Running Isn't Always Amazing

Today's run was not amazing at all.  I was slow, my legs were tired, I was dehydrated from only drinking coffee all morning, I hit the trails instead of sticking to the pavement (which is my norm), and I cheated on my adidas with the "other" shoes.  My only goal was to make up the miles I missed Wednesday, so being slower doesn't bother me.  What does bother me is how hard it felt.  My legs were tired and heavy and it just felt like a struggle the entire time.

I know I'm not going to have an amazing run every time, but it still isn't fun to slog through a rough one.  Thankfully I have a chance to get back on track tomorrow morning with Elya on my favorite new loop.  

You may or may not be aware that there is a big football game this Sunday.  It's kind of impossible to escape the fact living in WA!  

While I love football I can't say I love the Hawks.  It's not that I don't like the team it's more that they aren't the Steelers so I don't really care.  But, I do care about all my Hawk loving friends...so for them I hope the Hawks win.  It's a crazy feeling when your team wins the SB, and I want that elation and excitement for them.  

In a little show of support for the local team I opted not to wear any Steelers gear today, and I stopped by the local coffee shop and ordered the 12th Man Mocha.  It's a white chocolate mocha with blue raspberry. 

This picture doesn't even come close to showing off the horrific blue color of my coffee.  It was putrid blue.  But, it did taste good if not a bit too sweet. 

Since everything comes back to the Steelers I should actually cheer for the Hawks since they aren't playing the Steelers this time.  But, despite being a Steelers Fan For Life, I'm also a Peyton fan and would like to see him win after making an amazing comeback.  Plus, I don't think he will retire until he has at least one more SB ring, and let's face it...it will be a little easier for the Steelers to get back to the SB if they don't have to go through Peyton to get there.  So my plan is to cheer for everybody on Sunday.  Whoever is making the big play on every down it getting my support.  That way at the end of the game I'll be happy either way.

Mostly I'm looking forward to margaritas and fajitas Sunday!  That's a good combo right there!

Is anyone running this weekend?  

Shout out to my BIL who is running Surf City Marathon this Sunday.  He will be among the 21,000 runners registered.  That seems like so many people!  I know he's hoping for a PR and I hope he gets it! 

I may actually run Sunday morning with Sky.  Just to get her out of the house for a run/play time at the park before the game starts.  She likes football, but she has her limits.  

Who's watching the SB and who do you want to win/think will win?

What are you eating and drinking SB Sunday?

       

Thankful Thursday

Things I'm Thankful for today:

-Rain.  If it's raining that means it's not freezing, snowing, below 0.  I'll take the rain. 

-That Sky's Nabi Jr. gave her, and me, an hour of laying in bed quiet time.  Even though she didn't nap, at least she was quiet and laying still. 

-Sky is really pretty great at being sick.  Throwing up doesn't bother her at all.  No tears or crying.  She just does it, asks for help cleaning up and moves on.

How we spent yesterday morning.  By the afternoon she was eating, playing, and acting like she hadn't been sick all morning. 

-That the parents only live a few minutes away.  Gentry was able to deliver Pedialyte which was the only think she could keep down for most of the morning.  

-That the stroller group is so awesome!  There is always someone willing to step up and cover for me when I can't be there.  

-For a "forced" day of zero plans.  I really don't mind when all we do is hang out all day in pj's and watch cartoons/movies.  I don't normally condone as much TV time as we had yesterday, but sometimes it's just what you need to do to get through. 

-Athleta's Spring catalog, so many pretty things to contemplate replacing some older running gear with!

Here's to hoping it was just a strange one day tummy bug, and that today doesn't start with a bed full of vomit and tons of laundry.

Tell me two things you're thankful for today!

Winter Run Challenge Update

First I want to give a shout out to my sister.  She is 7 weeks into training for Way Too Cool 50K and was injured yesterday.  Like, had to be helped by mountain bikers who called a ranger to get her off the mountain hurt.  I remember how excited her and her husband were that they both won lottery spots into this race, and she instantly put together a training plan/schedule and has been doing great. 

If thinking positive/healing thoughts were enough then she'd already be 100% better and able to run today.  I know it doesn't work that way though, but still I wanted her to know I'm thinking of her and hoping this is just a "needs a few days of rest" type of thing vs a "needs a few months of recovery" type of thing.

You may remember I posted about a Winter Run Challenge HERE and let me tell you, so far it's going great!

By the way, it's not too late to get in on this if you need a little winter running motivation.  I'm not much of a joiner, I like to fly solo, but I have to admit that committing to this, and let's face it posting it here for the world to see, has kept me accountable.  I have over achieved on miles every week and am having fun doing it.  There have been a few times that I just have lacked motivation but knowing I still need X number of miles to make the goal for the week has gotten me out the door, so it's working! 

I'm finding that the earlier in  the week I run the more likely I am to get it done and get extra miles even.  (Sort of like blogging, if I don't get up early before Sky and do it, lets face it chances are it isn't happening.  I have been sleeping in more and more the last few weeks,  hence the hit and miss blogging as of late, I'm back on track though!).  

