Ready To Run!

I am ready for 8 early morning miles tomorrow!

Yes I use Sky's booster seat to stage my early morning running gear.  The fact that adidas is in the picture means it's a long run, and I'm actually looking forward to it! 

Remember numbers are all relative...8 miles is legit!  For half training you're over half way to the finish when you hit 8, and every time I get 8 under my belt in a training cycle I feel good.  It's my stop stressing, I can do this moment mile wise. 

It's early (even though I've had early runs that this!) in the morning, which is why all my running gear/clothing is on the kitchen table/Sky's seat, I don't like to wake Mark up so I get dressed and ready to go in the dinning room.  Curtains and shades are closed, so no peaking!  ;-p 

After the run is done it's a quick shower and then Sky and I hit the road to visit the E side of the state.
Call me lucky, lazy, or smart but somehow I get to go away for the weekend while Mark and my sis-in-law finish painting the inside of the house.  I'm incredibly thankful that Amy is willing to take time away from her busy homestead to help Mark!  In my defense it will be so much easier to get the job done if Sky is not underfoot, but still I realize I'm getting the easy side of the deal here!

Speaking of Sky I'll leave you with a Sky pic since I won't be posting while I'm away.

  Watching Despicable Me 2 on her Nabi.

Even though I won't be blogging I'm sure I will still be taking plenty of photo's, so if you want to see what Sky and I are up to follow along on Instagram and/or Twitter...links to the Right!

Have a great weekend and I'll catch you on the flip side! 

Thankful Thursday!

My favorite day of the week, or at least my favorite post of the week.  I like taking some time to appreciate the little and big things I have to be thankful for.  Makes it hard to have bad days! 

Since I missed posting yesterday (slept in, and spent lots of cuddle time with Sky) today's post is a mixed bad of being thankful and other random stuff. 

First, lets talk about how amazing the weather was yesterday!  Oh my what a perfect day for the stroller group run.  Sunny and warm, so warm in fact that I totally could have gotten away with a shirt and running skirt! 

Instead I went all 50 Shades Of Grey and was way too hot!!  It's the last time you'll see those legging here though...I snagged them which resulted in a huge hole in the leg (thank goodness I had the skirt on!).  They got me through two winters and a ton of washing so I'm ok with having to toss them. 

Days like yesterday remind me that Spring and Summer (the best time in the PNW) are almost here!  Just have to get through March; there is usually a surprise late season snow storm.  No complaining though, I'm thankful we escaped the Polar Vortex and the drought in CA.  We may have our share of rain and grey days, but we don't have extreme weather and for that I'm thankful!

I'm really thankful that the two pieces of glass I stepped on resulted in only small cuts on the bottom of my foot.  Not great for training, but it could have been so much worse, and it didn't bother me too much on the stroller group run yesterday.  Hopefully 8 miles tomorrow won't irritate it.

Hoka visited the stroller group yesterday, and while adidas Energy Boost is still the only shoe for me (Did you know the EB2 launched yesterday?!  Can't wait to get a pair on my feet!) I like to support the effort the reps put into visiting the store, and usually give their shoes a try.

Sky clearly liked them more than I did!

 "I run, run!"

She literally ran laps around the store!  

I think my biggest worry about Sky being an only, and me being home on top of it, is that she will be too attached or clingy.  I was thankful yesterday to see her interact with Danika (Hoka Rep), walk into the store staff meeting like she belonged there, visit with TCMA all on her own.  It makes my heart happy to see the relationships she's building, and any time she interacts with others and forgets that Mommy is around is pretty great.   

I'm always thankful when we get nice enough weather to play outside.  Sky and I don't care about rain or cold too much, but she seems to be developing a cold, so it's been perfect that this week we can play outside and can skip the germ riddled indoor play options.  

Playing soccer with a volleyball.

Thankfully we are both entertained by simple things...this silly little hat provided ton's of fun yesterday!

Thank you grandma Val for the sparkly top!  She loves it!

A few other things I'm thankful for:

-Big boxes.  I packed up the kitchen so Mark and Amy (his sister) can paint while Sky and I are gone this weekend!  Just have the guest bathroom left to pack up. 

-Every day I'm thankful for the lovely car that was given to us.  It's so nice to drive, and I don't worry the least about heading across the state in it, just Sky and I. 

