First off, I shall start with some advice. Do not eat a high fiber snack one hour before a run. Trust me....not a good idea.
Moving on....as you all know, I have been trying to lose weight and I have been fairly successful. Well, today my husband had the afternoon off, so I was able to get out for a run. I had had a light lunch at noon (cheese and tomato sandwich, handful of Pirate's Booty and cup of cantaloupe) and then a fiber bar (UGH!) and a few cashews an hour before my run. By mile 3, I was STARVING! I tend to have blood sugar level issues, so not only was I hungry, but starting to get shaky. As soon as I reached the car, I skipped the post run stretches and headed to a Starbucks about a block away for a hot chocolate. I actually read that chocolate milk is a great post-race snack...so I had it...just hot, cause that is how I roll.
So...how do I maintain a low calorie diet and still feel good on my runs? I don't usually have a snack mid-run unless it is at least 6 miles. Maybe I should carry sport beans with my and use them if I need to? At mile 3 I would have LOVED some sport beans.
So...you experienced runners out there...any advice for me?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Week 7 Update
I weighed in yesterday morning and was down 1.2 pounds from last week. So...I dropped the .8 I had gained the week before, as well as an extra .4. So...since I started on Jan 5, I am down 8.5 pounds. I am very happy with my progress.
I had planned on a long run on Sunday, but only did 4 miles. For whatever reason, I just felt exhausted and my legs felt like lead. My eyes were so heavy...I kept wondering if it is possible to fall asleep while running. So, I decided to listen to my body and cut my run short.
In good news, on Saturday we took the kids to a kids Science Museum and a good time was had by all. MissyMiss loved being able to touch and explore all of the exhibits. She was really into the educational part. There was a special section for the younger kids that had an awesome water table that Bubby loved. When I asked him what his favorite part of the museum was, he told me "big tubby".
I had planned on a long run on Sunday, but only did 4 miles. For whatever reason, I just felt exhausted and my legs felt like lead. My eyes were so heavy...I kept wondering if it is possible to fall asleep while running. So, I decided to listen to my body and cut my run short.
In good news, on Saturday we took the kids to a kids Science Museum and a good time was had by all. MissyMiss loved being able to touch and explore all of the exhibits. She was really into the educational part. There was a special section for the younger kids that had an awesome water table that Bubby loved. When I asked him what his favorite part of the museum was, he told me "big tubby".
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Is she part bat??
My husband went in to check on my daughter the other night before going to bed. This is how we found her. She was in a very deep sleep. I ran downstairs to get the camera and a quick picture before we flipped her around.
It seems that amusing sleep stories run in the family. I talk in my sleep and walk in my sleep. My sleep stories seem to come up fairly often at parties and have proven to be very amusing. There are so many...it is hard to pick my favorites.
Here are some of the good ones:
1. Once in high school my mom woke up to a commotion in my room. She found me trying to stuff myself in my dresser drawer. I had pulled the drawer out, emptied it, and was trying to fit inside. She somehow managed to get me back to bed and I didn't remember it in the morning.
2. When I was pregnant with MissyMiss I (partly) woke up one night and was certain there was someone in my closet. Hubby was working nights at the time, so I was home alone. I quickly grabbed the phone and called 911. When the operator answered and started asking me questions I woke up all the way and discovered that my "intruder" was my shirt and pants. The man was very sweet and still offered to send someone out to check on me. I was unbelievably embarrassed. I am convinced that the 911 people have a copy of that tape and play it when they are in the mood for a chuckle.
3. In grad school, I lived in an apartment building with hubby in a less than desirable part of town. The building was a mix of students and scary people. One night I (partly) woke up and was certain someone was in the room. I ran out as fast as I could (leaving my sleeping hubby behind). I woke up when the apartment door slammed behind me and I was stuck out in the hallway in my pjs at 2:30 in the morning.
Any other sleep walkers out there? Can anyone top these stories?
It seems that amusing sleep stories run in the family. I talk in my sleep and walk in my sleep. My sleep stories seem to come up fairly often at parties and have proven to be very amusing. There are so many...it is hard to pick my favorites.
Here are some of the good ones:
1. Once in high school my mom woke up to a commotion in my room. She found me trying to stuff myself in my dresser drawer. I had pulled the drawer out, emptied it, and was trying to fit inside. She somehow managed to get me back to bed and I didn't remember it in the morning.
2. When I was pregnant with MissyMiss I (partly) woke up one night and was certain there was someone in my closet. Hubby was working nights at the time, so I was home alone. I quickly grabbed the phone and called 911. When the operator answered and started asking me questions I woke up all the way and discovered that my "intruder" was my shirt and pants. The man was very sweet and still offered to send someone out to check on me. I was unbelievably embarrassed. I am convinced that the 911 people have a copy of that tape and play it when they are in the mood for a chuckle.
