Monday, Monday!

Did this seem like a really busy day for everyone else too?  I'm not even sure what I did all day to make it feel so busy!  This is the start of week 6 for training, which means I'm halfway there!  I've really started to feel stronger and the shorter distances are getting easier.  I went to the gym and lifted tonight, and it felt great (other than having to fight for my space, it was crowded tonight).  I've been able to go up in weights quite a bit from when I first started.  Does anyone else actually go to the gym and lift weights or are you strictly a cardio and/or class person at the gym?  I love to lift and learn new excersices and I love being able to feel myself getting stronger.  One of  my favorite college courses...weight training.  :)

Anway, tomorrow will be a 4 mile run and it looks like the weather should be nice enough.  I'm also suppose to do a 5k this weekend per the training schedule so I registered today for the Shamrock Shuffle here in Lawrence.  This will be a lot more people than the race I ran on Sunday, so I'm just hoping for a decent time.  I'm not likely to place for my age group again (not being negative, just a ton of people usually do this race). 


In other news, Aidyn and I finally got to her Shrinky Dinks on Sunday.  She was really excited to color them, until I told her we were actually going to cook them.  She quickly lost interest in coloring and scribbled the color all over them so we could get them in the frying pan oven. 

Did you do Shrinky Dinks as a kid?

Sunday was also new recipe night at our house thanks to this wonderful Blog I've been following quite a bit the last few months.   Seriously, check it out.  There isn't much on her site that I wouldn't care to try.  Shelby is her name and I knew her from church when I was a kid.  She made Buffalo Chicken Sandwhiches recently and it sounded right up our ally!  I changed it up a bit and made Buffalo Chicken Wraps, and they were pretty tasty. 

It was so easy!  I put about 1 1/2 lbs of chicken in my little 3 quart crockpot and added some Franks and some Blue Cheese dressing and let it cook for about 2 hours on high.  Then I shredded the chicken and actually here I added just a little bit of chicken stock because it was pretty spicey, and I had forgotten  to leave out a little chicken to cook for Aidyn, so the stock knocked back the heat just enough.  While the shredded chicken cooked in the sauce for a bit, I got the wraps ready.  I used jalapeno cheddar tortillas and added lettuce, tomatoes, a little bit of blue cheese crumbles and then added the chicken on top. Done!  I will definitley be making these again!  Thanks Shelby for the inspiration! 

Our Sunday ended like all days end in our house.  Nice and quiet and peace....oh wait, no.  That isn't right.   What I meant to say is that our day ended with Aidyn surfing on the couch channeling her inner Barbie surfer girl.  She even has her bikini bottoms...oh wait, no.  Damn, is that kid pantless again?! 

That was our Sunday!  Have a good week all!

This turned into a busy weekend, and of course, it didn't include everything I wanted to do.  I didn't make it to the gym on Saturday and didn't actually get any workout done here at home either.   I took out two packages of  chicken yesterday to throw into  the crockpot, and both were bad before it's date, grrrrr.    So, after running downtown to register for a 5k on Sunday (more on that in a moment), Addy and I had to go exchange chicken.  Weird, I know.   

After we got home, Aidyn and I had to head out to play shovel.  Even though it had snowed on Thursday, it wasn't melting as fast as I has hoped, and you can get ticketed here for not having your sidewalks cleared...so out we went.  Needless to say, I was too tired after shoveling ice and snow to do a home workout or to make the yummy recipes I was wanting to try, or to make the Shrinky Dinks I had bought for Aidyn.  So much for a productive Saturday, and now I was signed up to run a 5k on Sunday. 

Earlier in the week, I had committed to do a 5k fun run/walk.  Well, after checking out the website I realized it was actually a race and not just a fun run.  Could I have walked/jogged it?  Yes, of course I COULD have, but wasn't going to.  There is a local group of ladies that travel to do the Susan G. Komen 3- day walk and this was their first fundraiser of the year.  The name of their team - Save the Boobies!   