-That Sky is in a super cuddly stage.  She's a cuddle but anyway, but the last few weeks it's been way more so, without being overly clingy (for the most part).  Some day those cuddles are going to be a thing of the past, so I'm enjoying every second of it now!

-For quiet time.  Nap time has not been  happening for weeks now, and I'm not even trying to get her to sleep during the day anymore.  She just won't do it.  But, she will lay on her bed, or the couch for quiet time.  Some days for 30 min, others for several hours.  She asks for something different every day to lay down with.  Some days it's a movie, others it's books, a puzzle, or coloring.  And, some days she just wants to play in her room alone.  I miss nap time, but I'm adjusting and making this work.

-That every time we leave the house, for any reason, Sky makes it an exciting adventure. 

-Finding joy in the little things.

What are you thankful for today?



   
 

Running Hungry

I have been so rungry (running related hunger) this training cycle!  It's normal once the miles get up there to be hungry all the time, but I'm not kidding when I say two weeks in I started feeling week 6 to 10 worth of hungry.  Those are the higher mile weeks and totally normal to eat a bit more.  But, I'm not there yet and not running enough miles to warrant how hungry I am!

I wonder if my body is used to the training schedule since this is the 5th time through?  Maybe it's getting hungry earlier because it knows whats coming?    

 First steak we have had in months...so glad the grill is fixed!

The steak consumption will go up the last few weeks, and race day.  All I want after long runs/races is bloody, rare steak and risotto.  I'm already looking forward to the post Whidbey meal!

I don't even bother ordering steak when we eat out any more.  Mark grills perfect steak every.  single.  time.  It's just silly to order it when I can have the perfect steak at home!  (My Dad grills a pretty mean steak as well)!

We are at the point in training that I can't be lazy any more.  Once I pass the 6 mile mark for long runs I can't half ass the stretching and foam rolling.  I'm pretty on top of it anyway, but now I'm in the no goofing around zone.  It's ice baths (as needed) and stretching/foam rolling as much as possible day and night!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

In Sky news she had a new outfit to show off yesterday.  This girl is all about the dresses and skirts lately.  No matter what I put on her it had better have a skirt that can go over it, matching or not!

Watching a show about bananas...she was super focused! 

She was so excited when Ellen came on and Twitch was DJ'ing!  She jumped, clapped, danced, and chanted Ellen over and over all around the living room.  When she wasn't dancing she was gazing at the TV and saying, "Ellen" over and over.  

What do you cave after long runs/races?

Any other Ellen fans out there?

Yucky Training Runs = Awesome Race Day!

That's what I keep telling myself anyway.  The worse the training conditions are the easier race day will be.  The upside of a winter training cycle is that race day can't hit us with any weather that we haven't already run in.  Unless it's sunny and 80, which it won't be in early April around here.

Wind and rain don't make a great combo for running.  I would rather be freezing cold, running in the snow than deal with wind and rain, together or on their own.  But, it's making us stronger, and even though we were not loving the conditions, last nights long run was our strongest run yet.  So, I guess I shouldn't complain too much.  Plus it's nice to end a weekend with a run, even if it was wet, cold, and a bit windy. 

Just a quick tip...don't eat a power bar as fast as possible minutes before running.  It becomes very unpleasant half way through a long run.  Rookie mistake, I totally know better.  That's what I get for forgetting my snack while out running errands and cutting the timing close.   

When I got home this was the view that welcomed me...

The only way to watch movies!

I wanted to pile on the couch with them so badly, but I was starving, and soaking wet.  Turns out my non-running rain jacket (for hiking etc) isn't any more water proof than my running jacket is.  

Mark and Sky actually spent a lot of time cuddling on the couch this weekend.  She was all about "I just need cuddles" and Daddy was happy to take cuddle breaks as needed!  

 They are listening to elk bugle...it's one of her favorite things!

    Pre bedtime movie.

A few more random pics from the weekend...

Love that jacket...she has worn it non-stop all weekend!

 Wagon ride to Starbucks for scones and hot chocolate!

So many races this weekend, I kept seeing all the updates and posts and it made me wish for a race.  Only a few weeks until St. P Day...hanging in until then.  

P.S. Elya is back and it was so nice to get into our running groove again last night.  I missed my training partner while she was off playing in the sun for a week!

Tell me one fun thing you did this weekend!

 

Running With My Dad!

Any day that starts with a morning run is a good day.  But, today was extra special because I got to start the day running with my Dad (which is much safer than running with scissors)!  A Happy Friday to say the least!  

