Stepping Out Of The Comfort Zone!

Jul14

So I had a funny conversation with my son yesterday before we left to go swimming at my Mother-In-Laws. I had my new bathing suit on and this is the conversation that I had with my 8 year old son.

Him, “Is that a new bathing suit?” (This boy misses nothing and I will warn his future wife)

Me, “Yes.”

Him, “What are those lines on your stomach?”

Me, “They are from you and your brothers when you were in my tummy as babies.”

Him, “Ok. Can we go to Mimi’s now?”

When we get there the boys immediately go in the pool. Me, I like to sit and get nice and hot before I go in. So, I’m sitting there with my cover up on and finally get to the point (very quickly as it’s really hot) where I’m ready for a swim. I take my cover up off.

Guess what happens?

Nothing!

The earth did not open up and swallow me.

The birds did not stop chirping.

Not one of the people at the pool looked twice or thought twice about my suit.

I might just wear it again:)

Then another funny thing happened.

Even though I posted it here on my blog for the few of you who actually read my posts (although the FB share button does show that this post was shared a few times! Who did that?). I also shared in the closed FB group that started this all. Then my friend Dawn encouraged me to share it on our local MRTT page. We are always sharing our sweaty selfies after our runs. It was a leap to share it there because I knew more people would see it there than here, but I did anyway. The response was overwhelming and amazing.

There were many positive comments and a few who commented that they couldn’t wear a two piece and that I was braver than them as in my post I did say truthfully I was trying to be brave. I will tell you something? Each and everyone of those Mama’s could so rock a two piece and I’m not sure why we all think we can’t.

My favorite comment though was

“ I like your power pose! You’re rocking that body, that suit and LIFE!“

Now, I did not post the picture for likes or compliments. Honestly. I did it as a way of empowering myself. To step out of my comfort zone.

You know what?

It was worth it!

Yes, I know that there are “mean girls” out there who may say things about me wearing a two piece bathing suit, but I don’t think I care anymore.

In talking to another friend who said my post was inspiring, she commented on how she thinks about what her own self consciousnesses will do to her daughters. Children do learn not just from what we say, but what we do. They see so much more than what we give them credit for.

So I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone to see what happens.

It might just surprise you!

Diving Right In – Slowly!

Jul13

So if you didn’t notice, I have what you call on “online presence” to say the very least. I belong to a few online running/exercise groups with a few of them being intertwined.

In one of the groups a discussion began regarding the ESPN Magazine Body Issue. Not that I’m a prude, but Ok can we have a body issue that their not naked. Ok, maybe I am a prude because the pictures are tasteful, but still. Now this post isn’t about ESPN magazine, so I will just share the link that opened the discussion or just Google ESPN Body Issue.

Anyway, the discussion and conversation evolved into more than just the athletes but body image as a whole. Then women in the group started sharing pictures of themselves from races, swimsuits, and just empowering images. I even shared one of my race photos. It was one from the NJ State Sprint Triathlon. It was a day that I felt that I wasn’t at my best, but yet I still crossed the finish line (actually in not a bad time). Yes, you can reflect on what you could do different and learn from it, but every finished race is an accomplishment. Ever race that you start is inspiring. No matter how bad a race is once you cross the finish line you can’t help but know that you’ve accomplished something.

Reading their inspiring words and seeing their inspiring images gave me courage. For all my swagger, I still have very poor body image. Yes, I can run a marathon. Yes, I will do a Triathlon, but ask me to put a swimsuit on and I might just run the other way. Why is that? I mean there are people of ALL different body types wearing just what they want. Their confidence amazes me. I look at pictures of me crossing the finish line at the Gortex Philly Marathon and I think, “Damn, is that what I look like from behind” and not in a complementary way.

Philly Marathon Finish

Well I decided it was just time for me to dive right in. That is usually how I get into all my races, so why not do the same with my bathing suit. No real thought process. Just sign up and let the chips fall where they fall. So this morning, I went to my favorite store (Athlete – like you didn’t know). I have been eying this bathing suit since I first saw it in the spring. Didn’t buy it because “I don’t have the right body for it” I’ve got stretch marks. I’ve don’t have a flat stomach. I don’t have on hourglass figure. Blah, Blah, Blah.

I do have a body though and it’s up to me what I put on it.

