tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40216247557926849932024-03-26T23:38:06.834-07:00Lace & RaceYou ain't no punk. Go run.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-64450542976071774442017-03-17T05:12:00.004-07:002017-03-17T06:29:10.478-07:00The "Third Pillar" of Fitness<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I came across <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/scott-carney-what-doesnt-kill-us-fitness-environmental-exposure-2017-3" target="_blank">this article</a> from Business Insider this week. Ironically, I read it in the middle of a blizzard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The short version is that fitness is made up of more than a healthy diet and exercise - the two assumptions we've long held. The <i>third pillar</i>, according to journalist and anthropologist, Scott Carney, is <b>environmental stress</b>: cold, altitude, heat, humidity, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This makes total sense to me. </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a recent thing that humans have the technology to counteract or avoid these environmental factors (ex. air conditioning.) Our ancestors had to adapt and cope with the natural elements in order to survive. And the amazing part is that our bodies are incredibly adaptable with practice and exposure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyHoWTB_0QhCIfH0m0194wW6MiGfUPTGCatKYX8uoPdEsF5UoRFjx_oWZuiazu5JXxBcepdmZLUa9ZValEDbZw8XmurlDrPq6SJwrQABOD-EEIqhtFMdFLF7Y__M-gkwXnE6X-WWAqS3I/s1600/crazyrunninggirl.winter-weather-running.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyHoWTB_0QhCIfH0m0194wW6MiGfUPTGCatKYX8uoPdEsF5UoRFjx_oWZuiazu5JXxBcepdmZLUa9ZValEDbZw8XmurlDrPq6SJwrQABOD-EEIqhtFMdFLF7Y__M-gkwXnE6X-WWAqS3I/s400/crazyrunninggirl.winter-weather-running.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So wouldn't it be totally logical that when we expose ourselves to these elements, we are strengthening and stretching our capabilities? And wouldn't we seem weaker and less capable if we cannot handle the variations of the environment?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span>he trick is to re<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">frame our thinking about fit<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ness<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Instead of thinking "you're a real runner" because you choose to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">run in the r<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ain<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> - <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">consider yourself fulfilling a bare minimum requirement<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> if the goal is <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">your fittest state.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You are not doing something exceptional<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">; you are doing what you were de<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">signed to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">do,<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> possibly what your body <i>needs</i> to do.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It all seems so simple. And it makes running in the blizzard a little more appealing. </span> </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Disclaimer: It goes without saying that you should still be smart and prepared if you decide to run in less-than-ideal conditions; I take no responsibility if you get lost in a snowstorm. </span></i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-32968054821088823092017-03-06T17:28:00.002-08:002017-03-06T18:35:44.563-08:00Motivation Monday: Dress to Improve <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We've all heard, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." That is excellent advice when it comes to your work life, but it is pretty sound when it comes to your training goals, too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HsdC3BR-a5m5UD4spkb5z4nkAGFrrHvdfGc_cS7HNix9MH88DmW2AkFb3DF6S-HZhWO5wDBBg7O28guDp5D3MSW5XBWlDBE08tpNeD3np_51inZxoihF2kR20hDGsJtJFm3-n9vCP3c7/s1600/Dress-for-the-job-you-want.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HsdC3BR-a5m5UD4spkb5z4nkAGFrrHvdfGc_cS7HNix9MH88DmW2AkFb3DF6S-HZhWO5wDBBg7O28guDp5D3MSW5XBWlDBE08tpNeD3np_51inZxoihF2kR20hDGsJtJFm3-n9vCP3c7/s320/Dress-for-the-job-you-want.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was thinking about this today, because my funds are limited since I've decided to stay home with the kiddos. But I still wanted to refresh my wardrobe a bit. Without question, I know that I will be "refreshing" my wardrobe with workout gear. Part of this is practicality; I chase a toddler and get puked on, so its important to be able to move freely and wipe easily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The other part is that I really believe that if you dress like you're a serious athlete, you'll work harder to be one. And the inverse is true. If you put on something that doesn't make you feel good - feel fast - feel strong - then you're not going to believe those things about yourself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm sorry. No one feels good in loose sweat pants and the dumpy t-shirt they got in a swag bag<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>You. Just. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'t.</span></span></b></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I am here to say: put your money where your motivation is. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">As far as athletic attire (a lot of people will disagree with me here) <b>Nike</b> is still my jam. Sleek. Fitted. Fast. I looove Nike clothes to an unhealthy degree (not shoes - New Balance all the way.) I will also suggest <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/" target="_blank">Oiselle</a> gear for runners. BUT DO YOU. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">And, no, it is not superficial to care about your appearance. You are your own brand manager. Represent the you that you want to be and you're much more likely to meet your goals. </span></span></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-34684417767926096902017-02-27T06:11:00.000-08:002017-02-27T06:28:39.556-08:00Run Fast, Eat Slow<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every athlete I know has wanted someone to say, "These are the exact meals you need to fuel your workouts, to meet your protein needs, to keep you lean and make you strong." If you have Googled something along the lines of "<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recipes</span> to make me a fast hotty with muscles" - then I am talking to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">O<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r</span> if you have found yourself digging through Pinterest and Instagram and your go-to blogs to find recipes full of weird, expensive, impossible-to-find ingredients that take too long to make. And they NEVER turn out like the photos. Ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to runner superstar, Shalane Flanagan and chef, Elyse Kopecky - the dietary guessing game is over. New York Times bestseller, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Run-Fast-Eat-Slow-Nourishing/dp/162336681X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459530351&sr=1-1&keywords=run+fast+eat+slow" target="_blank"><b>Run Fast. Eat Slow.</b></a> </i>is a comprehensive, no-gimmicks, no-trends cookbook that will have recipes designed to give you clean energy. I don't know about you guys, but I trust whatever Shalane is eating. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhtjDFctr6NA69W5fWBu05EaTNjsa5n6ubPQie1Mq4iklUw-P9NLDswhxMEIp27sKy1RrR7abmlpUKj1hdx-bohDQuPl6EBW61zugTw7ztDOUVm35paq6srdyC-9V9jPDXr3bHfJK6AyH/s1600/Run-Fast-Eat-Slow-Cookbook.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhtjDFctr6NA69W5fWBu05EaTNjsa5n6ubPQie1Mq4iklUw-P9NLDswhxMEIp27sKy1RrR7abmlpUKj1hdx-bohDQuPl6EBW61zugTw7ztDOUVm35paq6srdyC-9V9jPDXr3bHfJK6AyH/s400/Run-Fast-Eat-Slow-Cookbook.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my favorite parts about the book (aside from the pretty photos) is that it will tell you what each recipe is good for: speed days, long runs, quick energy boosting snacks, etc. There are also many gluten-free and vegetarian options for those of you with specialized diets.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGDiA4Lw8m81OpHD29X2xhWuE8vqKAwPNjAIMRL-NhSrmAdCuJHHiGj_iOVrny-jwbcF8H5uM3g-yzOc1hWb0mpZSwZrpCiGDyA4WVdcs8dQS0HrsYV4sIaGNGbM4QgW7JR564izD1mER/s1600/123060_RFES_Fish%252BTacos%252BWith%252BMango%252BAvocado%252BSalsa_032.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGDiA4Lw8m81OpHD29X2xhWuE8vqKAwPNjAIMRL-NhSrmAdCuJHHiGj_iOVrny-jwbcF8H5uM3g-yzOc1hWb0mpZSwZrpCiGDyA4WVdcs8dQS0HrsYV4sIaGNGbM4QgW7JR564izD1mER/s400/123060_RFES_Fish%252BTacos%252BWith%252BMango%252BAvocado%252BSalsa_032.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's be clear: the recipes require cooking. This is not a <i>ten-minute-meals</i> guide. But because many of the ingredients are plant-based or raw, these recipes don't take forever and they will be worth the small investment of time. I mean, check out these Mango Salsa Fish <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span>acos! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even if you're just looking to clean up your diet, <i><b>Run Fast. Eat Slow.</b></i> is a good start. You'll reap the energizing benefits of whole, clean nourishment in your day-to-day life, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can read more about <i><b>Run Fast. Eat Slow.</b></i> <a href="http://www.runfasteatslow.com/" target="_blank">here</a>! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-16489213131260962152017-01-28T14:43:00.001-08:002017-01-28T14:58:47.257-08:00Money Motivation - Monetizing Your Workout <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you guys are like me, you are motivated by money - or maybe by the thought of losing i<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t (sa<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ys the pers<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">on who just volu<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nteered to not work for a little wh<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ile. That's different!)</span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovebugandpeanut" target="_blank">LoveBugandPeanut</a> on Etsy</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of you might have read my $$$ posts in the past (<a href="http://www.lacenrace.com/2013/01/a-new-year-runners-savings-account.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.lacenrace.com/2013/03/runners-savings-account-one-year-later.html" target="_blank">here</a>) about my "Runner's Savings Account" concept. The premise is super simple: I pay myself a set amount of money for every mile I run and penalize myself for skipping workouts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do work. Get money<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Easy enough.</span></span></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can see that I wrote those posts wayyyyy back in 2013. In terms of technology, 2013 was like 100 years ago and since then, a few tech savvy people totally stole my idea and made an app for that. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjmwT4LakIrVVu3oi3zf0Zb4K3KYBJGCGVmGZk8NdJBra4sfw-VXqKxwv19SYnaqmV3rJ08-XbYCxtGlJLGt4RyN9tXyNqicNXqyoZN2Uov9cnBqn-ta7SBgRLXiVXAXubEuZp3PKOrRM/s1600/show-me-the-money.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjmwT4LakIrVVu3oi3zf0Zb4K3KYBJGCGVmGZk8NdJBra4sfw-VXqKxwv19SYnaqmV3rJ08-XbYCxtGlJLGt4RyN9tXyNqicNXqyoZN2Uov9cnBqn-ta7SBgRLXiVXAXubEuZp3PKOrRM/s400/show-me-the-money.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since I snoozed on a million dollar idea - I might as well pass along the apps making it easy for you to capitalize on your own effort. <b>Cha-ching!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pactapp.com/" target="_blank">Pact</a> - Get paid to meet your own workout/diet goals with funds provided by the slackers that didn't meet theirs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.healthywage.com/" target="_blank">HealthyWage</a> - Make bets and cash out based on your weight loss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.charitymiles.org/" target="_blank">CharityMiles</a> - Feeling like giving back with your mileage? Runners earn 25 cents a mile for charity through the app. Now you can really feel good about your work out! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But if you are more of a DIY person (aka<i> "old school"</i>) and you want to control your own "Runner's Savings Account" - I encourage you do so with my handy <a href="http://www.lacenrace.com/2013/01/a-new-year-runners-savings-account.html" target="_blank">how-to here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And stay tuned! I'm working on some new coaching opportunities so I can monetize MY workouts.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Start budgeting now - you know you need someone to keep your ass accountable.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or - run and take the money!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-72528002127292524762017-01-11T14:19:00.001-08:002017-01-11T14:22:42.067-08:00Staying Home: If It Don't Make Dollars, Then It Don't Make Sense<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is my big news: I am staying home with my babies! YESSSSSSSSS. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You read that right. At least - I'm staying home for now.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are a million reasons why: my health, finding a not-horrifying daycare for two babies, my hubby's sincere and relentless begging. Mostly my gut feeling that I need to be with these babies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would never, ever bash anyone that chooses to go back to work or that has to go back to work for financial reasons. I mean, let's be honest - my hubby and I are both public school teachers - not exactly rollin' in the dough. This decision was<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> made with</span> careful consideration of that fact.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70vYs6jNrBgnydbWlT2ev8W1QxbfktYYgfjb29jJ0EmvnAL4MGDKa9yLXb3_dpcBAmFAmB7G5o20bHfwL3sruTmZjlgUAHckdCt6MMMvZZ7acR6BWc-UuK9iQSe5IxYvHTg19_jz2V-mh/s1600/Teacher-meme-money.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70vYs6jNrBgnydbWlT2ev8W1QxbfktYYgfjb29jJ0EmvnAL4MGDKa9yLXb3_dpcBAmFAmB7G5o20bHfwL3sruTmZjlgUAHckdCt6MMMvZZ7acR6BWc-UuK9iQSe5IxYvHTg19_jz2V-mh/s400/Teacher-meme-money.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have had a lot of people express both concern <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">&</span> curiosity when they ask,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"How the hell are you pulling that off?</b></span>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is how - we have a <i>dirt cheap</i> existence:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. We don't carry credit card balances </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. We bought and gutted a (really cute) foreclosure</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. We just refinanced said foreclosure, making the mortgage cheaper than our previous studio apartment </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. We drive "crappy" cars that are paid off</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. We have money in savings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. We don't buy "stuff" (I hate clutter. It makes me violent and panicky.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. We <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">find free entertainment</span> - like hiking or playing in our own yard </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8. We eat mostly vegetarian and we eat at home</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. We have made use of loan forgiveness programs for student loans</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10. To keep this option viable, we make <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/papermichelle" target="_blank">money on the side</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ultimately, this post is about number 10. We already have a few ways of bringing in additional income from home - but I'll be looking into some new opportunities in the near future. When I look at where my skills and interests are, coaching and training seem like obvious answers, so I am definitely exploring that idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not sure which direction to go though - here are some thoughts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. run coach specifically for busy and/or new moms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. fitness accountability coach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. run coach for beginners (like a C25K model)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. a combo of all of the above </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that's where I'll end for today. Anyone have thoughts or ideas on this? I'm not into selling stuff so Beachbody probably isn't the path for me (though I do love all their programs.) Anyway - advice and go! </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-38706984734656064572016-12-03T14:50:00.000-08:002016-12-03T14:52:12.694-08:00Setting New Goals: Undoing Atrophy & Regaining Sanity<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, my daughter turned 8 weeks old yesterday - and that means I have the all-clear from my doc to resume running. <b> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Can I get an A-MEN?!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went for a short one today. <b>3 cold and glorious miles. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During my run, I thought about what my new fitness goals would be. I decided that my focus must first and foremost be undoing the muscle atrophy that a pregnancy and 8 weeks of sitting around breastfeeding does<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span>I mean seriously - has anyone seen my booty? Call me if you find it.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYLJwKJIu_e6_3YTImg9StPAdjJCTyo8n8F9QbaL2KqULmRo6LxchoEGdNVFuWvOQZIuvelWfIfgNSiC0-mlw0b5D8XZbKlLa0Sj9rjb7XrvkQBVW4SPpDKpDC-kyp6eVW9SqHkXI-TTp/s1600/c776531a1058765b392d3bd5a417d912.