Last time we ran together he had a diabetic reaction 1/2 way through a 5K race.  Race officials and paramedics were involved.  Not fun for him and scary for me.  Today, well today was perfect!  Ok, so maybe not totally perfect.  He is getting over being sick, and it was a bit colder than he would have liked, which made it hard to breath, but no diabetic issues this time!  No rain, no wind, no hills...two miles of peaceful running with my Dad! 

He has been so supportive and is my #1 sponsor and fan, so it was really pretty great to get to run with him.   

Even though we were celebrating Dad's birthday this trip I was spoiled a bit!  

I always pick kinda crazy colors for pedicures, usually a color that I don't own at home.  Thank you Val for the girl time and pedicure!

 And, I got two new running related shirts!  I love how Dad celebrates HIS birthday!  :) 

 Scones and coffee after our run...Sort of a crazy photo with my reflection blending with Dad standing behind Sky. 

 

 Lunch at Red Robin before Dad and Val headed home.  

She takes coloring menus very serious!

P.S. - Be prepared to see a ton of this jacket!  She LOVES it, I mean really, really loves it.  It's a battle getting her to take it off.  I think she would take baths with it if I let her.  It's adorable, but I have a feeling we are all going to be sick of it by the time she outgrows it.  ;-)  Thank you Val for all the new outfits, she's still trying to put everything on at once!  

I love that they are willing to make the 4 hour drive, back-to-back days, all to spend a few hours with Sky.  I have such great memories of time spent with my grandparents, and I'm really thankful that Sky already has strong relationships with all her grandparents.

How was your Friday?  Tell me something fun you did today, or something fun you have planned for the weekend!

 

    

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm Thankful for:

-An unexpected play date, and maybe, just maybe a walk to Starbucks if the rain holds off! 

-That I completed my last training run sans Elya yesterday.  I don't know why, but the two training runs I did while she was gone were miserable.  I just didn't feel good at all.  Looking forward to 6 miles with her Sunday though. 

-That the fashion police have not knocked on my door.  Between my pj's all day, sweats if I feel like dressing up, and Sky's desire to style herself we would both be hauled off!

-A visit from Grandpa and Grandma!

-Margarita's tonight with the Stroller Group!  Looking forward to some stroller free time with this group!

-Sky's arm seems to be holding up just fine...escaped the cast this time around!

-Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...it's the only way I get to take a shower and get myself ready for the day! 

-The few minutes every morning that Sky takes to wake up and venture out of her room.  Today she spent some quiet time with Violet before facing the day. 

-That every time I have reached my fit limit and feel like I'm going to loos my mind Sky completely turns it around when she says "I love you", or "I just need a hug".  I can tell when she's doing it to try and get her way, and when she actually really just needs my full love and attention.  Either way it's a good reminder to take a breath and handle the situation with love rather than anger...and that doesn't mean she gets what she want.  It does mean she goes to her room or time out with a hug and a kiss. 

-For some interesting and potentially exciting distractions.  It seems it's time to clean up, clean out and maybe, just maybe move on to something a little bigger.  I'll share more when there is more to share.  Mark and I are fine by the way, not a commentary on our relationship in the least.

-For finalizing an unexpected birthday trip.  I was all set to kind of skip over any effort for my birthday, sometimes it's easier to just let it slip by with little fan fare, but thanks to good friends finding a killer deal on a vacation rental we get a little trip to the OR coast!  I won't be able to celebrate too much since it's the weekend before Whidbey Island 1/2, but it's still going to be a lot of fun! 

-Yummy food I've been enjoying! 

Build your own salad!  Maybe I have finally perfected the perfectly golden brown chicken?!  Costco's Coconut Curry sauce with chicken added to it, over rice make a pretty great quick dinner!

-For a happy health child and a happy healthy life!  

Let's change it up a bit...tell me one food you are thankful for today! 

5 Miles Did Me In

Good news!!!!  Apparently her arm is all better!  Mark's ability to pop her elbow back in seemed to have done the trick!  I planned on getting her into the Ortho regardless, but after 2 hours of trying to get through on the phone I was told by the hospital operator that the main line to the office was down and they would not transfer me to a back line (nurses line), so I gave up. 

I opted for play time at Frog n Kiwi instead and figured if she was hurting after I would try and get through again.  At this point I'm in favor of skipping the Dr. visit/cast and seeing how her arm does.  If it pops out again I'll admit I was wrong and we will go in, but I really just don't want to go through the whole cast thing again if we don't absolutely have to.