I had a great run last night with the group!  Michelle joined me, I may have twisted her arm just a little - it's just more fun running with her than without, for adidas night last night!  It was the end of the first session of Winter Warriors.  Fleet Feet runs a winter incentive, and every group run you attend over a certain period of time enters you into a grand prize drawing.  It's another way to stay motivated to run when it's cold, wet, and dark out.  I didn't test run any shoes, but I did get to pick a prize from the adidas box.  I would totally post pics but the backpack (for me) and hat (for Mark) I got are in the room and Mark is still asleep.  

February is my get (more) real about running month for sure.  Several races open up for registration and my race calender will go from "what I'm considering" to "what I'm committed to doing" in a hurry.  Plus, training for the Whidbey Island 1/2 starts next week!!!  I'm so excited to have a set running schedule again, and tons of Elya running time!  Also excited we resolved the lodging issue and found a camping cabin we can afford!  We were considering bailing on this race because lodging on the island is really expensive, but fellow Half Fanatics helped us out with suggestions and it's full steam ahead to the first 1/2 of the year!   

Enough about running...a few Sky pics from the last several days for you:

 Dance Party and I love the Steelers shirt!!

 Frog n Kiwi play time.

 Reading to herself. 

 She loves to "cook" soup...it's her favorite thing to do lately. 

 

How do you stay motivated for winter running? 

Do you register for races early, or are you a register last minute type of person?

Opening day...I want the best price possible!

How far out do you plan your race schedule?

I'm not registered for all of them, but I pretty much know what I'm running through Dec 2014.  

Have a great Wednesday...only 4 1/2 more days until SB!!!  Not my teams, but I'm still way excited!

 

Weekend Awesomeness!

We had a pretty much awesome weekend.  Well...actually Sky and I had an awesome weekend, while Mark unfortunately found more to do projects around the house.  I guess it's ok timing since the master bath is almost done, so he needed a new project right?

Let's just say finding rotting support beams under the deck was not the high point of the weekend for him.  :-/  The joys of being a home owner, the projects just never ever, ever end.   

On to the good stuff!  It started with a Sassy new hair cut!!! 

Thanks to Eleanor this is the smoothest and most stylish grow-out I have ever gone through!  Love this cut, and I can see the end result in the near'ish future and am loving it!

It got even better when I found out Michelle registered for the St. P day 5K, which means we get to run it together!!!  Since I PR'd the Santa Run I'm going to wait and make the 2014 Santa Run my next 5K PR attempt.  I'm saving St. P Day 5K for fun, sparkly cute skirts, and running with my Irish best friend!  It's only fitting! 

My trusty adidas energy Boost got me through 5 Mile Drive!

 

I don't bail on runs with friends, or on myself (for the most part) for that matter.  But, having said that I still feel like every run has the potential to not happen until I lace up the shoes.  Once I have the shoes on my feet I start thinking about how amazing it's going to feel to pound out some miles, and how great breakfast is going to taste when I get home.  The shoes are the magic go button for me! 

Saturday morning Michelle and I hit up 5 Mile Drive for a good butt kicking run!  5 Mile Drive always make me nervous, and it's not because the bathrooms are closed this time of year (ok maybe it is), it's because it's a for real run with challenging hills and even on a "I feel like I can run fast and forever" day it's still harder than anything else I run.  I always feel kind of bad a$$ when I don't drop to my knees at the finish.

After starting the weekend with a good hill workout of a run the rest of the weekend was all about stretching, foam rolling, relaxing and having fun with the babe (after he finished installing the faucets in the master bath) and baby. 

Sunday we found a new park to explore.  It's very, very secluded so Sky and I won't be going there without Mark, but it was nice that there was no one else around while we explored.   

Throwing rocks in the water. 

 

 Playing their version of Pooh Sticks!

She tried to push the tree over, then turned around and gave it a big hug!

   
The nice thing about starting the weekend with a good hard run, getting some tasks done, and spending lot's of time playing with the tot is that I don't feel bad at all that once the Pro Bowl started I sat on the couch watching the game and then stayed up late to watch the Grammy's.  I feel like I earned that "lazy" time watching TV and drinking good wine.

Who else watched the Pro Bowl? 
I wasn't sure how I'd like the new changes, but it was a much more exciting game to watch than the last few years have been. 

What was your favorite performance of the Grammy's? 
Close tie between Pink and Macklemore.  

 

Unplanned Rest Day and Chocolate Chili From the Kitchen

Thank Goodness It's Friday Rest-day!  I totally planned on running today, but after my pilates session yesterday my legs have been cramping and twitching non-stop.  I must have done something right because I feel it today for sure!  I'm putting my ProCompression to good use and thankfully the twitching has calmed down.  But, given the hilly 5 miles I have planned tomorrow I thought a rest day along with stretching and trigger pointing would be a good idea.  Maybe some wine too, yeah that makes everything better!  

It's probably for the best anyway.  Sky has the beginnings of a cold and is cranky, cranky, cranky!  She is asking for cuddles and hugs non-stop, which I don't mind, and the rest of the time she is upset, whining and crying at the drop of a hat. 

