The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

This week has been busy.  And as with most weeks, there was the good, the bad, and the even worse.  

Two goods this week though:   A few weeks ago I was working on a Shutterfly Photo Book for Noah's second year.  Literally from his first birthday to his second birthday.  I spent a lot of time on it; like close to 30 hours.  And I spent a lot of time whining about it; like probably 30 hours (Here & Here again).  I got an email saying it was going to arrive sometime between today (Saturday) and Thursday but it came yesterday! And it looks amazing.  It looks exactly like it did on the computer, the fonts, colors, photos, sizes.  I worried that after putting in so much time that I would be disappointed.  But I'm not.  I love it.  I'm glad I did it and stuck with it after I nearly quite 100 times.  Though I should probably start working on Noah's 3rd year now...

The other good:  I ran a 5K this morning.  I haven't run a race since The 4 on the 4th race on... the 4th of July.  I've been running regularly (September runs) and running with Noah in the stroller since it's nicer out during the day and darker out when he goes to bed.  But since the American Tobacco Trail is closed, I'm having to run a tougher course (my hilly 'hood) with a 28.1lb toddler and a 25lb stroller.  My runs have been over 10 minute miles crossing the 11 minute mile mark! So a few weeks ago I was supposed to run a 5k and I totally backed out when I found out it started at 8am. This morning, I woke up at 4am to a crazy thunder storm, open windows, and a barking dog.  But I've only run 4 races where it hasn't rained, today's race started at 9am, and it's literally 8 minutes from my house.  Systems were a go!  The temperature outside when we started was actually pretty good, mid 60s but it was pouring about 3 minutes before we started. It rained off and on during the race, but only poured again once.  The temperature did continue to rise so it was warmer by the end.  I didn't really look at the course map before the race (I don't look at restaurant menus either) and didn't realize the race starts and ends in a weird spot, at least a quarter mile away from where the Editor and Noah were waiting for me to finish.  So I knew I had to save some energy to actually walk to the car.  I had no idea what my time would be, considering my training times were so high.  But I was happy with my time; really happy actually.  I finished 27:50 which is a minute slower than my fastest 5K time ever (Eve Carson Nov. 2011 26:53).  This is the first time I haven't improved my time from my last race, but it's been 11months so that's okay with me!

The Bad:  I didn't finish my book club book.  Nightwoods by Charles Frazier.  I know this isn't a big deal to most people, but it was really embarrassing to me.  I always finish even if I hate the book. I had 'READ" on my to-do list every single day for a week.  And I was hosting!  My book clubbers were surprised too.  One even said, "I would have thought you finished this book in an hour because it only took me a day!"  Frazier's writing style is hard for me to speed read my way through.  I'm not sure if I'll finish it or not.  I know all the details, and I got it electronically from the library (it's already expired, I just haven't turned my wi-fi back on yet) so I'm thinking I'll just let it go... I'm almost ashamed; more embarrassed and really disappointed in myself.

The Ugly:  As I was getting into the car  to go to the 5K this morning, I dropped a Nutragrain bar from my handbag and then another thud. I dropped my iPhone; 391 days after I got it.  In it's Otterbox Commuter case that had a piece break off of it about a month ago.   So the screen shattered into the craziest spider web I've ever seen.  Noah quickly caught wind of what was happening and said, "Oh NO! Mommy's phone is broken.  Mommy fix it!"  I tend to be the fixer of things in our house.  He said it so tearfully it was both sad and cute.  I'm not sure why it was so upsetting to him.  So if anyone is selling their AT&T iPhone 4 as they upgrade to a 5- let me know!  I'll buy it from you.   That's my plan I guess.  The Editor talked to the AT&T people and they advised buy a used one or wait until April when I get a new one.  Maybe this will help me un-plug a bit but it's really annoying!

Sunday is not Funday

I need to write My Birthday Celebration Abroad post.  I want to write it, I have written it in my head a few times.  I had planned on writing it this weekend.  Instead I have spent all of Noah's sleeping hours working on a Shutterfly photo book.  Almost 10 hours so far.  And I'm on page 45 ... of 100!  I want to push the lady in the tutorial video down a flight of stairs while she holds her perfect wedding album that took her 5 minutes!  I want to finish the project because I've spent 10 hours on it. But I also want to give up so I can get back to life outside of the Editor's office.  I cannot use my laptop (netbook) because the screen is too small for this project so I have to be sequestered upstairs.