Proud Mommy moment...another parent came up and told me that Sky was playing so nicely with the other kids, and really good at taking turns.  Yes!!!! 

Sky's arm may be pain free today but my legs sure aren't.  Yesterdays run did me in.  I was so worn out and felt run down the whole rest of the day, and my legs were sore and tired.  They felt like they didn't want to hold me up at all.  I'm still sore today, but not as bad thanks to foam rolling!  It's mildly concerning since it wasn't a super fast pace nor was it a long run.  5 miles is usually no big thing for me, so not sure what the deal is.  I hope I'm not getting sick, but that would totally explain it.  I'm resting today, skipping run group tonight, and will get back at it Wednesday with the stroller group.

I'm probably one of the few runners that skips runs/takes rest days as easily as I do.  I'm motivated, but I guess I'm not overly motivated.  I have a pretty good grasp on don't want to vs shouldn't, and I think today is a shouldn't run day.  Never mind that I don't really want to run in the dark, in the wind, and in the rain, but if this was strictly a I don't want to thing I would make myself do it.

How do you get yourself out the door for a run/exercise when you don't feel like it? 
I try to continually have a race on the books so I have something to train for and motivate me. 

Painfully Long Weekend

We didn't even realize it was a long weekend until Friday afternoon, and normally we would be more excited about having an extra day to play, or more like get stuff done, but when the tot is hurt and the Dr. office is closed long weekends are way, way too long!  

Have you ever seen anything this sad?!  

Nurse Maids elbow again!  I have lost count how many times this has happened.  Last time it was her right arm and resulted in a cast, this time it's her left arm.  Thankfully we still have the sling, and are doing our best to keep the arm immobile, and keep her on ibuprofen all day.  The Ortho said if the other arm popped out he would cast it, so I'm calling first thing in the morning to see if we can get her in.  The only good thing is we are pretty confident Mark was able to pop the elbow back in, so it's not causing as much pain as it could be.  

Thankfully she got to have a little fun before getting hurt.  

Another set of wheels!

 

This girl has more wheels than anyone I know.  Tricycles, bikes, a jeep with a missing battery, wagons, and now this.  When she does get the peddling thing down 100% she is going to take off and go forever!  It's 50/50 if she'll be a runner or a race car driver!

It was a pretty great weekend leading up to the injury.  I got my long run in with Elya Saturday morning, and put together my St. P Day race outfit!  

  

"Luck ain't got nothing to do with it!"  So true!

Skirt -  Sparkle Athletic and runs around $20, bonus is it will work for Christmas as well! 

Leg warmers - Joann's Fabric and were $10 I think, I had a coupon though so they were less than that.  

Shirt - Run Pretty Far and was around $30.  It's not a performance top, it's cotton, but I'm wearing it over a long sleeve tech shirt so I'm not worried about it, plus it's a 5K, I can wear almost anything for a 5K and be fine.  

The only difference is race day I'll have on white, or maybe green socks. I'll get a test run the night before at the Fleet Feet Run Club Pub Run.  Figured I will wear this  for both events since it's only St. P Day once a year!  I really love Run Pretty Far...their performance and non-performance tops are really nice.  I don't know what they do to their cotton but it's so soft and comfy!  

After running and completing my race outfit we took Sky to the Beckham's to play while we went to see the Hobbit.  Nothing like waiting until the last minute to see a movie!  There are not very many movies we want to see in the theater, but this was one of them, and we put it off until there was only one theater left that was showing it.  Two Sky-free dates in one month...we are out of control!  

Today is going to be full of movies and keeping Sky as still as possible, lot's of cuddles too I'm sure.  

One last Sky pic from a few weeks ago...

   

Upside down and sideways, snuggled in with her favorite stuffed friends.  How I find her 90% of the time when I wake her up from her naps.  

Anyone race this weekend?  

Who has today off, and how are you spending your "free" Monday?

  

  

   

A Few Pics & Happy V Day!

Instead of blogging about Valentines Day I'm going to go celebrate it with my two favorite people!  We don't make a big deal of it, but I like to make breakfast (ok I do that every morning), let Sky pick a few things she loves to do and spend the day having fun with her.  Mark's works from home today, so that makes it a little more fun! 

We may even get a family run in...the family that runs together stays together!  Yes, it's extra miles for me, but at least they are stroller miles and easy for me to keep it slow.  

