Even though I still feel pretty unprepared for this Saturday's half, I'm looking forward to it. I'm praying the rain holds off during the race, but if it doesn't & I run in the cold & wet, at least I'll have a heck of a race report, eh? Trying to look on the bright side here. Truly, I don't know why I worry about things I can't control. The weather will do what it's going to do. I just need to plan well, show up on time with a smile on my face, & run the best I can. Everything else is out of my hands.
I'm leaving Friday morning, & it should take about 4 hours to get to Indy. Then I'll check in at a super nice hotel right near the starting line, pick up my race packet, go to dinner at an Italian restaurant (the one with the "bath mat sized" pizza), chat a lot with 3 other women who are sharing the hotel room with me (my niece-in-law Kate & her 2 friends), & try to go to sleep at 10 p.m. EST (which is 9 p.m. my time--ain't no way I'll fall asleep that early, but I'll try).
Saturday we have to be in our corrals by 7 a.m. The race starts at 7:33 a.m. I should cross the starting line after maybe 5-10 minutes of walking since I'm in corral G. My guess is I'll finish in 2 hours 30 minutes. If it rains, all bets are off. I've never run in pouring rain so I have no idea how that will go. Anything faster than 2:30:00 will be gravy. No big goals for this Half, because (a) I'm about 7 pounds heavier than my Evansville half (which, believe it or not, slows me down quite a bit), (b) I haven't trained properly (have I mentioned this lately? haha), and (c) there are over 30,000 people who run this thing--it's not a race to plan on having a PR.
Mom's taking the kids tomorrow & will have them through Saturday until I get home. I'll be driving home a few hours after the race, which will be interesting. Driving 4 hours with legs that have just run 13.1 miles isn't going to be easy. Last year Mark drove home from Indy while I sat in the backseat with a very dizzy Sophie. This year, at least I won't have to worry about getting a sick little girl home.
Speaking of Sophie, we are going on 7 weeks with no dizzy spells. God is good! She was having them every 3 weeks. So this is just amazing. I keep expecting these weather systems to trigger a spell, but they haven't. Yet. Regardless, at least I feel more at peace with them since they don't seem like such a mystery any more.
Mark is still working out, still eating better (not perfect, but much much better). He had a stress test this morning as the first step toward seeing what state his heart is in. He had blood taken yesterday to test his cholesterol. He still has to have a CT scan with contrast to see how much build up is in his arteries. He has a final art project for his sculpture class that he'll work on while the kids & I are away, & his finals are next week. He'll have almost 2 months off from school this summer. We're all ready for a break from his 3 nights a week classes!
Luke is hanging in there with his allergies. I think we actually are turning a corner with him. He slept well last night without benadryl & even though he's still snotty, it's not as bad.
My weight is still at a respectable 152.6. I didn't get to 149 like I wanted to before this race, but I did lose 5 pounds in the past month or so, which is helping how my clothes fit & is making running a bit easier.
After Saturday, all my attention will be on getting ready for St John on June 12th. Then after that, the Evansville Half in October. And after that, a marathon in April 2010 (location still TBD!). I like having goals & plans related to fitness. It helps keep me focused on keeping my weight off. September will mark 2 years of reaching my 55 pound weight loss. God willing, my plans will go as I want.
I'll be around today & tomorrow morning, & then won't be back on until Saturday night or Sunday afternoon. I appreciate your well wishes & all the "No Rain" vibes you can send my way between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. EST on Saturday, May 2. Any NASCAR fans out there? I get to run on the Indy 500 track. Again. Maybe I'll stop to kiss the bricks this year. Sweet!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
3.5 miles & a couple of recipes
So I haven't run since last Wednesday! Until tonight, that is. It was too long a break from running, but my schedule & my laziness got in the way and I didn't get back out until now. It is what it is. Moving on.
I ran 3.5 miles in 40 minutes in very very warm temps. It was almost 90 today. Thank goodness it was very breezy & I was running in the park where it was partially shady. I only had 40 minutes before I had to get the kids, but I swear I felt like I could have kept going & going. Just when it felt great, I had to stop. Ah, the curse of the short run. Ironic, ain't it?
I've got a couple recipes to share from Roni's website (still my all time favorite for go-to delicious recipes. She never fails me!).
The lentil burgers I made tonight for lunch tomorrow. My variations: I used zucchini instead of eggplant (still put some kosher salt on, as directed for the eggplant). The lentils soaked up my veggie broth in 25 minutes (I also covered the pan), so I added the zuch & turned off the heat after that; the lentils were plenty soft enough. I didn't add onion, but everything else I followed to a T (I used jarred garlic, though, didn't have any fresh stuff in the house). The flavors from the spices are amazing. I could have eaten the lentils & zuch straight! I grilled 5, 1/3 cup burgers tonight & have a little less than half of the leftover mix for another batch. A couple of the burgers didn't stick together very well, but I think it was because I was impatient & didn't let them cool in the fridge long enough. You do have to be careful to let the mix cool enough so when you add the egg, it doesn't cook. So watch that.