In less than .01 of a second she went from happy to sad all because I used the wrong color to draw a circle for her.  It's really hard being almost 3.  Can I just point out how cute her new headband is!  She pointed it out at the store and asked for it and I couldn't resist getting it for her.  

I haven't shared a recipe in a long time...I'm still cooking away, just trying so many yummy new recipes I get stuck figuring out which one to share.  This Chocolate Chili was a huge hit with all three of us.  I was a little skeptical of chocolate and chili together but it was pleasantly surprising and not spicy. 

Gluten free cornbread and avocado were the perfecting way to top it off.  Another great recipe from Well Fed...you can find the link to the recipe HERE.  It's quick, easy, yummy and totally worth giving a try.

How many rest day's a week do you take?
More than I should!

Are rest days truly a rest day for you, or do you still do something low impact like walking or yoga?
Football Sunday is a true, sit on my a$$ all day, rest day. 

Have a great weekend everyone!  I don't know how much I will post since the weather is supposed to be really decent, so Sky and I will be making the most of it while Mark works on finishing the master bathroom.  Doing a happy dance about that!!!

  

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for:

-Sky's love of running!  It makes my heart so happy! 

When I asked her if she wanted to go to the park today she said, "I run, run no stroller"?  "No stroller" is her way of saying I'm tired of you pushing me on runs, I want my own run time for once.  She is saying "No stroller" more and more as of late.

So we ran, well she runs and I fast walk.  Also, Violet apparently needed a run today as well.  She carried Violet all over the park.  I didn't track it, but from past experience I'm confident we ran/walked a good 2.5 miles, her carrying Violet the whole way.

Of course we took a few breaks along the way.  Every bench we see Sky simply must try them out and take in all the wildlife around her.

-A little glimpse into her non-mommy time.  As a SAHM there are not many parts of Sky's day/life that are hers and hers alone.  I'm always around for better or worse.  I can't tell you how much I enjoy listening to her outside her bedroom door when she wakes up in the mornings.  It's one of the few times that she is on her own and has no idea I'm there.  She has full conversations with herself about how she needs to listen, what an exciting day it's going to be, all the friends she wants to see, she tells herself, "don't be shy, but it's ok sometimes" and "sharing is so nice".  She also talks about "no pee in potty" (potty training, or the lack of, is a big topic right now), "I no get stickers" (we are trying to use stickers to motivate her to pee in the potty).

     
I just love hearing all my words come back to haunt me, or make me proud, in these morning conversations with herself.  It's not always deep, sometimes she's singing along with Violet, or just talking nonsense or playing with toys.  But, when I actually get to hear what's on her mind totally unprompted with zero influence from my presence and I love it! 

-A weekend with zero plans, aside from my Sat am run.  I'm just feeling so not social right now, no reason.  No one made me mad or upset me, I'm just really content to be at home with my two fave people, doing our own thing.

-The lack of a Polar Vortex in W WA!  Don't get me wrong, I love snow, but I'm really happy to not deal with below freezing temps and snow right now. 

Tell me one thing your thankful for! 

 

Stroller Running and Exciting Sock News!

Started my day with 3 easy miles with the stroller group this morning.  I love our current route through the pretty streets of N T Town and the UPS campus.  Two hills for a good leg burn, but the rest of the route is really nice and easy.  By Wednesday I'm so ready for a more relaxed pace and chit chatting with other running mommies. 

It makes me happy that when I tell Sky we are going to the store to run she responds with "This is going to be fun".  Love my little runner!

I wanted to share some super exciting news on the gear front:

 
The ONLY running socks I wear are Pro Compression and have them in almost every color.  I am so excited about these, I just hope they make them in the Knee High version because that's (almost) all I run in.  I may just order these anyway for walking.  So fun! 

FYI - sign up on the website for the newsletter and get the sock of the month discount code every month.  It's good for 40% off which makes the knee highs affordable for sure! 

I was asked today what difference the knee highs make and all I can share is my personal experience.  I don't really get into the scientific studies behind all the different gear because they all contradict each other.  If I'm having problems with something and there is something out there that may help I turn to blog reviews and customer reviews and decide from there to give it a try or not.

One of the biggest reasons I used to hate running was because I get shinsplints just thinking about running, let along actually running.  I also get horrible calf cramps.  I had gotten to a point that I wanted to up my running game, but things were acting up and I needed help.  Enter Pro Compression knee highs.  From day one the shinsplints ended and the calf cramps were kept at bay.  Don't get me wrong my calf's still hurt after long, hard runs but I don't get cramps in the middle of the night or during runs.

I have tested out going without the knee highs and even after just 3 miles the shins fire up, so I know for a fact they work.  You may remember I went on a very challenging trail run this summer (check it out HERE) with tons of elevation gain and loss and my legs were jacked up after.  Notice in those pics what I'm missing...my socks!!!  It was so hot and I have issues with heat stroke so skipped the knee highs and wore the low trainers.  I could hardly walk after, but I put on my Pro Compression the next day(s) and it made a huge difference with recovery!

Keep an eye out for the spring line up.  I'm sure they have lot's of great new things to share!