She loves Bruno Mars, I mean really LOVES him!  Every single time his songs come on she knows it's him instantly and gets the biggest grin on her face.  She was singing her hear out and then getting all giggly and shy about it.  She is almost too entertaining when I'm trying to drive!  I did pull over and park before taking those pics!

Seriously love that Steelers dress...and yes she had pants on underneath while we were out and about.

 

Thursday isn't usually a movie day, but we spent almost 4 hours grocery shopping/running errands and she was a champ!  She ate lunch and took a nap with zero fuss when we got home too, so I surprised her with, "my minions" when she woke up.  She was  happy, and despite what the above pic looks like she wasn't scared, she was trying to tell them what to do to help them escape! 

And, a few pictures from last weekend.  We went to a friends for dinner and the kiddos had so much fun playing!

 Really hard to get not blurry pics of 2 two year olds on a trampoline!  They spent most of the evening jumping together!

Happy Valentines Day to all!  I hope you are spending it with those you love! 

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm Thankful For:

-Enjoying a date night/early V-Day dinner/Michelle's B-Day dinner all in one.  One of the many adjustments made to make being a SAHM work, we combine as many occasions as possible to cut down on the expense! 

 Still making me laugh after 14 years!

The sushi roll we ordered, we also had a huge boat full of the most amazing sashimi!

-That Sky's sleep over, while we were enjoying the above meal, went really well.  Grammy said she did great, went to bed with no problems and slept through the night!  

-That Sky has strong relationships with all her grandparents.  I have such great memories of my grandparents and it makes my heart happy to see the part each one is playing in Sky's life!

-For a new start each day.  Some days I just don't have my best mommy moments, but today is a new day and a chance to get it right, or at least do it better.  

-Sky's little heart is quick to forgive, forget, and move on.  She offers me grace when I'm at my least graceful.  

-Taking the time to clean up social media accounts and email subscriptions.  Deleting, un-following, and  unsubscribing...It's odd but being over connected on social media makes me decidedly anti-social.  I've been tracking the accounts/newsletters/posts I skim over vs the ones I take the time to read, and also tracking what gets me riled up, or tends to be complaining/negative the majority of the time.  If I didn't look forward to reading something, and if the content tended to make me frustrated or irritated then I got rid of it! 

-Test running new shoes!  I'm still 100% committed to my love affair with the Boost line from adidas, but it's nice to be able to test run other shoes, and re-confirm I'm in the right shoe!  Tuesday night I tested out another brand and they were ok, but not for me.  Michelle even commented that they changed my stride so much that she didn't recognize me.  It was a bit distracting actually, but now I know what those shoes are about.  I was so happy to get back to the store and put my feet back in their happy place!  Boost for life!!!   

-St. P Day race outfit is complete.  I'll share pics later.  

What are two things you are thankful for today? 

A Beautiful Day For A Walk!

What a lovely day for a run or walk!  Bright sunny skies, a bit windy, but warm and no rain!  I was so excited for the stroller group this morning, it's just so much more pleasant when the weather is on our side!  The complete opposite of last nights group run!  It was another windy, rainy, Jen ends up soaked through all three layers of clothing, kind of run.  I have a rain jacket to run in, why do I forget it every time it's raining?!     

Anyway, I got a little running break today and honestly I was relieved.  I was going to end up with extra miles this week, and normally I don't mind that, but when I'm following a training plan I don't like extra miles, they tend to be what do me in.  I have walked with them a few times before and it's always so nice to slow it down and have actual conversation rather than gasping out single word responses.

Sky got some running in chasing her Tow Mater.

 
Anything that chases her, or that she can chase is a big hit around here.  Much to my frustration that means anytime I ask her to do something she runs from me and then shrieks in delight when I go after her.  It's a big game to her and a big pain in the butt for me.

Maybe I should start tracking those chases though, I bet I'm getting all kinds of miles in that I don't even realize I'm getting!  Seriously I'm working on getting her to stop, it's a bad habit, but she thinks it's great fun so it's hard to make her understand why it's not ok to run from mommy.

Sending warm thought to all those stuck in the never ending snow!  Notice I refrained from posting a pretty sunny picture form today...don't want to rub it in!  

Are you able to talk while running?
Not really.  It's painful and I'm gasping and panting the whole time, but it feels rude to not respond when someone is trying to talk to you.  
 