I bought the suit.

I’m going to wear the suit:)

Sometimes:)

Friday Five – 5 Fitness trends I’ll NEVER do!

Jul10

Friday Five Link-up with by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Today’s Theme

5 Fitness Trends I”ll Never Try

Now, I will admit that I’m pretty open to most forms of excercise (who said that!?). I’ve done many of the mainstream – Yoga, Body Pump, Spinning, Bootcamp, personal trainiers, weight lifting, Bikram Yoga, kickboxing, swimming and such. My problem really has been that I like them all, but don’t have time to do them all or they don’t play well with my running goals (cossfit)

So, I really am open minded when it comes to what I will do. That being said, there are really just some “fitness” trends that do not hold any appeal or interest to me. Such as…..

1. Pole Dancing Exercise classes – Um, no thank you. Whose idea was this? A man’s idea I bet. Hmmmm, how can I get my wife to want a pole in our bedroom. Oh, I know, I will tell her it’s a new exercise trend. No thank you. If I wanted to be a pole dancer, I would have chosen a different path. Now, don’t get me wrong I do believe they have to have abs of steal and stellar control to do it right. That being said, I will keep my smushy abs.

2. The Cleanse – Sorry to those of you who swear by it. No thank you. First, I don’t really think that they are a great thing for your body. Really our bodies were designed for actual food not liquid goop. Plus what happens when you start to eat food again? Your body is going to be like hold onto this because we don’t know where our next meal is coming from. To me this is not a sensible way to kick start your diet because I don’t believe that there is any real scientific evidence that this actually “cleanses” your body just your wallet. Plus I’m old enough where I’ve had a medical cleanse called a colonoscopy and I didn’t loose any weight that way either:)

3. Zumba – Now, I do remember back in the day what a workout dancing can be. I’m not disputing that. I, honestly, just think that I would embarrass myself in a Zumba class as I don’t think I’ve got enough rhythm to pull it off. That’s the truth to this one:)

4. Colon Hydration Therapy – I came across this bad boy on Groupons once and have never been the same since. As I said above, I’ve already gone through a medical supervised colonoscopy. Why the Hell would I pay to have this done if not medically necessary? What is wrong with people? Just go for a run. Don’t do this. Really.

5. Shake Weights – Enough said:)

What are the 5 Fitness Trends you would never be caught doing?

Glycogen. What Is It and Why Do I Need it?

Jul9

Well your guess is as good as mine and if you thought I had the answer, you’ve come to the wrong blog:)

I’ve been running now for about 3 years, yet sometimes I still feel like such a newbie. I have been running, but I have really only started learning in the last year. I realize that I’m so much a newbie. When I started running, I thought the whole point was just about getting faster and running further which technically it still is. That is only a small part of the equation though. Also there is only so fast and far that my short legs will be able to go. There is also soooooo much more to this running thing than speed and distance.

Per my coach, I’ve been doing some of my runs without fuel (ie -gels and such). She has said, “The aim with ‘no fuel runs’ is to maintain an aerobic pace in the zone where you are relying more on fat and sparing glycogen.” I’m not even sure that I total understand this sentence. I will say that science is not my forte and this is one of the reasons that I’ve never really dived into this area of my training. To me it all sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher and looks like this

Now my very proficient soon to be 10th grader who takes advanced science might be able to decipher this picture. I’m actually going to ask him later. Me not so much. I can also be a great avoided of things that I don’t like and this has been one of the many reasons that I may have been burying my head in the sand when it comes to this aspect of my training. With most things in life, it is time to put my big girl panties on and face it. No, I may never fully understand how this all works; but I do need to get a handle on it.

I’m always telling my kids that education is the key to their success. It might be time for me to take my own advice. By learning how to master this aspect of my training, I might have a better understanding of what my body needs and when. Then just maybe if someone hands me a rose at the end of my next marathon it won’t feel like they are handing me a 25 pound weight. (So whose bring the roses this time?)

Yup, there is more to this running thing than just running.

Who knew?

I guess school isn’t out for summer:)

Do you understand how this all works?

A Little Help From My Friends!

Jul7

I had a great run yesterday. It wasn’t because I was fast because I wasn’t. It wasn’t because it was easy because it wasn’t. It was great because I had the support of my fellow Mama friends to gt me through it!