So, bright and early this morning I took off to run a race.  It was damp and chilly but luckily no longer raining.  The course is the flattest course you can come by here in Lawrence which is nice, but it's also nothing more than a bike/running path, so it wasn't totally clear of snow and mud.  Since I haven't run an actual race since October, my expectations weren't too high.  I was just curious to see where I was after so many weeks of training.  I was pleasantly surprised with the results.  I felt great, and just kept passing people through the whole race.  I was pleased to finish with 26:10 which is way better then my 28+ from October.  Even better was seeing that I was 2nd for my age group, which doesn't always say a whole lot since as the age group goes up, the number of people in it tends to go down. 
Anyway, on my training schedule I was suppose to do 6 miles today.  So after my race, I took off back down the trail and found the two ladies I had signed up with and finished the race with them (they did a great job, as neither one of them are really runners) and then took off down the trail again for about another mile and finished up with about 5.6 miles.  I figured my first 3 were fast enough that I could call if good on not getting all the way to 6.  It was a lot of fun, and I'm now the proud owner of a shirt that says Save the Boobies...what else can you ask for!!



Emily, Me, Colleen-Steps for the Chest Race



Race number and magical bunny to run with





After I got home and showered off all the mud and cold, I was finally able to finish some of what I had wanted to do on Saturday.  It's getting late though.  I'm tired and have to work in the morning, so I'll post pictures of the rest of our Sunday tomorrow.  As a little preview, we did pantless Shrinky Dinks, buffalo chicken wraps for dinner, and surfing Barbie style on the couch. 

Good night, and have a happy Monday!

I'm still working on the overall look of my site, so sorry if it keeps changing a lot.  I'll get it right eventually!

Happy Saturday!

I feel like this week has been a bit of a bust as far as workouts are concerned.  On Thursday, the day after the dentist, I did not feel very well all day.  I did manage to drag myself to the gym to walk a mile and run a mile on the treadmill.  I would have stayed to tough out a little more, but we got pounded with rain, sleet and snow all day and I just wanted to be home.  On Friday, which is normally my day off, I convinced my running partner, Jenny to join me for the 4 miles I should have done on Thursday...snow and slush and all. 

Time: 42.31
Distance: 4.06
Avg. Pace: 10:27 min/miles

It sounds slower than normal, but considering the temps were dropping, and we had to obstacle course it though some of the run...I think we did pretty well.  I was actually surprised how clear a lot of the sidewalks were.  Thanks Lawrence residents for shoveling yesterday!  I guess now I need to get my butt out and do the same. 

I planned on getting up and heading to the gym this morning for some much needed weight lifting, but again the weather is not cooperating.  My car window is covered with a nice layer of ice and after watching a car slide through two stop signs outside our house, I decided to stay put.  It looks like it's me and Jillian Michael's DVD today! 

 It's actually shaping up to be a busy day for Addy and I.  So far, we've buried each other in the pillows and blankets and I've got some Shrinky Dinks I've been saving for a day just like today.  I also think it's going to be a cooking day.  Recipes to follow if they turn out noteworthy. 



I feel like I have a lot to say today, but I'll save some for another post.  I won't bore you all at once!  Now if you'll excuse me, someone here appears to have put their undies on sideways and it's causing mild discomfort *shake of the head*. 

I'm just going to make this short and sweet tonight.  There was no running involved in my day except for the running around at work to get out in time for my dreaded dentist appointment.  Three shots, 4 fillings, and one extremely numb face did not make for the ideal workout situation.  I got out from the dentist at about 12:40 and did not feel my face in it's entirety until about 5:30. The good news though is that for having been to the dentist only twice in like the last 20 years, 4 fillings is the worst I have.  The worst is over..I think. 
Anyhow!  No running for me today which is a total bummer.  It was about 62 degrees which would have been perfect for my required easy 2 miles.  Now, we're under a winter weather advisory for tomorrow and the rest of the week isn't looking so great either.  Looks like it's back to the gym for a while! (See how casual I'm acting toward more winter weather?!  Very grownup of me, I know.)

Goodnight all, my new smile and I are headed to bed! 