The other recipe I have made about 6 times now. I can't believe I'm just now telling you about it. Banana oatmeal bars. Holy cow. I've changed this one quite a bit, not necessarily for the healthier, but for the tastier, to be sure. I use skim milk, add 1/2 c. sugar (I think 1/3 - 1/4 c. would probably do it, though, & I'm going to try that next batch), 1 tsp kosher salt (learned from Alton Brown that salt makes baked goods bake better!), and increased the mini chocolate chips to 1/2 c. (again, I could use 1/3 - 1/4 c. & it would probably be good, but I love me some chocolate). Be sure to add the sugar & salt with the wet ingredients, before the oats. The foaminess of the baking powder might surprise you--just keep mixing until it's incorporated the best you can get it. Sometimes if my bananas are big & the mix is soupy, I'll add 1/2 c. more oats. I do let the oats soak about 10 minutes while the oven preheats before adding the choc. chips. I also put mine in an 8x8 glass pan (sprayed with nonstick spray) & bake for 30-35 minutes (check the middle--if it's really squishy, its not done; it needs to slightly springy to the touch--don't overbake, though, or they'll be tough--been there, done that!). Cut them into bars & freeze in freezer bags, & you've got oatmeal to go. They warm up very well out of the freezer in the microwave. My husband loves these. I haven't even shared them with the kids yet, because DH & I usually eat them all up before the kids get a whack at them. I'll try them out on Luke tomorrow. Sophie's not a banana fan.
Another banana trick--you can freeze overripe bananas & use them for this recipe. I always peel mine before I freeze them, but I hear you don't have to. Just nuke in the microwave a few seconds & peel. But, you gotta peel them eventually so I just get it done the first time. When Mark eats half a banana for breakfast & leaves the rest on the counter, that half goes in the freezer for oatmeal bars. Win-win!
Go forth & cook, oh comrades!
***
Good news on Sophie--she's still not been dizzy. Praise God!
Bad news on Luke--he had an allergic reaction to his new allergy med, Singulair. So we are back to doing zyrtec, zaditor eye drops, & benadryl (at night). I know he's going to probably end up with an allergist if he's not better soon. Honestly, though, I just need ONE member of this family to not have a chronic medical condition. At least I want to hold him off as long as possible, anyway. I'm giving him another week & will call the doctor if he's not vastly improved.
5 days & counting until the Half on Saturday. Praying life continues to be normal until then. And loving every minute of it.
I ran 3.5 miles in 40 minutes in very very warm temps. It was almost 90 today. Thank goodness it was very breezy & I was running in the park where it was partially shady. I only had 40 minutes before I had to get the kids, but I swear I felt like I could have kept going & going. Just when it felt great, I had to stop. Ah, the curse of the short run. Ironic, ain't it?
I've got a couple recipes to share from Roni's website (still my all time favorite for go-to delicious recipes. She never fails me!).
The lentil burgers I made tonight for lunch tomorrow. My variations: I used zucchini instead of eggplant (still put some kosher salt on, as directed for the eggplant). The lentils soaked up my veggie broth in 25 minutes (I also covered the pan), so I added the zuch & turned off the heat after that; the lentils were plenty soft enough. I didn't add onion, but everything else I followed to a T (I used jarred garlic, though, didn't have any fresh stuff in the house). The flavors from the spices are amazing. I could have eaten the lentils & zuch straight! I grilled 5, 1/3 cup burgers tonight & have a little less than half of the leftover mix for another batch. A couple of the burgers didn't stick together very well, but I think it was because I was impatient & didn't let them cool in the fridge long enough. You do have to be careful to let the mix cool enough so when you add the egg, it doesn't cook. So watch that.
The other recipe I have made about 6 times now. I can't believe I'm just now telling you about it. Banana oatmeal bars. Holy cow. I've changed this one quite a bit, not necessarily for the healthier, but for the tastier, to be sure. I use skim milk, add 1/2 c. sugar (I think 1/3 - 1/4 c. would probably do it, though, & I'm going to try that next batch), 1 tsp kosher salt (learned from Alton Brown that salt makes baked goods bake better!), and increased the mini chocolate chips to 1/2 c. (again, I could use 1/3 - 1/4 c. & it would probably be good, but I love me some chocolate). Be sure to add the sugar & salt with the wet ingredients, before the oats. The foaminess of the baking powder might surprise you--just keep mixing until it's incorporated the best you can get it. Sometimes if my bananas are big & the mix is soupy, I'll add 1/2 c. more oats. I do let the oats soak about 10 minutes while the oven preheats before adding the choc. chips. I also put mine in an 8x8 glass pan (sprayed with nonstick spray) & bake for 30-35 minutes (check the middle--if it's really squishy, its not done; it needs to slightly springy to the touch--don't overbake, though, or they'll be tough--been there, done that!). Cut them into bars & freeze in freezer bags, & you've got oatmeal to go. They warm up very well out of the freezer in the microwave. My husband loves these. I haven't even shared them with the kids yet, because DH & I usually eat them all up before the kids get a whack at them. I'll try them out on Luke tomorrow. Sophie's not a banana fan.
Another banana trick--you can freeze overripe bananas & use them for this recipe. I always peel mine before I freeze them, but I hear you don't have to. Just nuke in the microwave a few seconds & peel. But, you gotta peel them eventually so I just get it done the first time. When Mark eats half a banana for breakfast & leaves the rest on the counter, that half goes in the freezer for oatmeal bars. Win-win!
Go forth & cook, oh comrades!
***
Good news on Sophie--she's still not been dizzy. Praise God!
Bad news on Luke--he had an allergic reaction to his new allergy med, Singulair. So we are back to doing zyrtec, zaditor eye drops, & benadryl (at night). I know he's going to probably end up with an allergist if he's not better soon. Honestly, though, I just need ONE member of this family to not have a chronic medical condition. At least I want to hold him off as long as possible, anyway. I'm giving him another week & will call the doctor if he's not vastly improved.
5 days & counting until the Half on Saturday. Praying life continues to be normal until then. And loving every minute of it.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Counting down
One good thing about a 10 mile run-- it makes the short runs a piece of cake.