3. In grad school, I lived in an apartment building with hubby in a less than desirable part of town. The building was a mix of students and scary people. One night I (partly) woke up and was certain someone was in the room. I ran out as fast as I could (leaving my sleeping hubby behind). I woke up when the apartment door slammed behind me and I was stuck out in the hallway in my pjs at 2:30 in the morning.
Any other sleep walkers out there? Can anyone top these stories?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Week 6 weigh-in and V-Day!
I got on the scale yesterday and was up .8 pounds. I am not going to worry too much, yet. I had been down more than a half a pound from last week, but had a salty lunch at the diner on Saturday. So...I am attributing the sudden increase to the salt. Hopefully the scale will start heading in the right direction. :)
On Sunday I had an AWESOME run! I did 6 miles and it was a gorgeous day. It was a bit chilly, only about 35, but the sky was bright blue and the sun was shining. I felt great at the end.
We had a nice Valentine's day! The kids were really excited.
First, on Friday night MissyMiss and I decorated some cookies. They were inspired from some adorable cookies that Rue made at Christmas time. (She has the most wonderful blog...love it!)
This is what the kids found when they woke up Sat morning. Each kid got a heart of chocolates, note pad, book and stickers. Daddy got peanut butter chocolates and some VW matchbox cars for his collection.
I took MissyMiss to a "Young Ladies Tea" at the library in the morning. They made hats, had snacks and cocoa and listened to stories. It was just adorable!
This is what we had for dinner. I think that I was most excited about it though. :)
In my rush last post, I neglected to include a picture of the adorable V-day towels my friend Beth sent. Aren't they cute? I LOVE the cupcakes!
Hope everyone had a nice day!
On Sunday I had an AWESOME run! I did 6 miles and it was a gorgeous day. It was a bit chilly, only about 35, but the sky was bright blue and the sun was shining. I felt great at the end.
We had a nice Valentine's day! The kids were really excited.
First, on Friday night MissyMiss and I decorated some cookies. They were inspired from some adorable cookies that Rue made at Christmas time. (She has the most wonderful blog...love it!)
This is what the kids found when they woke up Sat morning. Each kid got a heart of chocolates, note pad, book and stickers. Daddy got peanut butter chocolates and some VW matchbox cars for his collection.
I took MissyMiss to a "Young Ladies Tea" at the library in the morning. They made hats, had snacks and cocoa and listened to stories. It was just adorable!
This is what we had for dinner. I think that I was most excited about it though. :)
In my rush last post, I neglected to include a picture of the adorable V-day towels my friend Beth sent. Aren't they cute? I LOVE the cupcakes!
Hope everyone had a nice day!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Love Is In the Air
I have been meaning to post some pics of my Valentine's Day decorations for a while now. I don't do a lot of decorations...just a few touches here and there...some V-day mugs, a glitter heart and some pics of my Valentine's.
Every year I bake something for my husband to bring to work for V-day. This year I tried a recipe from Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. They are yellow cupcakes with sticky chocolate frosting. You can find the recipe in her cooking section. I put a red heart on each and think that they look cute. Everyone here loved them!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
A Gorgeous Day
This afternoon I had a great 4 mile run. It was almost 60 here!...which is very unseasonably warm. Luckily hubby was home in the afternoon and I was able to get a run in.
The path that I love to run on is usually packed in the warm weather with walkers, runners, cyclers, dogs, kids, etc. For the last few months, there have been few people there due to the cold. The warm weather brought them out today. It was nice to have more people out there...a little less boring.
But...I left a bit annoyed. Here are some of my grievances:
1. Why do people who walk insist on walking right in the middle??? The path is only about 10 feet wide. If you are walking, you are slower than all of the runners and cyclers...shouldn't you stay all the way to the right??
2. Why do people have to smoke on an outdoor path meant for exercise??? This means that until I pass you, I have to breathe in your smoke...so annoying! As I passed this couple I had a loud coughing fit and shook my head...maybe they got the point...probably not.
3. Why would a woman who is running and not slender, wear skin tight clothes?? Not only were they skin tight...she had her waist band hiked up to her chest and her tank top TUCKED IN!!! I had to restrain myself...I wanted so badly to run over and put her pants where they belong and untuck her shirt. Does this make me a bad person? How could anyone think that this is a good look??
O.k...I feel better now. I should get used to it...on a hot summer day it gets crowded. Usually I enjoy seeing other people..makes it a bit more exciting.
I am signing up for a 4-mile St. Pat's race and did more of a tempo run today. I was really happy with how fast I was able to run today's 4 miles. It is amazing what some cross training and the shedding of 8 pounds can do for a girl.
