runnin' mama back

one handed typing but i gotta check in to say, yes, this running mama is back!

body has long been healed from my 2nd boy's birth and i'm up to 6 miles...6 slow miles, but that far none-the-less. i can also whip out a 5k in 32 minutes, which is just 4 minutes longer than it was before i was pregnant (gasp!) but i think that has more to do with newly added hills and pushing a giant stroller.

anyhow - my boy is now 3 1/2 months old and i can see the light at the end of the tunnel. i guess it helps that he sleeps pretty well, or rather, well enough. and i can fit into my "fat" jeans, which feels good after being in the same maternity jeans for an eternity. unfortunately, i'm dropping these pounds at a safe and steady rate of 1 lb per week, rather than what i had fantasized: 40 lbs gone by the 1st month with remarkable toning & flexibility achieved by his 2 month appt.

oh well...at least i can run

Answers for Aerobars

I did a great run around Lake Mercer that has roller coaster ups and downs plus a slalom-through-trees part to put the new Healthy Handles through their paces.

1. It is January, so we'll have to wait a couple months to find out about the dripping sweat issue.

2. I tried to really pay attention to this one. I found that I do better with this than I realized. The real bending at the waist comes when walking up a hill. Generally the hills I can jog up are still steep enough that the stroller is already above me, so using the Healthy Handles in a position above my handle bar made them shoulder-level. I don't want to dismiss different as bad. I generally hate change, but I am aware of this personality "quirk". It sort of is equivalent to the difference between a seated chest press and an inclined chest press.

3. It is nice to have >2 options (i.e. top or side). Like how you can get tired of always holding your bike handlebars in the same place.

4. I have not tried the Healthy Handles on my single Kelty yet. I think that they are not compatible. The Kelty handle bar is already split and at angles.

5. With the Healthy Handles above my handlebar my elbows are bent to less than 90 deg. I'm not sure that this tighter arm position is either better or worse. It is like "The Flying Scotsman" .

Overall, I definitely think that these are AWESOME for anyone over about 5'10" AND anyone who struggles to turn their stroller. The longer lever arm is perfect for that. My Dreamer Design is already incredibly easy to turn, but unfortunately for you, that company has gone out of business.

I am going to experiment with some inside-the-handlebar positions next.

Aerobars For My Stroller

I recently learned about "Healthy Handles" which attach to your jogging stroller. I am totally psyched to try them out. I think these could really help all the 6-ish foot tall dads trying to run with a stroller too. I already try to run with a light touch and I am not all that tall, but I am wondering, will these solve any of these problems:

1. When it is really hot out, sweat drips off my elbows, but since my husband is taller, it runs down his forearms and slimes up the stroller's handlebar.

2. Flats and downhills are fine, but I am bent over at the waist going up hill.

3. My left pointer-finger knuckle is stressed from generally holding my handlebar palms-down.

4. My single stroller doesn't really track in a straight line.

5. It is frustrating when my shoulders fatigue before my legs.

Check back to see how it goes!

January Newsletter is Up!

The January SMR e-newsletter is up!

Check out the awesome BRAS, TANKS, and WORKOUT CLOTHES with discounts! Plus, new workout ideas.

Happy Reading!

http://www.seemommyrun.com/newsletter/jan_10.htm

How to Run with a Jogging Stroller...

...when you're not the one pushing it!

My husband's flexible work schedule allows for us to occasionally run together with the double stroller while my oldest is at school. I've joked in the past about who gets to push the stroller since we are basically the same speed. Recently we've just been splitting it first/second half. It certainly takes practice to push the stroller for miles, but there are also some tips for the person running alongside.

1. Let the person pushing the stroller be the pacer. This is easy going uphill when it would obviously be very obnoxious to go ahead. It can be frustrating when the stroller speeds past you downhill, but it is very hard to go any slower on a steep hill so let them get a little money in the bank and you'll catch up easily when things level out.

2. Run on the left if you are on a path. This allows the stroller to stay right at a relatively constant pace. On the left, you can easily drop back if someone is coming from the other direction and then come back up again. If you are on the streets, do the same on the right (i.e. the traffic side).

3. Don't dive in to give the kids stuff or make adjustments that require stopping without consulting the "pusher" first.

4. Don't grab the handlebar to "help" push uphill without asking first.

5. Don't cut over curbs and corners that the stroller has to go around...and then stand there like, "Hey - what's taking YOU so long?"

Anything else that helps you?

Start a New Tradition! Celebrate the Martin Luther King Day Holiday by Volunteering.

It's just a few days until the Martin Luther King Day holiday, and many of you will have the day off from work, and your kids will be home from school.

Instead of staying home and relaxing, I hope everyone, especially in light of what's happening in Haiti, will consider using your time to volunteer.

In recent years, more and more people are using this holiday as an opportunity to be of service to others or to attend programs or events honoring Dr. King.