I finally felt back to 100% yesterday. & boy has spring arrived. It was gorgeous, & it is again today. I had just enough time to run 3 miles before I had to pick up kids for Sophie's swim class.
The run was over so quickly, it was startling. 33 minutes isn't much of a run anymore.
A few years ago I would never have dreamed of uttering those words.
8 days & counting to the half marathon on May 2. My confirmation booklet arrived in the mail yesterday. I'm not nervous at all--yet. I'm sure that will kick in the night before. At least I know what to expect since this is my 2nd running of Indy.
This year, I'm in a decent corral (because I was seeded with my Evansville Half finishing time of 2:15:42) instead of 30 minutes from the starting line like last year. Corral G, here I come!
In case you didn't already know this, the Indianapolis Half Marathon is the largest in the U.S. 35,000 people register. Last year, I think there were just under 31,000 that started the race. I was in corral U last year & it took 30 minutes of walking before I even got to begin the race. The bright side of this was that I got to pee right before I started the race, which is a big deal for me. Seriously, my bladder must be abnormally small. :)
I have to say, I am so thankful that Sophie is feeling well. She's a different kid when she's not sick, and I'm in a completely different place--mentally & physically--when my daughter is healthy.
It's been well over a month since her last spell. May has been a bad month the past two years for her dizziness, & it would not surprise me if she wakes up dizzy one morning very soon. As it is, I'm thankful & praise God every morning she gets up & ready for school without complaint. I don't know what the difference is--is it the migraine medicine? or the air purifier I put in her room a couple weeks ago? (we all have them now, & also the family room.) or the ADHD medicine? Those are the only changes we've made that could be significant. Whatever it is, I'm thankful. & relieved.
Now if life just won't throw me any curve balls, I can hopefully maintain the Puke Diet weight loss. I've been 152.0 the past two days. I'll take it.
I finally felt back to 100% yesterday. & boy has spring arrived. It was gorgeous, & it is again today. I had just enough time to run 3 miles before I had to pick up kids for Sophie's swim class.
The run was over so quickly, it was startling. 33 minutes isn't much of a run anymore.
A few years ago I would never have dreamed of uttering those words.
8 days & counting to the half marathon on May 2. My confirmation booklet arrived in the mail yesterday. I'm not nervous at all--yet. I'm sure that will kick in the night before. At least I know what to expect since this is my 2nd running of Indy.
This year, I'm in a decent corral (because I was seeded with my Evansville Half finishing time of 2:15:42) instead of 30 minutes from the starting line like last year. Corral G, here I come!
In case you didn't already know this, the Indianapolis Half Marathon is the largest in the U.S. 35,000 people register. Last year, I think there were just under 31,000 that started the race. I was in corral U last year & it took 30 minutes of walking before I even got to begin the race. The bright side of this was that I got to pee right before I started the race, which is a big deal for me. Seriously, my bladder must be abnormally small. :)
I have to say, I am so thankful that Sophie is feeling well. She's a different kid when she's not sick, and I'm in a completely different place--mentally & physically--when my daughter is healthy.
It's been well over a month since her last spell. May has been a bad month the past two years for her dizziness, & it would not surprise me if she wakes up dizzy one morning very soon. As it is, I'm thankful & praise God every morning she gets up & ready for school without complaint. I don't know what the difference is--is it the migraine medicine? or the air purifier I put in her room a couple weeks ago? (we all have them now, & also the family room.) or the ADHD medicine? Those are the only changes we've made that could be significant. Whatever it is, I'm thankful. & relieved.
Now if life just won't throw me any curve balls, I can hopefully maintain the Puke Diet weight loss. I've been 152.0 the past two days. I'll take it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
No workout for YOU!
(channelling the "Soup Nazi" from Seinfeld for my title today)
I got the stomach bug yesterday, & spent the afternoon & evening hugging the porcelain thrown.
Being sick sucks.
Both the kids had this--Luke threw up on Easter Sunday morning, & Sophie was sick last week on Thursday (in the middle of the night). This virus seems to have a 4 day incubation period & lasts about 24 hours.
I had planned on running yesterday. I had planned on lifting weights today. Guess what I get to do instead?
Nothing but feel sick & sorry for myself.
I must say, in a twisted way I enjoyed seeing a 4 pound loss on the scale this morning. Yes, yes, it was all water weight. But it was hard earned--puking your guts out is tough work! Hahaha.
I'm still feeling quesy & the thought of most food makes me sick (bonus! more weight loss). Seriously, I can't wait to feel better. I'm so thankful this is happening now & not next week. The half marathon is a mere 11 days away.
Maybe I can manage to maintain the Stomach Flu Diet weight loss until then.
I got the stomach bug yesterday, & spent the afternoon & evening hugging the porcelain thrown.
Being sick sucks.
Both the kids had this--Luke threw up on Easter Sunday morning, & Sophie was sick last week on Thursday (in the middle of the night). This virus seems to have a 4 day incubation period & lasts about 24 hours.
I had planned on running yesterday. I had planned on lifting weights today. Guess what I get to do instead?
Nothing but feel sick & sorry for myself.
I must say, in a twisted way I enjoyed seeing a 4 pound loss on the scale this morning. Yes, yes, it was all water weight. But it was hard earned--puking your guts out is tough work! Hahaha.
I'm still feeling quesy & the thought of most food makes me sick (bonus! more weight loss). Seriously, I can't wait to feel better. I'm so thankful this is happening now & not next week. The half marathon is a mere 11 days away.
Maybe I can manage to maintain the Stomach Flu Diet weight loss until then.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Best laid plans: adjust as needed
Well, I was up on Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. But I was awake with an allergy-stricken 3 year old & not to go running.