Running Revolt

I almost revolted against running yesterday myself!  Chambers is zero fun to run in the wind and rain.  Amazing views of the sound, but when it's cruddy it's twice as bad because all that weather and wind is coming right off the water.  It's one of the few places the rain hits your face so hard it stings.  But, the top part is flat and makes for easier stroller running.  Funny thing though, when it's windy there it must be a swirling type of wind because no matter what direction you run it feels like your running into it.

Usually Sky is all about the running and happy I'm taking her with me.  However, she is almost 3 and flexing her muscle a bit, or trying to at least.  Monday's are not normally a running day around here, and Sky knows it, but Elya is traveling and we wanted to get in one last run before she left.  

It didn't help that it was right after nap time (so excited she took her nap!) she is all about the cuddling after nap time, and not being rushed out the door.  Apparently she is made of sugar because when she saw the rain she started saying, "she no get wet" (yes she refers to herself as she), not even the prospect of puddle jumping was helping.  The only thing that got her into the car peacefully was the promise of a fun surprise in the stroller if she listened to Mommy and didn't have a fit. 

Thank goodness for the Nabi!  She doesn't get to use it often enough that it's a habit, so it's still super exciting and special to her.  I didn't know it had Rio on it, but Sky knows her way around tot technology, she had that thing on, and the movie playing within seconds of getting settled in the stroller.

  In the car on the way home...was raining too hard to take a stroller pic and get my phone wet.

Then as an extra bonus we drove home the back way in the hopes of seeing a train, which we did!  Our timing was perfect because there is a big parking lot right next to the tracks and we got there in time to see the engine come past us and get a wave from the engineer (is that what you call a train driver?).

If it's raining and windy in April for the 1/2 I guess we will be ready!  I did discover though that my running jacket is not the least bit water proof...I was soaked through all 3 layers, and cold, really cold. I'm sort of surprised it took me this long to realize it's not water proof given how often I run in the rain.  

How do you warm up after a cold run?

Warm shower, followed by sweats/slippers, and something hot to drink!

 

  

Sleding For The First Time!

Just wanted to share pics of Sky playing in the snow this weekend!  I'm so excited we actually got enough to play in.  We talked about heading up to the mountain to sled, but this was so much better! 

 She wanted to pull it back up the hill by herself.  I tried helping her and she got PO'd!

Not sure who has the biggest smile, love those two so much! 

I almost feel bad that we have it so easy weather wise around here.  Sometimes the rain get's old, but how nice is it that we got enough snow to have fun in, it lasted for one day, and is now almost all gone.  I'm sure there are some that would like to pelt me with snow balls for that...sorry!  For those stuck in the grip of winter with one storm after another hang in there, Spring is close!  

 

Thoughts on Running Faster

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  I know most people dread Monday's, but even when I was working outside the home I kind of liked them.  It's the start to a new week, new beginnings, and a chance to get back on track after the weekend fun.  Make today a great day, and the week will follow! 

I have been asked/had comments about why I'm running so much faster in such a short amount of time.  (Specifically from Sep of last year until now.  Last year was about qualifying for Half Fanatics, so I didn't give pace much thought  until after the last half in Sep).  And, it got me to thinking Why am I running faster?  Since my goal this year is to PR every distance I run it would actually be good to know!   

Let's be honest here, 9 to 8:30 minute miles (depending on how motivated I am) is not fast for some, but given that when I started running I was closer to 11:30-12 and for the longest time got stuck at 10, then yeah anything 9 or under is fast - For Me! 

 Sunrise from Saturday Morning's run!

Here's what I think:

-Tuesday Night Run Group - It's a fast group, and despite this being my fastest run of the week I'm still finishing towards the back, but it's getting easier. 

-Tuesday Night/Wednesday Morning group runs - I torch my legs Tuesday night with speed then turn around and push the stroller Wednesday morning.  The two hardest runs of the week are back-to-back so to speak.  It probably goes against "proper" training wisdom but there is something to be said for pushing 40 to 50 lbs on already tired legs.  It's a great workout!  

-Conventional training says that the first run after your long run should be slow and easy.  My long runs happen on the weekends and then the next run I do is the speedy Tuesday night run. 

-I'm inevitable going to get as fast as I naturally can just by running more.  Without speed work, or putting ton's of effort or thought into pace I know that the more I run the more I naturally speed up.  

