Update: Deceptively Delicious Review

Deceptively Delicious arrived on my doorstep on Saturday. I immediately began pureeing veggies in high hopes that this was going to be my ticket to getting healthy eaters! So what's my verdict? Unfortunately, not so good.

First up, the Brownies with spinach and carrots. The biggest trick, she says, is letting the brownies cool off all the way before serving them otherwise the spinach taste may still be detected. Fine, sounds easy enough. I jumped through all the proper hoops, (even separating an egg, something I have never attempted before...I'm not exactly a legend in the kitchen.) but when taste time finally came, I was very disappointed. The brownies were very dense. Flat. So dang heavy! I put them in front of the kids whose eyes lit up and squeals of "You made brownies!" rang through my kitchen. My husband took a bite and had to leave the room. I took a bite and immediately felt the need to apologize to my kids. They ate half a brownie each but I think they only ate that much because it took them a few bites in for their taste buds to catch up with their excitement. Even my 4-year-old who will eat anything sweet had a look on his face that I can't quite put into words. So what happened? I have no idea. My best guess is that I had to use semi-sweet baking chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder and no (zero!) white sugar. There was a bit of brown sugar involved but nothing quite replaces the good 'ol white stuff I guess. They had that fake chocolate taste to them. In other words, it wasn't the carrots or spinach, those were totally hidden in both site and taste, it was the basic brownie recipe that failed. My husband, when he was finally able to join us again, asked the most simple question, "Why can't you just put the veggies in a boxed brownie mix and call it a day?" My man is smart like that. So that is what I am going to do today, wish me luck.

Second attempt: chicken nuggets with spinach puree. This one actually tasted really good but it was a bit tricky to make. I used chicken tenders for this one. Basically, you mix spinach puree with an egg, coat the chicken in all that green goop (and I am here to tell you, goop is a nice way of putting it!) then coat it in a mixture of flax seed meal, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan and some seasonings. The first problem was that the spinach goop would not stick to the chicken so it was just kind of glopped around on parts of the tender, (somehow I don't think I'll ever get a job writing reviews for cookbooks with words like 'goop' and 'glop' but you get the point) then I tossed it in the dry mixture and began the cooking process. You cook these on the stove top in a bit of olive oil. Lesson learned here: flax seed meal cooks very, very quickly. I had smoke! I had burning smells! I quickly yanked them off the pan and put them in the oven to finish cooking. They were not pretty when they came out so I naturally assumed no one would touch them, especially since they were still shaking from the brownie experience. But, much to my surprise, they both ate it. It was good too! You could see the spinach and the coating kept falling off but they ate it and no one said "what's that green stuff?" Next time, I think I'll cook them in the oven and skip the stove all together.

Feeling pretty sure of myself because I was 1 for 1, I decided to give another recipe a go: Yellow Cake. This starts with a boxed yellow cake mix so I figured I couldn't fail. Sure enough, this was a huge hit. It calls for 1 cup of canned pumpkin and 6 ounces of nonfat yogurt, I used vanilla. It was rich, very moist and sweet. Very delicious. This one I will for sure make again. The kids loved it.

With all that confidence, I began to puree again yesterday. I made the macaroni and cheese with 1/2 cup butternut squash puree and the mozzarella sticks with 1/2 cup cauliflower puree. The mac and cheese was really good, very creamy. My 7-year-old liked it but my 4-year-old was a bit harder to please. He is very easily swayed by how things look and this simply didn't look like his favorite boxed mac and cheese so he was a real stinker about it. I managed to get 3 bites in him, hoping to change his mind, but he wasn't budging. On to the mozzarella sticks. What to say about the cheese sticks.....gross, nasty, too good for the trash can, smelly, just plain disgusting....that about sums it up. This used 1/2 cup cauliflower puree. First of all, have you ever pureed cauliflower? It isn't fun. And it stinks. You take that cauliflower and mix it with mozzarella cheese. Then you form it into "logs" and dredge it in whole-wheat breadcrumbs and flax seed meal. Again, the coating just kept falling off so I was left with a cheesy-cauliflower mess of a log. The boys were very excited about the idea of having cheese sticks in the middle of the afternoon so again, trusting me, they dug in. Again, the silence. Again, those faces and again, that overwhelming felling of the need to apologize. Into the trash with the brownies they go.