Poor Luke's allergies were off the charts this weekend & he was awake in the middle of the night (& I was too, of course) 3 different times with itchy, swollen, matted shut eyes & a stuffy/runny nose.
There was no way I was able to wake up & run at 6 a.m. I did run, though it wasn't until 10:30.
I got in my 10 miler, but it was rough. I tried a new route, toward a neighboring town. I thought it would be neat to run to the river, which was about 3 miles away. Turns out it was shadeless, boring, & hot. I started to struggle at mile 4. I walked a lot after mile 6. I finished 10 miles in 2 hours & 10 minutes. Not my best long run, by a long shot.
Part of the problem really is that I just haven't been able to train adequately. I'll have one good week, then I'll have a week when I run once. It's been like that since February, back & forth, good week/bad week/good week/bad week. I haven't noticed the lack of consistency on my 5 miles runs, or even the 8 mile run I did a couple weeks ago.
But 10 miles is a distance that deserves a hefty amount of respect. And I was sure taught that lesson on Saturday.
I also learned that I need to begin to find a way to work up to a consistent weekly cumulative distance of 20 miles if I want to run the marathon next April. Base training is going to be very important. And it needs to start ASAP.
On the family front--Sophie is still feeling well, & hasn't had any adverse reactions to her meds. Mark's appointment with the cardiologist last Wednesday was OK--basically he needs to eat right, exercise, take his statin meds & an aspirin every day, & the rest is up to God. We are going to have some tests run to see what kind of build up he has, but the doctor said a 30% blocked artery can cause a heart attack just as frequently (or more so) as an 80% blocked artery. Luke is better, thanks to the OTC eye drops the doctor told me about.
I'm praying for an uneventful, productive week. Is that too much for a girl to ask?
Poor Luke's allergies were off the charts this weekend & he was awake in the middle of the night (& I was too, of course) 3 different times with itchy, swollen, matted shut eyes & a stuffy/runny nose.
There was no way I was able to wake up & run at 6 a.m. I did run, though it wasn't until 10:30.
I got in my 10 miler, but it was rough. I tried a new route, toward a neighboring town. I thought it would be neat to run to the river, which was about 3 miles away. Turns out it was shadeless, boring, & hot. I started to struggle at mile 4. I walked a lot after mile 6. I finished 10 miles in 2 hours & 10 minutes. Not my best long run, by a long shot.
Part of the problem really is that I just haven't been able to train adequately. I'll have one good week, then I'll have a week when I run once. It's been like that since February, back & forth, good week/bad week/good week/bad week. I haven't noticed the lack of consistency on my 5 miles runs, or even the 8 mile run I did a couple weeks ago.
But 10 miles is a distance that deserves a hefty amount of respect. And I was sure taught that lesson on Saturday.
I also learned that I need to begin to find a way to work up to a consistent weekly cumulative distance of 20 miles if I want to run the marathon next April. Base training is going to be very important. And it needs to start ASAP.
On the family front--Sophie is still feeling well, & hasn't had any adverse reactions to her meds. Mark's appointment with the cardiologist last Wednesday was OK--basically he needs to eat right, exercise, take his statin meds & an aspirin every day, & the rest is up to God. We are going to have some tests run to see what kind of build up he has, but the doctor said a 30% blocked artery can cause a heart attack just as frequently (or more so) as an 80% blocked artery. Luke is better, thanks to the OTC eye drops the doctor told me about.
I'm praying for an uneventful, productive week. Is that too much for a girl to ask?
Friday, April 17, 2009
If I make a promise....
... to you guys that I'll run 10 miles tomorrow morning at 6:30, I wonder if I can keep it?
I need a good long run this weekend (the Half is only 2 weeks away!), & tomorrow morning is my only window of opportunity. Before the kids are up, before the husband's up, before the rain comes.
But I hate mornings. With a passion. And a 6:30 run means I have to wake up at 6 A.M. so I can dress, eat, & drink. Ugh. That is way too early.
But. I need to run. And as much as I hate early mornings, I love running more.
I just hope I remember that tomorrow when the alarm goes off.
I need a good long run this weekend (the Half is only 2 weeks away!), & tomorrow morning is my only window of opportunity. Before the kids are up, before the husband's up, before the rain comes.
But I hate mornings. With a passion. And a 6:30 run means I have to wake up at 6 A.M. so I can dress, eat, & drink. Ugh. That is way too early.
But. I need to run. And as much as I hate early mornings, I love running more.
I just hope I remember that tomorrow when the alarm goes off.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I have a dream
Many thanks for the birthday wishes! I had a great day. We did get our passports--barely, but we made it & they are done. My mom picked up the kids & I ran 5 miles. When I got home, mom had baked a pizza & had a small cake for me. The kiddos gave me some homemade gifts & a candle they bought at Walmart with my mom. Mom stayed & helped me get the kids' baths, so it was an easy night. I am very thankful.
Now that I'm 364 days from my 40th birthday, the Marathon Planning has begun.
But let me take a step back first, & share something with you that sets the whole marathon thing in perspective.
Frances has a new blog on Psychology Today (go Frances!!) & she wrote a significant article for her first post. It really, truly blew me away. In fact, I think the premise is unbelievably important for those of us pursuing weight loss & fitness goals.
So, in that vein, I am plunging headlong into my dream of running a 26.2 mile race. I am under no illusion that this is going to be easy. And I have no doubt that over the coming weeks & months I'll be questioning my sanity & doubting my abilities.
But I have a dream now, & it's not merely motivation to maintain my weight loss. I need to get fitter & would like to lose (a bit more) weight if I want to run a marathon with any semblance of success. (And let's just be clear here...... success = finishing.)
