repeating week four

I finished week four, column three very weakly and will repeat it this week. This program is very tedious but it does produce results. Andrea, I expect for you to get back on the wagon!!

http://hundredpushups.com

Understanding Food Labels

If the label says... It means each serving of the product has...

• Calorie free Fewer than 5 calories
• Fat free Less than 0.5 gram of fat
• Low-fat 3 grams of fat or less
• Reduced fat

or less fat At least 25 percent less fat than the

higher fat version

• Low in sat. fat 1 gram of saturated fat or less, with not

more than 15 percent of the calories

coming from the saturated fat

• Lean Fewer than 10 grams of fat, 4 grams of

saturated fat, and 95 milligrams of

of cholesterol

• Extra lean Fewer than 5 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat,

and 95 milligrams of cholesterol

• Light (lite) At least one-third fewer calories or no more than

half the fat of the high-calorie,

higher fat version or no more than half the sodium

of the higher-sodium version

• CholesterolfreeFewer than 2 milligrams of cholesterol

2 grams (or fewer) of saturated fat

• Low cholesterol20 or fewer milligrams of cholesterol

and 2 grams (or fewer) of saturated fat

• reduced cholesterolAt least 25percent less cholesterol than the

higher cholesterol version and 2 grams or fewer

of saturated fat

• Sodium free Fewer than 5 milligrams of sodium and no

or no sodium sodium chloride in ingredients

• Very low

sodium 35 milligrams or fewer of sodium

• Low sodium 140 milligrams or less of sodium

CHOOSE WISELY!

Source: Living Well, Staying Well from the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society

Note: I clicked on the wrong blog. This was intended for the blog I keep for my mother. But it is information we can all put to good use.

Oh, Mama!

(deep inhale through the nose...slow exhale through the mouth)

(deep inhale through the nose...slow exhale through the mouth)

Ahem.  

Remember those nights in college when you'd begin by forcing down cheap beer in your dorm room, then soon it went down much quicker...and before you know it you're tossing back whatever fruity jungle juice concoction your friends handed you in the big red keg cup?

More importantly, remember that feeling the next morning when your head spun, your stomach took it's revenge and you thought you should vomit (but couldn't)? Remember thinking pancakes would soak up your sins but instead made you gag?

Ahh.  Yes.  

That's how I feel this morning.  Only, instead of binge drinking, I've begun growing an itty-bitty sesame seed.  (Between the bloating and the gas, though, I'd swear I was up to an heirloom tomato by now.) 

Exciting - Yes!  Two years in waiting!  But, oh my, I don't remember feeling this terrible last time around (nearly 5 years ago).  Blech.   All the hangover, with none of the humiliating photos.

I've come to the point of my post: how do you do it?  HOW do you get to the gym when you want to just hug the toilet? HOW do you get out the door for a run when you have to pull out Lamaze breathing while bending to tie your shoes?  I want to keep exercising, but man, I'd rather just curl up in bed and read people's status updates on Facebook.  Not that that's a possibility with a 4 year old and a job, but a girl can dream.

How did you survive this trimester?  

Week 4, column 3

Starting week 4, column 3. I think this challenge really helped me hold my own while arm wrestling Thursday as a part of a high-spirited girls' night out!!!

Next time, Lee...next time. Relish your victory now, but next time I'm slamming your arm onto the table!!!

http://hundredpushups.com

A Good Point

Runningfor3, you make a very good point below. I wonder if children of running mommies are better able to sit still later as a result of Sitting Still training from such an early age. What do the rest of you think? I for one can vouch for a supernaturally calm 2 year old. Is this the result of spending so much time a. in the jogger and b. with mommy?

Another point covered by runningfor3, patient walks. We made a very rare trip to the mall yesterday. My little guy walked, albeit slowly, and LISTENED to me. I think this behavior can be attributed to, not to beleaguer the point, but the 90 minute mile. Other kids twice his size where strapped into strollers as their mothers rushed through the mall.

What's your take?

9 months in, 9 months out

After a particularly exhausting week, I realized that I'm carrying (or pushing) around a bunch of extra weight, diverting enough calories to grow a person, and suffering through sleep disturbances. Sounds like pregnancy, right? Except the baby is 6 months old. So, despite being the third child I've nursed, I think, perhaps, I've underestimated at times that I am still growing a child, so maybe don't be so hard on myself. This is tough since my standard for "recovered from pregnancy" has gotten higher with each one.

