!

Crazy beautiful sunset last night!  Perfect ending to a perfect day!

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and enjoyed/is still enjoying lots of family time!  I feel like the most fortunate girl in the world with all the lovely and thoughtful gift.  More importantly though I feel lucky to get to spend the whole week with my family.  It makes my heart happy!  

Merry Christmas Eve!!

We spent Christmas Eve with my dad and his wife, Val, and it was pretty perfect!  A totally laid back day of playing with Sky, Mark and I both getting hip treatments to work out a few kinks (thank goodness the little pains I had on the last run were in the early stages of bigger issues, and we totally got them taken care of!), amazing steak and wine parings, presents, and Christmas Light displays.

I know it's a dark picture, but Sky was so over the top excited about the display!  She kept running from tree to tree in amazement!  I was amazed as well, and completely impressed that it's a fee display with synchronized music that you can listen to in your car, or get and walk through the display as it plays outside.  On the West side of the state you would pay good money to see such a display, but over here it's just something the local landscape company does for the community to enjoy.

I'm off to watch some Christmas Classics, drink more wine and enjoy time with the less connected side of the family.  Out of respect for their lack of cell phone/computer/social media addiction I will be taking a break as well, and totally looking forward to it!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

   

Run/Football/Pack/Clean the House Sunday

So much to do to get ready for all the Christmas fun that I won't be sitting on the couch watching football all day.  It's ok though, the games will still be one and I will be watching my FF championship game closely, I simply must win this year!

Before all that though I had to get a run in.  My favorite loop was calling my name, so I laced up and headed out for a quick little 3.85 mile run.  Had to get a last run in before hitting up the east side of the state.  My track record for running over there is bad.  As in doesn't even exist.  I don't plan on changing that this visit either.  Not going to lie...it didn't feel good.  In fact I think an old injury has come back and I'm not happy about it.  The arch of my left foot hurt from start to finish.  My knee and hip hurt too, but after a mid-run walking break (I just couldn't do the hill...was trying not to vomit by that point) those calmed down and I was able to finish the run with just the arch pain, and tummy trouble.  Too many treats, and too much wine!
Still glad I got out there, and now I can focus on stopping the arch issue before it gets any worse!

 Unless their trail shoes, then they should be dirty.  Shower time for me and my Energy Boost's!

While I'm sad our unexpected trip to San Fran was cancelled (I won't get to see my favorite people and Sky and I will miss lunch with Liz) it does free me up to take this week off from running, and focus solely on family time.  Realistically I knew running in San Fran wasn't going to happen, and two weeks of no running just doesn't work for me at all...which meant some hilly, windy, painfully cold air runs this week.  I'm kind of glad I can take a break and focus on celebrating time with loved ones and relaxing instead!  Plus, there is something about my Aunt and Uncles house that just makes you want to put on pj's and snuggle all day while watching classic Christmas movies.  

We had an early Christmas Celebration with friends Friday night.  I didn't take very many pictures...we were too busy eating and drinking.  Ok, mostly drinking the yummy cocktail Michelle made!  Which is why I didn't get a run in yesterday!

  

Sky and Abi watching Polar Express

She takes gift opening very seriously! 

Using Pictionary cards makes for a challenging night of charades!

Yesterday after re-hydrating with NUUN (the upside of being a runner is always having hydration on hand) I took Sky to the park for some play time.  Pretty much the only time we go to the playground at Ft. St. is when it rains.  We like having the playground to ourselves.  The reality is it's usually so overcrowded that it's way to easy for Sky to get lost in the crowd and give me a panic attack!   

"I balancing!"

She spent a lot of time in this playhouse...out of the rain. 

Once we got home it was time for her first cooking lesson!  She is loving the kiddo sized utensils she got from Bob and Michelle!  She is all about "Look Mommy I Cooking" so it's exciting for her to have her own utensils and do her own "cooking".  She chopped up her own lunch and snacks for today with Daddy's help.

  

I don't mind that it's going to be a busy Sunday, with Football as the background noise.  It will make getting all the laundry and packing done so much more enjoyable!  Plus, I love coming home from trips to a clean house.  It's no fun unpacking in an already messy house!   

It will be limited posting next week...focusing more on enjoying family time than posting. 

Merry Christmas and safe travels to all!   

From The Kitchen - Moroccan Meatballs

Before I get to the yummy recipe I must share this picture of Sky.  I can't put my finger on it, but it may be my most favorite picture of her, and that's saying something given how many pictures of her there are. 

Maybe because it's totally candid, she had no idea I was taking the picture, or that I had left the room to grab my phone even.  For the most part she is a rough and tumble girl, so maybe it's the total girlishness of this picture that I love? 