You'll all come along for the ride, right?
Today I looked for races in April. So far it looks like I could do Nashville, St Louis, or Louisville, which are all within an easy driving distance & all in April. There's a race that would be a dream race, though, and it's on my list, but it's far far away--the Big Sur marathon in Carmel, California. The descriptions of that race blew me away. But it would cost a lot of time & money to run that one, so we'll see. I've got a while before I have to register. (BTW, all these races are hilly, every single one of them. So I'm stuck with hills, regardless of what I choose.)
My marathon training begins today. Mental training is as important, right now, as hitting the pavement. As Frances says, "what have I done today to move me closer to my dream?" That's going to be my mantra for the next 364 days.
I've got one year. It's a big dream, but big dreams are the ones that keep you moving forward.
Now that I'm 364 days from my 40th birthday, the Marathon Planning has begun.
But let me take a step back first, & share something with you that sets the whole marathon thing in perspective.
Frances has a new blog on Psychology Today (go Frances!!) & she wrote a significant article for her first post. It really, truly blew me away. In fact, I think the premise is unbelievably important for those of us pursuing weight loss & fitness goals.
So, in that vein, I am plunging headlong into my dream of running a 26.2 mile race. I am under no illusion that this is going to be easy. And I have no doubt that over the coming weeks & months I'll be questioning my sanity & doubting my abilities.
But I have a dream now, & it's not merely motivation to maintain my weight loss. I need to get fitter & would like to lose (a bit more) weight if I want to run a marathon with any semblance of success. (And let's just be clear here...... success = finishing.)
You'll all come along for the ride, right?
Today I looked for races in April. So far it looks like I could do Nashville, St Louis, or Louisville, which are all within an easy driving distance & all in April. There's a race that would be a dream race, though, and it's on my list, but it's far far away--the Big Sur marathon in Carmel, California. The descriptions of that race blew me away. But it would cost a lot of time & money to run that one, so we'll see. I've got a while before I have to register. (BTW, all these races are hilly, every single one of them. So I'm stuck with hills, regardless of what I choose.)
My marathon training begins today. Mental training is as important, right now, as hitting the pavement. As Frances says, "what have I done today to move me closer to my dream?" That's going to be my mantra for the next 364 days.
I've got one year. It's a big dream, but big dreams are the ones that keep you moving forward.
Monday, April 13, 2009
39 & holdin'
(cue the Geek from Sixteen Candles....)
"Na na na NA na, you say it's your birthday! Na na na na NA na, it's my birthday too, yeah!"
Yes, yes, today I turned 39. And it also happens to be my 500th blog post. Coincidence? Who knows, but it's interesting nonetheless.
The day has been non eventful thus far--just the way I like it! Everyone is where they are supposed to be.
My coworker (hi Sara!) brought me a chocolate croissant from Panera, and it was a lovely way to start my day at work. I had a chocolate croissant for the first time while in Paris during a college trip when I was 23. I've been in love ever since.
Mark & I are heading to the downtown post office in a few minutes to get our passports for St John, which is my birthday present. Getting that man to do anything away from the office is nearly impossible. It took me begging him to give that to me for my birthday present for us to get our passports. Whatever it takes, is good enough for me. I just don't want to worry about running out of time (we leave in 9 weeks!).
My mom is picking up the kids after school so I can take as long as I want to go running. I might even take a yoga class at 5:30. I'll wait to see what I'm in the mood for.
I've got one more year to work toward running a full marathon. That's what I want to do when I turn 40. It very well may take a year to achieve that goal. But hey, what's life without goals?
And hey, it will be good blogging material.
"Na na na NA na, you say it's your birthday! Na na na na NA na, it's my birthday too, yeah!"
Yes, yes, today I turned 39. And it also happens to be my 500th blog post. Coincidence? Who knows, but it's interesting nonetheless.
The day has been non eventful thus far--just the way I like it! Everyone is where they are supposed to be.
My coworker (hi Sara!) brought me a chocolate croissant from Panera, and it was a lovely way to start my day at work. I had a chocolate croissant for the first time while in Paris during a college trip when I was 23. I've been in love ever since.
Mark & I are heading to the downtown post office in a few minutes to get our passports for St John, which is my birthday present. Getting that man to do anything away from the office is nearly impossible. It took me begging him to give that to me for my birthday present for us to get our passports. Whatever it takes, is good enough for me. I just don't want to worry about running out of time (we leave in 9 weeks!).
My mom is picking up the kids after school so I can take as long as I want to go running. I might even take a yoga class at 5:30. I'll wait to see what I'm in the mood for.
I've got one more year to work toward running a full marathon. That's what I want to do when I turn 40. It very well may take a year to achieve that goal. But hey, what's life without goals?
And hey, it will be good blogging material.
Friday, April 10, 2009
I got nuthin'
It's one of those days when I've just got nothing to say. Not chatty for some bizarre reason. So I'm doing a quickie just so y'all know I'm alive.
Ran 5 miles Tuesday. It felt great. I got my avg pace down to just over 11 minutes/mile, even though it was really windy.
Thursday I did a Body Pump class at the Y. I'm pretty sore today, so I know I worked it good.
I am planning on running today, hopefully, but it's raining (again) so it will be on the treadmill & will be a short one.
This weekend I've gotta run 9 miles. I have no idea when this run is going to happen, though, since it's such a busy weekend. Maybe first thing Saturday morning, I'll have enough gumption to get up & move.