Yesterday I needed to do 12 miles. I didn’t feel like doing it. I couldn’t do it in the morning since I knew that I wouldn’t have enough time to get it done while my youngest was at his summer program. I didn’t want to do it during the day, so that left the evening. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get out the door till around 7:00. I literally was running down the street as my husband was getting home. Hey, dinner was on the table! What more can a man ask for?

Anyway, I thought that I would be fine to be back before it got too dark. I thought I went out prepared. I wore my pink reflective vest, socks, and wrist bands. I even work a small light on my visor. Then about 5 miles into it, I am beginning to realize that I made a slight miscalculation on the sunset. I ask Siri what time the Sun will set and find out that I miscalculated by more than a half an hour. At this point, I am literally miles from home. I didn’t want to have to call my hubby to pick me up and I wanted to get my run all the way in considering this was my first real week of marathon training. Don’t want to get off on the wrong foot. It’s not dark yet, but I know it’s coming. What’s a Mama to do?

Call for reinforcements!!

BAMR Friends!

My long running routes, I usually loop to a local park. A park with facilities and water fountains that I use to refill my bottles with. As I was getting closer to thus particular park, I messaged the queen of night time blinky running, Janna. As a plus, she is also only a 5 minute drive from the park. Unfortunately, she was in the midst of a piano lessons but informed me that Dawn was at the park. She told me that if Dawn didn’t have any blink on her that she would sent some back with her. As I was running in the park, I started to call Dawn but then saw her across the parking lot! Once I caught up with her, she informed me that unfortunately she did not have any blinky on her but would happily bring me back some after picking her daughter up at Janna’s! So while waiting for Dawn to come back, I ran a half a loop around the park with another BAMR from my MRTT group that Dawn had been running with. Then Dawn came back. Suited me up so that I could safely make it home and off I went.

I finished the run, but did get slower as the miles went by. More so because I wanted to be safe and visibility wasn’t that wonderful. My headlamp may be good for camping, but it is not a running headlamp. I did change my return route up a bit to stay on streets that I knew had some lighting. By the time I got home it was dark, but i got in my 12 and that is really my goal.

To top it off my pace was off the whole run too. I should have been running at a 10:45- 10:55 pace, but ended up running an average of 11:09. Part of that is because I didn’t double check my pace before I left and really thought that I was supposed to be running an 11+ pace as I have been. My bad. Although, I don’t know that I had a faster pace in me anyway. I guess I will see next time!

After coming home, getting a protein smoothy, stretching, showering, and eating; I went online and bought some more blinky’s to be better prepared next time. I already had some, but I realize that what I have is more for dusk time running not it’s dark running. The goal of all my runs is to come home safely and if I have to light up the night with my runs to do so, I will:)

Do you run at night?

What is your favorite night time running accessory?

What’s Your Plan?

Jul3

So as you know, I’ve been following a plan. A very specific plan with specific paces, miles, fuel requirements and such. I’ve never followed a plan so strictly before. I think the closest that I’ve come when I was training for the Runner’s World Hat Trick but even then I was a little more flexible with my plan. Now, I do love having a specific plan that I know is designed to help me maximize my running potential and will have me prepared for the Marine Corps Marathon. That being said, you do have to give up something when following your plan so strictly.

I miss running with my friends:):)

Now don’t feel sorry for me and I will also admit to being a little hormonal as I write this, but I do miss the ability to just join in any run that my group is having. Now part of this is me as if I have a plan to follow, I need to follow it. Plus I am paying to have this plan made for me, so I really need to follow it. And part of it, I don’t want to have to tell my running coach that I ignored her very well thought out weekly plan for me:)

I know that some of this is also a learning curve as I adjust to following a plan so strictly and I will learn to fit the group runs into my schedule as I was doing in the beginning. Now that the kids are off from school it really does make it a little harder on everyone’s schedule too. Plus I can now officially say I am in Marathon Training. I will adjust. Right now, I’m still trying to work my summer runs into my summer schedule. Trying to decided when to run and knowing that on some days I’m going to have to run EARLY. I don’t mind leaving them for short runs, but I don’t like the thought of being across town if they need me. I’m still trying to work my runs into my schedule with the boys, let alone a group schedule.

