Spring Cleaning Has Begun!

Mar17

I don’t know about you, but it seems like my workout clothes, gadgets, belts, ect are multiplying. Now some of this may be because I have bought a few things here and there. When I first started working out, I took a trip to Target and bought some lovely workout wear thinking that I was good to go. Then I realized that this only covered the basics. As I mentioned in a previous post though, I have a few different “gym” bags for various activities as each requires specific items.

Case in Point….

Gym Bag – This would be considered the traditional gym bag with lifting gloves, workout towel, jump rope and such.

Swim Bag – Goggles, swim cap, towel, shower items as I like to wash the heavy chlorine scent off before leaving.

Yoga Bag– Yoga mat, yoga foam block, towel for mat,

Running Bag – chap-stick, sunglasses, few dollars, Gu, and odds and ends

Then you add running jackets, watches, rollers, hydration belts, regular belts, ect, ect and before you know it, my workout gear has taken on a life of it’s own or at least a whole corner of my room. Now I don’t mind that it’s taken over my corner, but I do mind that it’s a hot mess. On top of that it was getting very hard to find anything. It was time to realize that something needed to be done.

What needed to be done required a trip to Target again. I hit the organization section and found two different size storage bins that would help. I already had one bin with a lid. Although, I had been trying to pretend that I didn’t need more storage, I was only fooling myself. Without further ado, I will show you the before and after.

Before.

Yes, I am embarrassed but these things happen to a busy mama and I just forgot to take a picture. I did take one after I started and I had dumped everything all over my bed.

Ok, feel better.

After

I feel a peace and tranquility now.

Things are organized.

Things are easily accessible.

And lastly, things are neat. The bigger bin has my various bags and extra bags. Smaller bin has things that I might need on the go. The taller bin which has a lid now hold things that aren’t used frequently such as night time running gear, extra belts and such.

Slowly I’m making progress. I even started organizing my kitchen too. One drawer at a time.

It may take a while, but I do feel like I’m getting there. Maybe by the end of the year, I will be fully organized.

How do you stay organized?

Friday Five – Five things in my day

Mar13

You know I love the Friday Five Link up.. Always a good topic, a fun to see what other like minded people are thinking on the same topic too and to be honest an easy way to decide what to blog about:) Thank you Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What? for hosting the Friday Five link-up!

Today’s Theme

1. I will say if I had written this post just a month ago, it would have been very different and I think in a few months it will evolve as my puppy gets older. For now though, a bulk of my day is training, playing, and socializing Finn. Like having a baby, you do forget how much time a new puppy will take up in your day until you have one. It is worth it, but I will be happy when we are past some of the “training.” Now that he’s a few weeks older, it is getting easier as he is sleeping better at night for the most part. I could do without the 4:00 am outside trip though. Soon. This is not to say that I am not enjoying him a 100%. My kids think that my day is spent taking pictures of the puppy which is somewhat accurate:)

2. I start off each weekday morning making first coffee for me and then waffles for the boys before school. I admit that I take weekends off from this take primarily because teenage boys do not wake up for breakfast unless they are eating it for lunch. Some people tease me about making homemade waffles every morning, but I’ve been doing it for so long it really only takes 5 minutes to whip up the batter and my waffle iron makes four waffles at a time. Plus I started making waffles when I realized that we were going through a box of waffles every two days. Double plus, I know and and can pronounce all the ingredients in my waffles (2 cups flour, 4 tsp baking powder, 3 tsp sugar, tsp extract, 1 3/4 cup milk, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup oil – mix dry, add milk, add eggs and extract, add oil. Viola. To change it up add different extracts or cinnamon).

3. Most days I do try to get a run or some form of exercise in. This used to be right after school drop off. Now days, it is scheduled around puppies nap time as I don’t like to keep him in his crate too much.

4. Then there is the exciting household chores that magically get done when the children are gone. Fun things like laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning. I know you are super jealous and can totally relate!

5. Social Media. – I admit it and you can too:)

These are just five in the many things that make up my day.

What are Five Things in Your Day?

Starting off on the Right Foot:)

Mar10

So this week as I said I would do, I climbed back on the wagon.

Yesterday was a rest day and I took full advantage of it too. I figured the best way to start off on the right foot is with not necessarily pretty feet but good feet.. It’s been a hard winter and my feet showed it. I’ve also been majorly overdo for a pedicure too and my feet showed it. Normally they ask if you want callouses removed. This time it wasn’t phrased as a question but a statment.

I felt bad for the girl who practically had to use a hacksaw to fix my feet.