For the daily Sky pic:

I created a bin of dried beans and rice so she can "help" cook dinner when I'm working in the kitchen.  She is on a huge "I make soup" kick, so I asked her to make soup and gave her containers to scoop the mixture into.  She was happy for almost an hour using her new kitchen toys.  She took it very serious. 

What's the one piece of running gear/clothing you must have on every run?

Sunny in the PNW!

P.S. Sometimes the P.S. has to come first!  I added a new tab under the header: Race Bucket List!  Go check it out and let me know what races I'm missing!  I decided I needed a place to keep track of races I want to do rather than doing a post a year about it and then forgetting.  

No snow here.  I don't think there are very many times anyone can be envious of the weather we have in the PNW, but given the winter storms and snow/cold parts of the country are getting...this is the place to be right now!  Ok, maybe SoCal has us beat, but still it's pretty darn nice here right now in comparison to winter storms and snow!

Perfect running weather!

Normally I run with the Fleet Feet run group Tuesday nights, but given the sun and the pretty pink in the sky I opted to run with the babe and baby in daylight.  That is Mt. Rainier over my shoulder.  I LOVE that this park is within running distance from our front door and I can make routes between 3 to 10 miles depending on what I need.  We got in 3.96 miles with me pushing the stroller.  Such a hard leg workout for me pushing that thing on muddy trails and up hills (thank you to the babe for co-pushing the stroller up the last killer hill). Trail running is hard but trail running with a stroller is even harder!  

I have said it before, but I'm so thankful that we have an amazing jogging stroller, and that I get to run with my two favorite people.  It's pretty special to share what I love with my two first loves!  I'm one happy runner tonight...could be due to the good wine.  ;-)

In other running news I just finalized plans to run 5 Mile Drive Sat morning with Michelle.  I'm scared!  I haven't run 5MD in a very long time, and have not run hills since the Run For A Soldier the end of Sep.  It's been all flat and easy sailing for me since then.  It's going to kick my butt, but I'm looking forward to the punishment!  I feel the need for a good hard hilly run!

Update - I mentioned yesterday that Sky's toddler bed broke and we were getting a new one, well she LOVES it!!!

Thank you Tara and Les for hooking us up with a really nice free bed!  

The sheets look red but they are really hot pink (there is pink in the comforter).  It took a ridiculous amount of time to pick out the bedding. Thank goodness Sky is a patient little girl because we wondered up and down the bedding isles at Target for way, way, way too long.  We didn't want tons of pink and are planning on painting her room (why the heck did we think yellow was a good option in the first place?!) so got bedding in the hues we are considering for wall color.

I'm always a bit worried that big changes will cause nap and bed-time issues, but apparently we are lucky because Sky continues to be a great sleeper!  She is very proud of the big girl bed and new bedding.  She talks about it all the time and wants to hang out on her bed as much as possible.  And, of course she loves jumping on it.  It's bigger and even bouncier than the old one.  That's one of those things we just aren't going to fight, she loves jumping and it makes her happy, so we let her go for it!

To those living and running in the winter storm path stay warm and stay safe!

What's the weather like where you are?

Any races I need to add to my bucket list?   



 

Happy Monday!

I hope it's a free day for you like it is for us!  Hurray for long weekends...I feel like we need the extra day too.  The Monday after divisional playoffs and the Monday after the SB should always be Holidays!  Yesterday's games were exciting to watch for sure! 

The upside of my team not being in the playoffs is I get to relax and truly enjoy the games.  While I wanted the Broncos and Hawks to win (even though I like the 9ers and am a Kap fan I went with the home team for my Hawk friends) I wouldn't have cared if they lost.  None of the teams involved are the Steelers so it doesn't really matter.   

Before the football fest started we headed to the park so Sky could play and I could get the .7 of a mile that I needed to reach my weekly mile goal.  I overachieved and ran 1.3 miles, and since it was a short run I focused on running fast.  It's not fast for some but 8:52 is blazing for me!  It was only for a mile though so nothing to get too excited about.   

    Same park, but this pic is from Friday.

I totally had visions of getting 4 to 5 miles on Friday and 4 to 5 Saturday or Sunday, and overachieving my mile goal for the week.  But, life happened and other things took priority.  I'm fine with that though.  1/2 training starts in a few weeks and I'm going to have to plan around running instead of running around life.  It's all about balance, and I'm still going into this training cycle with a higher mile base than with past training cycles.  

I had grand plans of a nice long run today, but we are picking up a new bed for Sky, and after that we have some unexpected plans that may or may not lead to an exciting, unplanned development for us, in the near, or near'ish future.  And, no we are not adding another family member.  Vague blogging at it's best and most irritating!  Sorry, but that's all I'm willing to share.

Why do we need a new bed for Sky?  Well, friday while Michelle and I were having fun at JT, Sky was having fun jumping on her bed with Grace and Kiera.  So much fun that the bed broke!  That's the story Mark and Bob are sticking to anyway.  But after this type of behavior from them in the past...

  

...I'm pretty sure they were jumping on the bed with the girls!  ;-)

  

Despite Sky's best efforts to fix it the bed is done.  Thankfully a friend of a friend has a twin bed, mattress and sheets for us, and we are picking it up today.  Sky gets an even bigger girl bed, lets hope this one lasts a bit longer than the toddler bed did.    