Plus I’ve been working very hard on my pacing and I need to make sure that I keep that up. I feel like I am finally getting a handle on things. I don’t want to loose that. I am learning how important it is to be able to regulate my pace and I need to keep working on that to improve it as I’m learning how important that will be in the actual marathon. So if my 6 mile run has a specific pace for it, I need to run that pace. Then my recovery runs might be too slow for the group as I am running them at 11+ paces and I need to keep them slow. Many of my running friends are also beginning their Marathon Training too. We all have our own training plans to follow as ultimately we each have to walk to the starting line of our events.

Maybe part of this mumble jumble is the fear of beginning marathon training. To know that it’s real. To know that it’s only a short 113 days away. I don’t know. What I think is that maybe I should go get a chocolate bar and I will feel much better. That and getting my run in today!

Are you following a plan?

How flexible are you with your plan?

Ruh Roh!

Jun30

I knew it was coming.

Sort of.

I was preparing for it.

Sort of.

But now the gauntlet has been thrown down by my running coach. It’s Marathon Training Time.

Ruh Roh!

These last few weeks that I’ve been working with Caolan, the long running coach, have been preparing both of us for this. Her getting to know my abilities. Me getting to know her expectations and training ways. It’s been working well. Now it’s time to get serious.

Ruh Roh!

She sent me my training plan for the next two weeks with the miles building up which I was expecting. We’ve talked about her thoughts on milage and I do know as we get further into training, the miles will build to about 40 a week.

Ruh Roh!

One of the things that I do like though is that she doesn’t think the dreaded 20 miler runs are necessarily warranted. It’s really a case by case basis. Some need it to mentally prepare to run a marathon, but since I’ve run one before I don’t need that mental aspect of it. That is good, because I don’t think I could follow a plan that had 2 or 3 twenty mile runs in them. This is not to say I will not have LONG runs, but they will be set on time. Plus it might be multiple days of decent miles. She feels it’s less wear and tear on the body and I will not argue with that thought process. I like it. Plus, we are working on getting my Plantar Fascitiis under control. Per her suggestion, I’ve been heating instead of icing and it seems to be helping.

One thing that scared me in her last email though is the fact that she came to the conclusion on my last couple of runs that “those indicate that you can probably run faster .”

Damn. Damn. Damn.

So now not only is she upping the miles, she is giving them a faster pace. Not all as she still wants my recovery runs to be very slow, but other runs are going to speed up.

Ruh Roh!

I believe Mary said something to the effect of this on our way home from the Queens 10K, “so your upset that your coach is making you do the things your paying her to do.”

Well yes and no.

Yes because it’s easy not to worry about where you finish when you are convinced your slower than you might actually be. To actually try to go faster will be both a mental and physical challenge. (You get what I’m talking about, don’t you Dawn:)

No because without her help I don’t think I would get to where hopefully I’m going to end up….

The finish line of the Marine Corps Marathon:)

Have you started your training yet?

What are you training for?

My Car, My Way

Jun30

I did it. I finally remembered to buy my 26.2 magnet for my car. I’ve wanted one ever since Philly. I know some people, usually non runners, think they are obnoxious, but I don’t really care. My car. My magnet. Besides I’ve seen some magnets/stickers on cars that are not my cup of tea. To each their own. I wanted it for me and for me alone.

Why I care about my 26.2 magnet…….

It is a reminder to me of what I can accomplish when I push myself.
Sometimes, I still can’t believe that I did it.
It will encourage me as I train for my second marathon that “I’ve got this.”
I wanted it and it’s my car.
It will go with my MRTT and Iron Girl Triathlon magnet.
Comradery with other runners when they see it.
Why not?

There will always be haters in all things. I don’t ever give the haters a second thought as they are always going to be like that. Hey instead of hating, why not join in on the fun. Anyone can do it, with the right training and help.

The funny thing when I was buying my magnet with other running items, the chipey behind the counter asked if I ran a marathon. She seemed a little surprised when I said, “Yes and that I’m training for my second one.” It’s all in the the phrasing and attitude because you would have thought she would have asked what marathon I ran not if. It made me wonder do people actually buy these types of magnets if they haven’t run the event. I guess maybe, but no one I know would. Of course, I hang out with upstanding people who would never think to claim something they didn’t do.

What is on your car?