Food has been pretty bad. Just as an example: I had Ben & Jerry's on Wednesday night, when I had to go out at 10:30 p.m. to get Mark some zicam at Walgreens, and I was totally resentful of how the whole thing went down. That was the day I woke up at 3 a.m. for our St Louis trip, so needless to say being sent out for medicine for my big baby of a husband--okay, okay, so he was really sick & got an antibiotic the next day, but at the time I was mad!--made me quite unhappy & I chose to deal with it poorly. So, yeah, I fled to my old friends B&J. With friends like them, who needs enemies?
I need to get my head back on straight to get the poundage going in the right direction. That means no bunnies this weekend! (any Veggie Tales fans out there?.... "the bunny, the bunny, oh I ate the bunny")
Geez, for someone without anything to say, I sure had a lot to say.
Happy Easter!
Ran 5 miles Tuesday. It felt great. I got my avg pace down to just over 11 minutes/mile, even though it was really windy.
Thursday I did a Body Pump class at the Y. I'm pretty sore today, so I know I worked it good.
I am planning on running today, hopefully, but it's raining (again) so it will be on the treadmill & will be a short one.
This weekend I've gotta run 9 miles. I have no idea when this run is going to happen, though, since it's such a busy weekend. Maybe first thing Saturday morning, I'll have enough gumption to get up & move.
Food has been pretty bad. Just as an example: I had Ben & Jerry's on Wednesday night, when I had to go out at 10:30 p.m. to get Mark some zicam at Walgreens, and I was totally resentful of how the whole thing went down. That was the day I woke up at 3 a.m. for our St Louis trip, so needless to say being sent out for medicine for my big baby of a husband--okay, okay, so he was really sick & got an antibiotic the next day, but at the time I was mad!--made me quite unhappy & I chose to deal with it poorly. So, yeah, I fled to my old friends B&J. With friends like them, who needs enemies?
I need to get my head back on straight to get the poundage going in the right direction. That means no bunnies this weekend! (any Veggie Tales fans out there?.... "the bunny, the bunny, oh I ate the bunny")
Geez, for someone without anything to say, I sure had a lot to say.
Happy Easter!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Diagnosis
Real quick--the doctor at the Children's Hospital diagnosed Sophie's dizzy spells as migraine precursors, and will treat her with a preventative (which she has never taken before) & also prescribed an abortive medication for the next episode (we'll see if that works--another type of med has not helped in the past). The doctor also wants to do a new MRI, because Sophie's balance is abnormal. She can't walk heel-toe, heel-toe at all; she completely loses balances. She's always been like this, ever since she saw the first neurologist when she was 3 (I don't know if she had the problem before that, because you don't usually ask a toddler to do the heel-toe test!). But the doctor thinks the balance issue, along with the dizzy spells, are reason enough to redo the MRI since it's been 4 years since her last one.
I'll write more soon.
I'll write more soon.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Where'd spring (& my good mood) go?
Not to be a big whiny baby, but WTH? It's snowing. In Southern Indiana. In April.
This bites.
Not only did a big ole low pressure system come through & screw with my upbeat attitude, but I'm also in my mid-cycle hormone feel-like-sh!t zone. Yeah, I'm one fun gal to be around today.
So let's reminisce a moment to the weekend (queue flashback video & sound effects....).
Friday night was fun. Both the kids were healthy & spent the night with my mom. We saw Adventureland, which was super good & perfect for a date night. Saturday morning I slept until 8 a.m. It was a gorgeous day, one of the best of the year. I lazed around for a couple of hours & finally at 11:30 headed out for my 8 mile run.
It was by far NOT the best run ever. Actually, it was pretty hard. I didn't take water with me, & instead just circled back to the house after 4 miles and then after 7 miles, and I think not having water every mile was part of the problem. My garmin running watch said "battery low" after 3 miles, and I felt like it was a metaphor for how I felt. Garmy & I both made the entire 8 miles, but just barely. I did have moments of beauty on the run, where I felt great, but mostly I was just glad to have it over with. They can't all be winners.
I soaked in the tub for almost an hour afterwards (AH!). Then the usual Saturday chores commenced. Got the kids back around 5 p.m. It was nice to have a break but I missed the munchkins.
Sunday was beautiful again, at least during the morning. We were able to have our church Easter egg hunt & Palm Sunday church dinner. The kids had a blast. It was hard on Mark, though, missing his brother during a holiday. Keith would often come up while their mom was still alive & have Palm Sunday church dinner with us. Keith loved family events. So Mark was a bit melancholy.
The afternoon it rained & got cold. I could feel the low pressure system pushing me down as the day wore on, and I didn't do much of anything. Sunday afternoon always goes by too quickly.
This morning it was so weird putting on winter clothes & getting our coats back out. I packed work out clothes & am prepared for a cold outside run or a warm indoor run. If it's not snowing or raining, I'll run outside this afternoon. I'll hit the Y if it's wet out.
Sophie has her appointment in St Louis this Wednesday for her dizzy spells. We (she & I) are leaving at 4 a.m. That's going to be one special trick to get me up at 3 a.m.! Thank goodness for automatic coffee makers.
I may not be around much more until Thursday. Hopefully by then we'll have warmer weather again. And my upbeat mojo will have returned, too.
This bites.
Not only did a big ole low pressure system come through & screw with my upbeat attitude, but I'm also in my mid-cycle hormone feel-like-sh!t zone. Yeah, I'm one fun gal to be around today.
So let's reminisce a moment to the weekend (queue flashback video & sound effects....).
Friday night was fun. Both the kids were healthy & spent the night with my mom. We saw Adventureland, which was super good & perfect for a date night. Saturday morning I slept until 8 a.m. It was a gorgeous day, one of the best of the year. I lazed around for a couple of hours & finally at 11:30 headed out for my 8 mile run.