And, because I need to delete a ton of photos off my phone, and you only really care about Sky pics anyway, here are some random ones for you...

It took about 20 min for this oil change and Sky talked to herself in the mirror the entire time!

 The babe and baby (I can't really call her a baby anymore can I?!) having a dance party!

Babies, babies everywhere!  Another friend had a baby and we finally got to meet her a few weekends ago.  Sky was in baby holding heaven!  

Questions for you: 

Hawks vs Broncos...who's going to win?

I want the Broncos to win, but won't be disappointed if the Hawks win.  I just really like Peyton and really don't like Sherman...don't even get me started on his behavior after the game last night.  (And this is why I am now crossed off invite lists to friends SB parties).

Do you have a game day dinner?

For us it's tacos.  Every Football Sunday we have tacos.  Quick, easy (meaning I don't miss much of the game when cooking), and yummy!  For SB I will do a crock pot meal though...I don't want to miss the commercials!

Kiddo's jumping on the bed ok or not?

I'm a little torn on this one, because Sky loves to jump (girl needs a trampoline) and I don't really see the harm in it, but don't want to be replacing beds all the time either.  Oh, maybe we can keep the tot mattress and put it on the floor for her to jump on!

Since it's MLK Day and he had a dream...Tell me What's your dream? 
I have a dream for a world filled with understanding.  When you understand why a person does/says/acts the way they do...understand their beliefs and experiences it helps take away the anger and judgment.  Understanding does not have to mean agreement, but it often times does mean a bit more kindness and compassion. 

I realize this is a broad generalization some people/situation don't warrant understanding or compassion...one example - extremists that think murder/racial or religious cleansing is ok...I don't feel the need to understand them/that type of behavior.

Enjoy your Monday and take a moment to reflect on MLK and what he stood for and worked for! 

Justin Timberlake and Martini's

That's really all I need to say for you to know how last night went down!  

I had too so much fun with Michelle!  The last time I was out dancing until 2am we got the call at 6am to head to the hospital for Sky's birth!  It doesn't happen often, but when it does we sure have fun! 

Mr. JT (I will forever call him Mr. after last night!) turned Key Arena into the biggest, best dance club in Seattle! Easily the best concert I've been too period.  You have to respect an artist who doesn't even need an opening act!  That's kinda bad a$$!  3 hours of JT on stage dancing and singing his heart out, and Michelle and I dancing and singing right along with him. 

So very thankful I got to go to this concert with her.  We have talked about seeing him for years, through all the years that he stepped away from music even.  We hoped that he'd tour again some day and it was hard to not have tickets when it finally did happen.  So, thank you Bob for being an awesome husband and getting Michelle tickets, and thank you Michelle for inviting me to go with you! 

We were in Seattle a little after 4, concert wasn't until 8 (but started an hour late...it was 9 or a little after when Mr. JT hit the stage), so we hit up a martini bar and killed some drinks time. 

I LOVE a good dirty martini!

We caught up with our friends Alex and Abi during a 10 minute intermission, this was her first concert and a gift from Alex.  She was enjoying herself!

Bottom Right is the view of the stage from our seats.  I loved that we were directly out from the stage.  The white part behind the stage was video screens that sadly were mostly graphics and lights, not very many shots of JT on stage live.  Usually that would really irritate me at a show, but JT was so darn entertaining and engaging with the crowd that it didn't bother me at all.  He's just so dang cool, confident, and sexy (without being arrogant) that it was just fun to be there and enjoy the music. The picture on the Left is one of the only times he was up on the video screen.  Upper Right is what it looked like during the show.  

A bridge like part of the stage was on a track and moved to the back of the floor seats, and he did several songs from there.  We could see him a bit better from there since he was right below us.

The whole night was just a lot of fun.  I have to say it was really fun being in Seattle two nights before the big playoff game with SanFran.  The energy and excitement over the Hawks was pretty fun to be part of, and JT even got into it leading cheers and giving a shout out to the players at the show.  

If you have a chance to see JT do it!!!  It's just him, his music and not much else.  Yes there were lights and graphics, but really it was kinda simple and just about him doing his thing, having fun and allowing us to watch him do it.  

What a great way to start the weekend!  

I hope everyone is having fun and enjoying the long weekend!  I love that Mark has MLK day off and Sky get's an extra day of Daddy time!   

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for:

-Cute, underage drivers!

I guess Sky didn't trust Reagan's ability?  

Sky was so happy!

-For a best friend that takes me to concerts with her!  So excited for JT tomorrow!  

-For fun nail polish, what else am I going to do when I can't sleep and am up until 4am?!

It only lasted a day, super pretty but it was really way flashy.  Next time I will only do one nail! 

-For fresh produce!  There are some places in the world that don't have fresh veggies and fruits sitting around in grocery stores waiting to be purchased.  I'm thankful that we do!

-For Football Sunday this week!  The games should be pretty great, I'm predicting better than whatever the SB match-up ends up being.  Since it's the last two games before SB I'm glad they are going to be good! 

-That I got a full nights sleep last night after only getting 3 the night before.  