So, I won't be training for another marathon until Francesca turns one this summer, but my husband and I are signed up for an on-road and off-road duathlon in April. He mountain bikes, I trail run, I ride the road and he runs the roads. Shorter distances (relative to the marathon) but consistent training as a part of one's routine and keeping the foundation strong is key. Helpful for my physical and mental well-being and key for keeping the kids "on board".

Trying to put a 2-year-old in the jogger for the first time because you waited to get back into shape and then convincing him that sitting there for an hour or more is OK, let alone fun, is unlikely. Train them from birth, and they'll be climbing in the jogger every time you turn around. Plus they'll appreciate the good times - you know - when the temp is over 30 F and the run is under 90 minutes.

Push-up check in

Starting week three, column three today. I have to say, I am loving what this challenge is doing for my shoulders!!!

http://hundredpushups.com

This Mama-to-be ROCKS

Not exactly running related - by my goodness, if you didn't get a chance to see it, you should google MIA and Grammy.  

Despite tonight being her due date, she got up on stage and rocked hard.  

Now THAT's endurance!

Careful what you wish for...

I'm always complaining because I can't find any running partners in my new town (that fit my schedule, that is). Monday, however, it didn't just metaphorically rain, it poured.

The other day, I tried to convinced my co-workers at the bakeshop that even absolute novices could enjoy running, if done right. So we set a running date for 6:30 am. Turns out, everyone had wonderful excuses why they didn't make it and I ran a hard, hilly 4 miles all on my own. Despite being stood up, it was refreshing to put in a few miles before mixing a few batters.

When I checked my e-mail upon returning home, I was startled to see a note from another girl from my meetup.com running group confirming that we'd still be doing 4 miles at 5pm that same night: "A slow 11:30 min/mile pace."

Oh, man. I forgot!

Not one to stand up a running partner, even when tired, I strapped my sleepy 4 year old into his stroller. Unfortunately, we blew our goal pace to bits. I dug deep-- I mean, Lamaze-breathing deep; self-hypnosis deep; holding-back-tears deep; I-should-have-eaten-more-cherry-pie-bars-at-work-today deep -- just to keep up with my new 12-years-my-junior buddy*.

"Whew!" she said upon finishing , "That's a minute and a half per mile faster than I've ever gone! You really pushed me! I never could have done that on my own. I hope we can run together again!"

What? What? What? I pushed her?

Funny, we both almost passed out because we were trying to please the other.

I guess I'm not the only one who would do anything for a running partner!

*okay, I'll try to give the hyphens a rest.

Share the Love

I wanted to share a simple/fun way that you can create a little extra happiness on Valentines Day. BTW, I normally don't give into the marketing hype of V-Day, but this year decided to view it more as a good time to volunteer (without being asked to volunteer).

Taking Valentines Day Cards to the Elderly:

1. I called one of the smaller, tucked-away Assisted Living communities to find out the # of residents and if they were doing anything for Valentines Day. This is a community that doesn't have a ton of help, volunteers, or events for their residents. They have 20 residents only.
2. Then I called a larger Nursing Home to find out how many residents they have. They have 200. This is the nursing home where most of the state assisted residents are sent who cannot afford a private nursing home.
3. I have asked 2 different seeMOMMYrun groups for volunteers to have their children make Valentines Cards or gifts for the residents. For the larger Nursing Home we're each making 10 to 20 cards .
4. Myself and a couple other moms will be delivering the cards on Valentines Day with our kids.

This will help foster a sense of compassion in our kids, while cheering up the residents! Residents at Assisted Living and Nursing Homes don't receive nearly enough visitors and smiles and hugs. Bless the staff who work hard to make their lives easier and happier. Bless those who can stop by now and then just to say hello and share a little human touch!

CONSIDER DOING THIS IN YOUR LOCAL AREA. You could even take cards to people in the hospital. The crafts can make great daily activities for the kids! And your heart will smile.