So basically, I tried 5 recipes and had success with 2. I wouldn't be upset about those numbers if it were not for all the work that goes into these recipes. So what's next? Refusing to give up, I am going to put pureed spinach in a boxed brownie mix today and then I'm going to check out The Sneaky Chef by Missy Chase Lapine whose book was out before Seinfeld's and who simplifies these ideas by adding purees to boxed food. I think this may be the way to go. So it's back to the kitchen I go. I'll let you know how those brownies turn out!

Oh, and in case you want to know what some nutritionist think about Deceptively Delicious, check out this article from the Washington Post today.

In Need of Advice

I have heard that schizophrenics often behave like toddlers, but my toddler is behaving like a schizophrenic...and it would be unethical to medicate him! Harry is 3.5 and goes from being a perfect angel and model human one minute, to a deranged freak the next!
He started preschool FT after Labor Day, and is expecting a baby sister, which he is looking forward to, so these could be stressors. I just can't figure out what is going on in his head. He cries at the drop of a hat for no reason. Saturday he took off running through IKEA screaming "No!!!!" What to do, what to do???

Half of me was impressed with his running, and his ability to avoid pedestrians. The other half was thinking "What the *&%$?!" He's normally a great kid, and a happy kid. Has anyone experienced similar behavior? How was it handled?

IKEA may be a one time deal, but the overall crying-at-the-drop-of-a-hat is throwing me for a loop! And it can happen at any time. Any words of wisdom?

Okay, I'm jumping in!

I'm brand new to blogging and have been a bit nervous about getting started, so I'll just jump in with a brief introduction:

I have a full-time job in higher education administration, have two wonderful daughters (ages 2 and 3 1/2) and am starting my own freelance graphic design business. Oh, and I try to fit some running in too! I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband, daughters, golden retriever Molly and cat Toby. Busy life!!

I look forward to getting to know everyone and share in this amazing journey!

Dont forget to tip your waitress...

we bloggers will be here all week.

There's something about blogging--when you dont get comments--that is really close to stand up.

Or doing a monologue (think more blathering Shakespeare soliloquy than David Letterman).

Or (*gasp*) lecturing.

This post? Just a public service announcement.


A reminder to feel free to JUMP RIGHT IN and comment. Am I boring the pants off of you? TELL ME.

(because, seriously, you need said pants in place to get out there and run)

Are you a firm believer in NOT LIFTING and ALL RUNNING? lemmie know where you stand.


Detest tutus? cringe at over the knee socks? Lemmie have it. It might not change my attire but I promise to dress appropriately should we ever meet off-line.


Happy Sunday.

It's I AM *GOING* TO RUN-day up in herre.


(and yes. if youve come here via my chickenbus blog that last word was for you. all my stuff DOES sound the same.)

Hilarious Running Read

....not that I'd recommend reading while running but when you get home, yank off your shoes and wonder how you'll ever go another mile, you have to try "The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get off Your Butt and on with Your Training" by Dawn Dais. I am about half way through it and it has become one of those books that you don't want to end; it's like a good friend. If you have never read this book, read it. It is a must read for all of us running women. Even if you are like me and are not training for a marathon - a 10k is as big as I can think at this point - if , also like me, you don't consider yourself a runner yet (I'm in the "I get my shoes on, get out the door and manage to survive a 5 mile run" camp) or if you are in fact training for a marathon, you have to pick this up. It is laugh out loud funny. I have been carrying it around in my purse and pull it out every time I have a spare second, I'm finding the pick up line at my son's preschool the biggest chunk of reading time I can get although I do get some pretty funny looks sitting there in my car cracking up while reading a running book. Dawn Dais is flat out hilarious. And inspirational. She makes me want to run even more and laugh at myself while doing it. I wish I knew her because I'm sure with her as my running buddy, I'd make it even further. Maybe even 5.5 miles! In her introduction, she says

I'd like you to think of The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women as your running buddy. It's here to keep you motivated and on the running trail when all you really want to do is lie on the couch and see what your TiVo has recorded for you. Rest assured that this book is much better than my running buddy; unlike Chipper Jen, this book will never call you at 6:30 AM on a friggin' Saturday and go on and on about how refreshing it is to run in the morning. This book is not a supporter of Saturday-morning chipperness.