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYLJwKJIu_e6_3YTImg9StPAdjJCTyo8n8F9QbaL2KqULmRo6LxchoEGdNVFuWvOQZIuvelWfIfgNSiC0-mlw0b5D8XZbKlLa0Sj9rjb7XrvkQBVW4SPpDKpDC-kyp6eVW9SqHkXI-TTp/s400/c776531a1058765b392d3bd5a417d912.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To give you an idea <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of the level of muscle loss I'm talking about here, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> pre-pregnancy weight was a muscl<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e-y 115. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My current post-pregnancy w<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">eight is a w<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">imp<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y, soft and saggy 111<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> <u>It ain't cute</u>. The same thing happened <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">after<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> my son<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, so at least this time I know it is<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n't a life sentence<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and I am not <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">frantically <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">looking for a Groupon for</span> "<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tummy tucks"</span></span> - but it is <i>time to tighten it up</i>. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that's my <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">goal<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, my attainable<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> goal with no time<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">line. I am VERY excited about this. The best part is that <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">running makes my brain work better and happier - so that's part of the goal too. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Run <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">---></span> r</span>egain mental <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">stability<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">---> </span>be a nicer mommy a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nd wife ---<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> repea<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t forever and ever.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And g<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">uys,</span></span> I think found where my butt went<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: directly into these super round cheeks and one round baby bell<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y. :) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8vyw248dPPCAx8e5VoTOywhgsGN21n6zRNBhZCWhsnMo0ppfrL9Ozjmbq0sVWUMEbXdVA3tBD-8dVpGs5Z_00Y4sVhW0CHxmWJDiP9XzJ8tjTNNjsapUFTe6UtWDJ4hu-0Kv8xyNjPnh/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-03+at+4.39.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8vyw248dPPCAx8e5VoTOywhgsGN21n6zRNBhZCWhsnMo0ppfrL9Ozjmbq0sVWUMEbXdVA3tBD-8dVpGs5Z_00Y4sVhW0CHxmWJDiP9XzJ8tjTNNjsapUFTe6UtWDJ4hu-0Kv8xyNjPnh/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-12-03+at+4.39.39+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-92124733470575894042016-11-27T19:12:00.001-08:002016-11-27T19:12:30.313-08:00"We are a New Balance family." Or are we?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not a post about my politics. It is a post about how <i>politics</i> are killin' my vibe, messing with my style and screwing up my running game. It is totally self-centered but it is also totally honest. <b>I am annoyed.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I feel like society is always ruining the things I love. Usually bands. This time: shoes. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laceandrace/" target="_blank">Instagram account</a> (which you should follow by the way,) I declared my household a "New Balance family" 18 weeks ago with this photo of my baby boy. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3l7FNJwrPzxIkCmI56EOLcYZwJCT-ooC5NSR5Eens1kIZ42e-sUfsZrac_SJS_FFQ2IFcM50dpp5haeFu5uwawxik2YtCKVkeykbdcm2agmiC5Bf1lANiytfAM_soqP1JSmiU9iuih6yf/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-27+at+7.36.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3l7FNJwrPzxIkCmI56EOLcYZwJCT-ooC5NSR5Eens1kIZ42e-sUfsZrac_SJS_FFQ2IFcM50dpp5haeFu5uwawxik2YtCKVkeykbdcm2agmiC5Bf1lANiytfAM_soqP1JSmiU9iuih6yf/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-11-27+at+7.36.05+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This statement was made long before the election and the ensuing <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/16/business/statement-on-trump-puts-new-balance-shoe-company-in-cross-hairs.html?_r=0" target="_blank">New Balance drama</a> after Trump won - when "neo-Nazis" declared New Balance the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/11/15/the-crazy-reason-neo-nazis-have-declared-new-balance-the-official-shoes-of-white-people/" target="_blank">official shoe of </a><i><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/11/15/the-crazy-reason-neo-nazis-have-declared-new-balance-the-official-shoes-of-white-people/" target="_blank">white people</a>. (What did I even just type? What world is this?!) </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously - this is crazy talk. But it is not why I'm annoyed (<i>at least not in this post.</i>) I am annoyed because now I have to question purchasing another pair of <a href="http://www.lacenrace.com/2013/07/five-things-friday-link-love.html" target="_blank">my favorite running shoe</a>. You see - I get the all clear from my doctor to run again in exactly 5 days. I was excited to get a new pair of my favorite kicks to make post-pregnancy Michelle feel fast again. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But no, it couldn't be that simple - New Balance had to open their big, stupid mouth. Ugh.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So screw you, whomever is to blame for tainting something that I love. When I am putting on my shoes, I don't want to think about politics or Donald Trump or neo-nazis or whether my footwear choice is sending stupid, politically charged messages (that I don't even agree with in the slightest.) I go running to forget all of that garbage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But for real, can I just buy the shoes I like without second-guessing myself and feeling guilty? Is that ok with everyone? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-14196250227970073492016-10-27T16:30:00.001-07:002016-10-27T16:30:12.331-07:00The "Fit" Assumption: My Scary Experience with Pre-eclampsia <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello. Long time, no see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My toddler is currently at the grocery store with his daddy and my three week old is passed out from being milk drunk - so I thought I would share something I've been tossing around in my head for the last...couple years, really.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**I want to say that I am in no way pointing fingers at anyone here, certainly not my doctors or the medical staff that helped bring my babies into the world. I am just sharing my experience, because I can't be the only one.**</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am going to make this as snappy as possible - because - milk drunk, napping baby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With both of my pregnancies, I stayed very active. I ran well into my third trimesters. I cut the grass until the very end. I went for super long walks. That is no great feat; I just kept on living the normal life of an adult that is bad at sitting still. As a result, I didn't gain a ton of weight (19 pounds and 17 pounds respectively) and my pregnancies were pretty smooth. My doctor was supportive of my choices during pregnancy, commenting regularly on how it was "nice to have patients without health problems."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>She jinxed it. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toward the end of my first pregnancy, my blood pressure readings started to creep up. Blood pressure has never been a problem for me. My pulse is barely detectable (thanks marathons) and my BP is typically textbook 120/80. But alas, the numbers steadily increased from week to week. And the urine samples I had to turn in every week started to show trace proteins. These two symptoms are classic preeclampsia signs. <b>The thing that is not typical of a preeclampsia patient is me.</b> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not a teen mom; I am not over 40; I am not obese; I wasn't carrying twins; I don't have any other health problems. My doctor recognized this discrepancy, too - and <i>my symptoms were not explored any further. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast forward to my due date. I woke up and proceeded to get ready for work as usual. As I looked at my face in the mirror, I realized I couldn't see half of it. I was completely blind in one eye. <i>WHAT THE HELL?</i>?? I rubbed my eyes and held my hand in front of my face - I couldn't see it. I thought it might just be a migraine but I called the doc anyway. They had me come in to L&D triage immediately. My BP was in the 170s/100s and not budging. They promptly put me on the hellish cocktail of pitocin (to induce labor) and magnesium sulfate (oh my god - the.worst.) As we sat in the birthing room, they explained all of the risks associated with pre-E (we are on a nickname basis:) stroke, seizure, organ failure, death of mother, death of baby. I had no idea how serious the situation was, until I watched my husband's face turn white. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Long story, short:</b> after a long day of laboring and an eventual emergency c-section, my bouncing and screaming baby boy was born. <i>And he was perfect.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I, however, would have lingering pre-E symptoms for the following heavily-medicated month. Understandably and to the delight of my own parents, we immediately swore off the possibility of any future pregnancies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">How quickly we forget.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We found out that baby #2 was coming in early 2016. As happy as we were, I couldn't shake the feeling that we might be tempting fate. I was legitimately scared to the point that I promptly maxed out all of my life insurance options. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I considered changing doctors, but ultimately, I decided to stay with my old doctor because at least she knew my history. I expressed my concerns to her right away. "What if it comes back? What are the odds...? What are the risks to my baby?" She assured me that it "almost never comes back" - that she could count the number of return cases she's had on one hand and again, "You're not the typical pre-eclampsia patient anyway." I was pacified, but only briefly.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Much like the last pregnancy, I stayed active. I stayed distracted. But I couldn't ignore the thought that it was going to come back. I just felt it in my gut.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I told the doctor as much. I asked why they weren't checking my urine for protein and I was told it was no longer standard practice. (Of course not. Perfect timing.) But the "something isn't right" feeling stayed. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">In August, I had another vision disturbance - and again, I found myself in L&D with elevated BP - but I still had twelve weeks to go in my pregnancy. I stayed in triage until my BP came down on its own and my blood tests came back normal. <i>"See you in 3 months," they said.</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They jinxed it. 36 weeks and 2 days. </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I went in for my final ultrasound. It was a routine growth ultrasound to see how baby girl was growing in the final weeks. As always, they took my blood pressure first thing. The tech adjusted the cuff and took it again. She didn't say the numbers - but her hesitation gave it away. She said, "You know what? I think my machine is broken. Let me take it manually." After her cuff slowly deflated, she looked at me and said, "It is <i>that</i> high." 178/108. A specialist was consulted and I was told that I would be delivering in a couple hours via c-section. A couple HOURS. I just kept sobbing and repeating, "She's not ready. I am not ready." She still had four weeks to go. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">They assured me that the only way to stop pre-eclampsia is to stop the pregnancy - and that once again, we were both at risk if we continued any further. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">My baby girl was born five hours later. <i>And she was perfect. </i>I am forever grateful for the care I received and the decisions that were made that day.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAP4qEuqMZm9LmWOhzA2mFlSR5PX9YWNkMRjw7rGxQJ5VkMstqH_1OBYNWXjV_NQcfw3KwGDWsyEqH4QCS6rISO6lhNg3kkQJ_WKKEo2OLt679V2k99TK7f_ANIkGhzH3gl8mkS8iepRql/s1600/IMG_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAP4qEuqMZm9LmWOhzA2mFlSR5PX9YWNkMRjw7rGxQJ5VkMstqH_1OBYNWXjV_NQcfw3KwGDWsyEqH4QCS6rISO6lhNg3kkQJ_WKKEo2OLt679V2k99TK7f_ANIkGhzH3gl8mkS8iepRql/s400/IMG_0173.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">A healthy lifestyle is certainly a wonderful thing, but it does not make anyone a super-human. Assumptions were made about my health, because I didn't fit a type - even with symptoms presenting. Trust your instincts, always be your own advocate and get the answers you are looking for. Get that spot checked out. Go to your dentist. Update your life insurance policy. Don't be cute about your health.</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-19899879568772451182015-07-05T21:54:00.000-07:002015-07-05T21:57:52.810-07:00To Compete Well, Eat Well: Vegetarian Enchiladas<div class="ERSIngredients">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like 99% of humans, I love Mexican food. Thankfully, Mexican food has a ton of wonderful vegetarian options. One of the recipes we make regularly is this very, VERY amazing vegetarian enchilada recipe (slightly adapted from <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/04/black-bean-avocado-enchiladas/" target="_blank">this</a> recipe. <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a> has fantastic recipes - many of which I have tried and I am yet to find one I don't like.)</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am certain that you could add the cooked meat of your choice to this recipe without disastrous results.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtE2acjgykDzQQI6n34O4WF_ewOCRtjMW3J-2Xw0ucHSAVbyCzzTZN93iPPRNOo-I20SHkRs5KxTOcNCYxRpGFFXk_D_FmkUgbESOUiNVvcPjhrw2pAk5nG98m9oIzHF_24ujs-H7lFk7-/s1600/IMAG1355-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtE2acjgykDzQQI6n34O4WF_ewOCRtjMW3J-2Xw0ucHSAVbyCzzTZN93iPPRNOo-I20SHkRs5KxTOcNCYxRpGFFXk_D_FmkUgbESOUiNVvcPjhrw2pAk5nG98m9oIzHF_24ujs-H7lFk7-/s400/IMAG1355-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These little 'ladas are filling and packed full of healthy stuff for those of you that care about that sort of thing. As written, they are intended to be an inexpensive and healthy dinner option...but go ahead and smother them in queso if that's your thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The homemade enchilada sauce is pretty spectacular. Do not buy enchilada sauce from a jar ever in your life. DO NOT. This is an easy recipe and you will not regret the minimal time investment. The other bonus is that this recipe lasts us two or three dinners (two adults, one baby) depending on how much the little guy steals off my plate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a lot of flexibility like playing with heat, corn v. flour tortillas, the addition of the dreaded cilantro, etc - but below is how we make it. Like I said, this isn't my recipe. Make it your own! </span><br />
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<div class="ERSIngredients">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
<div class="ERSIngredients">
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 T veggie oil</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 T flour</span></li>
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</span>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 T chili powder</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 C water</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3 oz. tomato paste </span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">½ tsp cumin </span></li>
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</span>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">½ tsp garlic powder</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder</span></li>
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</span>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 tsp salt </span></li>
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</span></ul>
<div class="ERSSectionHead">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enchilada Filling:</span></div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 (15 oz.) can black beans</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 medium avocados </span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 medium tomato </span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 whole green onions</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">½ cup frozen corn </span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">¼ tsp garlic powder</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">½ tsp salt </span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">corn tortillas (smaller - taco sized)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Instructions:</span></div>
<ol><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sauce: In a sauce pot combine the
veggie oil, flour, and chili powder. Heat the mixture over a medium
flame until it begins to bubble. Whisk and cook the bubbling paste for
1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the water while whisking. Add the tomato
paste, cumin, garlic powder, cocoa powder, and salt.