All I know is that she was so excited about her dress, tights, and shoes.  She kept prancing around and twirling and showing off her dress to anyone who would give her 2 seconds of attention.  Thankfully she walked right up to Santa, asked him to look at her dress, and then climbed up and posed pretty as can be.  Not like last years crying episode at all. 

The crying came when it was time to be done with Santa and let someone else have a turn.  She took off at a full sprint through Nordstrom, crying and screaming her head off.  Sadly I was not in running shoes, so it took a bit to catch her.  Thankfully someone hip checked her and she went sprawling which allowed me to catch up with her.  Fun times...but at least the Santa picture is perfect!

On to Moroccan Meatballs!  Yet another recipe/reason why I must run my a$$ off!  I have to say everything I have made from Well Fed has been a keeper, and in most cases I make it again the next night because we love it that much!

You can find the original recipe on the Well Fed Blog, click HERE to check it out!  I served ours with Quinoa and it was really good!  Trader Joes has roasted, salted pistachios that put this recipe right over the top for yum factor!  Plus, they add the perfect amount of salt to the dish.  

Since it's snowing here it's going to be a non-running day for me.  Without a treadmill at home and no gym membership my only option is running outside.  With my knee feeling a little weak (running through Nordstrom in dress shoes didn't help!) I'm not risking slipping and sliding around in the snow and twisting something.  More core work today, and hopefully I'll get a run or two in over the weekend.  It's supposed to turn to rain at some point and I really want at least one more solid run before taking off to visit family next week.  

I am excited to get Sky out in the snow and see what she thinks about it!  

Anyone else playing in the snow today? 

 

 

 

Thankful Thursday

Today's Thankful Thursday is just a little bit sad, because it's time to say goodbye to someone Sky and I both adore! 

Bye, bye Liz, we are going to miss you!

Liz is the store manager (until tomorrow) at Fleet Feet Sports Tacoma and has been so much fun to work with, and get to know.  I'm sad because I'm going to miss seeing her smiling face every week, and I know Sky is going to miss her too!  There are a few people at the store that Sky is attached to, but Liz is the one she talks about the most I think.  Every Wednesday morning when I get her out of bed the first thing Sky talks about is seeing Liz.  Sky brings her name up at really random times during the week as well, so I know Liz is a big deal in Sky's world! 

A few of my favorite things about Liz:
-She always has a smile, always!
-I have never, not once, ever heard her complain or say anything the lest little bit negative.
-She is an amazing cheerleader, and gets excited for even the smallest, simplest accomplishments by others.  
-The organization skills and level of perfection in her work!
-The support she has given the stroller group, advice, help, and scheduling vendors to visit the group has been really amazing!
-She listened to me worry, and stress over my summer running goals and offered great advice and support to get my mind in the right spot!
-The fact that she gets down on hands and knees and plays with all the kiddos from stroller group.  She talks to them on their level, and gets so excited over their new skills and accomplishments from week to week. 

For me personally Liz has offered so much running life advice, and has shared information that she thought would be helpful.  The constant support and genuine excitement about my accomplishments has been truly amazing.  I'm running the strongest I ever have, and am the most confident I have even been in my running.  Liz has played a big part in me reaching a happy running place and for that I will always be thankful!   

Even though I'm sad for myself, I am happy for her!  She is moving back home to be close to family as she takes on her next big adventure...Med School!  I'm so excited to see the direction her life takes as she moves through this world! 

Liz, I'm thankful for having the opportunity to get to know you, and work with you!  Know that you have made a difference in my life, in Sky's life, and in getting the stroller group to where it's at right now!

Thank you for being you!  

That's A Wrap...Last Stroller Group of the Year!

That's a wrap for 2013.  What an awesome year of running and walking the group has had!  We test ran shoes, had a baby gender reveal, shared lot's of parenting advice, and even managed to get a few races in, and some of the kiddo's raced as well.  I can't wait to see what 2014 brings the group!

From Last Week's adidas Glide Boost Run!

I know one thing 2014 is bringing...more babies!!!  We are currently waiting for twins to arrive (safely though...they need to stay in the oven as long as possible!), and after that there is another little one due in March.  There are going to be so many double strollers in the next few months!!!

Another last of the year for me...last nights Tuesday night run.  Between Holiday travel and an unexpected post-Holiday trip I'll have a 3 week running group break.  I'm kinda sad about that, but it means I'll get lots of solo running in!  I have to get the solo runs in too, otherwise it's going to feel really horrible when I come back and try to keep up with the speedsters Tuesday night! 

Honestly I think I need the break.  My legs feel tired, especially after the 5K last weekend.  It felt amazing to go for and get a PR, but man my legs are still tired!  And, I think my knee needs a little TLC.  The next few days my focus will be stretching and foam rolling, along with a few Sky paced runs.  I really think she is going to be a trail runner...she loves it!  Or maybe it's the play breaks after the run?     