I think her expression reflects the level of duress that she was under! I think she should have been wearing a hazmat suit. Don’t look too closely at this picture as you may loose your lunch. Also my legs are wrapped and that is why they look they way they do. I’m just glad the chairs next to me were empty! Don’t worry, I tipped well.

She did a great job and now my feet are ready to begin my training.

Yes, even Finn will now sit at my feet:)

And Yes, I snuck in a picture of my dog.

Since I’m trying to modify my training not just to alleviate boredom but also to try to keep over training injuries at bay, today I did 6 miles on the bike at the gym and some abs. Can’t wait for the streets to be clear of snow as I really do need to train more on my actual bike. Last year, I felt very uncomfortable with my bike at both Triathlons that I did. I was not fluid and felt out of step. I need more bike time to fix that. It was a hard decision not to run today because it really is so nice out, but if I’m going to have a plan I really should follow it.

Tomorrow, hopefully, swimming. I haven’t done that in a LOOOOONG time. I need to check the pool schedule and then see what happens.

What do you do to keep your training interesting?

Race Recap and Proud Tutu Wearing Mama!

Mar2

I ran a 5K yesterday. When I signed up for it, I had aspirations of this being my 25 minute PR. I knew going in that this would not be so and I am glad that I adjusted my expectations beforehand as it was a beautifully out and back hilly course. I wish that I was not pushing it as there were some spectacular views of the Hudson that I would have liked to get a picture of, but I was running a race and couldn’t stop for pictures. I will say that if I do meet the goal this year, it will not be on a course like this one. That being said, I still did well with a 28:25 time. I’m happy. This will move me up a coral in my Road Runner races now. Yeah me:)

Now since I knew going into this I was only going to end up using this run as a good push it run, I decided to make it fun and wear a Tutu! Actually, I was not alone in my tutu either. We had a clown car filled with six of us MRTT Mama’s and five of us opted for the tutu. This got me thinking as to why sane rational woman would wear a tutu. I can only speak for me, but this is what I came up with.

It is just fun!

Think about it….

As a woman….

As a mother…..

As a wife…..

As a Cub Scout Leader (yup, that’s me)…….

As a woman with lots and lots of responsibilities, jobs, and things on our plates…..

When do we just let to let it all hang out?

When do we just let to do something silly?

I am well past the time when I am not always juggling something.

I am well past the time for stupid silly either.

So for me wearing a tutu is my chance to just be silly and I’m not talking “play with your kid” silly either. So if wearing a tutu allows me to remind myself that it is ok to just be silly for the sake of silly, why not? I think this is a much healthier outlet that ending up on an episode of “Mom’s gone wild.” This is wild enough for me. This is my chance to “let my hair down” in a fun positive way.

Tutu’s Rock in that way!

I will also add that my group was asked a few times to have our picture taken by random people. We even made the Road Runners Race Album. One guy even wanted to be in the picture with us! Not sure what he will tell his friends when he shows them the pictures, but he wasn’t laughing at us but with us. Yes, there were some but not as many as you would think who may have been laughing at us, but you know what…..

I DON’T CARE!

This is my race, my tutu, and my friends.

We had a great time rockin our tutus and to me it really is all about the fun.

So as a Mom who is only a month away from 46, if I want to act like a kid and wear a tutu, silly hats, silly socks, ect when I run so be it.

Whew That was Tough!

Feb23

I am so relaxed today. So very relaxed. It didn’t really start out that way, but I’m jello now and have been all afternoon. I had a few months credit saved up from Hand & Stone Spa and I used one today. It was amazing. I went for a 90 Minute Hot Stone Massage. I was so relaxed that I almost fell asleep. I didn’t because if I am getting a massage I don’t want to waste it by sleeping. Really the only thing that stopped me from falling asleep was a little snore!

I felt like this…

Every time I go for a massage, I swear I will be better and go more often. I think today’s massage was the one that I was going to get in November after the Marathon. Oops;)

I remember going for a Spa Day with my Mother once. She had never been for a massage and got her first and only massage that day. She was nervous and is a bit chatty normally and always more so when she is nervous. I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and was only getting a Spa pedicure. When her massage was over we went to lunch. She went on about how much she liked it and then she started telling me all the things her and her massage therapist talked about during her massage. I was flabbergasted as I have never known anyone to talk during a massage. I admit that I was so relaxed today, I would not have been able to form coherent sentences even if I wanted. I couldn’t imagine talking through the whole thing. It would actually make it weird.

Although if you think about it the whole process of going for a massage, it is weird. Most of the time, you make your appointment not knowing who you are going to see. The only stipulation that I have is that is a woman therapist. Upon arrival, they take you into a room for you to undress and wait for them in a low light and soft music. This would be why, you always want to get a recommendation on where to go for your massage or at least go to an established place. There has to be a certain level of comfort to enjoy the massage experience and although the therapist is a professional, I would be uncomfortable with a male therapist. It would ruin the whole thing for me.