Whisk until smooth and continue to heat over a medium flame. Let the
sauce come up to a gentle simmer, at which point the sauce will thicken.
Once thickened, turn off the heat and set the sauce aside until you’re
ready to use it. (FYI - we double the sauce recipe only, because we like the sauce to cover the enchiladas entirely)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Preheat
the oven to 350 degrees. </span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Filling: Drain and rinse the can of beans, then add
them to a large bowl. Chop the avocado, tomato, and green
onion. Add them
all to the bowl, along with the corn. Stir it up! Season with a little salt and garlic powder. </span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cover two cookie sheets in a layer of foil and spray with non-stick spray. </span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Warm the corn tortillas briefly
in the microwave to make them soft. Fill each tortilla with
about 1/4 cup of filling and roll gently. Place the filled tortillas on the cookie sheet, seam side down and with a little room between each enchilada. Once all of the filled enchiladas
are on the cookie sheets, spoon sauce onto each one until all sauce is used up and each enchilada is covered.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bake
the enchiladas in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until
they’re heated through.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Serve with guacamole or a side salad. And cerveza. Enjoy! </span></li>
</ol>
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<ol>
</ol>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-38710954716024095512015-07-03T06:02:00.001-07:002015-07-03T06:21:29.217-07:00Running with the Wolfpack<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can hear your collective sigh of relief: <i>She's alive! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While many things have changed in the running life of Lace & Race, I have still been running. Just this week, I started taking out my new running partner, Wolfie. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJ58Tv8c3uxAryZxOAxQeK0-JHznaSkTQ6SNWSTpBpDNOSPp7twtLKz9sy67lYgdbwO1OZvRy7niWIYu-yrynKLO9rOZ5-z8qZRtsR54-GiFLF7xZN4Jaa4mJEIUhHZkpptV2kDQ2bNdw/s1600/10984251_10207196735936114_4353414917251587003_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJ58Tv8c3uxAryZxOAxQeK0-JHznaSkTQ6SNWSTpBpDNOSPp7twtLKz9sy67lYgdbwO1OZvRy7niWIYu-yrynKLO9rOZ5-z8qZRtsR54-GiFLF7xZN4Jaa4mJEIUhHZkpptV2kDQ2bNdw/s400/10984251_10207196735936114_4353414917251587003_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been dying to try out my <a href="http://www.bobgear.com/strollers/ironman" target="_blank">BOB Ironman Jogger</a> since I got it last summer. It is very serious looking and I feel like a badass when people see me running with it (because people are often thinking: <i>Wow, that mom looks like a badass.</i>) If I am being honest, I was expecting it to be easy to transition from running with no additional equipment to running with a jogger. It's not that easy. In fact, it is straight-up hard when I do any route that involves hills. It makes sense though; my big boy weighs about 22 pounds and the jogger is not small by any standards. That just means that I'm getting a better workout - silver lining. The extra weight actually reminds of how I felt running while I was about 8 months pregnant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had a pretty substantial mental shift in how I view my runs, too. Pre-Wolfgang, I could run all day without a second thought. Long runs were relaxing, care-free and fun. Then I had a baby and literally everything I used to do seemed so pointless. Before Wolfie was big enough to fit in the jogger, I would leave him at home with daddy while I hammered out a few miles. The entire time I was away from him, I just felt <b>guilty</b>. Bad mommy! I wanted to hurry up and get back home. Any element of "relaxing" was completely gone and replaced with "This is stupid. I'm trotting around alone and I have a perfect baby at home!" I was putting in the absolute minimal miles to maintain some level of fitness, but those miles were a mental challenge, for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So - I am more than relieved that the little one now meets the minimum size requirements to ride along with me. We've even found a way for daddy to join us with his bad hip: a razor scooter (pretty certain he'd kill me if I posted a photo.)</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is actually really adorable and I'm happy he's along. We all travel as a pack....a "Wolfpack," I suppose. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0reZCNGzyKtg5x3Hrjj09AzvJkO6-opfpBHwTvsfeC7Hs5-KJyfQsN-zdBQuj2uZDbOHHTsH603kvZOw7_qr2qWyN-LNczmzcplU9ahbeKZET0kChrDZZKWQUMXIhRyqvmrTjrdJIQEcf/s1600/images-products-two-more-guys-to-my-wolf-pack-the-hangover-shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0reZCNGzyKtg5x3Hrjj09AzvJkO6-opfpBHwTvsfeC7Hs5-KJyfQsN-zdBQuj2uZDbOHHTsH603kvZOw7_qr2qWyN-LNczmzcplU9ahbeKZET0kChrDZZKWQUMXIhRyqvmrTjrdJIQEcf/s400/images-products-two-more-guys-to-my-wolf-pack-the-hangover-shirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-7137892668787297282015-01-10T19:11:00.000-08:002015-01-10T19:31:07.142-08:00Dr. Brown's Review & Giveaway <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was recently contacted by the baby product company, <a href="http://www.drbrownsbaby.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Brown's,</a> to do a review and giveaway. Naturally, I was super excited to try out some new gear on Wolfie. It was definitely a bonus when a package full of goodies arrived on my front porch the day after Christmas!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77tyMyLa5dMIBisJToC5zfneNGq20ZMofiW5jgCW8e7hy58Ii6np8xLGYEIZXN-dc7fpf8Ah4jXktf_-2_GcdcJ96y9nzNGBQA-6JO6a2DX5AfSvd7Um7rHKetbxh17eydJBfLSfV9jYP/s1600/IMAG0843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77tyMyLa5dMIBisJToC5zfneNGq20ZMofiW5jgCW8e7hy58Ii6np8xLGYEIZXN-dc7fpf8Ah4jXktf_-2_GcdcJ96y9nzNGBQA-6JO6a2DX5AfSvd7Um7rHKetbxh17eydJBfLSfV9jYP/s1600/IMAG0843.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Brown's swag - and this isn't even all of it. Look how cute!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was approached about the review, I immediately agreed because Dr. Brown's is a great brand for baby products. All of their products promote good health and optimal nutrition for little ones. On top of it, their products look and feel like they are high quality...well, because they are high quality.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was specifically asked to review the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottle in the adorable Holiday theme seen below. My little guy spits up quite a bit - and the <a href="http://www.drbrownsbaby.com/bottles-accessories/bottles/standard" target="_blank">Natural Flow Bottle</a> is designed specifically to combat the ickiness of spitting up, burping and excess gas. Perfect! - the less this kid farts and pukes, the better. (You might be thinking, "Wait - I thought she was breastfeeding." Yes. I am. But I am also back to work, so I am pumping regularly and daddy supplements while I am gone; sadly, his boobs are useless. Bottles are now a big part of our existence.)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottle - Holiday Bottle (sold at <a href="http://www.babiesrus.com/" target="_blank">Babies R Us</a>)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These patented bottles are definitely unique in design and function:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">designed to reduce colic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">help to preserve vitamins A, C & E + lipids</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">vacuum-free feeding like breastfeeding</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BPA free </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In all honesty, my little dude didn't take to the new bottle immediately. He is a stubborn one (I have NOOO idea where he got that from...definitely not his Type A, German mommy.) But with a little bit of patience, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xHppJnMtLf/?modal=true" target="_blank">he got used to them</a> and even preferred them. It took a little bit of getting used to on my end as well, because there are some extra parts involved - but no big deal. I can comfortably say that I noticed a definite decrease in the amount of burping this kid did - almost immediately. He still spits up, but I blame normal infant reflux and the unusual amount of bouncing around I do with him while dancing to 90s music in my kitchen. (You know you like Matchbox 20. Don't judge.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The surprise here is that he ended up liking a different Dr. Brown's product even more: the <a href="http://www.drbrownsbaby.com/bottles-accessories/bottles/glass" target="_blank">Natural Flow Glass Bottle</a> that came in my package. He loves to hold onto his blue bottle and he never fights me on it. The glass bottle has the same advantages as the original Natural Flow bottle. For whatever reason, Wolfie just likes the glass better. It is a classy looking bottle, not gonna lie - he looks a little fancy with it. You be the judge.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMq2sygLPobm27MnnkZH3OTjWMQ6jscCAqC5Qp72qet7VamKyu3Zm0Yv6H4MTi4qlrJFk36ndSXVxDqVjYS0_OeucXLx1bNcxUZJdhKyxh6QrURTt3RxuvoayplNtm_4vDTsesB7qGh9p/s1600/IMAG0842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMq2sygLPobm27MnnkZH3OTjWMQ6jscCAqC5Qp72qet7VamKyu3Zm0Yv6H4MTi4qlrJFk36ndSXVxDqVjYS0_OeucXLx1bNcxUZJdhKyxh6QrURTt3RxuvoayplNtm_4vDTsesB7qGh9p/s1600/IMAG0842.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Brown's Glass Bottle and Pacifier and a cool ass baby Wolf</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We loved all of our Dr. Brown's products, but the surprise favorites were the <a href="http://www.drbrownsbaby.com/healthy-wipes/tooth-gum" target="_blank">Dr. Brown's Healthy Wipes</a>. They are extremely convenient if you have a messy guy like I do. They have several varieties for your specific messy-baby needs. They are flavored, made with xylitol and my little guy approves; he always tries to eat the Nose & Face Wipes. I said he was cute...not smart. (I'm joking. Calm down.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, mommies and daddies, if you would like in on some Dr. Brown's swag - you are in luck. They have generously offered to give away 2 Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottles to one lucky winner. Just enter below! </span><br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="b899970f7" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b899970f7/" id="rcwidget_0komk7zz" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-31752193033725555082014-10-04T17:52:00.000-07:002014-10-04T17:52:58.331-07:00I'm a mommy, not a marathoner (for now.)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irresistible baby cheeks - good for pinching and kissing.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allow me to introduce you to the tiny love of my life, Wolfgang Wilhelm...his friends call him Wolf. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I type this, he's quietly napping on my lap while we listen to sleepy hipster music from the early 2000s. He seems to like it. And I like this arrangement, too; there is nothing quite like having the weight of your baby on your chest. My life is a whole lot of this lately - the two of us sitting on the couch, getting to know each other while he eats, sleeps, cries and starts the cycle over again. It is a wonderful way to spend my days - and this is all I am cleared to do for three more weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ended up having a very complicated labor and delivery which resulted in an emergency C-section and a cocktail of drugs that left me loopy for about a week after Wolfie was born. I am genuinely thankful that my six week recovery period is only six weeks, because it could have been much worse. I am being a good girl, not over-doing anything - I don't want any more complications. I'm just giving my body the time it needs to get its shit back together (literally <i>back together</i>.) I am so glad I have the company and entertainment of my little buddy while I heal.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That face. Those eyes. </td></tr>