What better way to celebrate the life of this American hero, and if you have children, start a tradition of helping others?

There's a website that can help you find out where to volunteer on Monday. It's MLKDay.gov, and it's very easy to use.

Just enter your zip code to find projects near you. If you don't see any  opportunities listed, try any of your local non-profits, or just take your kids to the park and pick up litter, visit a nursing home, or call your local churches or schools and see if they have a need. You can also check your newspaper or local calendar of events for Martin Luther King Day activities. 

Whatever you decide, I hope you'll consider not just taking the day off, but will honor Dr. King in some way and pass on to your children the importance of this national holiday.

Start a New Tradition! Celebrate the Martin Luther King Day Holiday by Volunteering.

It's just a few days until the Martin Luther King Day holiday, and many of you will have the day off from work, and your kids will be home from school.

Instead of staying home and relaxing, I hope everyone, especially in light of what's happening in Haiti, will consider using your time to volunteer.

In recent years, more and more people are using this holiday as an opportunity to be of service to others or to attend programs or events honoring Dr. King.

What better way to celebrate the life of this American hero, and if you have children, start a tradition of helping others?

There's a website that can help you find out where to volunteer on Monday. It's MLKDay.gov, and it's very easy to use.

Just enter your zip code to find projects near you. If you don't see any  opportunities listed, try any of your local non-profits, or just take your kids to the park and pick up litter, visit a nursing home, or call your local churches or schools and see if they have a need. You can also check your newspaper or local calendar of events for Martin Luther King Day activities. 

Whatever you decide, I hope you'll consider not just taking the day off, but will honor Dr. King in some way and pass on to your children the importance of this national holiday.

testing--

Running, Surgery, and Running

January 14, 2010

It has been two weeks since I underwent surgery and two weeks and a day since my last run. The whole thing was not fun and I'm dying to go for a run. The surgery was the result of four (9) pound babies and a rough first delivery and I've waited till now to have it. I am glad it is in the past, but it was not an easy transition knowing I'll never bear more children. I know at age 45 I should have felt this way anyhow, but there is always a chance.
I'm glad I'm a running Mommy since I think it helped my recovery, but being a running Mommy also makes me feel very physically strong and not being strong is hard on the psyche. I felt this way after the birth of my first child and 40 plus hours of labor. I was wiped out and felt kind of wimpy for having such a hard time. Everyone and I mean everyone in my life is counseling me to rest rest rest. I know this, but this is not easy. I want to get out there right now and let loose. I'll post again when I've had a run.

a month?

I'm jumping in because... a month? A whole month? We are here; I know we are. Holidays intervene. Time escapes us.

I could write about running in this cold, cold weather that has seeped into my bones. But, I've not run for a week, so the topic is not personally relevant at the moment.

Seems I developed runner's knee (first injury in 10 years, so I'm not yet too freaked out), so I took the super-cold weather as a hint and have been cross training like a crazy woman. And I've kept up with strength training and all. I have my road bike hooked up to a wheel stand thingy (I am not a paid sponsor -- I just love my wheel stand thingy and it has lasted 5+ years so far); I have spinning workouts printed up; I've been watching Battlestar Galactica on DVD (never saw the SyFy series before -- fun discovery) while I spin. It has actually been quite pleasant.

What will I do when I go back to running and can't watch anything? Kidding, kidding.

The Weather Outside Is Frightful

Despite it being freezing and windy outside yesterday I wanted to run outdoors rather than on the treadmill. I needed to do a tempo and they just seem harder/longer on the mill. Hubby came home a tad later than normal so I started my run just before dusk.

I'd like to give a huge sarcastic thank you to the wind. Thank you for making that run the hardest tempo of my recent memory. 8:53, 8:34, 7:08, 7:15, 7:03, 8:38, 8:26, 8:34. While the actual tempo part was only three miles it felt like 10. I was putting forth maximum effort and not getting the results I wanted/needed. I knew every passing car thought I was insane. I saw ONE other runner out there in the entire time I was out there.

I'm sorry to complain to all of you who live in colder temps than I do, but I'm not a winter weather kinda gal. I don't ski, I don't snowboard, I actually don't even really like sledding and making snowmen. I much prefer to the enjoy the snow and cold from the warmth of my own home while drinking tea or hot chocolate.

The weather for today says it feels like 26 degrees. I find that funny because both MR PIC and her twin sister[at different times] told me that it felt warmer out this morning. If 26 is warm, then I definitely am living in the wrong state.

I was planning on doing my long run of 18 miles Friday morning. Good old weather.com has the temp at 29 degrees with a windchill that will make it feel 19. *Insert sad face*

I told myself over and over yesterday during those hard miles that I will have a leg up this spring on runners who didn't train all winter....but let's be honest - I'm not sure if this is going to count as training, more like surviving.