-That Elya can start running!  First run post-baby on Wednesday!  I have missed her so much!

-For cute hats.  This may be the worst of the "I'm growing my hair out" stages ever!  I can't handle it most days.

-For my babe and my baby.  Those two know how to make me so happy and content.  It's not always roses and sunshine around here, but these are the two I want to go through all the not fun stuff with, and all the fun stuff as well.  

What are you thankful for today?

adidas Glide Boost Test Run #2!

You may recall THIS post last month where I test ran the newest addition to the adidas boost family - the Glide Boost.  While I liked the shoe I really wanted a chance to test run them when I was healthy.  That run felt clunky and heavy because I was sick.  I was pretty sure it was my legs and not the shoe that felt so heavy, but wanted another shot at them to make sure.

From the December test run.

I had an opportunity to give them another go today with the stroller group and guess what...I LOVE them!  

While they do feel different from the energy Boost (my first true running shoe love forever) they still feel really good.  There is enough of the Boost material that you get a nice rebound off the pavement, but it also feels like there is more support and structure.  It would be a great long slow run shoe since it has a bit more support.  

The energy Boost feels like a light, fast, I'm going to PR every time I put them on shoe.  The Glide Boost feels close'ish to that, but also feels like it's giving you some TLC while your doing it.

A sizing note I'm a half size smaller in the Glide vs the energy Boost.  I think that is largely due to there being more room in the toe box of the Glide vs the energy Boost.  The energy Boost is a much closer, sleeker fit.  Not that the Glide is clunky at all, it's not, it's just a bit roomier which is another reason it would be a good long, slow run shoe...feet swell the longer you run.  Thankfully the stretch in the upper of the energy Boost totally makes it work for me during 1/2's (my longest distance currently).           

 adidas Glide Boost

I'm not going to lie I think adidas has it figured out!  Both the Glide and the energy Boost feel amazing.  While the energy Boost will always be my race day shoe I think there is a place for the Glide Boost in the shoe rotation!  

 

I highly recommend trying them on and test running in them if possible.  It's a totally different feel from other running shoes, and it's pretty amazing!  I have to say that while the energy Boost is still my current fave the Glide Boost impressed me so much today that I almost went so far as to say they were my new fave!  They are that awesome!  

 

Thank you to Kelli and adidas for joining the stroller group today and letting us take the Boost family for a run!     

 

What is your favorite go to running shoe?

P.S. - I forgot to mention as always this post is 100% all me.  No one asked me to review the shoes or post about them.  I just love them and like sharing info that may be helpful. 

Little But Fierce

She is so proud of her new trick on her rocking horse, and she is pretty proud of her "little but fierce" shirt as well!  She TaDa's all over the place, it's her new way of making an entrance and getting us to pay attention to her.

I felt fierce myself tonight...sub 9 pace (barely...was 8:56) for the group run tonight. I felt like I was going to vomit every single step of the way, but I got it done.  I just didn't eat properly pre-run, I won't make that mistake gain!

In other good news I got this in the mail today...

The best $10 a month every month!

I am so excited about the Nail Rock!  You paint your nails with the clear stuff then dip them in the confetti pot!  How fun is that?!!!  My nails are going to be very Tada!

I was going to wait for a party to do my nails, but I just got a phone call from Michelle and in even more good news found out we are going to the Justin Timberlake concert this Friday night!!!!  I can't even begin to express how excited I am about seeing MR. JT live!  I had been trying to win us tickets for weeks, but thanks to Bob we now get to go, and I'm still a little in shock.  I kind of want to run around the block shouting at the top of my lungs, but my legs are pretty tired from the group run.  So I'll just blog about it instead.  :-)

Tell me the best concert you have ever been to!  
Mine was Aerosmith at the gorge in WA years ago.  Perfect weather, amazing performance, front row at the second stage they did part of the show from, and was with Mark.  It was pretty amazing!


  

The Danger Of Stroller Running in the Wind...

...is that when a strong enough gust comes along you may lose control of your stroller!  I should have known better than to head to Chambers Bay for a run on a windy day.  It is always twice as windy there with the wind coming right off the sound.  But, I really wanted flat and easy since it was windy and raining.

It's awesome that her stroller has a full cover on it, but when one small edge of it isn't cinched down all the way and a big old gust comes along you had better hold on!!!  I almost lost control of it and Sky almost got to test out the roll cage.  She thought it was great fun, "wee, do it again" is all I could hear as I was wrestling to get the thing back down on all three wheels.  Fun times.  

After I got in my 3 miles Sky wanted her turn to run.  Thankfully she has new Carhart's and they are perfect for running around in the rain, stomping in the mud, and puddle jumping!   

Carhart's and rain boots...what more does a girl need?

  

Sky has started singing all the time, and apparently putting on new overalls is an occasion to sing.  She put them on and then stood there singing to me about playing in her overalls and all the things she would put in her pockets. 

  

 That look is her "how fast can I get away from mom and will she chase me" look.

All the way home all I heard was, "I run like Mommy!" 

 

She was a soaking wet mess by the time we got home, but that's ok.  After a weekend of being stuck inside due to stormy weather, and sitting around watching football, we both needed to run around in the rain today!   Plus, meeting my weekly mile challenge is so much easier if I get a run in on Monday!