P.S. - Welcome to my new followers who are not my two best friends or my mom!  It's kind of a big deal for me to share this with more than just family, so I hope you are somewhat entertained and/or slightly motivated with your own workouts.   Enjoy!

Warning: If you don't like complaining, don't bother reading today!

I started strong yesterday with my BodyFlow class.  It's a combo of tai chi, yoga and pilates.  I've been either taking this class or lifting on Mondays and it's been really great.  I didn't feel as fat-kiddish as I usually do in the class.  

*Begin Whining*

Today, I needed to get in 4 miles and I was all set to go and feeling great.  But, my body had a different idea about how the run would go.  This run SUCKED!!  The weather wasn't too bad.  It was chilly, but once I got going I actually got pretty warm.  The weather was the least of my problems though.  I bought new shoes and I'm afraid to say I just don't think they are working.  Which stinks because now it's too late to take them back.  My feet keep getting tingly, which is an indication my laces are too tight, but for the life of me I can't get my laces just right.  My feet hurt, I could feel a blister working, my legs felt like lead, and I swear I just need all of my toenails to fall off!  Now sitting at home, I'm really sore tonight and tight all over.  For those of you that don't know, I've been having a lot of back trouble recently (forever actually) and I've been seeing a chiropractor to try and get it fixed once and for all.  I've been feeling pretty good lately, but tonight...not so much. (And I have to go to the dentist tomorrow for fillings)

*End Whining*

When I got back from my run, I realized that even though I didn't feel that great, my time and pace were actually not all that bad. 

Time:41:43

Distance: 4.01

Avg Pace: 10:24

I'm not sure what got in my head or why everything was seeming to work against me, but for being into week 5 of my training and this is my worst run to date...I'm ok with that.  I'm going to shake it off and tomorrow is another training day, or maybe a day off.  I'll let my body tell me what I need to do. 

In WAAYYY more interesting news - we had a fashion show here tonight:



Going to Paris



Hitching a ride to Paris maybe?



Floaty swim suit she INSISTS on putting on all the time




and I let her cus it's hilarious

I  can't make this stuff up people...

So, I was totally wrong about the weather today...happily!  I thought it was going to be cold and rainy but it was actually pretty warm out.  Super windy again though. 

It took me a while to get myself motivated but I was able to pull it together and get out for a run with Aidyn.  It helped that she was happy to go - that doesn't always happen.  I'm pretty glad I did my long run earlier in the week though. 

Time: 40:06
Distance: 3.55
Avg. Pace: 11:17

Why such a slow time for a short run?  Well, dragging my own butt along for 3 miles is hard enough, but add in a 35ish lb. kid and her stroller, and her toys to keep her entertained and it's a whole new ballgame.   It takes a whole different set of muscles to keep that stroller where you want it to be...it's really stinkin hard sometimes.  I tell people all the time, running shape is totally different than stroller running shape. 

It's pretty worth it though to have Aidyn with me sometimes (and sometimes it's great to have my "me" time).  Today, she talked the ENTIRE run which is good because it kept me focused on her and made it go by faster.  Plus, I have to believe that taking her out and just having her with me instills some sort of good exercise habit for the future...I hope!

In other, not so interesting news, my chili did not win at the chili-cookoff tonight.  Actually, a really nice family won and I'm happy about that.  A few others had been talking a lot of trash and I didn't want them to have the satisfaction of winning.  I did eat WAY to much but it was pretty fun.  Aidyn had a good time playing with kids she doesn't get to see very often.  Tim and his folks were all able to make it too.  I'm fairly certain that is where all of my votes came from. 

Starting week 5 of training.  So far so good, except my short runs during the week are now 4 miles as opposed to 3.5.  I hope the weather cooperates a least a little.  4 miles on the treadmill...blech!

Off to bed!

Aaaahhh...the weekend cont'd

Saturday morning I heard little feet coming down the hall.  "Mommy, YOU'RE here!?"  Apparently, at bed time we didn't talk about the next day being Saturday. 