Push-up Challenge- goof up

OK~ I know I hit 40 and all last month but you think I could follow simple directions. I copied the directions for what I thought was week two last week. I seemed so much harder BECAUSE IT WAS.............somehow I managed to copy down Week # 3 Level #3 instead. When I went back to the site today to copy down week #3, realized, I already did it so now do I go back to week #2 , do week #3 again or push on to week #4 (the very least appealing right now as my pec's are moaning. I sure the rest of you follow directions more clearly than I do!

I've lost my mind

It's official. I've lost my mind. Let me explain.

I was a stay-at-home mom for 3 1/2 years for my one little boy and frankly, began to run to keep my sanity. As the story goes, I became obsessed and instead of talking about my boy all the time, I talked about running.

One neighbor of mine (in my last town) was far more sympathetic than others. He was a handsome, slender man in his late 50's who ran farther, longer, faster, and more gracefully than I could ever dream of. His advice was only offered if asked but his eyes always soften in delight when anyone expounded on the joys and pains of running. After seeing him at a few races, I indulged my curiosity and looked up his finishing times. Basically, he finished a 10K faster than my 5K.

My respect morphed into a wee idol-crush when he offered me up a pseudo-scientific nugget explaining the runner's high. I was telling him that I went on a long bike ride and just felt cruddy afterward, rather than joyful like I do after running. He said, rather convincingly, that only running and jumping on a trampoline offer the effects of the Runner's High.  Something about the bouncing and metronome effect.  I think he elaborated more eloquently or perhaps I misunderstood because I was distracted after learning who his brother was, but I've been convinced ever since then that only running and bouncing on a trampoline can kick down a hit of the endorphins I've been craving like a junkie since I sacrificed my running life for a paycheck. 

So, I went from a Half-marathon every other month to calling 5 miles my "long run."  From running 30 miles a week to eking out 8.  Changing climates hasn't helped, either.  Normally, if I didn't have time, I'd wake up super early (I've been known to run at 3:45 am).  But Sisters, I've just gotten accustomed to these hills, I can't deal with 30 degrees, too! (TREMENDOUS respect to those of you who do!!!!)  

This brings me to my original point when I began this post:  I've lost my mind.  I've been "bloated"* and tired and G-R-U-M-P-Y.  I'm totally jonzin' for cardio.

Only, I can't get out for a run, don't have a treadmill, can't figure out how to rig up a makeshift bike trainer, and somehow lost my jumprope in the move.

So I started to jog in place. And jump. And kick.  And bust out "dance" moves from the 80's.  I pumped my arms and pretended I was Footloose.  I exercised my demons** for 30 minutes. It was neither running nor jumping on a trampoline, but dang, I needed that.

*No, I will not call it weight gain until I'm 10 lbs heavier...just 4 lbs to go.

*Get it?

TOTALLY CREEPED OUT!

I just got back from the tennis court in my neighborhood with my kids. The two little ones where in the double jogger which I haven't used in a while. I take advantage of the time the 4 year old is in preschool to avoid pushing two. Anyways, on the way back home the 4 year old started yelling SPIDER.....sure enough, in the canopy was a spider....not only a spider but a genuine black widow. Luckily I got the guys out quickly then got the spider out too. No I didn't kill it. Maybe I should have but I left it about a block from home. I double checked on line that it really was a black widow. I really DIDN'T want it to be. My skin STILL feels the heebie geebies............... I read on the internet that they usually stay outside but in cold weather come into buildings. This has been an unusually cold winter in Eastern North Carolina.
Lesson learned : check ALL the crevices esp after not being used in a while.

Feet Pain

I've been experiencing pain in both of my feet for a while now and, like most moms, keep pushing it to the back burner and ignoring it. I finally decided enough was enough and made an appointment with a Podiatrist. I was getting concerned that the additional miles I'm putting in while preparing for the marathon might be doing more harm. Well, my appointment was today and I have to admit, I was fully expecting my x-rays to show something major. As it turns out, I'm simply an overpronator. He ordered orthotics for me which should be in in about two weeks. Really? Could that be it? Both of my ankles are killing me! And I get occasional shooting pains along the big toe area. Surly there is something more!
Since getting home, I've spent way too much time on the computer and I have to say, most everything I've read about overpronation fits me perfectly. I'm curious, have any of you experienced this? And if so, did a simple orthotic help?