Anyone else doing a winter running challenge? 

P.S. There is a link to the blogs new twitter account on the Right.  It's pretty much strictly for sharing blog posts and running stuff.  I'm not a huge Twitter user and only started my account to follow what was my favorite running blogger who has discontinued her blog but still has her Twitter account and is doing business that way now.  Anyway, there aren't a ton of tweets, and I don't know how active I'll become, but it's there if you want to follow along. 

Weekend In Pics

Ok, a few words...because I was bad a$$ and ran in the wind/rain storm to beat my mile goal for the week.  To be honest it didn't rain the first half of the run, and it was downhill, so my time was amazing...sub 9!!!  Who the heck do I think I am?!  The second half was mostly uphill, it started raining and the wind was in my face like crazy.  I didn't even notice it was windy the first half, because it was at my back (hence the sub 9!), but man when I turned around and headed home it was insane.  I thought I would blaze it out back home, but not running into the wind.  I decided to treat it like resistance training and embrace the workout my legs were getting! 

It feels so good to start the weekend with a run!  I didn't feel the least little bit bad about sitting on my butt the rest of the weekend watching playoff football!  All I know is that next weekend's playoff games are crazy good match-ups! 

On to the pics:

Friday at the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia.  We found a hidden little corner with fairy's and a tea party.

 She loves this feature at the museum.  She fishes the water out and feeds them into a tube that shoot's them into a net over her head.  We spend tons of time here every week and she ends up soaking wet head to toe!

  Reading her current fave book with Daddy.

 She was watching Mickey Mouse Club house and checking the game every few seconds as well.  :)

I hope you all had great weekends!  Anyone else looking forward to next weekends playoff games?!  

 

Asked - Answered

Every so often I do one of these posts because I get asked these, or similar, questions pretty often.  But, before I offer any answers let's be clear about something, these are my answers and mine alone.  They reflect what I'm experiencing in my life and in no way are a judgment/commentary on others choices, opinions, parenting styles, life decisions etc.  So, nobody take anything personally!  

I probably get asked these first two question the most!

Are you still enjoying being a SAHM (stay at home mom)?
Yes, yes, and yes!!!  If I wasn't I would be back to work already!  Not to say there aren't "terrible two" days that the thought of daycare sounded like a great option.  Only kinda kidding.

Are you worried about finding a job when you're ready to go back to work?
No, should I be?  I think I'm a pretty employable person.  I'm in a unique situation in that I don't have to take the first job that comes along.  Obviously we are making the single income thing work, so I can narrow down the job search to the jobs/companies I really want to work for.  I have a very short list of possibilities compiled and have contacts/possibilities in some of the things I'm interested in.  My all time favorite job in the world was drive thru coffee stand and have always said I would love to get back to that, but I also really love running/fitness/outdoor stuff so who knows where I'll end up.  I doubt it will be back to a 9-5 desk job though...I have zero interest in going back to that kind of work life.

When are you going to run a marathon?
That answer hasn't changed...as of right now never.  I just don't want to.  It's a huge commitment and I don't want to dedicate the time to the training and to making the fitness/food changes that I feel like I would want/need to make.  I find running 5k's, 10k, 1/2's, etc plenty challenging.  There are always PR's to chase and other things to perfect.  I'm not even close to being satisfied with my 1/2 time...there is a solid 21 minutes that needs to come off.  Running a marathon is not the only way to challenge myself as a runner!  If I ever start to feel like my running life won't be complete until there is a marathon under my belt then I'll reconsider, but for now I'm very happy as is.

Sky Pic Break!

  Not so safe Safety Tower!

When are you sending Sky to Preschool?

As of right now there are no plans to send her to preschool.  We aren't apposed to an affordable option if we found one, but with me not working it's not really something we want to/can afford.  That answer leads to the next question...

Aren't you afraid she will be behind when she starts school?

No I'm not.  The "knowing things" piece I'm not worried about at all.  I have tons of teaching tools and feel like Sky is right where she needs to be, her Dr. agrees, and thinks preschool from a knowledge standpoint, wouldn't be the best use of our resources.  So the only other issue is a social one and her ability to listen to a teacher.  As a SAHM it's my job to get her out of the house to play groups, story time, free preschool at the museum etc to ensure she is well adjusted.  At this point I have zero concerns, if that changes then we will reconsider.  

What do you like the most about being a SAHM?

That I get to see all her firsts for myself.  Every new word, skill, shenanigan I'm here for and get to be a part of it all first hand!  I love being there when she learns something new or does something (even if it's a no, no) for the first time.  I know what lead up to all her firsts and how much effort, practice, time it took to master new skills and words.  

What's the hardest part of being a SAHM?

There are two things.  1) The 24/7 work schedule gets hard at times.  My week days look just like a weekend day.  The sameness of it is hard sometimes.  2) Feeling like Sky is limited to my knowledge/imagination.  I can only teach her what I know and her adventures are limited to my creativity.  Thankfully there are lot's of resources in the community like story time at the library, play to learn, outings like the stroller group and frog n kiwi so she gets input from other adults and kiddos. There is a whole big world out there with so much to learn, see and do and just because I haven't done something or know about something doesn't mean that Sky should miss out.  So I put a lot of effort into new experiences and knowledge for both of us.  