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Tomorrow is Milwaukee's <a href="http://www.milwaukeelakefrontmarathon.org/lfm" target="_blank">Lakefront Marathon</a> - my favorite race. I have been feeling a little jealous of the people I see posting about it. I really wish I was running (although the forecast does not look ideal.) But there will be other races and I have to remind myself that I am doing something else that's super important and special right now - I'm being a mommy, <i>not a marathoner</i>. I think it is that shift in identity that I haven't fully realized and it feels like a blow to my ego to even type those words: <i>not a marathoner, not a runner, not the thing you're known for being</i>. It probably sounds so selfish - and it is in some capacity - I just haven't completely accepted the degree of change that has happened in my life. I am not the person that could dedicate 60 miles a week to training. I am not the person that had no commitments to anyone but herself. I AM the person that has a tiny, little monkey completely dependent on her and her time is best spent on a couch making goo-goo faces at him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can get back to working out in THREE WEEKS - no time at all. My current fitness goal is simply to run Lakefront Marathon in 2015. I won't put a strict time goal on the race, but I want to be in good enough shape to complete the distance in a year's time. I can definitely tell that I have lost a lot of my fitness over the last few months, so I have to give myself time to get back to where I was - lots and lots of time with my baby in his fancy <a href="http://www.lacenrace.com/2014/07/post-baby-fitness-equipment-getting.html" target="_blank">BOB jogger</a>. I can't wait for our quality time to shift from the couch to the roads.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">GOOD LUCK, <a href="http://www.lacenrace.com/2012/10/twas-night-before-marathon.html" target="_blank">LFM RUNNERS</a>!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-89175395177245620772014-09-01T10:38:00.000-07:002014-09-01T10:38:27.843-07:00Labor Day Update - Pregnancy, Fitness and Back to School<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy <b>Labor</b> Day, people! It is awfully close to another "labor" day for this girl, so I thought I would stop by to do an update - and likely last post - before the little guy makes his appearance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to say that I woke up feeling really excited and maybe a little relieved that we have finally made it to September. I can take myself back to the exact moment in January when I found out I'd be having a baby in September - and I thought September sounded so far away. But here we are. Time really does fly by - it is scary just how fast. I thought this was an appropriate song for how I feel about today (kind of inappropriate, I suppose.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So - when is this kid coming?</b> My due date is September 12th. My birthday is September 10th. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am naturally biased toward the month and Virgos in general. I'll be happy to have a little type-A buddy to keep me company, but I don't want to necessarily SHARE a birthday. Most people say things like, "Oh - wouldn't it be fun to have the same birthday?" I always feel like I'd rather he had his own day. We can still celebrate together, but I want him to have his very own birthday. My hope is that he waits until after his due date, but sometimes I feel like he has other plans and I could burst at any moment. Place your bets! The fact of the matter is that I don't know if I am ready to share him with the whole world yet. Right now, we have this special bond that is just ours - and I'm not over that yet. I will miss the little pokes and jabs, so I am trying to enjoy all of those special pregnancy-specific things for the time being.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Are you still working out?</b> If you follow my <a href="http://instagram.com/laceandrace" target="_blank">instagram</a> you have probably been seeing sweaty photos of me, because I am still running. I don't run every day, but most days. I usually last 3-5 miles depending on how I feel. I'm still managing about 9 minute miles, which I am ok with because I don't want to push it. The other day, a jerk in a pick-up truck shouted "IDIOT!" at me as I ran down the street - I assumed because he thought that running while pregnant was dangerous??? I spent the rest of that run being annoyed at the fat, sitting-down guy shouting insults at someone that is actually trying to make good, healthy choices; my pace that run ended up being about 8:30 min/mi. Anger = faster running. On days that I don't run, I am still walking about 3 miles with my pup and I am doing plenty of work around the house and yard to keep active. I am also using a pedometer issued by my job to keep track of my activity - which helps to keep me accountable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How do you feel?</b> In general, I feel really fantastic. Being this late in the pregnancy, I am almost afraid to say that to people - especially women who have had a hard time with pregnancy. Aside from being tired in the beginning and having heartburn throughout, I cannot complain at all. My mood hasn't really changed. I'm still getting *enough* sleep. I'm not waddling. I am able-bodied and perfectly capable of 90% of the things I did before. I don't want to jinx anything because I still have labor and parenting to get through - but - pregnancy was relatively easy for me. Thank god. I am truly thankful...but I don't think it is random...I am pretty sure that my lifestyle helped me out quite a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Diet and Weigh-Gain?</b> I would say that I eat less now than I did before - just because of the heartburn and the lack of room in my belly. And - truth be told - I am not hungry all the time. You always hear about how pregnant women are constantly starving and I definitely have days when I am like, "GIVE ME THE FOOD!" but generally speaking...not that hungry. My diet is NOT perfect by any means. I have been obsessed with Golden Grahams and Honey Combs. I eat a gross amount of fruit everyday. I have ice cream at least twice a week. I have hated peanut butter and jelly my WHOLE LIFE, but I have it every day for the last two weeks. At my 37 week appointment last week, I had gained a total of 16.5 pounds. I am happy with that, because I should be able to keep my total weight gain under 20 pounds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How has life changed so far?</b> I barely recognize my life right now. We got a new car this past weekend that is more "family friendly" - an SUV with lots of room for strollers and car seats, unlike my tiny car which now resembles a clown car in comparison. We are finishing the yard and the basement. We got new furniture. We turned our office space into our nursery. The Mister is in grad school and got a new "adult" hair cut. He even said, "I think I need to get respectable pajamas, because I can't have this kid seeing me in over-sized t-shirts and basketball shorts." haha. We are definitely more content staying home than before. Our social life has changed a lot...and I'm not surprised. Of course, we still love all of our friends, but it is nice to stay home working on projects, making dinner together, getting ready for the truly BIG CHANGE coming down the pipe. I think this pregnancy and all of its anticipation have made our relationship a lot stronger - and we were pretty solid before! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Are you going back to school? </b>We are both teachers and tomorrow is the first day back with students. Since my due date is so close, I am obviously taking things one day at a time...hoping to keep the little dude in there as long as it is safe for us both. I really want to be able to spend some time getting to know my students, so that when I go back to work after maternity leave, the kids will know me, my style, my expectations. It would be extremely challenging to just show up in the middle of the year and expect the kids to conform to my teaching style, rules, etc. I will be taking the full 12 weeks that are allowed - which might not be ideal from a teaching stand-point, but I am willing to be a lot selfish here: baby comes first and nothing is more important than bonding in the beginning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What are you looking forward to?</b> I'm just in an excited mindset...I feel like Christmas is coming. I can't wait to finally meet this little boy! I cannot wait to see Mister as a daddy! I can't wait to see Gertie as a "doggy sister." I'm excited for my parents to have another grand-baby to spoil (only their second!) The pumpkin farm. Halloween costumes. Christmas traditions. Easter bunny. Tooth fairy. Kindergarten. Little league. A life time of firsts with our little guy. I am looking forward to it all. And I'm looking forward to doing it all with my best friend, the best partner I could've dreamed up for me, by my side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So - I guess that is about it! I don't know how often I will be updating on here (maybe a lot, maybe not at all) once I am home with the little one...but I promise to update on Instagram! Follow me there if you don't already: <a href="http://instagram.com/laceandrace">instagram.com/laceandrace</a> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-50929369664073933762014-07-26T08:08:00.002-07:002014-07-26T08:08:35.596-07:00Post-Baby Fitness Equipment: Getting Back in Shape<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow is my baby shower! I am pretty excited about it. I think a lot of people on both sides of our families doubted we'd ever have kids - so there is a fair level of anticipation with this little bundle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, I registered for all of the necessary baby gear - the crib, the swing, the boob equipment, the car seat, etc. But I also put one thing on the registry that I feel mostly selfish about: a jogger. I don't feel selfish, because it is unnecessary or over the top - but because I see it as MY ticket back to MY former self. (I still have 7 weeks until my due date and I am already salivating at the thought of getting in a long run.) My relationship with running is weirdly personal and it is something I protect. For that reason, I wanted to be sure that my jogger came from someone that "gets it" - that understands how important running is to my existence and how this piece of equipment is not just a piece of equipment, but a guarantee of a return to my lifestyle. I am definitely romanticizing here, but the jogger seriously represents a promise to myself: I am committed to taking care of me - my sanity, my body, my goals and now, my little family. I was thrilled when my parents said they wanted to get my jogger, because they definitely "get it." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it came time to decide which jogging stroller I wanted, I did some research and polled my net friends (you guys!) The resounding response was to get a <a href="http://www.bobgear.com/" target="_blank">BOB Stroller</a> - although there was some discrepancy in which model everyone preferred. I chose the <a href="http://www.bobgear.com/strollers/ironman" target="_blank">BOB Ironman </a>(in yellow!) I like that it is built for serious distance, high visibility and style - obviously. I have to wait until our little dude is 8 months before he can join me on the road, but when he does, we are going to run far and wide in our flashy little buggy. :) I will write a review after I actually get to test it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So - runner friends - since you have been so helpful in determining which jogger to get, I thought I would ask <b>which other essential items helped you return to running/your active lifestyle? </b>I'm talking anything - sport bras, baby carriers, protein powders, etc. Anything! You guys are experts and I have so much to learn! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll do a "Baby Shower" post sometime later this week - it is so much fun to get to share our little adventure with you all. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-77733628667298051172014-07-16T10:58:00.000-07:002014-07-16T10:58:21.077-07:00Learning Empathy through Pregnancy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it should be a standard rite of passage that every human (boy, girl, both) should experience one full month of being pregnant. Like when you're 25, you have to undergo one full month of not-actual-baby-producing pregnancy that allows you to experience the myriad of feelings, symptoms and side effects that come standard with baby making.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't say that to sound like, "Oh my gosh - pregnancy is so hard and all of you non-pregnant people cannot possibly relate." It is actually quite the opposite. I feel like I have learned so much about my abilities, my limitations and other people as a result of this experience - and I think everyone could stand a refresher in empathy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pregnancy has been humbling for me. First of all, it is really amazing what these bodies are capable of doing. It really does feel miraculous in many ways. But the physical toll on my body has been significant, too; not debilitating by any means - but enough to force me to slow down a lot. Simple things, like going up a flight of stairs, are not mindless activities anymore; you are likely to find me resting halfway up to catch my breath. Finding the motivation to take a shower, make a lunch, clean the house all requires specific and directed determination. I set small goals throughout the day and high-five myself for dealing with basic things. All of these things - the mundane, day-to-day activities that fill a life - require planning, time and careful thought. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been fortunate that I have not experienced anything in my life until this point that would require such accommodation and change. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My pregnancy is temporary and so are the challenges that have come with it. I know it will take some time and plenty of effort, but I fully expect to bounce back to my former shape and abilities - b</span>ut as I struggled through my run today, I got to thinking about the fact that many people live with circumstances, abilities and afflictions that are not temporary. They aren't counting down the days until their asthma disappears or their weight is healthy or their heart is strong enough for rigorous activity again. It also made me think of all of the people I know that are struggling with one thing or another that they do not allow to get in the way of living a life they want or pursuing the goals they've chosen. I thought about many of my students - and the things that they don't have or the challenges they do have - but they still show up to school every day and try (most of them.) I thought about the times I have hollered at an athlete for quitting a particularly hard workout without really knowing what they're experiencing physically. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honestly, I found myself feeling a little bit embarrassed when I considered the assumptions and thoughts I have had about other people without knowing their full experience. I would hate for someone to have seen me on my run today and for them to think, "Gosh, she sure runs slow" without knowing the full story, "HEY - I am doing <i>my current best!</i>" I guess this was all a reminder that the only assumption I should be making about anyone at any time is that they are also doing their current best. As a teacher and coach, this is absolutely necessary to keep in mind...and my slow run was totally worth the lesson today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, back to my original point: I think everyone should experience pregnancy. Learn the amazing abilities of the human body, learn that making a person is surprisingly hard (maybe it shouldn't be surprising) and learn to empathize with others through understanding your own limitations.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-45619427513293881112014-07-13T11:04:00.003-07:002014-07-13T11:04:41.020-07:00Pregnancy Updates! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought I would just stop by and give some quick updates on things over here, in pregnant lady land. I'm currently on summer break from school (thank God) and I thought I'd have all sorts of time for blogging, working out, relaxing, snoozing...not so. I think I'm busier now than ever. Good busy, but BUSY.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How far along am I?</b> As of today, I am 31 weeks and 2 days (roughly 75% baked.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How do I feel?</b> *knocks on wood* Most of the time, I feel exactly like my normal, non-pregnant self. I regularly forget that I am quite obviously pregnant now - and I get surprised when people ask about it. Then I see my reflection and I get startled...like, "Who's body is THAT? Not mine!" In general, I feel pretty good. There are definitely times and entire days when I am pretty tired, but nothing that has changed my lifestyle all that much.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">31 weeks after building the crib! </td></tr>