I really need to get a second foam roller because I'm tired of fighting with Sky over who gets to use the one we have.  No joke, she is a pro foam roller and stretcher!  Starting the good habits early!

Cute Sky pic of the day...

I've been replaced.

Watching cartoons with Pooh Bear while I got dressed and ready to run!  She kept checking that I was taking her with me though.  She didn't want to get left behind yet again while Mommy ran.  Love my little runner girl so much!  

Anyone doing any New Years Ever racing?  How about a first race of the year on the first?  Tell me about it!

   

  

Trail Running at the Park

Even though my plan was to keep Sky home and chill all day yesterday she kept asking to go to the park. So we bundled up and hit the trails for a little trail running, and leaf inspecting.  Thankfully it has warmed up around here and it actually didn't feel too chilly.    

Sky really loves it when we visit the park without the jogging stroller.  She knows it means she gets to pick every trail we take and she is in charge.  On my non-running day's I try to get her out there and let it be about what she wants to do.  We run, we inspect leaves, we toss rocks in the lake, watch the ducks, meet new dog's, and run some more.  

She got about a mile of running in before she started getting tired, and slowed down to walk and be goofy. 

It turned out that running a little bit at Sky pace seemed to work out the pain in my knee.  I spent time trigger pointing and foam rolling at home, and hit the hot spot that knocked the rest of the pain out.   

I let her puddle stomp all she wants at the park, but she wasn't having it yesterday.  She flat our refused to get her feet wet.  

I asked her to show me her new gloves...she loves them.  Every time she fell and got them dirty we had to brush them off and pull them all the way back on before she would calm down.

    

I was so excited to find this surprise Christmas Tree on the trail.  Sky was a little confused and kept asking me to turn the lights on.  Such a simple little thing for someone to do, but fun to find when your not expecting it.  

 

Nap time has been challenging since the move to the toddler bed.  Even though she is tired, and still needs a nap, the freedom is proving to be too much for her.  She is constantly getting up and hiding in the closet to play with toys etc.  I really thought she would conk out yesterday because the park wore her out.  She even asked to go night, night.  But, she was up playing, reading her books, and yelling "Get me out of here".  I let it go for a while in the hopes she would fall asleep...being sick I knew the rest would do her good.  Sure enough she fell asleep, but not in her bed!  I wanted to check on her since it was so quiet all of a sudden, but the door wouldn't open.  I got down on the floor to see what was blocking the door and found out it was her face. She slept that was for a a little over an hour.  

So looking forward to the group run tonight!  I'm trying to get some good quality runs in before the Holiday's and all the good food (ok all the wine...the wine it what makes getting up and running in the morning next to impossible!).  I'm taking my running stuff with me, but when it comes to visiting family I'm pretty terrible about finding time to get any runs in.  Especially in the painfully cold weather on the other side of the state.   

Anyone else traveling for the Holidays?     

I'm just thankful our travel is just a 4 hour drive and no flying involved!  

Snuggles, Sniffles, and Not Much Sleep

This is what last night looked like.  She is so plugged up and "Mommy, nose hurts" that she couldn't sleep.  I would hold her until she fell asleep, but every time I put her back in her bed she would wake up crying.
Thankfully I was able to sleep on and off while she slept, so I'm tired today, but not overtired.

I finally realized that in addition to not being able to breath while laying down, she is scared of the humidifier, so I turned it off.  It's a catch 22 because she is scared of it, but it helps her feel better.  Not sure how to get around that issue.  I also wised up sometime early this morning and put her in her bed, laid on the floor next to her and held her hand until she fell asleep.  That way I didn't wake her up transferring her, and I was able to sleep for a few hours in my own bed.

Needless to say all of today's plans are cancelled.  I'm totally ok with that.  We are both tired, she is obviously really sick, and it's raining.

I was going to stick her in the stroller and get 3 to 4 easy, slow miles in, but my knee has really been hurting, like has me worried hurting, since the race Saturday.  Another day of stretching, foam rolling, and not running is probably a good idea.  Especially since I'm probably too tired to pay attention to form today.  Instead I plan on lining up her favorite movies, and setting up a little playground under the covered entry.  Even though she's sick, she gets sick of sitting around, and has energy to burn.

A few pictures from our play break between football games yesterday.      

    

I can't really get her to eat much (she really is sick because this kid eats everything we give her!) so I'm relying on some of her favorites: string cheese, crackers (low sodium), and black olives.  Just trying to keep her hydrated and get some food in her tummy.  She didn't even eat the chocolate chip pancakes I made yesterday, what kid passes those up?!   

Thankfully it's a quiet week for the most part.  We are able to lay low and focus on getting better so we can get out of quarantine in time for Christmas!  

Anyone else a fantasy football player?  