-Good Form Running has made a huge difference.  It makes it way easier to be comfortable being uncomfortable (from an exertion standpoint) when I'm pushing the pace.  

-adidas Energy Boost - Some people say shoes don't matter, I'm here to tell you they do!  Now that I'm in the right shoe I feel like I can run as fast I want for as long as I want.  It's not true...yet.  But, I'm a more confident runner in the Boost than any other shoe, and feel like I can hit my 1/2 goal this year!

-I have given myself the freedom to run alone.  In no way is this a reflection of those I run with...I know that every single one of them could run faster than I can on any given day.  The fact is there is some freedom when you run alone.  I can run how I want, the time of day I want, and I can focus on what my needs are.  I don't have to worry about if someone else is having a good day, needs to take it easy, has an injury etc.  It may sound selfish, but I get to focus on me, my running, my pace and I can make myself as uncomfortable as I want to and not feel bad about it.  I have never done this before, but I'm picking specific races to run alone, and will do all the training runs alone.  Or, if someone does want to join me I will be upfront about the pace I'll be running and that I won't be adjusting my training or pace.      

-I'm a social runner, despite the previous bullet point, I prefer to run with friends or in a group.  So, while I will be pushing myself I will also be taking breaks here and there.  Right now my race schedule is more social than PR attempts.  I have a few fun/social races taking place during training for the 1/2 I'm going to PR...it's all about balance and not losing my love of running!

-I foam roll, stretch, and get massages as needed.  I'm staying on top of injury prevention and when things do pop up I'm quick to get it taken care of. 

-It took a few years for me to feel like a runner, and I think I spent a lot of time underestimating what I'm capable of.  I feel great about where I'm at in my running life, I have a training schedule that I know works for me, and I'm enjoying pushing the pace to an uncomfortable level and seeing how long I can maintain it.  I'm stronger mentally with my running and just more confident overall.    

Are you a social runner, or solo runner?

What are your running goals this year?

  

From The Kitchen - Thai Beef with Basil

I feel like every week we have a new favorite recipe around here!  This one is for sure my favorite from last week, in fact it was a race to see who could eat the leftovers!  Really, yummy and it makes a pretty dish with all the colors!

The original recipe can be found at bonappetit.com or here: Thai Beef with Basil go check it out!

Two tips:
-Trust the directions when it says to let the meat brown and get crispy.  It almost seems like you'll burn it, but just go with it, those crispy parts are what add tons of flavor!

-3 cups of basil leaves = a lot of fresh basil!  I didn't get enough, so make sure you get a lot of basil, more than you think you'll need.  If you end up with too much you can flavor your plain old water with lemon slices and a few basil leaves.

I highly recommend Bon Appetit magazine!  For a long time it intimidated me as a cook, but of all the cooking/food related magazines I get every month Bon Appetit is the one I get the most out of, and find the highest number of recipes I want to try.

My first race of the year is coming up in March and for the first time I'm running in "costume"!  I'm not much of a running costume person/fan.  I think it's great when others do it, but I just don't like hassling with it. However I'm getting into the St. P Day spirit and have the first piece of my outfit figured out!

Shamrock leg warmers that will go over my compression socks!  Found them at Jo-Ann's fabric the other day, and for a way better price than I would pay if I were to buy themed compression socks.  I'm not going to spend $50 on compression socks aimed at one day/a few weeks out of the year, just can't do it.

I found a green sparkle skirt HERE that I'm checking the mail for daily.  Seriously for $20 you can get a cute skirt that goes over your shorts/tights and add's festive fun to themed races!  Great price, and it's not ton's of poof and tulle added to my hips.  Last thing I need to be doing is running in something that makes me look like an overweight ballerina!  Some can pull off the tulle look I can't!  

I just need a top now.  I have zero green running shirts, so am thinking I'll just wear the event shirt race day. It's usually long sleeve and obviously fits the theme.  I read a blog post the other day about the sin of wearing the race shirt the day of the race, and how "not real runner" it is.  Don't even get me started on how stupid and judgmental that post was.

I don't wear race/event shirts to the race simple because I have tech shirts that I run in and I know work for me.  But to assume someone is a newbie who doesn't know better, or is somehow wearing a shirt they haven't earned because they haven't crossed the finish line yet it petty.  If I paid for my registration and the shirt that goes along with it then I will wear that shirt whenever and wherever I want to!  Ok off my soap box.