Check it out, you can pick it up here. Also, here is a link to her website where she sells the book much better than I ever could!

For the sake of argument...

Let's just say I quit running about a year ago, the morning of the Chicago marathon. I blamed IBS and a chilly morning, but I skipped the MCM the next week...and by December started to pack on 20 pounds. I was convinced running made me fatter than I would be with, say, just yoga or Pilates. I think I misjudged. Even with a trainer and some help from Jenny Craig, my weight kept soaring.
Now I realize the weight gain was likely from not running, but there's nothing I can do about it! I'm 20 weeks pregnant with #2, and pretty sick. Walking is a struggle most days, and I have a job and a 3 year old, so even on a rare day that I feel okay, I couldn't risk wearing myself out, or worse yet, getting sicker.
Instead, I am obsessed with running. It's all I want to do! I see runners everywhere, and adorable running clothes. I realized today, I don't even own a pair of sneakers! And I have know idea where my ipod is! Even more than a margarita, I want to run...and I am counting the days!

You could sort of call it a run

It is Friday-- fall break and a canceled Texas trip with 4 kids at home and a husband out of town. How to run? Put the baby in the Jogger, the 4 year old on a bike with training wheels, and the older two on roller blades and just go. We were a sight. Did I mention that I thought it would be a walk and had a coffee in my hand? It was one of my funniest runs. Even funnier because we live on an Army post and I'm an old Colonel's wife whose peers have a different life. See Mommy Run-- tee hee hee!

Making time for running/strength training

In order to get my run in today I got up early...before the sun....the sun was just coming up when my running buddy AM and finished our 4 miles. Boy if it wasn't for her....I probably would of slept in. The early mornings are hard.....I work full time and sometimes start as early as 3:45am, so when I have a a day to sleep in....I look forward to it...but I play a mind game with myself...b/c I could sleep in...and run later...but the problem is I will most likely NOT run later...that is where AM comes in. We check in with each other generally the night before...and plan to meet in the morning....so most of the time...there is NO sleeping in( unless you call getting up at 6:15am sleeping in).
So when do I get my strength training in...our weather has turned chilly here in Indiana and I look forward to coming home and snuggling into PJ's and watching the tube....felling less and less motivated to do my strength training.....maybe I should do it after my runs or before( all in the morning before work).....what a battle...shouldn't it be an easier decision!
I could go to the YMCA...I did all summer....I was there 2-3 times a week on top of running...what is it about this cooler weather that makes you want to stay home and chill out...

So any suggestions?

Tattoos & Tutus & OTK socks.

I adore being a mom.
many reasons which, if I went into elaborate detail here, would simply be preaching to the choir.

The sweet hugs, the toothless grins yada yada yada.

one thing I **ADORE** that I did NOT see coming? the gift of the It Must Be For Her Daughter.

Unlike some of my fellow bloggers (and not to my pride & joy) Ive always been kind of a disheveled person (my kind husband calls it my style).

Never dirty--pre-toddler, anyway--but just kind of always to the left of coiffed/properly buttoned.

Now? if I run into people at the grocery and look a FRIGHT they assume my daughter, E., must have not allowed me ample time to "do" myself.

(never what happened. Id have rolled the exact same way before having her)

Now? if I run into people at the grocery sporting a big (rub on) tattoo of a pirate on my bicep they smile benevolently at me and (wrongfully) assume I did it for my daughter.


Now? if I buy 3 tutus at the dollar store, layer them on top of each other & wear THAT on top of capri tights they (again, wrongfully) assume Im such a good "sport" playing dress-up with my girl.

Ill spare you the over the knee socks rendition but just know it follows the same pattern.