After 5 mini pancakes, chocolate milk, 1/2 a waffle, and a handful of cartoons, I was able to talk Aidyn into the gym so I could get in some lifting.  Our couple of warm days have passed and we're back to chilly weather so I wasn't keen on making her ride in the stroller for 3.5 miles.  Luckily, most of the women that go to the gym on Saturday are there for classes which means the weights were fairly open.  I hate competing for my space.  I felt pretty good today, my knee did not bother me and my foot which started in the other day was not much of a problem ( but to be continued I'm sure).  I'm really hoping I can actually get my run in on Sunday.  Tim is working, it's not suppose to be super warm out AND Sunday is the 2nd Stepping Stones Chili-cook off, so I need to make sure I have everything ready for that. 

I decided to go with the same chili I made last year but I'm trying to spice it up just a bit.  Last year judges voted on the winner, but this year everyone attending gets to vote for their favorite.  I don't really expect to win anything but I hope to get a least a few votes!  It's Spanish Chorizo & Chicken Chili from Rachael Ray.  Go ahead and make fun if you must, but I really do think it tastes pretty good!  For $5 I get to go try some really good chili, and eat all the corn bread, cinnamon rolls, and beer I can fit into my mouth.  Sounds like a lovely Sunday afternoon to me! 

Wish me luck!  I'll let you know how I do. 

Aaahhh...the weekend!

So, after my trip to the dentist on Friday, I decided to take the day off.  I should have gone to the gym to lift, but by the time I got Aidyn and got home, I just wasn't feelin it.   It was technically my day off anyway, so no guilt attached.  Instead, I made some nachos at home for dinner. 

 As I was getting the kitchen cleaned up, Aidyn came in looking for her apron and a wooden spoon  and informed me it was time to make cookies.  She was really just looking for a bowl and some water to play in, but cookies sounded pretty good to me too.  I didn't want to make a whole batch of cookies though, so we settled on brownies.  Jiffy (the little blue boxes of .68 cent corn bread mix) has a brownie mix.   



Sans pants of course



 

 





Stirring...I think



Pause for self portrait

 



Sprinkles required





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spoon reward





Waiting for brownies to hurry up and bake!





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Just the right amount!

We ate brownies with a little bit of ice cream at 9 o'clock at night, and man was it good!  We were all fast asleep soon after!



I was suppose to do only 3.5 miles today, but I felt pretty good, the sun was out and it's suppose to rain this weekend.  So, I got my 6 miles in instead.  I was pretty happy to run in shorts and a t-shirt.  One bank sign showed the temp as 71 - in Feb - I'll take it!!
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 6 miles
Avg. Pace: 10:10 min/miles

I'm pretty happy with this.  I was right at 30 minutes for 3 miles so it looks like I'm fairly consistent.  I'm not sure I can move up to 7 miles next week. I may have to stay at 6 for another week, but we'll see how I feel next week.  I also squeezed in a trip to the chiropractor, and a haircut after picking up Aidyn from school.  Her pumpkin muffins seemed to go over well and no one is the wiser to them being made in her undies. 

Glad it's Friday.  I could use the weekend.  But I am going to the dentist tomorrow for a gum treatment.  How rock-n-roll is that!?

Happy Friday all!

Another 2 miles down!  As Aidyn would say - Easy Peasy! 

Distance: 2 miles
Time: I don't know, 20 plus minutes

The run was easy, but before I could go and exercise I had to make a snack for Aidyn to take to school on Thursday.  We made pumpkin muffins.  First order of business was to put on our "cooking dress", and a pair of gloves.  No, I did not really let her wear the dish gloves to bake...promise! 

Next order of business - loose the pants, of course. 

Baking was easy.  Aidyn "hatched" the eggs for me and then helped wash some dishes. 

While we were baking, Tim left to go to the store.  He came back in moments later to tell us a bird had pooped on him.  We all had a good chuckle at Daddy's expense and it was a joy to hear Aidyn say, "I hope you don't get pooped on again", as he left a second time. 

Long story short, we got our muffins done.  Baking with my kid isn't always easy, but at least it's entertaining! 