Mommy running taking a hit this week

Howdy Running Moms out there all over. I'm going for a run today and Tuesday and then will be sidelined for a surgery that will make me no longer able to have children, (it's ok I have 4 great children and I'm 45). Aside from the usual surgery concerns I'm worried about getting back to running. I was running within days of each of the last 3 pregnancies/births and keep hearing that I'm going to have to really wait to run this time. I feel foolish to make a big deal of this at pre-op tomorrow, but I do not want to be down and out for long. Only running Mommies will truly understand my paradox. Pray for me if you think of it and I'll wistfully be thinking of you all running in the next weeks. Run Moms run!!

Mr. Motivation

Yesterday morning my son woke me up - dashed were my hopes of getting in a run before my daughter's ballet class. After class, picking my mom up at the airport, heading to Whole Foods and the craft store[have I mentioned I love *crafts*?] - I was exhausted. I kept telling myself that I would run on the treadmill as soon as my son went down for a nap. I didn't want to take Monday as a rest day - after all it is the first day of the week and what am I? A wimp? Nap time came and I choose to do art projects with Chloe. We had a grand old time making stuff out of this nifty little art kit she got for her birthday. I knew somehow I had misplaced my motivation and needed to find it.

I wrote my husband an email and asked if I could run outside once he got home from work. After a week straight of treadmill runs I figured my body could use a [real] run outdoors. Hubby came home and I still was not able to locate mr. motivation[yes my motivation is a man] Nicely my husband informed me that he didn't run the errands he had planned on running so I could run. OK. If I wasn't able to find my motivation I certainly found my guilt and got dressed quickly.

I had intended on running mile repeats at the track - so I did a nice warm up of 2 miles[I'm trying to be better about actually warming up].

mile 1 - 8:21
mile 2 - 8:21

"excuse me" yes "do you know the code to the track" ummm I do but I can't remember it "well you gotsa go" *me stunned* OK. So I left the track...normally something like this would irritate me, anger me, frustrate me - but I'm trying to roll with the punches these days. Instead of thinking arg - this lady - ruined my workout - I felt hmmm maybe I was supposed to do a tempo today. So I headed out for a 4 mile tempo

mile 3 - 7:20
mile 4 - 7:10
mile 5 - 7:11
mile 6 - 7:14

mental note to self - figure out what my tempo pace is supposed to be

mile 7 - 8:50

I run past the track on my way home and notice that the other doors were wide open. Seriously that woman kicked me out because she needed to lock the gate but left three other gates open?! People amaze me.

mile 8 - 8:27

8 miles good effort in the dark[yes I wore reflective - not to worry]. The Christmas lights were amazing. I found myself humming holiday tunes. Hooray for my new found roll with the punches attitude - I hope it lasts. Turned what normally would have been a frustrated run into a great one.

I was so excited about the new lights I saw, that I packed up the kids after dinner and drove all around town looking at them. Christmas music blaring - we were all dancing up a storm in the car. Life felt great.

Happy Holidays ~ Run Happy

SMR December Goodies

In case you missed the December seeMOMMYrun e-newsletter, you really should check it out! Free workouts, shopping discounts just for YOU, and more!

www.seeMOMMYrun.com/newsletter/dec_09.htm

Happy reading!

Fallen Trees

After a weekend of modest, but wet snowfall, there were 4 trees down on our run yesterday. So, how do you get a double stroller that weighs in around 100 pounds over a tree? Well, it depends...

Level 1 crossings: Less than ~12"
Just pop that front wheel up and over like a curb. Depending on your wheel diameter, you may need to use the bottom of the stroller frame like a see saw to get the front wheel down on the other side.

Level 2: ~12-18"
Turn around and pull the back wheels over first. (And, yes, I do work out.)

Level 3: ~18-30"
Take the kid(s) out. Get them to the other side and then lift the empty stroller over.

Level 4: Over 30"
Find a way to go around it or change the plan to an "out and back" run.

There are other complicating factors such as branches or multiple trunks. You, of course, need to use your own good judgment depending on your strength, experience, and the weight of your children.

Finally, if you keep lots of random stuff in the under carriage basket as I do, you'll want to check that you haven't lost anything after the big tipping. Good luck.

Running Before Racing

I use to run the day before a race. I sort of felt the need to *shake* out my legs. It might have helped me mentally but I realize now it probably wasn't the best idea if I wanted to perform at my peak.

I now understand the importance of having full glycogen stores on race day. It's crucial in a race of the marathon distance, but can also come into play in races of shorter distances. Even a short easy run of three or four miles the day before a race can deplete your glycogen stores.

I've now run four races since discontinuing running the day before, Marine Corps Marathon, GCF Half Marathon, Veterans Day 10K and the Ashburn Farm Thanksgiving Day 5K. All of these races were not only PR's for me, but huge PR's. I can't attribute my total success to the lack of running, but I do truly think it has helped. Getting those runs in the day before didn't improve my fitness at all so they were essentially junk miles.