Man, I love being a mother.
I could do without the chicken nugget mashed INTO my tutu but it all comes along with the toddler bundle of joy.

Napkin

How did this happen? I once dressed well, always had perfect hair and make-up and now.......after babies #3 and 4, I have turned into a ponytail wearing, lucky to smear on some mascara, walking napkin. My little ones seem to think that anything offensive on their little faces or hands ( this does does include their noses) is fair game for anything I am wearing. Last night we met another mom and her 3 boys for dinner. When I rushed back home into the door to get the evening routine, which was seriously behind schedule, into play, I notice my reflection in a large mirror and thought.....who is that un-kempt woman??? She looks like a crumped up linen napkin at the end of a 7 course meal! I suppose someday I will miss these days........but as of today, if I have to be a napkin, can't it at least be the nice clean one folded like an elegant swan, BEFORE the meal starts??

Absolutely lift

Howdy Folks: I have to absolutely agree that everyone needs to do weight training, especially for bone strenth but also for endurance. The first time I ever ran a Marathon was 2002- Houston. My partner was a better runner and ran more than I did. I did a twice a week workout called Body Pump. It is an amazing 50 mintute weight workout that anybody at any fitness level can start. You can google body pump or go to www.lessmills.com to find a class in a gym near you. My sweet partner finished a whole hour 1/2 after me. She just did not have the same strength. I absolutely attribute it to Bodypump and weights. I really do not like the weight room- get bored easily, but Body Pump is amazing. The music is really good. I found it at a Gold's gym and later became certified to teach it just so I could get their workout tapes. I did Bodypump through two pregnancies -- literally right up to giving birth. It is the ultimate Mommy workout-- gets the backs of the arms like nothing else. Abs are kind of weak though I hate do do abs anyhow and of course core training is invaluable.

Angelina Ballerina DVD giveaway from Classy Mommy

Hey See Mommy Run Readers! Classy Mommy has another super Giveaway to share with you all! 2 Copies of the DVD "Angelina Ballerina The Silver Locket Special Edition" Find details on entering here! Contest runs until 10/13/07

2 Lucky readers will each get a copy of this fantastic DVD and bonus book that Classy Mommy was able to review yesterday.This Angelina DVD has multiple episodes, along with the small bonus book, Angelina Ballerina: The Silver Locket - an episode that is also on the DVD. The book is a definite bonus as we were able to read the story, then watch the specific episode, and then go back and read the story again and again. A great way to limit TV time, but also give the kids a treat and discuss what you both reading and seeing! Hop on over to Classy Mommy to enter!

the writer in me

I have been working on my current novel for three years now. It's a children's book. My first novel, Necessary Exile, was not for children.

The Legend of Bridget Peacemaker began as a story about an old rabbit napping beneath a Creosote bush when he is suddenly awakened by the cries of a lost girl. I worked hard on that version but it never rang true because I needed to understand who Bridget was and just how she had come to be wandering around in the desert. Now I know and if the gods are smiling favorably then very soon everyone will know.

When I was nineteen I wrote a rambling little story about a girl obsessed with counting her steps. I abandoned the story because I didn't understand what I was trying to say. Now I realize that even then Bridget was trying to tell me her story.

It tires me to write, it's like my fingernails are being ripped from my fingertips. But I have so very much to say and everytime I try to talk I get the feeling that I am not being understood.

Lift Mommy Lift!

ok.

Ive previously admitted that Im new* to the running thing & that my passion is weight training.

Now that the comments are enabled I just wanted to take a moment and offer to answer any questions you might have about why to lift weights, how to lift weights, where (is a gym necessary?) to lift weights---anything like that.

I'd love the chance to return the favor as Ive gotten a ton of fantastic free running advice from all you SMR moms.

For the sake of full disclosure Id like to state that Ive competed in bodybuilding (my scrawny natural-self against a few women whom I certain somehow cheated the steroid urine test) and fitness (my scrawny natural chest against a few women whom Im certain cheated nature with the aid of Dr Robert Rey) but came in close to last in all the shows.


blahblahblah in my mind I was a winner.