It was by far NOT the best run ever. Actually, it was pretty hard. I didn't take water with me, & instead just circled back to the house after 4 miles and then after 7 miles, and I think not having water every mile was part of the problem. My garmin running watch said "battery low" after 3 miles, and I felt like it was a metaphor for how I felt. Garmy & I both made the entire 8 miles, but just barely. I did have moments of beauty on the run, where I felt great, but mostly I was just glad to have it over with. They can't all be winners.
I soaked in the tub for almost an hour afterwards (AH!). Then the usual Saturday chores commenced. Got the kids back around 5 p.m. It was nice to have a break but I missed the munchkins.
Sunday was beautiful again, at least during the morning. We were able to have our church Easter egg hunt & Palm Sunday church dinner. The kids had a blast. It was hard on Mark, though, missing his brother during a holiday. Keith would often come up while their mom was still alive & have Palm Sunday church dinner with us. Keith loved family events. So Mark was a bit melancholy.
The afternoon it rained & got cold. I could feel the low pressure system pushing me down as the day wore on, and I didn't do much of anything. Sunday afternoon always goes by too quickly.
This morning it was so weird putting on winter clothes & getting our coats back out. I packed work out clothes & am prepared for a cold outside run or a warm indoor run. If it's not snowing or raining, I'll run outside this afternoon. I'll hit the Y if it's wet out.
Sophie has her appointment in St Louis this Wednesday for her dizzy spells. We (she & I) are leaving at 4 a.m. That's going to be one special trick to get me up at 3 a.m.! Thank goodness for automatic coffee makers.
I may not be around much more until Thursday. Hopefully by then we'll have warmer weather again. And my upbeat mojo will have returned, too.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Blame it on the rain
So yesterday I kept checking weather.com to see when the rain was supposed to arrive. I wanted to get in a run before it hit, & thought that I'd be safe since the chance of rain was low until after 6 p.m.
No such luck. It started to thunder & pour down rain, complete with tornado warnings, at 4:00 p.m.
I left the office right after that to run a few errands before picking up the kids. I had changed into my running clothes already, & was planning on taking them to the Y and just run on the treadmill. But by the time I had my errands done & had picked them both up--which took longer than usual because it was really bad out & everyone was driving slowly & safely--it was almost 6 p.m. Getting home at 7 p.m. on a school night is just not an option with a 1st grader who has homework almost every night.
So I didn't run. I was disappointed, but figured it would just be my rest night.
But, wait! There's more!
I kept my running clothes on while getting the kids dinner, and when I finally got around to checking the mail I discovered my new running shoes had arrived (I'd found a pair of the same shoes I already have online, on sale, & snatched them up because my old pair is worn out). New shoes always make me feel good, especially new running shoes. I put them on & was surprised, as always, at how much more support a new pair of shoes has. I suddenly had an urge to break them in, and break them in NOW!
DH was home last night, & it stopped raining just before sundown. I wore my new kicks around while helping Sophie with her hour's worth of homework, and by 7:45 p.m. got the all clear to hit the road.
It was only 3 miles, but it was one of the best runs I've had in a long time.
The new medicine for my asthma (advair) seems to be helping. I was able to run the entire time, only stopping once after mile one to take off my long sleeved outer layer. But I didn't take any other walk breaks. I felt strong, like I could have run for miles and miles.
It started to lightly sprinkle as I finished up at around 8:20, so I figured 3 miles would be enough for the night. Plus, I promised DH I'd only be out for a half hour. I averaged just over 11 minute miles, which is slow but OK.
The rain ended up being a blessing. I love night time runs, and a night run after the rain has washed the air clean is pure gold.
On tap for tomorrow--8 miles. Stay tuned!
No such luck. It started to thunder & pour down rain, complete with tornado warnings, at 4:00 p.m.
I left the office right after that to run a few errands before picking up the kids. I had changed into my running clothes already, & was planning on taking them to the Y and just run on the treadmill. But by the time I had my errands done & had picked them both up--which took longer than usual because it was really bad out & everyone was driving slowly & safely--it was almost 6 p.m. Getting home at 7 p.m. on a school night is just not an option with a 1st grader who has homework almost every night.
So I didn't run. I was disappointed, but figured it would just be my rest night.
But, wait! There's more!
I kept my running clothes on while getting the kids dinner, and when I finally got around to checking the mail I discovered my new running shoes had arrived (I'd found a pair of the same shoes I already have online, on sale, & snatched them up because my old pair is worn out). New shoes always make me feel good, especially new running shoes. I put them on & was surprised, as always, at how much more support a new pair of shoes has. I suddenly had an urge to break them in, and break them in NOW!
DH was home last night, & it stopped raining just before sundown. I wore my new kicks around while helping Sophie with her hour's worth of homework, and by 7:45 p.m. got the all clear to hit the road.
It was only 3 miles, but it was one of the best runs I've had in a long time.
The new medicine for my asthma (advair) seems to be helping. I was able to run the entire time, only stopping once after mile one to take off my long sleeved outer layer. But I didn't take any other walk breaks. I felt strong, like I could have run for miles and miles.
It started to lightly sprinkle as I finished up at around 8:20, so I figured 3 miles would be enough for the night. Plus, I promised DH I'd only be out for a half hour. I averaged just over 11 minute miles, which is slow but OK.
The rain ended up being a blessing. I love night time runs, and a night run after the rain has washed the air clean is pure gold.
On tap for tomorrow--8 miles. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Fool's Day Facts
Ever have one of those days where you'd love to write something witty & inspiring, but you got nothin'? That's me today. So just the facts, ma'am, is what you'll find here on April Fool's Day.