The path that I love to run on is usually packed in the warm weather with walkers, runners, cyclers, dogs, kids, etc. For the last few months, there have been few people there due to the cold. The warm weather brought them out today. It was nice to have more people out there...a little less boring.
But...I left a bit annoyed. Here are some of my grievances:
1. Why do people who walk insist on walking right in the middle??? The path is only about 10 feet wide. If you are walking, you are slower than all of the runners and cyclers...shouldn't you stay all the way to the right??
2. Why do people have to smoke on an outdoor path meant for exercise??? This means that until I pass you, I have to breathe in your smoke...so annoying! As I passed this couple I had a loud coughing fit and shook my head...maybe they got the point...probably not.
3. Why would a woman who is running and not slender, wear skin tight clothes?? Not only were they skin tight...she had her waist band hiked up to her chest and her tank top TUCKED IN!!! I had to restrain myself...I wanted so badly to run over and put her pants where they belong and untuck her shirt. Does this make me a bad person? How could anyone think that this is a good look??
O.k...I feel better now. I should get used to it...on a hot summer day it gets crowded. Usually I enjoy seeing other people..makes it a bit more exciting.
I am signing up for a 4-mile St. Pat's race and did more of a tempo run today. I was really happy with how fast I was able to run today's 4 miles. It is amazing what some cross training and the shedding of 8 pounds can do for a girl.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Week 5 Weigh-In
I got on the scale yesterday morning and am down another 1.1 pounds....yippee! That is just the loss that I was hoping for. I had a great week of workouts and had a nice 5.5 mile outdoor run yesterday. It was fairly mild (40s), but VERY windy at the start, which made it feel much colder. Luckily, by the end the wind died down and the sun started to peek through the clouds, making for a nice end to the run.
I have been mall walking at least 2 mornings a week, in addition to 3 runs and 3 cycling workouts a week. It is great because I can do it with Bubby in the stroller. I usually get to the mall about 45 min before the stores open and can get in a nice walk before it gets crowded.
The other mall walkers are mostly senior citizens and a few other moms. The moms tend to socialize, while the seniors are much more hard-core about it. They walk fast and will run you down if you should get in their way. :)
Since I have been going there regularly, I have started to recognize the regulars. One man always comes over to say hi and talks to Bubby in the stroller. He comes to the mall with a tote bag with books and crossword puzzles. I have actually known him since I started mall walking when MissyMiss was a baby.
I remember he used to always sit by himself. Most of the other seniors tend to walk and go for coffee in groups. When I saw him again this winter he was still by himself. I was talking with hubby one night over dinner and told him about it and how I wondered if the man was lonely. My husband's response was classic hubby. He said "Maybe his wife just yaps at him all day and he goes to the mall for peace and quiet." This promptly earned him a pinch on the arm. :)
No worries though...in the last few weeks I have seen him sitting and chatting with some other seniors. It used to break my heart wondering if he was shy and lonely.
I have been mall walking at least 2 mornings a week, in addition to 3 runs and 3 cycling workouts a week. It is great because I can do it with Bubby in the stroller. I usually get to the mall about 45 min before the stores open and can get in a nice walk before it gets crowded.
The other mall walkers are mostly senior citizens and a few other moms. The moms tend to socialize, while the seniors are much more hard-core about it. They walk fast and will run you down if you should get in their way. :)
Since I have been going there regularly, I have started to recognize the regulars. One man always comes over to say hi and talks to Bubby in the stroller. He comes to the mall with a tote bag with books and crossword puzzles. I have actually known him since I started mall walking when MissyMiss was a baby.
I remember he used to always sit by himself. Most of the other seniors tend to walk and go for coffee in groups. When I saw him again this winter he was still by himself. I was talking with hubby one night over dinner and told him about it and how I wondered if the man was lonely. My husband's response was classic hubby. He said "Maybe his wife just yaps at him all day and he goes to the mall for peace and quiet." This promptly earned him a pinch on the arm. :)
No worries though...in the last few weeks I have seen him sitting and chatting with some other seniors. It used to break my heart wondering if he was shy and lonely.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Right where I want to be
I had always wanted to be a career woman. I remember telling my mom that no matter what I did, I wanted to carry a briefcase. (I always knew how important accessories are!)
I also knew that I wanted children, but figured that I would go back to work full-time and do the day care thing. Once I got pregnant with MissyMiss I started to change my thinking. I decided that I would go back to work part-time for a while. That first day that I had to leave her at daycare was AWFUL. I knew then that what I really wanted was to be a stay-at-home mom...something I never would have seen myself doing.