It's important in any training program to cut out these junk miles. Focus on the purpose of the run at hand and on the quality. Quantity does have it's place, but it shouldn't be in run in place of quality in order to achieve a certain weekly mileage.

As runners we each know ourselves best[or think we do anyways]. When I first became a runner I felt that I needed to hit a certain weekly mileage. I knew compared to the other runners around me that I was not fast. I felt the only way to make up for my insecurities was to attempt to run as many miles as everyone else was. This way I could fit in and say oh I ran 40 miles this week too or 50 or whatever the number of the week was. I would often go out and run something as silly as 2 miles in an attempt to hit the number. Sometimes doing two a days when there was no reason for me to do so. These miles were junk miles. They had no purpose and were actually doing more harm then good. I was sluggish on the days that mattered - on the days where I really needed to put in a quality workout. For me this has meant quitting counting. I know how many miles I need to run each day but I don't sit down each day and calculate how many I have ran this week or need to run. In the future when I no longer feel competitive over my own personal mileage then I will probably return to counting again. But for right now I recognize that for myself that mileage counting is not a healthy addiction.

What are your addictions? Do they help you or hurt you?

It's Who I Am

Being a mommy has changed my life. It *saved* my life - made me better - made me healthier - made me whole. There wasn't anything particularly wrong about my life pre-kids - but it wasn't amazing. I had friends. I had fun. I ran[sometimes].

I didn't really know myself though. Becoming a mommy made me realize what was important to me. In realizing this, I decided that the only way I could be a good mommy to them, was if I was a good person to myself. I needed to start treating myself and my body with the respect it deserved. I needed to be happy for all that I could do and had accomplished instead of focusing on what I didn't have or hadn't done.

Having kids made me appreciate every run I went on. I no longer had to run - I was privileged enough to get to run. I realized how important *me time* was. I realized that I felt the best during and after a run. I realized that I wasn't just a girl who ran - I was a runner girl.

In essence having kids made me find myself.

I would get up at 4:50(and still do at times) and head out the door in the dark for my runs. I found out who I was on these runs. What I was made of.

There isn't a day in my life that I'm not a mom. There isn't a day in my life that I don't think about running. Being a mom is my life - it's who I am. Being a runner is my life - it's who I am.

Go to www.mile-posts.blogspot.com to enter my Why You Run Contest. Contest ends 12/1

The weather out there is frightening....

Ok, so the weather in Houston is not frightenting, but it is that time of year when I feel my running is most threatened. All of the busy stuff going on, all of the food and goodies that once consumed make you feel a run could be worthless. This is also the time of year family and friends are less understanding about why you have to leave to get a run in (except my running husband who completely gets it). On Thanksgiving Day I had a spare 25 minutes in between taking the turkey out and finishing up and just ran out the door as fast as I could to just move before that dinner. I ran into my husband pushing a running a stroller, my 13 and 11 year olds running, my 6 year old on a bike, and the two year old gleeful to be out. I love my running family. I will persist this season despite the distractions. Run Mommy Run!

running makes mice smarter

So, mice who are forced to run on a treadmill at a faster pace than they would choose are smarter. Does this mean when I force myself to run faster than a steady pace, say, do sprint repeats or tempo runs, I become smarter? Or do I need some outside influence forcing me?

Phys Ed: What Sort of Exercise Can Make You Smarter?

MomsWhoSave Gift Idea #1 - Personalized Photo "Skins" for Cell Phones, Laptops, and More!

I know some of you love holiday shopping, but I don't! Is that surprising? I love finding a good deal--obviously, but the hard part for me is coming up with gift ideas year after year for the same people. It's especially difficult finding something for those people who already seem to have everything. And, of course, I need to stay within my budget.

This year, I'd like to share some of the things I've found that are reasonably-priced, and are hopefully new and different enough that the person you're buying for won't already have them. I'll post a new gift idea as often as I can between now and Christmas.

Here's something I have seen before, but not nearly as highly personalized as these from Snapfish. I'm talking about "skins," or coverings for your laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, and other devices.

You can upload your favorite photos and embellish them as much or as little as you'd like to make them just right for whoever you're giving them to (or for yourself).

Check out these examples:












These are available for a long list of electronic devices in nearly every brand name you can think of--plus they're on sale for 20% off. Make sure to enter the coupon code PHOTOSKINS20 on the site when you check out. (This offer is good through November 20th.)

In fact, if you want to order holiday photo cards, photo books, calendars, photo jewelry, mugs, mousepads, or any photo gifts (even just prints), the entire site is an extra 20% off when you click here, and use the Snapfish coupon given.

Want more great deals? Click to visit MomsWhoSave's main deals site, and join us on Twitter and Facebook.