*I ran my least favorite distance Monday afternoon--less than 3 miles. I only had 30 minutes & squeezed out a measly 2.75 miles. I hate running that short a distance. Basically you get all the pain with none of the endorphin pleasure.
*I took a Body Pump class at the Y yesterday afternoon. It rocked! I have missed weights classes so very much. I've got puny muscles, though, & have a long way to go to get back to where I was last year. The good thing is that I know within 3-4 weeks I'll be feeling strong & already noticing a difference. & hopefully by the time we go on vacation in mid June I'll have the definition I'm longing for. Two times a week is the goal for this class.
*This afternoon I'm planning a run, hopefully 5 miles. The weather is gorgeous. A spot of sunshine between a sandwich of stormy days.
*Food has not been according to the Crack diet, unfortunately. I just couldn't muster the strength. Monday night I was so hungry, I just gave it up. It's not realistic to think I can do this low carb plan--even though it's only low carb on part of the days--just a few weeks out from my half marathon. So I'm not going to have a plan. I'm going to eat the best I can, workout like a fiend, & keep reminding myself of my goals.
*Which are: weigh 149 by the Half on 5/2 & weigh less than 145 by vacation on 6/13.
*And additionally: Finish the Indy half in 2:15:00, which requires a lower body weight. And wear my boy-shorts bathing suit from last year in St. John, which also requires a lower body weight, lower body fat content, & higher muscle definition.
*Sophie's ADHD medicine seems to be helping. We did her 20 spelling words last night & she only missed one. That's a huge improvement.
*Mark sees a cardiologist for his initial consult on April 15th. Our GP doc agreed that he needs the real deal heart screening--the invasive one that reveals artery blockage, not a simple stress test. Mark's still working out daily & is eating like a heart patient. No fat, no junk. He's already lost 5 pounds!
*Luke is very much a 3 year old, in every sense of what a 3 year old can be. And he gives the absolute best hugs ever.
*Random TV Chatter:
I finally saw the movie of Sex & the City last weekend. I disliked the first half and thought it was manipulative & overacted, but I loved the 2nd half after Jennifer Hudson joined the show. She was wonderful. I thought it was impossible for Sarah Jessica to be any thinner, but seriously thought she was leaner than she'd ever been (she & Cynthia Nixon, who looked amazing). And I still adore Big, & love how the movie ended with the love letters.
I've got one more episode of season 2 of The Tudors to watch on DVD. Very much looking forward to season 3. I want to read about the actual history now that I've seen the "Dallas"-style version of Henry VIII's life. I love this series--it's beyond decadent. Henry is the bad guy you love to hate, just like J.R.
Still haven't watched TBL or Idol this week. Hopefully tonight I'll get them both in after the kids are in bed, while Mark's at class.
*That's all for now, kids. Hope you are all enjoying spring, even if yours is covered in snow.
*I ran my least favorite distance Monday afternoon--less than 3 miles. I only had 30 minutes & squeezed out a measly 2.75 miles. I hate running that short a distance. Basically you get all the pain with none of the endorphin pleasure.
*I took a Body Pump class at the Y yesterday afternoon. It rocked! I have missed weights classes so very much. I've got puny muscles, though, & have a long way to go to get back to where I was last year. The good thing is that I know within 3-4 weeks I'll be feeling strong & already noticing a difference. & hopefully by the time we go on vacation in mid June I'll have the definition I'm longing for. Two times a week is the goal for this class.
*This afternoon I'm planning a run, hopefully 5 miles. The weather is gorgeous. A spot of sunshine between a sandwich of stormy days.
*Food has not been according to the Crack diet, unfortunately. I just couldn't muster the strength. Monday night I was so hungry, I just gave it up. It's not realistic to think I can do this low carb plan--even though it's only low carb on part of the days--just a few weeks out from my half marathon. So I'm not going to have a plan. I'm going to eat the best I can, workout like a fiend, & keep reminding myself of my goals.
*Which are: weigh 149 by the Half on 5/2 & weigh less than 145 by vacation on 6/13.
*And additionally: Finish the Indy half in 2:15:00, which requires a lower body weight. And wear my boy-shorts bathing suit from last year in St. John, which also requires a lower body weight, lower body fat content, & higher muscle definition.
*Sophie's ADHD medicine seems to be helping. We did her 20 spelling words last night & she only missed one. That's a huge improvement.
*Mark sees a cardiologist for his initial consult on April 15th. Our GP doc agreed that he needs the real deal heart screening--the invasive one that reveals artery blockage, not a simple stress test. Mark's still working out daily & is eating like a heart patient. No fat, no junk. He's already lost 5 pounds!
*Luke is very much a 3 year old, in every sense of what a 3 year old can be. And he gives the absolute best hugs ever.
*Random TV Chatter:
I finally saw the movie of Sex & the City last weekend. I disliked the first half and thought it was manipulative & overacted, but I loved the 2nd half after Jennifer Hudson joined the show. She was wonderful. I thought it was impossible for Sarah Jessica to be any thinner, but seriously thought she was leaner than she'd ever been (she & Cynthia Nixon, who looked amazing). And I still adore Big, & love how the movie ended with the love letters.
I've got one more episode of season 2 of The Tudors to watch on DVD. Very much looking forward to season 3. I want to read about the actual history now that I've seen the "Dallas"-style version of Henry VIII's life. I love this series--it's beyond decadent. Henry is the bad guy you love to hate, just like J.R.
Still haven't watched TBL or Idol this week. Hopefully tonight I'll get them both in after the kids are in bed, while Mark's at class.
*That's all for now, kids. Hope you are all enjoying spring, even if yours is covered in snow.
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