I also need to be reading my book club book.  I am hosting on the 26th and I need to start the book!  I had planned on doing that this weekend too.  Especially since today is such a great rainy day for reading.  Instead I'll be spending hours in front of the computer screen.  While it's fun to relive Noah's life from his 1st birthday to his 2nd I'm getting over it!  By the way, it's funny how I completely forget some of the things we did together until I saw the photos; we fed the bears at Life & Science???  Yes we did!

Fair to say 32 is kicking my ass so far.  I hurt my back right after I returned from Abroad (NJ/NYC).  I can barely move if I've been sitting too long (like 5 hours straight in front of the computer).  I can barely run.  Which is great because I gained 3-4lbs during my birthday week.  Another reason to only celebrate your birthday for one day.  Metabolism at 32 is already much different than 31.  Oh and the Editor had his counterpart to his first surgery (in March) this past week so he's off of any heavy lifting Noah duty for 3 weeks.  

Yup that's me right now.   Is it Monday yet?

Running Farther

I'm happy to say that I've kept up my running.  In June I clocked just over 51 miles!  For me, this is amazing.  I clocked my longest run while on vacation.  I run on vacation;  is that weird?  By the number of other people running out and about or in hotel gyms along with me, I guess it's not that weird.

I don't always run on vacation, but this year I had to.  A friend threw out the idea of running the Carrboro 4 on the 4th race on the 4th of July and three of us committed to run it just a few days before we left for the beach for a week.  Since my normal run is around 3 miles, I really had to make sure I got in a few longer runs before the 4th including my longest recorded run - 4.6 miles!  Something about running in the sand, with the waves, dolphins, and knowing the only thing on the schedule is more sand and water time made me want to run and run.  

And I am not the only one who enjoyed jogging down the beach with the breeze in their hair.  

Happily running

Running in the ATV tracks

SO determined 

Every night we chased Noah down the ATV (toddler speak= AvTv) tracks.  It was a definite highlight of our day.   Along with my nightly glassES of wine with a book.

OOPS - the glass is already empty!

So the actual race?  Well let's just say I started to get a bit freaked out when Facebook friends starting posting pictures of their car thermometers and weather apps showing Raleigh/Durham with a 106 high about 5 days before the race.  I haven't run an actual race since December and always do better the colder it is.  July 4th in Carrboro is anything but cold.  I did a 4 mile run with Noah on Monday around 8 or 8:30 just to get myself acclimated.  Race day was hot, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be at 8am.  The race course was pretty flat and had a good amount of shade from neighborhood trees.  I started out strong, but after 2 miles I didn't pass another person.  It was the race in which I faded, and faded, and faded.  My goal is always to be under a 10 minute mile.  My second goal was to finish before my friend; not because I'm a better runner than her because I'm NOT.  But because she's pushing her toddler and I'm running without the B.O.B. shackled to my wrist.  I have an advantage of not pushing 50lbs.

Well my first goal was accomplished!  I completed the race in my best 4 mile time of 37:14.  Second goal... well somewhere after we finished the first mile I heard a stroller, and then a little voice yell my name.  We ran together for a very short time and then I started to fade.  I should have tried to keep up with her, but I was worried about the heat and the distance. I didn't want to push myself too much.  I didn't meet my second goal, but I'm SO proud of my friend, she is really a rock star! 

 

The distance didn't feel any longer than a 5K to me during the race and I'm proud of myself too.  Sign me up for 2013! The rest of the 4th was not as great.  We did some other Carrboro festivities but I had some major tummy issues for the rest of the day.  I slept all afternoon eating only a couple of English Muffins and a can of soup.  Ick!  But I'm recovering.  I didn't mean to end on such a sour note (pun intended).

Here's a happy note.  Someone was very excited that we returned from vacation.