Another picture break...

 Best part of being SAHM = all the cuddle time!

What is your top piece of parenting advice?

Two things...try an amber teething necklace!  It may sound too "natural" for some, but it worked great for us.  After the first two teeth came in and we got the necklace we never gave her Tylenol again for teething.  Heck we didn't even know she was teething until new teeth showed up.  Worst case, it doesn't work and you end up with a really cute piece of baby jewelry. 

Second, give baby led weening a try!  Skip all that jarred, mushy, yucky tasting baby food and give real food a try.  Do your research, read a book about it, and then give it a go.  Sky is the most adventurous eater ever and we have very few food issues with her.  Dinner time has always been a pretty easy, fun experience with her and there are very few (I can only think of two) foods she doesn't like.  The only down side I can come up with is she is picky in that she won't eat anything bland, she loves big, flavorful, beautiful food!  Good thing I'm an adventurous cook! 

Isn't it hard running with the stroller?   

Umm...YES!!!  That's why I'm a bad a$$!  Seriously yes it is really hard sometimes, but I love how much Sky loves it and that she runs with me now at the end of my runs, so it's totally worth it!

Last picture break...

          Took her to pick out big girl undies, totally thought she would go for Mini Mouse or Tinkerbell...nope all she wanted were the Car's ones. So she is rocking little boy undies.  No picture of that though...she is too young for those kind of pics on the www!  

Why the Steelers?

My Dad's cousin, Ray Mansfield, played for them in the 70's and won two SB during his time with the team.  I never met Ray, but have grown up with all the story's etc.  On top of it being a family thing I just really like old school, hard hitting, play in the mud type of football and the Steelers are that kind of team, and a well run organization that doesn't put up with off the field antics.  Big Ben being the exception.

This last one may be the million dollar question:

Are you going to adopt again?

Not at this time.  It's a financially and emotionally challenging process.  We added the perfect little girl to our family and have the most amazing birth mother in our life and things feel pretty perfect just the way they are.  If there was a situation and someone came to us and said here is a baby we want you to adopt it, well then that would be a conversation for sure.  

I get a ton of adoption related questions.  I'm more than happy to answer them, but it's too much to get into on the blog, so if anyone does have any questions regarding adoption please feel free to ask in the comments or vie the email on the contact page.  

I'm a pretty open book and I don't mind the questions at all.  I find some of them funny, and am surprised sometimes, but it doesn't bother me, so ask away and I will answer them.  

My turn!  

I want Super Bowl predictions!!!  Who is it going to be playing the big game?  

I think Hawks and Broncos.    

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful that we have a second toilet again!!!

For those that are new to the blog the master bathroom has been in a state of remodel (as in totally demolished) for close to 2 years (2 1/2 months short of two years!).  It's been a roller coaster of a remodel with unexpected major repairs (like replacing all the pipes and rotted sub-flooring) to waiting and waiting for tile and other supplies to come in.  It's been one major hurdle after another, and way more $$ than budgeted for.  I guess I should really be thankful that we have a guest bathroom...it's allowed us to save up and work new expenses into the budget as we go.    

The upside is it's going to be the nicest, maybe most expensive, room in the house!  I'm excited to share pictures, but it's Mark's project so I'm waiting until he gives the green light on sharing.  

Anyway, the new toilet went in Monday, worked twice and then was plugged and no longer working by Tuesday morning.  Mark figured it was the wax seal he used and decided to pull the toilet and replace the seal with a different kind.  Only this is what he found when he pulled the toilet...

 
...apparently Sky wanted to "work" in the bathroom as well and left some tools behind.  I'm super thankful Mark has a great sense of humor and wasn't even mad.  He was cracking up when he walked out to show me what the problem was.  Mostly we are thankful it was toy screw drivers and nothing major, like bad plumbing.  This was an easy fix and within a few minutes we were back to a two toilet house!  We just have to keep Sky and her tool box out of there!

There is still a lot to be done in the bathroom, but at least there are two working toilets again...with a potty training tot in the house a second toilet is helpful!  Yes I'm totally aware that having two toilets is a first world problem...there are those that don't even have one.  I'm very thankful for the life I live and the home Mark works so hard to keep over our heads!

A few other things I'm thankful for today:
-Rain, because it means I'm not running in freezing, or below, temps like a lot of the country!
-That I managed an 8:06 mile with the Tuesday Night group and while I ended with positive splits I was under 9:30 the entire time.  It was way harder than it should have been, but I'm thankful the Holiday break didn't set me back too far!
-That my Aunt sent Sky's favorite coloring books that we left there.  I knew they were missing, but had no idea where they went.  I'm just glad she sent them back before Sky asked for them!
-That we have zero plans for the day.  Sky and I can do whatever we want (I'm thinking puddle stomping at the park) with zero plans/obligations.  I love having a free day and letting her direct what activities we do.
-That it's a Pilates day and not a running day...my legs need the break!

Tell me one thing you are thankful for!