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<b>Least favorite part of being pregnant?</b> My biggest complaint would still be relentless heartburn - so I've been taking down Gaviscon like its candy.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turns out I am one of those weird people that likes the taste of antacids.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another least favorite thing: uninvited hands on the belly. I'm going to start grabbing the boobs of women that do this. You've been warned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Favorite part of being pregnant?</b> There is a lot that I do like. I like the anticipation - its like waiting for Christmas when you're a kid, but waiting for a much longer time. I love to feel the little pokes and jabs from my little dude. I love, love, love thinking about my Mister as a daddy...and I love all the conversations we have about the baby. Our relationship is different and better, which is pretty cool because it was great before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What are you looking forward to?</b> My shower is in two weeks! I don't really do "themes" - at least I am not into baby-ish themes. My "shower" is basically a summer picnic, complete with woven baskets and checkered table cloths. It will be really nice to see the family. I'm also having a lot of fun planning out the nursery. Again, we're not into themes. It will be a modern, minimalist room with some mid-century touches; no jungle animals or baseball themes for this kid. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gertie, sleeping on the job during Shower preparation! Bum.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Biggest concerns about this whole thing?</b> I guess there is the whole "I've gotta keep a human alive ALL THE TIME" thing - which is mildly terrifying, but I hope to be mostly instinctual. I am, however, starting to have minor panic attacks thinking about how short my "maternity leave" will be - I use that term loosely. I feel like this is a real social injustice. How can we raise healthy, well-rounded, loving children when we get to maybe spend a few weeks home with them when they are BRAND NEW PEOPLE and we are BRAND NEW PARENTS? As an educator, I see all sorts of problems with this (bonding, development, consistency, stress.) I think it speaks volumes about what we value as a society. Anyway - I will be plotting and scheming to find a way to stay home until the day I am required to go back to work. There is always a chance. #teampositive (Don't make this political. I am grateful to be employed and to have insurance, etc. But in an ideal world, I would not be leaving my brand new baby with someone else when I am just getting to know them. You cannot argue with that.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What are you going to call this kid? </b>We have to keep something a secret! We talked about this quite a bit and finding a name was hard...we've changed our minds a few times for various reasons. But I'm 95% sure we have settled on a pretty cool moniker for the this little boy. Since we gave away the gender, we are keeping the name a secret. And honestly, I don't want to hear the comments about how someone doesn't like the name. Too bad, so sad. I will say that it will not be your average name; in fact, it hasn't made the top 1,000 names in the US ever. :) Don't worry. You'll like it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How is working out? </b>Going into this, I knew that I would have to learn to be fair to myself. I have pretty high expectations of myself with most things and I can be pretty mean to me when I am disappointed with my performance in anything. ANYTHING. I am one of those people that will rewrite post-it notes 1000 times if my handwriting doesn't look right. OCD, maybe. So, working out has been an adjustment but I am actually proud of how I've dealt with it. I am still running most days, but it is slow and inconsistent and short - usually about 4 miles at a time. I have decided that any time I go running and I feel the SLIGHTEST amount of discomfort - I can walk. I'm not into taking risks with this kid, so I end up doing a lot of workouts where I run/walk every other block and I am ok with that. I've been able to deal with the change by staying really active in other ways: making projects around the house, cutting the grass, painting things, planting things, walking the dog, riding my bike, preparing the nursery, etc. It turns out that we have endless projects around here, and my time is better spent on them anyway. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQr66Le0qJA1g4YS2YB7xTkSo3y2C5DvY7Ui5t8bF3tjAgLkZab4DuWKXpD00sgXLgObvckzixxpLNkmIAJocKCEKC9EUNBi4qxiqd4-RhlTgPoVImqVBGb3SaKsYgBpiJYjgVQLDqbez_/s1600/charlotte-york-cautious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQr66Le0qJA1g4YS2YB7xTkSo3y2C5DvY7Ui5t8bF3tjAgLkZab4DuWKXpD00sgXLgObvckzixxpLNkmIAJocKCEKC9EUNBi4qxiqd4-RhlTgPoVImqVBGb3SaKsYgBpiJYjgVQLDqbez_/s1600/charlotte-york-cautious.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel a lot like preggers Charlotte running - cautious!! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Any cravings or weird diet changes? </b>Not really. I go through phases with foods - where I like to have them, but it isn't really a weird craving. I had a phase with Cheerios, baked potatoes, even Egg White Delights from McD's (no Canadian bacon, obviously.) Lately, I want a lot of salads...big crunchy salads with all kinds of veggies for texture. I do prefer cold, uncooked things. I could eat 10 nectarines or a bag of cherries a day if I could get away with it. I do like ice cream once or twice a week - but who doesn't? The fact of the matter is that my stomach can't hold much anymore because this little kicking ninja in my belly takes up a lot of room, so I don't eat meals very often...lots of little things all day. Total, I have gained 12 pounds - which my doctor said is fine. Technically, I'm behind the weight gain curve, but she said it is because I'm active and I was diet-conscious before I got pregnant anyway. As long as the baby keeps putting on weight, its all good. Hopefully, I can get back to fighting weight quicker after the baby is here! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Oiselle - Flock vs Volee: </b>This won't be common knowledge for all of you, but I wanted to address it anyway. My racing team, <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/" target="_blank">Oiselle</a>, has broken up into three different racing groups: Haute Volee (elite athletes,) Volee (my current team) and now, the Flock (team members without the same requirements as Haute Volee and Volee.) Volee team members were asked to decide if we wanted to continue on the team for the upcoming year while adhering to certain social media and racing requirements or drop down to the less rigorous Flock - which still gives many perks but you can sort of be your own racer. I really like the idea of being on a sponsored race team as a competitive RACER, but the fact is, I don't know what the next 12 months (or 18 years) looks like for me. I wasn't sure that I'd be able to meet minimum racing requirements (8 races in the year) or if I could stay competitive during that time. I don't like to race for the sake of running; I like to compete. That said - I have decided to join the Flock and to take a step back from Volee. I actually felt a lot of relief once I formally made that decision, because I can still train and run for Oiselle - but at my own pace and around the needs of my new, little family. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So - that's a lot to take in. :) </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-10211692082618514372014-05-28T19:45:00.000-07:002014-05-28T19:45:11.283-07:00Pregnant Lady Workout Thoughts<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was a pretty humbling day. The superhero-esque vision I have of myself was crushed in one fell swoop. It was more of a crouch than a swoop, actually.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, I have continued to workout regularly throughout the 24 weeks and 5 days of this pregnancy. For the most part, I've been running - shorter and slower - but running all the same. Many of my workouts were completed with my track team. Sprint workouts. Strength. Distance. I was feeling pretty good about it all - pregnancy, schmegnancy. Pffffft. Piece-a-cake.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">24 Weeks and all smiles.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came home from work today and I didn't want to run. Sometimes, I just don't wanna. But I did want to workout. So, I put in my T25 dvd and chose the "Speed 1.0" workout - which is mostly cardio, stretching and stability. The opening jog sequence started and I was like, "Yeah, I got this. This video is sooo easy." Jog. Jog. Jog. Well, within the next two minutes - I realized something awful; I was going to have to do the <i>modified workout. </i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">NOOO! What. The. Eff.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know what I'm talking about. While the rest of the fit "normal" people in the video are happily, effortlessly jumping around in their tight little bodies and equally tight clothes, there is one slow-poke off to the side offering a pouty "modified" workout. They're usually dressed in sweat pants and kicking a leg around listlessly or fist pumping casually while the others are doing the "real" version. Yeah, I was relegated to THAT workout. (Calm down. I'm not judging you if you actually like the modifications or you have to do them for whatever reason.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realized that I couldn't fake my way through the actual video when I attempted to do an "up and over." You know the move: an aerobic-y hop while popping your right leg up and over your left leg, toe touch and back the opposite direction. My belly got in the way! For real. My belly is not even <i>that</i> big! So I was like, "Um....ok. I'll just do it slower." I cannot explain how much slower I had to do it to make it even slightly comfortable...it looked like a weird stationary military march. And with that...I had to start following<i> the Modifier</i>, who suddenly became an enlightened genius offering fair and just treatment of those simply trying to muddle their way through this torturous collection of moves. Who thought of this crap anyway? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How quickly our perspectives change.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finished my workout. I got a little sweaty. But I felt a little defeated, to be honest. I'm pretty tough on myself when it comes to physical things. The thought, "That is too hard for me" rarely (never) enters my mind. I'm a cocky jerk about physical things - truth. Because of that, today was humbling. I called my dad and retold the story of my living room defeat - and he laughed at me. He said, "I can just picture the disgust on your face when you realized it." But telling the story and hearing him laugh about it all made me realize what this whole thing is about: I AM GROWING A PERSON. Sometimes I forget. My dad made me feel so much better about the whole thing and I was able to laugh at how ridiculously childish I was acting about it. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give yourself a break, girl! Do that slow-poke workout. Feel good about staying active and healthy and taking care of that little boy in there. He won't care how tough you are.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, my fitness goals will continue to change as my body changes. I have no interest in becoming one of these "news-worthy" fit pregnant women (i.e. <a href="http://www.mysuncoast.com/health/news/very-pregnant-crossfit-mom-causes-stir-online/article_ec4d6388-245d-11e3-bc45-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=image&photo=0" target="_blank">Crossfit lady</a>) but I am also deathly afraid of losing my fitness - it is a huge part of my life and it always has been. I will stay as active as my body agrees to. I learned some of my limits today.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More power to her, but this is not for me. Just no.</td></tr>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other updates, everything else is going pretty well:</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I am excited to be done with school in a few weeks - for a number of reasons (mostly, see <a href="http://www.lacenrace.com/2014/05/riding-coattails-of-mediocrity.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I am feeling like myself. If I couldn't see my belly, I would never remember that I'm pregnant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I am not gaining weight as quickly as I think I'm supposed to. 6 pounds so far. The doctor said she's not concerned so - neither am I, I guess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I wouldn't say I am having any weird cravings, but I do have a very real love of ice cream. And Honeynut Cheerios. And apples. And yogurt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- No real symptoms to report, other than some crazy awful heartburn (aka - throat lava) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I bought my first maternity maxi dress...because it was on sale and I like deals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- We still haven't thought of a name. Well, we've thought of a thousand names but none of them are THE name. This makes me nervous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I can feel the little boo kick! Now - that is awesome! From what I can tell, he's going to be a nice little baby and a great runner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-52138546062988967402014-05-04T20:09:00.002-07:002014-05-05T20:00:08.130-07:00Riding the Coattails of Mediocrity<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess this post could be taken as off-topic. Not necessarily running-inspired, but definitely running related in the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, I've found myself surrounded by a certain level of mediocrity lately. Complacency. Negativity. Self-righteousness. Jealousy. And uglier yet, spite. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always specifically avoided conflict and conflicted people. I don't know if that is healthy or not, but I do not like to complicate my life. Many times, the path of least resistance is the one I prefer. Sure, you could call my avoidance some type of social laziness, but the fact is, I don't want to partake in the dirty underbelly of relationships. No thanks. I would prefer to keep the majority of my interactions naively positive, albeit superficial. <i>(Cue: Don't worry, be happy.) </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5f3_41OO8H1xGNfSl3e2qW4KWVSwn7F7zhHGmZQ4wA9alAi6Ixr0Dx9BeiFxToD7BYr_WuiNv8PnRHrQ0-Noukn5AN7MQDb9QssDSkw7MbYY7UirJbquIIGnUfnYE3IEaJQBP5XMRDvK/s1600/be-happy6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5f3_41OO8H1xGNfSl3e2qW4KWVSwn7F7zhHGmZQ4wA9alAi6Ixr0Dx9BeiFxToD7BYr_WuiNv8PnRHrQ0-Noukn5AN7MQDb9QssDSkw7MbYY7UirJbquIIGnUfnYE3IEaJQBP5XMRDvK/s1600/be-happy6.jpg" height="400" width="388" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite my best efforts to avoid problems, it seems that some people <b>must</b> cause conflict; as if it is in their DNA to <i>stir the pot. </i>I assume that these people are either wrestling with a tremendous amount of stress, depression or boredom. "Well, if I don't have anything to say, I can always complain." I can't justify negativity and dysfunction any other way. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHHmsn1N5txrPkNiWrFHDS2FYbTZMiqYoCtp3lrXpkFqhc2_vLfBV2b6VlKl_KOKJaP0lYkmfqgJBruOTqkLVUr4oa22Zwlq7XQ5DfUJnfS0JHKmR6HWJ7u6evFHI9br5B48rkGoyAJSX/s1600/complaining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHHmsn1N5txrPkNiWrFHDS2FYbTZMiqYoCtp3lrXpkFqhc2_vLfBV2b6VlKl_KOKJaP0lYkmfqgJBruOTqkLVUr4oa22Zwlq7XQ5DfUJnfS0JHKmR6HWJ7u6evFHI9br5B48rkGoyAJSX/s1600/complaining.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh my god. Just stop. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, I have been slipping in my diligent efforts to dodge all the yuckiness. My walls came down for a brief moment in time....just long enough for the tentacles of negativity to get a momentary hold on my throat. That shit is more infectious than a yawn or a smile or a virus - certainly more stifling. One of the coaches on our track team reminds the kids every year, "Negativity is cancer to a team; it won't be tolerated." True that, homies.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMAW1rdYVDepPZ4YCW7H7uSnxtkXQQKdl2d-Q8Sp5M1TUcNPf0FtYkgikQYvbEug1RAXWBADZRFywJPtjWu8Iq39vCRno7Cb2PjISPaFKO-EbPmEty6OhijQ81bV-mMxWYCAVh5EOVUNG/s1600/how-to-avoid-negative-energy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMAW1rdYVDepPZ4YCW7H7uSnxtkXQQKdl2d-Q8Sp5M1TUcNPf0FtYkgikQYvbEug1RAXWBADZRFywJPtjWu8Iq39vCRno7Cb2PjISPaFKO-EbPmEty6OhijQ81bV-mMxWYCAVh5EOVUNG/s1600/how-to-avoid-negative-energy.png" height="192" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully, I have the self-awareness to recognize that other people's insecurities have been affecting me. I have felt a weight on me that was stealing my motivation, clarity and happiness. Barf. No, thank you! I am better than that. Giving in to the attitude around me is mental laziness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBofuB0FQQSem5w0WDu49DcHJsRGVCQ2Odrnd9XsnWKZ3oCMa8Qq8wBJF56IglIYAvo4y5DdImTehzs_5adg8dNVLu_K-2vhBGGDqdnyn2lGIrppYje4E6vnJCttMZfRceuCYbjNhILqE-/s1600/1344286623391_1873462.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBofuB0FQQSem5w0WDu49DcHJsRGVCQ2Odrnd9XsnWKZ3oCMa8Qq8wBJF56IglIYAvo4y5DdImTehzs_5adg8dNVLu_K-2vhBGGDqdnyn2lGIrppYje4E6vnJCttMZfRceuCYbjNhILqE-/s1600/1344286623391_1873462.png" height="280" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is where running comes in. I swear, there is a different girl that lives in my mind and she only comes out when I'm running. I have great conversations with her. She's the honest, no-nonsense one that says, "Who cares what these people are doing? They don't matter." Or "Why are you wasting your energy on this crap? You have important things to do that that don't involve petty BS." That chick is a badass. She reminds me to refocus, to regain the tunnel-vision that has always made my goals attainable. If you are a runner, you probably have your own resident badass that you look to regularly. (What would we do without them? Probably piss and moan.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So - I had some of those pretty serious conversations (straight-up motivational speeches) with myself during my runs this weekend. I am looking forward to moving beyond the nonsense that I have let get to me lately. The fact is, <i>haters gonna hate. </i>I can't control the people around me, but I can control my own mind and my response. It looks something like this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANhyphenhyphenGMiHkK19j3_bfIQTgSLxWd8RJqGu_QvO0dJ5iDkolnqz7q1t1F5kKK-WTHP6ngJS70HDnOlpHTmo6Y5tz8IEscGzskdMsPZSIwc1rsG273YxQu1HhW5guxTooXOMcOaT54VcwOLiv/s1600/haters_gonna_hate3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANhyphenhyphenGMiHkK19j3_bfIQTgSLxWd8RJqGu_QvO0dJ5iDkolnqz7q1t1F5kKK-WTHP6ngJS70HDnOlpHTmo6Y5tz8IEscGzskdMsPZSIwc1rsG273YxQu1HhW5guxTooXOMcOaT54VcwOLiv/s1600/haters_gonna_hate3.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But seriously, nose to the grindstone. There are a million things that I am looking forward to, and I can't afford distraction at this point. The truth is, no one can. Whenever something like this gets me off-track, I am reminded that <i>the devil is in distraction. </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Well, Mr. Devil, screw you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I have shit to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And I'll do it <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: white;">HAPPILY.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-52821814084758061772014-04-26T09:16:00.000-07:002014-04-27T15:37:13.442-07:00Boston Marathon 2014 Recap: Dear "Baby"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Baby,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought that I should write you a letter before the details slip my mind. Someday you'll hear this story, and I want to be sure to get it right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we found out about you in January 2014, your daddy and I couldn't have been more excited - and scared - but over the moon thinking about your arrival. We sincerely felt so <i>lucky </i>to know that we were going to have a little baby joining our team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At that time, it was the middle of one of the worst winters in Wisconsin's history: cold, snowy and endless. It was also supposed to be the middle of my training for the 118th Boston Marathon. My training didn't go quite as I planned between the awful winter, feeling very tired (you were working hard to become a little person,) and feeling a little bit nauseated for a couple months. Needless to say, I would rather sit on the couch with a hot chocolate and your daddy while I read about what to expect when having your first baby! My priorities shifted pretty quickly, and running had to take a backseat to learning all about you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the next few months, I "trained" when I could and when I wanted to. I didn't stick to a plan, and I wasn't worried about it either. I knew I would be able to go to the race in April and run the marathon - it just wouldn't be fast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weekend of the marathon arrived. Your dad and I were so excited to get back to Boston. We packed our bags and got to the airport at 4AM. The weather was beautiful in Boston that weekend - 50s/60s and sunny. The day before the race was Easter Sunday, so we went to a church service at the Old South Church right at the finish line of the marathon. We had to wait in line for two hours to get into the mass. The church was beautiful - and filled with local Bostonians and others in their blue and yellow Boston Marathon gear. At the end of the service, they did a very emotional athlete's blessing - asking God to protect all the runners and spectators the following day. I couldn't keep myself from crying. They also gave all the runners scarves that had been made by volunteers from around the country. My scarf was bright yellow with a blue peace ribbon, made by members of a church in Macfarland, Wisconsin. That made me feel like it had been made just for me and it put my mind at ease.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CBgieJVcnDghDrYIKg2CUYaAkTlBsZDIzWazvRqwYOZR2Z-aXdnGwuvwD8MAIg2UKhuy40ovYPvFjFuXmdOzjG8Xkmxfjln7f7qv_n5Y4uy6TDz8kLohJ273UcMiULTm4fVeERxLTrGT/s1600/10261973_10203764340328369_4664582179352349512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CBgieJVcnDghDrYIKg2CUYaAkTlBsZDIzWazvRqwYOZR2Z-aXdnGwuvwD8MAIg2UKhuy40ovYPvFjFuXmdOzjG8Xkmxfjln7f7qv_n5Y4uy6TDz8kLohJ273UcMiULTm4fVeERxLTrGT/s1600/10261973_10203764340328369_4664582179352349512_n.jpg" height="400" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Easter morning at the marathon finish line. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The night before the race, we got back to our hotel early so that I could get ready.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had one important thing to take care of before I could get to sleep: I had to decorate my running tank top to let everyone know that I wouldn't be running the race alone; <b>I was running with you</b>. I bought some silver duct tape and borrowed scissors from the front desk so I could spell out "BABY" across my chest with a little arrow pointing to my small-but-growing belly. No one would miss you - I made sure of that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskNqbiKg1Ps1kwRi8EqCty_3iFbS18h2ChLmRgQ0lBsNWWW4ro1GdBmTbUeQ1UyrvXJxmZXfLx9ppyFni84Pd0LhZ1Ufv_yblQHfNhfahpIp4nfLtyrb2ql1jikqImRF5xdd4TUmY8uVA/s1600/10006022_10203745514137726_4231491375191218125_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskNqbiKg1Ps1kwRi8EqCty_3iFbS18h2ChLmRgQ0lBsNWWW4ro1GdBmTbUeQ1UyrvXJxmZXfLx9ppyFni84Pd0LhZ1Ufv_yblQHfNhfahpIp4nfLtyrb2ql1jikqImRF5xdd4TUmY8uVA/s1600/10006022_10203745514137726_4231491375191218125_o.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The morning of the race, the local newspaper ran a very nice <a href="http://journaltimes.com/news/local/local-runners-seek-community-experience-over-competition-at-boston-marathon/article_a3aeccd8-c922-11e3-8805-001a4bcf887a.html" target="_blank">article</a> about the people from Racine that would be running. The article talked about how we all planned to run the race to feel close to the running community and recovery of Boston after last year's tragedy - but for us, it also served as a surprise announcement to anyone in town that didn't already know about YOU. (You're not even here yet, and you are already making it into the papers!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your dad and I walked to the buses that would take us to the start of the race. It was a sunny and chilly morning, but I was so excited that it didn't matter. Your daddy gave us a good luck kiss and a long hug before we jumped on the bus to Hopkinton. They only let the runners get on the buses, so I got pretty sad as I had to wave goodbye to him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before the race started, I sat around the <i>Athlete's Village </i>sipping water and eating the worst bagel of my life. I was feeling a little nervous, so it was hard to get any food down, but I knew I would need the energy to get through the 26.2 miles that were waiting for us. I sat on the grass with other runners and waited patiently. They finally made the announcement for runners in Wave 2, Corrals 1-3 to proceed toward the start. I donated my extra clothes and started walking. For the first time, people were able to see my tank that read "BABY" in big, bold, proud letters and the reactions started right away. One lady couldn't even help herself as she put her hands on my belly and said, "Oh my God! A baby!" I just smiled - it made me feel really happy to know that you were completely welcome there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I waited in the corral, I went over my race strategy. It was never a "race" for me; it was always a fun run that we would do carefully together. My plan was to go very slowly for the whole race, so that I could take in the scenery, interact with the crowd and let the crowd interact with you. I also wanted to leave myself the freedom to stop for water, fuel, and rest as needed - so I put absolutely zero time expectations on myself. It was more important to make memories and to be careful (it was your first marathon, after all) than to take the risk of going out aggressively.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race started - and I was surrounded by a really fast group of people. They were clearly well-trained and had goals of competing. I drifted off to the side of the course and found a much slower pace that was comfortable and easy to maintain. The number of spectators lining the course was just incredible. They estimated that there were about a million people watching the race that day, and it certainly felt like it. Whenever I would approach a group of people, their faces would light up when they read my tank. They had some pretty amazing reactions, but here are some of the common ones and some favorites:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go Baby!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aww, she's got a baby!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care of that baby!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go momma! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're pregnant? That is so badass!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You go, girl!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby's first Boston! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OH. MY. GOD. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congratulations, mommy!