Not A Winner

I am not exactly an optimist, but when it comes to a prize I truly and honestly believe I am going to win.  Every March I have serious conversations with The Husband about what we will do when we win the HGTV Dream Home. (Me: MOVE to Dream Home immediately; The Husband: SELL the Dream Home without one visit).  I will seriously ask The Husband on Dream Home winning evening if I should change out of my PJs and put on makeup for when they knock on the door. Sadly, they have not knocked on my door ... yet.

So when I entered the Joggermom Marathon, I knew I would win a prize.  I had my eye on the BOB Revolution, but certainly would take a Baby Jogger, or any free jogging stroller!  I finished the Marathon with a few days to spare.  The Marathon really did jump start my running and I felt good about the whole month when I was running (except for my crazy sunburn in the first week).  You can see my Daily Mileage Sheet HERE.

I submitted my mileage sheet and a photo of me and Noah sporting our 'running bib' and waited for the winners to be announced on June 2nd.  Luckily the winners are selected at random and not by who finished first, because no lie some Momma finished on May 3rd!  On Saturday, I was scrolling through Facebook and saw the update from Joggermom Marathon that the winners would be emailed around 9:15am and the prizes are first to respond, first to grab!  So I reviewed the strollers, put them in order of desire, and saved it for quick copy and paste.  I then proceeded to refresh my Yahoo Mail every 15 seconds... okay I'll be honest, every 7 seconds.

At 9:35am, I realized I had not won one of the 7 prizes.  And I was genuinely surprised and saddened.

Good thing I don't play the lottery!  Of course, we do have the obligatory conversations about what to do *if* we won (Me: buy a beach house & new carS; The Husband: contact a lawyer & accountant, 2012 Honda Accord).  Though I do think it's a lot more fun to play any game or contest with someone who is excited because they are convinced they are going to win.

I'm also excited to see my progress in running in black and white on the daily mileage spreadsheet.  I'm going to continue to keep track of my miles in June just because I'm OCD like that.  But the American Tobacco Trail is closing in my area for 9-12 months on June 11th to be paved and extended by bridge over I40.  I'm excited about both of those things; I run much faster on pavement with the stroller and I'd happily run to Southpoint and over I40.  But where am I going to run in the meantime (9months!) and sadly I will have to drive there...

What I'm listening to

I've been doing really well with my Joggermom Marathon. I did have a slight hiccup when I got a little too much sun at the beach.  (read: fried my back to a crisp).  We really had an amazing time otherwise though. Even with my 5 or 6 days off of running I'm 17 miles in and we are on day 16 of the month.   The best part is I'm running longer and keeping or improving my pace (right under 10 minutes a mile).  I've even run my fastest mile pushing the stroller since last fall (8:56!).  I think I get into my groove easier when I'm listening to my iPod.

I rarely change up my playlist so I can easily pace myself with the music.  It took me a long time to get my playlist right.   It's oddly complicated.  How long is the song, what's the beat, do I know the words? The only song I really change around is my slow song.   Some songs I love or find inspirational, or seem like they would be perfect, but just don't work on the run.  Like Sara Evan's Stronger, I love the message of this song but it's too long and too slow.  Even the Dixie Chicks' Ready to Run, it just doesn't make me want to actually run though it seems perfect.  Maybe it's a Country thing?  I'm thinking of switching a song out to J. Cole's Workout.  We'll see..

Here's my playlist:
- Nelly- Just a Dream
I love Nelly!  That's all.
- Florence & the Machines - Dog Days Are Over
This song is one of my favorites on the playlist- it really gets me moving faster.
- Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On
I fell in love with this song when I figured out it has the same back beat as Modest Mouse's Float On.
- Lostprophets - Rooftops
This is my slow song and pretty much the only song that changes on my playlist. It's my rest song.
- Kanye West - All of the Lights
A longer song but there's so many artists that it still feels fresh.
- Nelly - #1
If I played baseball this would be my intro song.
- Glee - Sing (original artist My Chemical Romance)
I don't even know why I've picked this song, but it's my ending song during a 5K race and I kick it up a notch when it comes on.
- DJ Khalid - All I Do Is Win
This would be my other baseball intro song pick. I love this song.  I  do the hand motions while running to this song- it's not me waving at you.
- Chris Brown/T-Pain - Kiss Kiss
I love Chris Breezy, sorry Rhianna. No Air with Jordan Spark? Love!
- Mariah Carey/T-Pain - Migrate
My favorite MC song off the E=MC2 album which I have worn out.  T-Pain always makes me laugh too.