*if by NEW you mean I havent started yet but vow promised & commit to SKIP the ease of my stationary bike and hit the pavement this weekend when I have toddlercare---which I do.

Feeding Picky Eaters: Is This Book the Answer?

Did any of you catch Oprah yesterday? She had Jessica Seinfeld on, author of Deceptively Delicious a cookbook aimed at us moms with picky eaters. I have to admit, when I saw the previews, I was a bit skeptical. My kids are the worst (seriously, the worst!) eaters I've ever seen. I have a 7-year-old who is on the 'all carbs, all the time diet': if it isn't pasta, he isn't eating it. Well, with the exception of the occasional piece of pizza and nuggets but only if the nuggets are cooked at my friend Cathie's house because she has a toaster oven. Then there is my 4-year-old who is on the 'brown and crunchy diet': chicken nuggets, crackers (brown) and chips of any kind and if I'm lucky, the occasional mac-n-cheese. I am a very healthy eater, as is my husband (most of the time) so it isn't that they are not exposed to all things green and healthy, but they just wont budge.
So as you can imagine, the idea of hiding veggies in their food had me skeptical because (a) I don't have a lot of options for things to be hidden in!, and (b) my kids are very smart and I just know they will figure it out! But watching the show, I was turned into a believer and ordered the book off Amazon before shows end - a book, by the way, that jumped to #1 on Amazon by the end of the day. The Power of Oprah is incredible.
I can't wait to try the chicken nuggets (with spinach!) and the brownies (spinach and carrots!). I'll be sure and post again after the book arrives and I sneak a little something into my boys' food! Want to see the recipe for the nuggets? Check it out here!

Yeah, this is ANOTHER test.

Youd think Id never used a computer before (and thanks, shelley, for showing me how this is done) I like to think of it as Im simply linkposting-challenged.

here's my test.

if it works then just know that I adore this list. It's nothing new but more of a reminder of easy ways to lead a calmer more centered life.

Im all for anything that makes me (& as a result my entire domicile) less *frazzled*


http://zenhabits.net/2007/07/12-ideas-for-establishing-a-calming-routine/


(Im also a few steps away from the truly fancy people who can make plain ole WORDS become magically clickable. I have lofty goals. That chickenbus is in my future.)

Marathon Documentary

I recently heard about Marathon, a NOVA documentary to air on PBS on October 30th. The documentary follows 13 "generally sedentary" people through a nine-month training program that was designed to get them off the couch and across the finish line of a full marathon. In addition to the pure human aspect of the show, there will be computer-generated graphics to show what all that running does to our bodies. The show sounds fascinating to me, this is one 'reality' show I will surly enjoy. I cannot imagine being marathon ready in nine months but I supposed if I had access to the former Olympian and three-time Boston Marathon winner Uta Pippig, I might have a better shot! Do you think all 13 will make it across the finish line? I'll be cheering loud for them all!

Skip Hop Giveaway from Classy Mommy

Hi ! This is my first post on the See Mommy Run Blog...... I'm a Mommy Runner and I also founded a fun website for Moms called Classy Mommy. I'm a "work at home" / "stay at home" mom with a daughter named Mackenzie who will turn 2 later this month. I'm also expecting # 2 - a baby boy very soon. I'm due December 9th and it will be here before I know it!

Classy Mommy reviews all kinds of products for Parents and kids and Classy Mommy has lots of neat free giveaways that I'd love to share with you all. Totally enter for your chance to win!

Our latest giveaway this week is compliments of Skip Hop .5 Lucky winners will each win Skip Hop's trendy TABLE FUN 5 piece feeding set valued at $24. Classy Mommy loves the functionality and modern style found across Skip Hop's product lines.