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not pregnant and I can't run this! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did that baby get in there? (haha)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved, loved, loved all the great responses. The women were especially responsive, because they could probably relate a little more. Surprisingly, a lot of the men laughed when they read my tank - almost in disbelief. The best part - I only heard one person say "That is not safe." Don't worry, baby. I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't safe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I chugged slowly along as the day got warmer and the sun got higher. There was very little shade along the route, so I actually got too warm. I didn't want to overheat, so I got water whenever it was available and started to build in cool-down walk breaks towards the second half of the race. I called your dad at mile 15 to see where he was, because he was going to meet us. I was very excited to hear that he was just one mile down the road at mile 16.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7F_jJYfnEuDCPAMgTGd7GnDx-puHvbmCU9bnGBLm8snJRCetCucX21LFJNs_NjEKRxxCVnPqjYvCQlWkivcXftxCo87lwCoN69EbsdV_e4ida7joG8BeGtCjjmzxGsn7dSvExOOCGbzNs/s1600/10294508_10101847891168348_230687349009853416_n(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7F_jJYfnEuDCPAMgTGd7GnDx-puHvbmCU9bnGBLm8snJRCetCucX21LFJNs_NjEKRxxCVnPqjYvCQlWkivcXftxCo87lwCoN69EbsdV_e4ida7joG8BeGtCjjmzxGsn7dSvExOOCGbzNs/s1600/10294508_10101847891168348_230687349009853416_n(1).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mile 16: Our family of three, still smiling.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so happy to see him. I gave him a huge hug and we snapped a few photos. It would've been easy to stop there and just watch the race with him. I did have the goal to finish the race, so we made plans to find each other at the finish line and said a quick goodbye.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From that point on, I REALLY took my time. Since I was so hot, my feet were sweating more than normal and I could feel my feet start to blister. I could also feel some chafing under my arms. I found a medic on the course and had him give me some Vaseline and about 100 bandaids for my feet. When I took my shoes off, I found a bloody mess - it looked like both of my arches had exploded. (They kind of did, I guess.) Once I was bandaged up, I was good as new and I was back on my way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Around mile 21, I ran into my friend from Milwaukee (<a href="http://sheilawordell.com/roadrunner/" target="_blank">Sheila</a> aka She-She of Oiselle and OlallieMKE fame.) She is a rockstar runner - running two marathons in one week! We ran together for a few miles and the company was more than welcome. She helped to push me through some of my aches and pains, but ultimately, I just wanted to slow down...so she ran on to finish while I kept up my "baby on board" pace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I knew it, I was passed the Citgo sign and into the last mile. The crowd was deafening! They were all so energetic and excited. I made sure to record some of the crowd on Boylston, so I would always remember what it is like to finish the race. I crossed the line with my hands in the air and a smile on my face. <b>We did it! </b>It took 4 hours and 19 minutes - almost a full hour longer than last year, but I think one extra hour is the perfect amount of time to make sure we were both safe and happy the whole time. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the race, I had some chocolate milk, a pear and found your daddy. He gave me the biggest hug in the world and congratulated us on a successful run. We walked (hobbled) to Boston Common where we sat on the grass and watched the people for about an hour. It was an absolutely beautiful day. I couldn't have asked for it to go any better and I couldn't have asked for better company. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just want you to know that I ran this race to set an example for you, baby. Your daddy and I are tough, hard-working people. We love life. We love challenges. We love fun. We love each other more than anything in the whole world. We can't wait for you to join us in all of our many adventures...so get ready.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And who knows - maybe we can really run the marathon together one day.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-28078797062896902672014-04-15T07:29:00.002-07:002014-04-15T07:29:16.495-07:00Boston Marathon: One Year Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know the news and the internet are overwhelmed with remembrances today, so I'll be brief. I just want to say that it still feels very surreal and I think about that day quite often. More than anything, I am looking forward to the closure we all get to experience on Monday. Let a gigantic, triumphant celebration of life ensue! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">#BOSTONSTRONG </span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-37324840912606268092014-04-13T11:09:00.001-07:002014-04-13T12:05:34.729-07:00Boston 2014 Plans & Race Strategy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finally sat down today and did some planning for next weekend in Boston! I feel relieved that I worked out some of the details, because I had been procrastinating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First of all, let's talk about this forecast! Since Wisconsin has been way below average so far this "Spring," I am pretty pleased with the temperatures. High 40s and low 50s make for good running conditions - and I prefer some cloud coverage, too. Last year was quite sunny and I ended up with really ugly, red sunburn. Now, let's just hope the rain stays away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigt2Za672bKr4rB3xct0xSa-Ppo3klboTtK4bHxkquaAyfhhFaJdWsB5CLyhh8xX__bfeQOFurvq77s2sNSRPJePoMFWj5dNdk1ZT-bj-LFocjNW_nBxOpNoOI3QY68fuGYtzlSd8pOF4O/s1600/bostonweather.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigt2Za672bKr4rB3xct0xSa-Ppo3klboTtK4bHxkquaAyfhhFaJdWsB5CLyhh8xX__bfeQOFurvq77s2sNSRPJePoMFWj5dNdk1ZT-bj-LFocjNW_nBxOpNoOI3QY68fuGYtzlSd8pOF4O/s1600/bostonweather.tiff" height="321" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I registered for Boston, I couldn't believe that the race was the day after Easter. I love holidays with family, so it made me a little sad to think about missing out on the festivities. I still feel weird about it - but I am trying to find "Eastery" things to do while we're in Boston. There are some Easter-themed brunch cruises, which could be fun...although I get seasick. I'm not sure what we'll end up doing, but I feel like some sort of celebration is in order. <b>Anyone have any suggestions?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>*Tangent: Speaking of Easter, I was on a run the other day and I saw a bunny stuck in a chain-link fence. His backside was too fat, so he couldn't pass through. Poor guy died like that. Being a vegetarian and a hormonal pregnant chick, I started to cry. I felt like I should get him out of the fence or something, but then I thought, "No, that's gross." I hope it wasn't the Easter Bunny. *</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, we plan to explore the city when we have time. Our hotel is in a great location - close to Boston Common, Faneuil Hall and the North End. But Boston is easy to navigate as long as you figure out the subway system. (That would be my number one piece of advice to anyone who hasn't been to Boston before.) The marathon has several "events" planned, so those will also take up some time: the Expo, the Pre-Race Dinner, the Open House at Fenway, the After-Party at House of Blues and of course - the RACE! :) So much to do! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Race Strategy: Version Running for 2.0 </u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been hemming and hawing for the last few months about how I wanted to handle the race. It was never a question about whether or not I would still run it - of course, I would. My cousin, Sarah, said something to me last week as a reminder:</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"Pregnancy is not a disability." </i> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She is 100% correct. With that in mind, I intend to run and complete the race. As I said in my last post, I will be mindful of my body and how I am feeling. If I need to walk, I will. If I have to stop, I will. But my intention is to run well on Monday and to complete the race with results I can be proud of as a 4.5 month preggie runner. I do intend to run at a less competitive pace: shooting for around a 4 hour marathon. That puts my pace at 9+ min/mile. I feel like that is totally reasonable, and honestly, I am afraid of going too fast naturally or unknowingly (adrenaline, race mode, competitive person, moving with the crowd, etc.) I am not going to wear a watch. I am going to run entirely on feel. And I am not committed in any way to a 4 hour time goal; if it isn't in the cards on Monday, so be it. I'm just happy to be going back...I can't believe its been a year already.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>*Tangent #2: I am wishing I had thought ahead and had a shirt made that says, "Don't get beat by a pregnant girl" on the back. I think that would've been funny. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qsyj_o7TQd9vldqNWINg5EdOkXPQqDtuYODhSNJH1vYUf5_vMQJtZzfAAKVq2iftVe2znV3Fugy2zypBmgwB3b8IV1l35spIEajpTtRizujw9ckTPbJTscUPjFyfStpzazsbCw4i0S6R/s1600/2014-04-12_1397261498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qsyj_o7TQd9vldqNWINg5EdOkXPQqDtuYODhSNJH1vYUf5_vMQJtZzfAAKVq2iftVe2znV3Fugy2zypBmgwB3b8IV1l35spIEajpTtRizujw9ckTPbJTscUPjFyfStpzazsbCw4i0S6R/s1600/2014-04-12_1397261498.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 week bump and my fur baby, Gertie</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-83051642652532408622014-04-06T18:00:00.002-07:002014-04-06T18:17:09.087-07:00A Blogger's Apology - and Updates! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kM-9evR3KPi7ZvvEmHffgVNDAuxEO-kJ4OehgU05duHwGy-2_YxZivMsIJPgbGTyJX7n_yPcigSrTC2mTIIKx0h5qLO2thXmW7nBvkoQHGahukpiOl1GbFWn9sZyvgTg9tJmRKt7UgDc/s1600/forgive_me_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kM-9evR3KPi7ZvvEmHffgVNDAuxEO-kJ4OehgU05duHwGy-2_YxZivMsIJPgbGTyJX7n_yPcigSrTC2mTIIKx0h5qLO2thXmW7nBvkoQHGahukpiOl1GbFWn9sZyvgTg9tJmRKt7UgDc/s1600/forgive_me_4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have officially been a terrible blogger. A non-existent blogger. How inconsiderate to disappear for a REALLY LONG TIME without any explanation! I do apologize. And really, I feel like I can explain myself - but I'm still not very pleased with my performance (in most things) as of late.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Excuses, Excuses, Excuses:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the marathon in October, I was taking it easy as far as training goes. I was frustrated with some Plantar Fasciitis issues that had been bothering me for a long time. I took a break from real training and focused on enjoying my fitness - rather than feeling obligated to stick to a regimented schedule. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then came January and I wasn't...um...feeling quite like myself. I put my detective skills to work and realized that my symptoms all pointed to one very specific thing: <i>PREGNANT! </i>Ahhhhhhhh! Holy shit. I mean that in the best way I can - like - <i>"oh my God - that's amazing, but oh my god, there is a baby alien in me. WHAT?!!!!!! Who allowed this? Check again. Does eating garlic or too many gummy bears cause a false positive???"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In all honesty, we were both extremely excited right from the beginning. We didn't tell anyone though - and that started the beginning of my silence on the internet. I think my mind was so consumed with the news that I just could not focus on the other things in my life that usually get my attention. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>You're Tired As Hell? You Have NO Idea: </b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing they do not tell you as a young girl is that when you are growing your own human person, you will be tired in a way that a normal non-pregnant person cannot relate to. Those little people are LIFE SUCKERS for the first trimester. Literally. Sucking every ounce of energy - but I get it - they are busy growing arms, legs, and brains. Hard work! <b>But oh. my. god.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pride myself on being a really energetic, motivated and busy person. I always have a million things going on and I usually achieve them with relative ease - work, coaching, training, cooking, gardening, blogging, PaperMichelle and still maintaining a totally normal social life. I simply could not do those things for the first 12 weeks or so. I would sleep like ten hours a night, if not more - and SIT ON THE COUCH the second I got home from work - completely zapped of anything resembling motivation. It was torture. I was not in a great place mentally - crabby and annoyed with myself for being so lazy, but too tired to do a thing about it. I did workout when I could get the energy to put on a dvd and some sweatpants - but it was ugly. Frumpy, heavy and slow. I felt like I was turning into a lethargic monster, doomed to a life of zombie-like sluggishness and naps. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also had no interest in talking to anyone that was able to train, to blog, to make healthy food and live the awesome, active life that I was used to. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look at you and your perky self in your tiny little workout gear - looking so refreshed and happy? PUKE.</span></i> </span> It just made me more depressed and so, I avoided everything on the internet (blog, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, all of it.) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't even want to read RW! *gasp* I am fairly confident in saying that I didn't do laundry for that entire time - and lived in a Milwaukee sweatshirt, running shorts and knee-high wool socks. So sexy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What other fun symptoms did I have? Nausea and one vomit-y morning. Food aversions. The smell of beer was the worst thing I could think of for a while - <b>blasphemy!