Fashion Friday- OOTD X2

I'm linking up with LC at The Brunette Bride for another Fashion Friday Outfit Of The Day.

I have two outfits today and yes, I left the house in both of them.

#1: Running with the Husband (racking up my Joggermom Marathon miles) and a park playdate for Noah.  I included this because I wore this to a pre-planned playdate with a friend and I 'chose' to wear this.

• old Gap racerback tank top
• Champion by Target sports bra
• Athelta running shorts
• Asics running shoes

#2: From a naptime shower to the end of the day.

• Banana Republic dress
• Flirty Braided Rainbow sandals
• Fingernails are Essie Sugar Daddy (3 coats and it's still really pale) and toes are still (tho re-painted) Ole Caliente

Two week update

Two week ago I wrote a post about being disappointed in my fitness level.  So I've ramped it up and am feeling a lot better about things already.

So what have I been doing? I bought Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred and 6-week to 6 Pack Abs.   I'm on the 11th calendar day of the 30 Day Shred but I've only done the DVD 5 times.  I actually took four days off in a row.  Last Thursday I was just too tired, and then it was the weekend, and then Sunday the Husband came back into town, though I did run on Sunday.  Anyways, the video is broken down into 3 levels and each level has three different sets of 3 Minutes of Strength, 2 Minutes of Cardio, and 1 Minute of Abs and is 20 minutes long.  I do 30 minutes of ellipticalling prior to doing the video.  Level I is easy peasy; anyone can do it.  I loved the cardio and that was my favorite parts of the video.  I did Level 2 for the first time yesterday and it kicked my ass.  All of it!  I literally said, "I think I'm going to die." Except it took me about two minutes to gasp the sentence out in between breathes.

I've done the 6 Pack Ab workout twice after doing a Healthy Moms Powerstroll.  The 6 Pack Ab workout is two levels, 35 minutes each.  This ab workout is no joke!  And I'm doing Level I!  It is not for someone just starting out.  My biggest criticism is that Jillian doesn't explain the exercises well.  She calls out the name; "Spider Planks" and just goes right into it.  So it takes a while to figure out the movement.  I cannot even imagine what Level 2 is like.

I also signed up for a national virtual marathon, Joggermom Marathon. I'm excited about the prizes that are given out at random.  It's not about finishing first or fastest; just running 26.2 miles over 31 days.  I'm 2.8 miles down so far.  I think this is good motivation to start running outside consistently and I'm excited to see how long it takes me to log a marathon.  The possibility of a  $10 BOB Revolution certainly sweetens the deal.


I am definitely feeling the workouts.  My biceps and triceps are always sore; but that also makes my arms feel tighter and less flabby.  The Husband has noticed, and mentioned several times, that my abs are looking good and sometimes (right after a workout when I'm laying flat on my back) you can almost count them.   I weigh myself on Mondays and am happy to say as of April 23rd I was down exactly two pounds and April 30th I was down one more pound.  For two weeks in, I'm really happy with the results and am actually looking forward to a day at the beach on Saturday, with a friend who hasn't had children. I still might not sit down in a bikini, but at least I'll be wearing one!

Time to get to work

We are almost two months away from a beach trip and I have some serious work to do.  Every other blog I read touches on this issue at least occasionally.  And posting about it gives me some accountability.  I'm unhappy with how I look.  Welcome to the female gender, right?

2007, 2008, 2009 I was in great shape.  It used to be relatively easy.  I'd run or elliptical and do exercises from Shape Magazine.  Probably 90 minutes of exercise 5 days a week.  I could eat desserts, ice cream, yumminess and never gain a pound.  If I fell off the exercise wagon or went on vacation, I'd just run for a week or so and boom I'd be back.

While working, I would eat the same thing every day.  Breakfast: cheese and egg white omelet with one piece of toast or oatmeal with brown sugar.  10am Snack: Goldfish.  Lunch: turkey and cheddar sandwich, banana, and a granola bar.  3pm Snack: Goldfish.  Anyone I worked with can attest to this exact schedule.