Unfortunately, my husband was still doing his training and his meager salary would not support us, so I had to keep working. Once he finished his training and was offered a job, I decided to resign from my jobs. I will never forget that first day home, when I didn't have to bring MissyMiss to daycare...it was an amazing feeling of relief. She was about 1.5 at the time and I thrilled to be able to stay home with her.
I have been home since then..about 4 years and I love it. I would never judge a mom who works. I think that each family should do what is best for them, and for us it is for me to stay home.
I know working moms who think I am crazy and say "I could never stay home all day." The funny thing is...I am not home that much. We like to be out and about and I am always trying to find fun and inexpensive, or even better, free, things for me and the kids to do. Each day is an adventure.
I plan to go back to work part-time once Bubby starts kindergarten. So, to stay current, I have been doing continuing education courses. Last week I went to one that was all day. Daddy took the day off from work to be Mr. Mom for the day. I was really missing the kids and called home at lunch to check on everyone. Bubby got on the phone and said "Hi Mommy. Come back home.".
Yep...I am just where I want to be.
I also knew that I wanted children, but figured that I would go back to work full-time and do the day care thing. Once I got pregnant with MissyMiss I started to change my thinking. I decided that I would go back to work part-time for a while. That first day that I had to leave her at daycare was AWFUL. I knew then that what I really wanted was to be a stay-at-home mom...something I never would have seen myself doing.
Unfortunately, my husband was still doing his training and his meager salary would not support us, so I had to keep working. Once he finished his training and was offered a job, I decided to resign from my jobs. I will never forget that first day home, when I didn't have to bring MissyMiss to daycare...it was an amazing feeling of relief. She was about 1.5 at the time and I thrilled to be able to stay home with her.
I have been home since then..about 4 years and I love it. I would never judge a mom who works. I think that each family should do what is best for them, and for us it is for me to stay home.
I know working moms who think I am crazy and say "I could never stay home all day." The funny thing is...I am not home that much. We like to be out and about and I am always trying to find fun and inexpensive, or even better, free, things for me and the kids to do. Each day is an adventure.
I plan to go back to work part-time once Bubby starts kindergarten. So, to stay current, I have been doing continuing education courses. Last week I went to one that was all day. Daddy took the day off from work to be Mr. Mom for the day. I was really missing the kids and called home at lunch to check on everyone. Bubby got on the phone and said "Hi Mommy. Come back home.".
Yep...I am just where I want to be.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Week 4 weigh-in
I have redeemed myself! I lost 1.9 pounds this week...go me! That means since Jan 5, I have lost 7 pounds...not too shabby. Only 6 to go until I reach my first goal and can buy that hat I have been wanting. :) I did have a slice of pizza and garlic knots yesterday just before the game, so I am going to have to crack down now. Hopefully the 5 mile run in the morning cancelled it out.
So...as far as my running goals for 2009, January has come to an end and I have done well with them. I had hoped to lose 4 pounds this month and was able to lose 7. I wanted to exercise 5-6 days per week and was able to exercise (run or bike) 6 days each week. I also doubled up some days and mall walked in the morning and ran or biked in the evening. Between the increased exercise and the 7 pound loss, I have felt awesome on my last few runs...very strong. I hope for just as good of a February.
I have determined that my problem is that I have a very loud and opinionated inner fat chick...I just couldn't seem to shut her up. I would see a plate of cookies and my inner runner would say "Go ahead...1 cookie is fine...sweets in moderation". But then my inner fat chick would sit on my inner runner and make her yell "Uncle" and let her have 3 more cookies. Luckily, lately my inner runner has been winning these battles.
I am hopeful that my weight loss will continue, even if it drops to just a pound a week. I hope to start racing season lean and mean. Yesterday I put on my running gear and noticed that I was already looking leaner...go me!
So...as far as my running goals for 2009, January has come to an end and I have done well with them. I had hoped to lose 4 pounds this month and was able to lose 7. I wanted to exercise 5-6 days per week and was able to exercise (run or bike) 6 days each week. I also doubled up some days and mall walked in the morning and ran or biked in the evening. Between the increased exercise and the 7 pound loss, I have felt awesome on my last few runs...very strong. I hope for just as good of a February.
I have determined that my problem is that I have a very loud and opinionated inner fat chick...I just couldn't seem to shut her up. I would see a plate of cookies and my inner runner would say "Go ahead...1 cookie is fine...sweets in moderation". But then my inner fat chick would sit on my inner runner and make her yell "Uncle" and let her have 3 more cookies. Luckily, lately my inner runner has been winning these battles.
I am hopeful that my weight loss will continue, even if it drops to just a pound a week. I hope to start racing season lean and mean. Yesterday I put on my running gear and noticed that I was already looking leaner...go me!
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