I didn’t realize how much my body needed today until I was on the table. There really is something to be said for the healing powers of massage. I think it is an under appreciated therapy. I didn’t realize how much tension was in my back and neck until she worked them out! Also didn’t hurt to have the knots in my calves worked out too. Here is hoping to staying nice and loose for this weekends 5K!

As I’ve said in the past, I must remember to go for massages on a regular basis. I’m not talking twice a month, but I should go at least every other month. Especially with “race season” starting up.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET A MASSAGE?

DO YOU HAVE A PREFERENCE WITH YOUR THERAPIST.

I’m So Tired.

Feb21

As I mentioned yesterday, we got a new puppy. His name is Finn and I underestimated how much having him would impede me from my training. I forgot how much time would be required. Logically, I knew but I still didn’t add it all up. For example, yesterday I had planned to run. It was brutally cold. Brutally. I still thought about running. I thought about going to the Y to run, but then I napped on the couch when Finn napped. Like a Baby, I have been getting up with him multiple times a night. Except unlike a baby, I am ending up outside in 4 degree weather. Then I come in and can’t necessarily fall right back to sleep. So I’m tired. So tired.

We are trying to crate training him. I know that I’m not doing it right. This morning, my son came out to the living room to find me snuggled next to the cage sleeping with the dog who was not in the cage. I admit it. I’m weak. I’m a patsy. I’m working on it. I have a Dog Trainer coming to the house today who is going to tell me all the things that me (and my family) are doing wrong. I’m hoping with some professional help, I will be better.

But since I’ve only had Finn for a few days, I’m giving myself a chance to get into the new routine with him as it will need to be tweaked in the beginning. I will make sure to include my training time on his schedule. I will work it out. I will do what I need to do. Not just for me, but for him as well. As my sister said there is nothing better than a well trained Big Dog and Finn is going to be a decent size. He is a Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Most people have never heard of this bread. He’s Swiss and he end up about 70 pounds.

But when he’s bigger, he will need a decent amount of exercise. I envision running trails with him.

It’s going to be so much fun and I think he will like it too! But like anything else it’s going to take some work to get to the fun part. Not that some of it isn’t fun now:)

You Know Your A Runner When….

Feb16

You get ready to leave for a run and say, “I’m going for a short run today. I’m only going 3 miles.”
When you have more running clothes than any other type of clothes.
When you think nothing of ringing a friends bell to use her bathroom because your out for a long run.
You buy your GU by the case
You have more running shoes than days of the week
You consider your running time your me time and guard it accordingly.
You think the best way to help your sore legs is more running to “work it out.”
You are not only willing but excited to spend 15 minutes getting dressed for cold weather because it means you will be able to get your run in no matter what the thermometer says.
You match your pedicure nail polish to the shade of blue one of your toenails is already colored.
You check to see if there are any races taking place where you plan to vacation.

How Do You know Your a Runner….

Putting it All in Perspective

Feb9

Today was the day. Today was the day that I was going to be picked for the #AMRSaucony Winner. Just like Saturday night I was going to win the lottery. Actually, I did throw my name in the hat for the Every Mother Runner Saucony Winner. I knew that I wouldn’t win. I even said so to a fellow Mama when she asked while we were out on a run. Not to say that there wasn’t a part of me that was dreaming, because there should always be hope in all that we do. It’s just I’m a bit of a realist. Although I will say that Amy from Amyupnorth.com sounds amazing and I congratulate her on being picked. Can’t wait to read more from her and I do have to say Kudos to the way that Every Mother Runner announced it. Very cool showcasing a lot of other mother runners.

Now all that being said, I admit I was disappointed. I’m a realist, but just like when I realize that I didn’t win the lottery I am slightly disappointed. But then I had a reality check. I had plans this morning to spend with a friend helping her make cake pops for her Breast Cancer Support Group. Thankfully, my friend is on her way to recovery. She is finished with her Chemo. Just finished up another surgery and is one her way! We had a fun morning, but it does put things in perspective. Not just about the blog, but about my training and life in general.

Before she came over I was looking at my totals for last week. I realized how much I had allowed myself to slack last week. Some due to weather. Some due to the couch just being too comfy on a weekend morning. I just didn’t bring my A game. Although, I did do the speed workout, but still only did 2 out of the 5 runs my training plan called for me to do. Ooops. No excuses. I’m hoping that this week will be better.