I have a 17 point lead, but my opponent has Smith going tonight.  If I can just hold on I'll be in the championship game!!!  The Steelers not only got it done on the field, they got it done for me in fantasy football.  Bell, Brown, and Big Ben did what I needed them to, ok Ben could have got a few more points, but the other two did great!  

Last Race of the Year and a New PR!!!

Santa Runs Tacoma was a success!!!  New 5K PR people.  It was totally the antlers and the socks that did it!  ;-)

adidas Energy Boost getting it done for me!

Old PR - 27.56, new PR - 25:56!  A 5K time in the 25's has been my goal for two years and I finally did it! I know for some that isn't very fast, but maintaining a 8:30'ish and below pace for a whole race (even a short one like a 5K) is really hard for me, and I'm super proud of myself for doing it!  

Mostly I was excited about how good I felt.  Don't get me wrong, it was hard, and I had to stay super focused to do it, but I felt strong, confident in my ability, and nothing hurt at all.  I knew I had it.  I kept thinking to myself "I'm doing it, I'm really doing it"!  I'm not going to lie though...I was really happy to see the finish line!     

Grace and Michelle finished as well, super proud of Grace getting her first 5K under her belt!  After we all crossed the finish line it was time for the Kids 1K!  

  I really wish I knew what Kiera was saying to crack Sky up like that!

Sky started out pretty happy, but it didn't last long.  To be fare Sky is sick again.  Worse this time around actually.  After waking up with a face crusted in snot we probably should have pulled the plug on this one. But, she kept saying she wanted to run, and even when she's sick there is all that toddler energy that needs burning off, so we gave it a go.  

Don't my antlers look cute on Mark!

Kiera did great.  She took off, and the one time I tried to sprint ahead of her and get a picture she kept up with me!  Sky's race was a bit rougher.  She took a nasty spill and skidded on her face.  Her smile turned to this...

We carried her for a bit and when Bob and Kiera passed us on their way back to the start/finish we turned around and tried to finish with them.  We thought Kiera would spur Sky on, but she was falling down, veering off course and just not into it.  We took our time, but finally made it back to the finish.

That's the last race of the year for Sky and I.  I'm ready to rest and relax and enjoy lot's of fun with friends and family.  I'll still get some "training" runs in, but they will purely be relaxing, fun runs.  The next training cycle starts in Feb and I'm looking forward to agenda free running for a few weeks!

Did anyone else run in a Holiday themed race this weekend?

1,000 Posts Later....

...and I'm still here.  Yep, that's right today is my 1,000 post on the blog!  If I were a real blogger there would be glitter, confetti and fireworks, and I would have a totally awesome giveaway lined up for you.  But, I don't.  The only thing I have is more cute Sky pics and my usual ramblings about life and running.

(The very first post right HERE...wow, sad little post.  My how things have changed)!

Speaking of running, tomorrow is my last race of the year!  It's kind of funny to me that my last race of the year always seems to be a 5K, and I kind of despise 5K's.  Just not my favorite distance to run at all.  But, it's the Santa run and it's always a lot of fun.  The best part is this year I have Sky's 1K to look forward to after I finish.

I have gone back and forth on how I'm going to run tomorrow.  My original plan to run with my cousin has fallen through due to an injury, so now I'm running solo.  Since that doesn't happen often for me, at this distance, I think I'm going to go for a PR.  I'm just shy of 5K PR pace when I run with Sky, without even trying really...just running at a pace that feels good, so it makes me think I have a PR in me running solo. Given that I haven't put any true effort into speed work I could be totally wrong about my ability, but I'm going for it.

Even though my 2014 running goal is to PR all my distances I would be perfectly happy getting the 5K done early, and focusing on the longer distances in 2014.  Shout out to Michelle and Grace as they are running Graces first 5K.  And, a shout out to Kiera as it will be her first 1K!  Love the little runners we are raising!

Yesterday Sky spent her time running around the children's museum.  Until she found the nursery and then all she wanted to do was hold her baby and feed it.  The sad tears she had when I told her she needed to let the other kiddo's have a turn just about broke my heart.  It must of broke hers to because she was done playing after that.  All she wanted was to go home.

She loves pretending to drive that old truck, it's the first thing she runs to every time we visit the museum.  The Lego wall and train table are close seconds.  I'm wondering though if the nursery is going to become the new favorite.  She looks so serious!

What's your favorite distance to run?  

Mine is the 1/2 for sure.  Just long enough to be challenging but not so long that I want to give up (unless it's See Jane, I still have bad dreams about that race!).

Had To Share...

Our internet is back!!!  Just in time to share what was going on while I did the dishes tonight.

My babe and baby reading books and giggling under my favorite quilt.  I can't tell you how happy moments like this make my heart!

Love those two so much!