Friday Five – 10 Years Ago

Jun26

Friday Five Link-up with by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Today’s Theme

Five Things that I was Doing Five Years Ago!

Ok, it’s time to take a stroll down memory lane. One of the things that I noticed is that the expression of the more things change, the more they stay the same is so true. My life has changed a lot in the last 10 years, yet for the most part the core of it is the same. To me that is a good thing!

1. My oldest son was graduating preschool ten years ago. He just finished his Freshman year of High School. Wow that went by quick.

2. I was a Creative Memories Consultant selling scrapbook making products. I still love to scrapbook, but the selling part was always hard for me. I will also say that although I have everything I need, I haven’t scrapbooked in a long time. My poor third child only has his baby book done and nothing else. Poor third child. This fall after the MCM though, I plan to take some down time from training to catch up a little.

3. Since it seems to be a recurring theme in my Friday Five’s, I also must mention that I was vacationing in Vermont once again. Same camp site as we still get.

4. I was just starting to teach preschool gymnastics at the local YMCA which I still do today.

5. I was just starting to bake cakes for my kids which started me on my baking. This is one of my first cakes.

Yes, I realize that he is wearing the same shirt. He had more than one, but this was his favorite:)

Looking back it is good to see where I started as my cakes have come a long way!

So, yes many things in my life have changed; but many have stayed the same or were just starting 10 years ago. Can’t wait to look back in another 10 years to see how things have changed?

Where were you 10 years ago?

Out for a Sunday Stroll

Jun23

In yesterday’s Race Day Recap, I made mention of the walkers. Now first of all I do need to clarify and say that there have been a few races that I have walked. In last years Sprint Triathlon, I even did the 3 to 1 Jeff Galloway plan with someone. I am by no means looking down at walkers. I am by no means saying that they don’t have a place at races. I am by no means disputing that they shouldn’t participate as on any given day, I might be one of them.

BUT

There is a difference between walking during a race with consideration to those running it and walking during a race not thinking of anyone else. Yes there are obnoxious runners and I am not disputing that either, but today I want to address the obnoxious walker. Obnoxious runners can be left to another day.

Here are my tips on how to be a good walker during an actual race where some people are actually running for time.

1. Start in the proper corral!

The Queens 10K had some spots where the participants were smooshed together on tight paths. I started in the 10,000 corral, so I am really in the middle. That being said, I came across walkers by mile 1. So if you know that you will be walking right away, why not start further back?

2. This is not a Sunday Stroll

Yes, it maybe to you; but there are actually people who are running it. Maybe not running it to win as those people start in the very front, but they are still running it. Maybe this is the race they are going for a PR. Maybe they have a specific target time in mind. Maybe they have a specific pace they want to run. Lots of things that weaving around you slows them down.

I, personally, came across two types of Sunday Strollers. The first was the friends chit chatting the miles away and the other was a couple holding hands. Both of these strollers were literally walking IN THE MIDDLE of the course. Why? For what purpose? The couple holding hands I wanted to run right through the middle of them, but weaved around them without confrontation. Both these groups could easily and should have walked to the side of the course. And for the love of God, don’t hold hands making it harder for people to get around you!

3. Be Aware of your surroundings

I know that those following the Jeff Galloway plan have a ratio for their walk to run. I will say that most of the people following this plan are thoughtful in their transition from run to walk. But as with anything, there are those not as thoughtful. Before you transition, please make sure that there isn’t someone behind you who may also be forced to either walk or literally run you over. Just be aware of who is around you.

There is room in any event for all types of participants from the fastest to the slowest. We just really need to be considerate of what we are doing and how it will effect our fellow participants. Again, I am not putting down those that either walk as part of their race plan, those needing a break and walk, or those whose whole plan is to walk the event. I have been there. I have walked in a few events, but give your fellow participants a break and just pay attention.

Have you come across the Sunday Strollers?

The Accidentally Running Mama

Run, Bike, Swim and Have a Life!

Stepping Out Of The Comfort Zone!

Diving Right In – Slowly!

Friday Five – 5 Fitness trends I’ll NEVER do!

Glycogen. What Is It and Why Do I Need it?

A Little Help From My Friends!

What’s Your Plan?

Ruh Roh!

My Car, My Way

Friday Five – 10 Years Ago

Out for a Sunday Stroll