I know one thing that motivates me is just seeing what everyone else is doing. It makes me feel like a slacker, but I’ve been a slacker so I should feel like one. Although, I am thankful for these groups, their motivation and inspiration. If not for them, I think it would be so much easier to hang up my shoes and call it a day. It’s hard to do when you see what all the BAMR’s are doing. They don’t make excuses and just get it done. I think the key to keeping yourself on track besides having a goal is to have friends who will text, message, or call you to see how your training is going, People who want to meet for a run, a yoga session, or just compare notes. People who also have goals.

Who Inspires you?

Friday 5 – Fitness Snapshots

Feb6

Danger, Will Robertson, Danger!

(Am I the only one old enough to remember where that came from?)

Anyway consider yourself warned!

Today’s Friday 5 hosted by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Now, it would have been helpful to me to look ahead to see what today’s post was going to be about and then I could have taken actual snapshots during the week. Since I didn’t do that, I am going to just go with 5 Fitness Snapshots.

1. This photo goes way back. Back to before I even signed up for my first race. This goes back to the beginning of this fitness journey. This is from the Bootcamp class I started that gave me the courage to sign up for my first Triathlon. This was the beginning….

2. This is the bike that I bought to ride in my first Triathlon. I thought I was going to be one and done, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. I am promising to train with it more this year when the roads clear and spring comes. It is a great low impact leg workout and I do need to get more comfortable in the saddle.

3. This is a scary, scary picture, but it is hard to look both perky and good after a 90 minute session of Bikram Yoga in a 116 degree room. I don’t know if I would enjoy yoga as much without the heat and knowing me, probably not. I like the intensity that the heat gives the yoga. I’ve also promised to do yoga more this year as I need more balance and flexibility in my life and body:)

4. Strength training. Although I am sadly resigned to temporarily giving up the intensity of Crossfit, this does not mean that I will give up working with weights. There is something to be said for pumping iron and if you’ve never tried it you should. My goal is to lift weights at least twice a week.

5. This is an obvious one….. Running. This year I’m focusing on time which means that these legs and feet are going to have to push it to their limits. It will be an amazing adventure to see how far they can take me.

What did you do this week?

Laying It All Out There….

Feb5

I’m being Bold.

Yesterday while pursuing the internet, I was reading an article that was about healthy weights and BMI (Body Mass Index). I thought to myself, “I know that I need to loose a few pounds but I wonder where I stand with my BMI.”

After calculating it, I found out a shocking fact. A fact that I don’t believe. It’s not that I am in denial. It’s just that I think it’s totally wrong and this chart doesn’t take into account many things. Curious as to what this chart told me?

According to this handy dandy chart that many healthcare professionals (and I’m sure insurance company’s use) to help determine my health,

I am

Wait for it.

Here it comes….

I am (according to the chart)

Overweight (yeah, I know),

but also according to the chart

on the boarder of becoming obese.

Yup, you heard me.

This apparently is what borderline obese looks like.

As the saying goes, I beg to differ.

I’ve discussed this before in It’s Really Just A Number.

Today, I’m going one step further and putting it out there as I’m not ashamed and it really is what it is. I’m 150ish pounds depending on the day.

It’s just a number after all. Yes, a little bigger than I would like, but it does not define me.

Yes, I do know that I could stand to loose 10 pounds and maybe a few more. I’m not disputing that. Never have. I just like food. I admit it. Yes, I am 5 foot 2. Yes, I weight between 150 and 155. Yes, according to the handy dandy chart a healthy weight for me is between 118 and 132. Well, I haven’t seen those numbers since before my first son was born and I doubt very much that I will ever see them again. I’m ok with that as I’m doing ok as I am. I would really settle for 140 to 145 but I’m not actively dieting. I’m ok with that too..

Now, to go a step further, this handy dandy chart does not take many other factors into account. It is a generic chart that too many people depend on to determine their health. It does not take my muscle tone into account. I’m not one to brag, but my legs are solid muscle. Solid. My arms aren’t’ too flabby either. I will readily admit that I have no muscle mass around my belly and it does like to jiggle like a bowl full of jelly which I’m working on (sometimes). I will also admit that I very comfortable in a size 8 and if I don’t want to breathe I can fit into a 6.

So please, please tell me how this makes me borderline obese. I hate that there are people looking at just these charts, looking in the mirror and then feeling bad about themselves. One size does not fit all and we have to stop generalizing sizes, weights, BMI, and everything in between based on a number or size.

I will further say that even with a high BMI, my cholesterol is VERY good with my good levels being much much higher than my bad which is very low. I have good blood sugar levels, blood pressure and all those other things they check.

So my question is why we always try to fit everyone into one mold?

The Accidentally Running Mama

Run, Bike, Swim and Have a Life!

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