Push-up Challenge Check-In

Okie-dokie. I'm doing the level 2 challenge and my push-ups are modified ('girl' push-ups). So I'm a weakling, I've accepted it:) Today I'm resting. I've completed workouts one and two of week one, tomorrow is workout 3 for week 1. I look forward to being able to do 100 push-ups in-a-row. I'm psyched!

http://hundredpushups.com

Equipment Warning

Use caution when you are using hand-me-down or new-to-you equipment! We had a catastrophic failure of a 2001 Graco Doorway Jumper over the weekend. Luckily the baby is fine and I was right next to her so that after the nylon strap snapped and the spring part fell on her head, she did not also fall to the ground.

I mention this in the context of jogging strollers because large, expensive, possibly occasional use baby items are always tempting to use second-hand. That's fine, but be very careful to inspect these items before using them with your children. I've always heard that 7 years is the max for a car seat and no accidents, but how do you check the integrity of a stroller on Craig's list?

I don't have any authority to say this is a complete checklist, but do check the following:
1. Hand and/or foot brakes. Hand brake cable is just like a bicycle so parts are easily replaced. (I have an old post on maintenance.)
2. Tires are inflated to recommended pressure. Read the small words on the side of the tire to figure out what PSI is recommended for your tires.
3. Wheel spokes are tight and true. Loose spoke nuts can cause flats. "True" means that when you spin the wheel, you don't see a wobble.
4. Wheels are securely attached to the stroller. Either the nuts are tightened or quick-release is snug and, for the front wheel, lever to turned to "closed".
5. Harness for children is in good working order. All clips work, straps are adjusted to the correct positions, etc.
6. There are no loose parts that could injure a child. Loose screws? Stays from the canopy?
7. Runaway strap is attached to stroller and free from any moving parts.
8. No tears in the canvas seats.
9. No excessive rust.

These are also things that are worth checking periodically on your own stroller. Good luck.

A Break From Running Was Just What I Needed

In 2008, I had one very big goal: go from a 5k to not one but two half marathons. On the schedule was the Marine Corps Historic Half in Fredericksbug, VA in May and the half marathon at the Baltimore Running Festival in October. These two races consumed my 2008. I didn't finish feeling very strong in May so I ramped up my efforts, joined a running club, participated in speed workouts at the track and improved my diet. My efforts paid off and I had a great day in October. But then, I just fizzled. I figured I'd take a few weeks off then start running again and sign up for some races. I didn't do much running at all then just before Thanksgiving, participated in the annual Freeze Your Gizzard Cross Country 5k, a race I normally love. I hated it this year. I felt tired. I felt stiff. I just wanted to get out of the cold and go home. So what happened? I think since I spent an entire year thinking and talking non-stop about running, I experienced burn out.

I didn't just sit on the couch though. Instead, I joined a gym and started participating in other activities. I discovered spinning (which I love!), a really great strength training class that I never, ever miss and only ran when I felt like it and didn't put any pressure on myself if I went 2 weeks without running a single mile. Slowly, I got back into it and started running more and more and now, I feel like I'm back out of the running funk. I'm not going to stop doing the other things that I discovered and now love because I think they will help me from burning out again. Also, while I did make another big goal for 2009, a full marathon (gasp!!!), I'm hoping that I'll go a little easier on myself...ease up on the pressure I put on myself in '08 and most importantly, have fun again!

100 Pushups Challenge

Are you with me people? 100 pushups! Can you imagine? Sounds like a good challenge for 2009 to me! All it takes is 6 weeks - 3 short pushup workouts per week. And the workout is FREE, no signups...nothing

Post your name or your "handle" on this blog to make your promise to the world that YOU ARE IN!

http://hundredpushups.com/

Too Cold to Run?

The handbrake on my jogging stroller seems to be frozen until the temp reaches about 35 deg F.
Is this a sign that
a) it is too cold to run?
b) it is too cold to run hills?
c) I should stop being a wimp by using the brake to go slower downhill?

Cast your vote here :)

National Service Day - Jan 19th

Check out http://www.usaservice.org/ to find out what you can do to help out in your local area on "National Service Day" - January 19th. MLK Day has always been a day of service. So if you haven't volunteered on this day before - please get out there and help others in small ways or large. Consider doing something each day that weekend even! Bless those of you willing to lend a hand as part of your lifestyle. Reaching out is good for everyone.