This week is a bit of a dragger.  I'm glad it's finally getting close to the end.  Another 3.5 miles tomorrow.  It's suppose to be 70 here tomorrow!  Maybe if I get done work on time I'll try and get some more miles in.  It's suppose to rain this weekend. 

Night all!

Ahhhh.  Nice and quiet!  Tim closes on Tuesdays so he won't be home until after 10p.m. and I was able to get Aidyn up to bed "early".  What's a girl to do with free time?  Sit in silence...there's nothing better some nights. 

Today was a good run.  Since Aidyn goes to school at 1 and I don't have to pick her up until 3:30, I was able to run right from work.  Although it was in the 50's today it was windy in spots.  At least the sidewalks are finally clear(er). 

Distance: 3.59 miles
Time: 35:50 minutes
Avg Pace: 9:58 /mile

The bad news though is that I'm now sitting here icing my knee.  It's been bugging me for a week or so off and on.  I'm hoping it's the increase in my miles and getting used to the pavement again. 

Yesterday I went to the gym and lifted.  I know it's awful to say,  but I kind of hope the New Years resolution people start to fall off the wagon soon if they are going to do so.  It's been a little crowded lately.   

I went at 3:30 to pick up Aidyn.  They had their Valentine's Day party today since they only have class Tues, Thurs.  I was happy to see her little bag full of valentines.  The last few days were a little stressful.  Even though Aidyn went to Stepping Stones for a while, she apparently does NOT remember ever having a V-day party.  The concept of buying really cool Scooby-Doo cards (with pencils) and then having to give them all away to other kids was not such a big hit in our house.  She was pretty concerned about giving them away with no guarantee of getting anything as equally awesome in return.  We were lucky to come home with lots of candy, and tattoos and even one of our own Scooby pencils  Everything is right with the world. 

I'm going to take advantage of my quiet household and head to bed myself.  I'm trying this new thing where I actually get up when my alarm goes off in the morning.  A 10 p.m. bed time MIGHT just make that happen. 

Another 2 miles tomorrow! 

Long Run

So I couldn't have asked for nicer weather in Feb. for a long run.  It was in the 50's today and although a little breezy at times, it's still 100x better than the Arctic freeze we've been having.  Spring was definitely in the air today!

My friend Jenny and I did our 5 miles fairly easily.  It took us about 53 minutes and change to run the whole thing.  My one complaint was that we picked a route with a few too many hills.  Next week, I'll be more thoughtful about that as I plan to jump right in with 6 miles instead of doing 5 again like my training schedule says.  I know my mind is ready, I just hope my body is ready.  The painful calluses and the new blister on my toe may have issues with 6 miles. 

I'm hopeful I can stay as focused this week with my training.  I've been pretty consistent so far but this is shaping up to be a busy week.  The super duper plus of this week...the weather.  It's suppose to warm all week.  I just know I'm being spoiled and winter is just messing with me, but I'll take what I can get!  

Off to bed.  I'm not scared of you Monday!!

The Year of ME!

I've decided to do some things for myself this year. My first act of me-ness is to once and for all get myself into shape. I've signed up for and paid the fee for my first 1/2 marathon. I'm on my 3rd week of a 12 week training schedule. My deadline is April 17th, which if you do the math, I haven't given myself any wiggle room. I've been using www.halhigdon.com as a guide.  It's a great site if you are just getting started or even if you are a more seasoned runner.


So far, the training is pretty easy for me. Tomorrow I will run 5 miles which will be my long run for the week and I don't anticipate any problems. The weather is suppose to cooperate finally with sunny skies and 53 degrees. My running friend Jenny will be meeting me and I think our biggest challenge will be wet, slushy roads from the melting snow and the blocked sidewalks from all the snow that hasn't melted yet. Let's hope my body can keep up!

My second act of me-ness is to keep up with my posting.  It's been easy to tell myself I don't have time to sit and write, but I've been checking out a lot of other blogs recently.  It doesn't matter how much you have to say but that you actually say it!  My goal is to write about my running and my workouts since that will be something constant during my week.  I can't guarantee interesting all the time, but maybe I can motivate someone else just a little bit. 

Let the year of me begin!