On September 4, 2009 (my 29th birthday), I was in the best shape of my life and we decided to start trying for a baby. I got pregnant 3 cycles later.  I lost the baby weight initially, but I am not strong, toned, muscular; let's just say I no longer have a 4 pack.  But I've gained a few pounds over the winter.  And I'm lazy and tired and have all the excuses of a mom with a toddler.  But no more!

I have a random number I'd like to hit weight wise, but it's more about how I look in and out of my clothes and how I feel.   I want my XS undies to fit right; I don't want to tuck my stomach into my jeans; I want to have a flat stomach in my bikini at the beach and forever more!  In the words of Jacqueline Laurita from RHoNJ, I want my belly button to look surprised again (I'm paraphrasing).  The number is 127.  I was 124 when I got married but I can only maintain that weight for about a week surviving on rice cakes and Goldfish alone.

I'm not 28 anymore and I've had a baby.  I still have leaky sneezes. (If you've had a baby you know what that means. If you haven't then you'll find out when you sneeze for the first time after delivering your bundle of joy. If you are a man just delete that sentence from you memory.)  I eat differently now.  More food while Noah's napping, more frozen yogurt, more snacky foods and a lot more coffee.  This is now going to take some time, effort, work, and I'm going to have to be more patient for results.


I bought Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and 6week Ab workout.  (How could I not? It was $14.00 on Amazon. And in unrelated Jillian news, I have a huge hair crush on her.  I think she has the most beautiful hair.)  I'm keeping in mind more what I'm eating and when.  I'm doing my spinach smoothie in the mornings, cherry smoothie at night.  I'm running and ellipticalling.  Wrist injury be damned I did dips yesterday!  Exercising is moving up on the list; which means I'll probably be showing up to some playdates stinky and in running clothes.  Hopefully a small price to pay for getting a bit of myself back, feeling and looking better even though in the short term I'll be looking a little worse out in public.

I debated about including a picture - it's goofy but it tells the story of a missed pre-baby belly.

2008

I don't hate to run anymore?

Yes, it's a question, not a statement.  I don't like to use the word hate; but I do and I should use it less.    If you've read any of the 'about me' parts of this blog you will notice I never mention running, yet I run.  If asked if I am a runner (because I certainly don't look like one) I answer, "No, I don't consider myself a runner, but Yes, I run."  And that's exactly how I feel about it.  I run because it's the best exercise for my body and for my mind.  When I run I either make lists of things, (what to pack for a trip, what to buy at the store, things to get done) or I have full blown, two sided conversations (ie arguments) with someone else about something that's been bothering me.  When I'm done running I no longer need to have that conversation because I worked it out in my head and spoke for the other person myself.

Resolution Run Cary Jan 1, 2011

I ran a tiny bit in college; I ran a little more after college. I ran a lot before my wedding; I ran 5 days a week when I was in the best shape of my life.  I ran 9-15 miles a week after I had Noah while training for any of the 10+ 5Ks I've run since he was born.  I can proudly say that I improved my 5K time by 12 minutes in one year, with my best time being under 27minutes.  But every time (yes every.single.time) I put on my shoes and get ready to run I say, "I hate to run.  I don't want to run."  I say this either to myself or out loud to the Husband as he gets ready to run with me.

I've been on a running hiatus lately.  Partly because I've gotten lazy and partly because I shouldn't push the stroller with my wrist injury.  Let's be honest, my hiatus started before the wrist.  But I'm feeling better and with DST it's lighter later, the weather is beautiful and I'm ready to get myself back in shape.  So I've dusted off the elliptical inside and headed outside solo to run.  One night, after a pretty good run, I thought to myself, "I've missed running and I enjoyed that."  What a surprise- I don't hate it?  After almost 6 years of running fairly regularly, I now actually enjoy it? Maybe it was a fluke or maybe I am just really craving the exercise and solo time.  In any event, this is a new development for me so we'll see how long it lasts.  Hopefully long enough to join the CH Moms at the Brier Chapel Earth Day 5K (ugh the hills!).  Maybe a practice race before? I'm open to suggestions.