Do you wear race shirts to the race, or do you wait until you finish?  
After, if at all.  I have so many race shirts now that unless they fit perfect and are a tech material they go in a pile that has become my yard work/camping clothes pile.  I actually just registered for a race that gave me the option of a shirt or a mug and went with the mug.

Anyone else running a St. P Day race?
Cool thing...the Tacoma St. P Day race is mentioned in the March issue of Runner's World magazine!





        

  

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for:

-Heat and power.  Some are stuck in the grip of a nasty winter and to make it even more fun don't have power, which means some don't have heat.

-That Sky took a nap today.  Naps are very hit and miss around here.  She does great for a week and then I can't get her to take a nap for anything.  It's a really nice treat to have a few hours to myself when she does sleep.

-That we were the only ones at the Children's Museum in Olympia!  It only lasted for about 15 minutes, but Sky mad the most of that time and ran from favorite thing to favorite thing as fast as she could before she had to start sharing.

Bust A Move

-She loves the stage and all the dress up outfits, but will not indulge if there are other people watching.  I'm thankful she had a chance to "perform" before other kiddos and parents showed up.

-That Mark is very tolerant!  I'm not a wild mood swing type of person...pretty even keeled.  But sometimes I'm off a little.  When that happens I tend to stick close to home and to him and wait it out.  He gets it, understands why, and is patient.    

-That training has started!  As much as I crave the "run when I want, how I want" non-training times I thrive on a schedule.  I like looking at my schedule and knowing exactly when and how far I'll be running for the next 10 weeks.  It makes life feel a little more ordered and I like have things in order!

-That it was so cold today that when I left my iced coffee in the car for a few hours, the ice didn't melt and water it down.  It was like coming back to fresh coffee!

-That TCMA (Tacoma City Marathon Association) tolerates the Wednesday interruption from Sky.  She loves visiting them, but it is an interruption in their work day.  You'd never know it though, they always take the time to visit with her and make her smile!

-That I saved a dressy dress for 5 years, and it still fits!!!  I have something to wear to dinner tomorrow night!

One last picture from the museum today...

Pretending to be a dinosaur dentist!

Who's watching the Olympic Opening Ceremonies tonight?  

Tell me something you're thankful for!

  

Running In The Snow!

Yep, we had snow yesterday.  It was only a little bit falling from the sky, and not the kind that sticks, and there is no white on the ground this morning, but still technically it snowed. 

And, technically I can say I competed my first training run of the year in the snow!!!  What a way to kick off Whidbey Island 1/2 training!  The nice thing is Tuesday night is my fastest run of the week, and the faster you run the faster your body warms up.  I was nice and toasty a mile in!

Running in the snow runner problem #1...the flakes kept getting stuck in my eyelashes! 

I know the cold, and little hint of snow is nothing in comparison to those stuck in the clutches of  winter and the Polar Vortex.  But, this may be the only snow we get around here, so I'm claiming it as a run in the snow! 

The best part of the snow was picking up the champagne on the way home.  For those new to the blog we drink champagne every time it snows.  Just as a way to remember to get out the fancy flutes, the bottle of bubbly, and celebrate the little things!  We also drink champagne every now and then on Football Sunday's, we love football that much! 

I kind of needed the champagne and cuddle time after a long day.  Lets just say it wasn't Sky's best day.  She woke up a very typical almost 3 year old.  It was challenging and frustrating to deal with her most of the day, but thankfully we all survived (and most days are not like that), and today is a new day.     

She started out all cute and cuddly...

...watching her cartoons while Mark worked from home.  Actually she was cute and cuddly with him most of the day, it was just me that was bringing out the worst in her I guess.  Proof that kiddos need breaks from us as much as we need breaks from them!

We are off to a good start so far today thank goodness.  Any day I start with my favorite breakfast is automatically going to be good.  Bonus - Sky likes it too, even the peppers!  Actually anything with olives in it is a win for her.  Girl loves her olives!

 
Scrambled eggs with onion, fresh jalapeno pepper, and black olives.  I top mine with fresh, diced avocado and salsa, Sky eats hers as pictured.  I saute the onion and pepper before adding the eggs, and put the olives in at the very end.  They don't need to cook, just need to warm up.   

What is your go too breakfast?  
We eat a lot of eggs and a lot of PB toast and avocado toast.

How do you stay warm on chilly runs?  

This is how I stay warm!

For those dealing with the new round of snow and ice stay warm, and be safe out there!