</b> Headaches. Did I mention being tired and crabby? <i>Oh, the rage. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>This Too Shall Pass:</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As they say, all things come to an end - and so did that first trimester! Good riddance, dude. You suck. And from what I hear, I had a really easy time compared to what others go through. (I hope I haven't offended any mommas out there that had an actual hard time. I'm just whining. I can't imagine puking that whole time, too! I would only have one kid. Seriously.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But that first trimester is long gone (I'm 17 weeks!) and I feel really great. I don't hate people anymore (thank God.) I have been working out every day. I sleep like a normal person. Aside from this tiny, itty-bitty, barely-there bump - I would forget that I have a tiny person hanging out in my belly. I'm like a normal person...a <i>sober</i> and normal person. Yay! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx_giQAl7_m6e4OONQgSiwRLojJUUjHihk4Y2ELmdXZk7T73KzvNCWk2OThDJieSTJCBDhgwmge7krwxhy8uuIF6JAHe0osLYSvY97x0vIza4xYA25RTiyNa_vpYlxfC0GTtgC8iM1PCp/s1600/2014-04-06_1396802162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx_giQAl7_m6e4OONQgSiwRLojJUUjHihk4Y2ELmdXZk7T73KzvNCWk2OThDJieSTJCBDhgwmge7krwxhy8uuIF6JAHe0osLYSvY97x0vIza4xYA25RTiyNa_vpYlxfC0GTtgC8iM1PCp/s1600/2014-04-06_1396802162.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">17 weeks, 1 day - little bump! </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Training and Boston:</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The short version is that, yes, I am still running Boston in two weeks! Am I prepared for it? Not really. I am prepared enough to complete the distance without injuring myself, but my training was nowhere near where it should have been for apparent reasons. And you know what? I don't really care. I am going to run slowly, carefully - and if anything feels weird AT ALL, I will stop. My doc says that it isn't an issue to run the race, because I am a trained runner and I can do whatever my body is used to. So, this is one of those times when common sense will be my guide. I can't believe the race is so soon, though. With all the distractions lately, I feel like it snuck up on me. I am really excited to go back to Boston and see how everyone rallies. I am expecting an epic celebration...and we wouldn't miss it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#BOSTONSTRONG</b></span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I return from Boston, my plan is to keep running until I can't anymore. I'm hoping to make it well into the summer - it will be slow and sweaty, but who cares? So far, I have only gained one pound and I'd like to stay as "in shape" as is healthy for both me and the kid. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Blogging From Now On:</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My intentions are to return to the blogging world now that I am feeling better. I can't guarantee that it will always be super regular, because like everyone, I've got a lot going on - but I will do my best. I miss blogging and all of you that I only "know" through our connections on the 'net. I also like having an outlet to share my little weekly updates (belly bump, fit mama recipes, cute baby things I found, training updates, etc.) I am truly excited about all of the changes coming my way, and I love getting to share it! :) <u><b> </b></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Any advice from you 'been there, done that' fit mamas? I know nothing. </b></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-17258104099070803382013-11-29T07:23:00.000-08:002013-11-29T13:54:15.892-08:00Bearded Brothers Review - New Flavor - Radical Raspberry Lemon<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It should be clear by now that I am a big supporter of <a href="http://www.beardedbros.com/" target="_blank">Bearded Brothers</a>. They kindly asked me to try out their new flavor - <span style="color: magenta;"><b>Radical Raspberry Lemon.</b></span> All I have to say is YUM.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln-_eIjwFADLGDhc4Ju6no03dvfKLxUTxrmDLFREoBvdtbzAUi7susoVV9CrcQY28qb6WAhG4RK2MePSIEF3kFCnslo4SQ9cuPWv73Ukd7eKUfsk4fpv3bxDBbExfJ24H7Szy70Uf0Oml/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln-_eIjwFADLGDhc4Ju6no03dvfKLxUTxrmDLFREoBvdtbzAUi7susoVV9CrcQY28qb6WAhG4RK2MePSIEF3kFCnslo4SQ9cuPWv73Ukd7eKUfsk4fpv3bxDBbExfJ24H7Szy70Uf0Oml/s400/logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a texture eater. The texture of Bearded Brothers energy snack bars are always out of this world...and I am picky. The texture of the new bars is just as good as the other fabulous flavors that Bearded Bros carry. The flavor is light and even delicate. It feels bright and refreshing, which is a weird way to describe the flavor of a snack bar but that is accurate for this particular lemony, raspberry snack. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EpHT1Z88e0FNNa9ACvv1wH0AA4L2kjEYEDEvQU-lWo2hmBBAeUNXitw9luvExt2HXDFsIiQKl0x5nTi6rhzOUG0TglOW48AnPFfQuHN_pV4LalHmgnNcel6ItF_hvScRV1ScBS8_xsXo/s1600/StockingStuffer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EpHT1Z88e0FNNa9ACvv1wH0AA4L2kjEYEDEvQU-lWo2hmBBAeUNXitw9luvExt2HXDFsIiQKl0x5nTi6rhzOUG0TglOW48AnPFfQuHN_pV4LalHmgnNcel6ItF_hvScRV1ScBS8_xsXo/s400/StockingStuffer.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Radical Rasberry Lemon is a great pre or post-workout pick-me-up. I like to have one of the bars for breakfast and it keeps me going until lunch time. If you haven't had the opportunity to try out Bearded Brothers bars, do it today! They have generously offered a 40% off Black Friday/Cyber Monday discount with the code: <b>blackcyber. </b>They make WONDERFUL stocking stuffers, too - so stock up! I did - I bought a case today! Shop <a href="http://www.beardedbros.com/collections/all-products" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be giving away a four pack of Bearded Brothers Energy Bars, including two of the new flavor. Enter below! </span></b><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b899976/" id="rc-b899976" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-74132054970252176352013-11-27T14:36:00.000-08:002013-11-27T14:36:28.768-08:00Happy Thanksgiving & Super-simple Cranberry Pie<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like the rest of you, I am busy getting ready for the best holiday of the year - THANKSGIVING! I just came from the grocery store for a few last minute items and it was an absolute zoo in there. I love it. :) Hustle. Bustle. All of that makes me happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom is a wonderful person and she insists that we don't bring anything to my family's very intimate, little Thanksgiving party. She would rather work for a few days and make everything herself so we can just relax and enjoy ourselves. Moms are <b>the best</b>. But - I can't show up empty-handed, so I will be bringing this very simple and very yummy Cranberry Pie. If you are not sure what to bring, this is always a hit - especially if you like the tartness of cranberries. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFatJ2cVNXE873usiB7KSc5exequP_tfV6FjC1yru7VjVw9gBHphdMI6fmLm1EdkUxeA0AiCiE3dbfDlB5zZmxjxZViD_xihmSYt3zzo9EwS6qzkOta-HYz-vKrGEMZRive8fwilrl7TW/s1600/cranberry+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFatJ2cVNXE873usiB7KSc5exequP_tfV6FjC1yru7VjVw9gBHphdMI6fmLm1EdkUxeA0AiCiE3dbfDlB5zZmxjxZViD_xihmSYt3zzo9EwS6qzkOta-HYz-vKrGEMZRive8fwilrl7TW/s400/cranberry+pie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cranberry Pie - photo credit to inspirednutmeg.blogspot.com</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you all have happy, wonderful, heart-warming and safe holidays with your friends and families. I am thankful for you all. I am thankful for a year that was full of new experiences, challenges and growth. I am thankful for my health and the health of my family. I am thankful for my job and all the people I get to know throughout the school year. I am thankful for my little pup who makes me endlessly happy. I am thankful for lots and lots. Happy Thanksgiving!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Cranberry Pie</u></span><br />
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1385590303553_2834">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 1/2 C fresh Cranberries</span></div>
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</span><div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1385590303553_2832">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/4 C Brown Sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3/4 C chopped Pecans or Walnuts (or mix!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 Egg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/2 C Sugar</span></div>
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</span><div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1385590303553_2826">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/2 C Flour</span></div>
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</span><div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1385590303553_2828">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/3 C Butter or Margarine, melted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*You can use a pre-made pie crust if you want it to be more traditionally pie-like, but I usually put it all straight into a pie pan. </span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Directions:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Preheat
oven to 325. Grease a 9" pie pan. Layer cranberries on bottom of
pie plate. Sprinkle with brown sugar and nuts. Beat egg in a medium
mixing bowl until thick. Gradually add sugar, beating until thoroughly
blended. Stir in flour and melted butter. Blend well. Pour mixture
over cranberries. Bake 45 minutes.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That's it. So easy and soooo good! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021624755792684993.post-50943555384696476712013-11-16T10:29:00.001-08:002013-11-16T10:29:59.747-08:00Bliss in the Absence of Training<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The last couple weeks have been wonderful. Fabulous. Fun. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took a little longer than I'd hoped for my legs to recuperate after the marathon, but I'd say they are about 95% right now. That is reason enough to celebrate, but the reason why I'm feeling particularly happy with my fitness right now is that <b>I AM NOT IN A TRAINING CYCLE.</b> For a short window of time between cycles, I can run when I want (if I want.) I can go for as long as I want. I can do other things. I am not stuck to the regimentation of a schedule. I am not obligated to torture myself if the weather is garbage. It is a stress-free, easy-going kind of life that I really needed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong: <b>I love training.</b> In a way, I need it to give my left-brained, Type-A mind the structure it demands. I am extremely neurotic, so training is my calm, my zen, my logical, linear lifestyle that never fails me.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">90% of the time - I need that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the other 10%, I can stand to let loosen up a bit. Doing so allows me to enjoy the non-running parts of my life a little bit more:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I love that I have more time to cook. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I can justify hanging out with friends more often.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I can sleep in on the weekend without guilt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I can spend more time<i> just being quiet </i>at home. Watch a movie. Read a book. Give my puppy kisses. Play in the garden. Etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You get the point. One thing that takes up a lot of my time during this part of the year is preparation for <a href="http://www.hovercraftmke.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hover Craft</a> - an art/craft show here in Milwaukee. I have so much fun exercising the creative part of my brain. I've been busy working on some new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/papermichelle" target="_blank">PaperMichelle</a> designs</span> - <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">not sure why I've taken the puns in a hip-hop direction this year, but I like it.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I laugh at my own humor more than is socially acceptable. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Get it? Papa Wheelie?!</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so punny.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m8NanIz4IWtaD338-K18uUZiXRq6Xbr2hQPia7t3Hfatkl5JVxbSDw_0AdIPQ6jwEGpoZBNjgyQevOKsLTElxvwUb4Xqzdd77zy3qUnxwMQpfLXFj-Ww_K87Qd-WdUmKU5y6SY4zcn7C/s1600/2013-11-13_1384311817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m8NanIz4IWtaD338-K18uUZiXRq6Xbr2hQPia7t3Hfatkl5JVxbSDw_0AdIPQ6jwEGpoZBNjgyQevOKsLTElxvwUb4Xqzdd77zy3qUnxwMQpfLXFj-Ww_K87Qd-WdUmKU5y6SY4zcn7C/s400/2013-11-13_1384311817.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You know this is funny. If you don't get it, we aren't friends.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUftN09eHAsYEcVft4npJ-z154dMTmQnTSLSMfVp-4Vm10vAoapFa7qSYf2jwqCBhVs7vJ8-DIgQz8drjs8G1G1nBHxJeo4UAIvPLTvfx5xmGrquEfgeNLSy6_pxX1gIRCB4K55w60-HG/s1600/2013-11-13_1384384627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUftN09eHAsYEcVft4npJ-z154dMTmQnTSLSMfVp-4Vm10vAoapFa7qSYf2jwqCBhVs7vJ8-DIgQz8drjs8G1G1nBHxJeo4UAIvPLTvfx5xmGrquEfgeNLSy6_pxX1gIRCB4K55w60-HG/s400/2013-11-13_1384384627.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not done yet. "At Christmas, we're all hardcore WRAPPERS!" haha</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So - I'll be occupied with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/papermichelle" target="_blank">stationery</a> and bad jokes until December 8th for the show. My cycle for Boston will start up after that - when I am in Carlsbad, California for work for three days. I've never spent time in California before, so I am really excited to get to run along the Pacific Coast in mild December weather. Lots to look forward to in the next couple months, but for right now, I am savoring the break. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2