Classy Mommy had the opportunity to test out a Skip Hop product for the first time when we were given the chance to review TABLE FUN, Skip Hop's 5 piece feeding set for tots and kids. The TABLE FUN set is made of melamine, a hard sturdy plastic, with colorful and spunky animal designs. The designs are made by Eleanor Grosch, whose design work is favored by both rock bands and apparal companies. My daughter, Mackenzie, almost age 2, has the Circus Pals TABLE FUN set shown above in purple. We love how the bowl and plate are a bit bigger than pretty much every other "plastic" kid style set we currently own. And although we adore Elmo in our house, it is a refreshing change of pace to eat a meal (or in my case prepare a meal!) on a modern designer place setting that is both lively, vibrant, and still kid friendly.

Skip on over to Classy Mommy to enter!

Husband Sunday Run

It is Sunday morning. Church is over. Kids are sort of fed and my husband I are going on a date run. Finally our oldest can baby-sit at least for an hour and we can zip away. I love to be beside him. He's calm. He is what I call the real runner in the family and I owe this peace of mind that comes from running to him. He will always find time to get a run in for me. It is a priority. When he was getting his Ph.d at Texas A&M I would drive up to campus, drop our two toddlers to him with a packed lunch and get a work out either at the gym or run. Sometimes they had to eat in the car because of rain. I love him so much for this. Even more than his paying off my law school loans when we got married. Most Mommies want to know how to get the run time in. I think husband or family or neighbor help is they key. Someone who wants you to run as much as you do. This may take some time and eff0rt. If all else fails find another Mom who needs to run and trade off. Be flexible in any arrangement you make and give each other a break. Often these Mommies can be found at the gym. They can also be found at your children's school. I think only other athletes get it. My Mom will sit for me to go to a spa or shopping (her things), but sort of sighs when it is run or workout because that is not a priority for her. Our kids know we love to run together. I hope they marry runners.

Internal Dialogue

I hurt my knee in May.

You see we have these wonderful friends in Florida who brought 25 (or so) of their friends to Nashville at the end of April for the Country Music Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. They were a joy to be around and they inspired me to FINALLY get my butt in gear and fully prepare for the 2008 marathon.

I started training - HARD! A little too hard - with the type of intensity I used to have in trying to get my hands on a Krispy Kreme doughnut (yummmmm). I was STUPID. I hurt my knee. Genius.

Ended up being a "slightly torn" meniscus. Had to lay off it for a couple months along with some physical therapy. It SUCKED!

I've now been cleared for modified 1/2 marathon training. This means the dr. was trying to tell me not to be stupid and overdue it again. I've been good. I can't run every day, but I can throw a little running in with each workout.

This is where the internal dialogue comes into play. I have to talk myself out of breaking into a slight jog. "A little bit of running won't hurt me. I'll just do it for a few minutes. I know I did it yesterday, but I feel pretty good and I think my knee can take it." And that is when I have to have a serious argument in my head to control my running urges. Usually, the part of my brain that is telling me to NOT run wins out and I hope I can keep listening to it, but the better I feel, the harder it is to pay attention to that nagging little voice.

Plus, the people passing me on the street are starting to stare at me talking to myself. Hmmm...maybe these conversations "in my head" are actually happening out loud.

Eat, Pray, Love changed my life.

Subtitle: I feel the need to clarify that this was pre-Oprah's embracing of it. Is that sad? (that I need to clarify--not that the Big O embraced it) Probably.

Since this is a blog post and not a book report (or a dissertation. that's how much I loved it) I wont go into book specifics except to say that you must read it.

skim it.

buy and keep on your bedside table until you (if youre anything like me) have a bout of insomnia and find yourself with a couple of free hours.

Since this is a blog post that's supposed to be about FITNESS that's the part Ill yammer at you about.

The "pray" part. The SPIRITUAL fitness part.

What so resonated with me about Eliz. Gilbert's writing is that it wasnt denominational but simply served as a reminder that the answers we all seek are waiting within us.

When we find/steal a moment to be still & fully present with ourselves (which I find to be *such* a challenge. Chickenbus, trying to work and be a mom I find it a challenge sometimes to be fully present with my Toddler Tornado!) that's when our questions & struggles begin to be answered.

(lost yet? In typing this out I almost get muddled myself)

Gilbert, though her fabulous and humorous writing style, reminded me that it is possible to find balance and calmness in my hectic world simply through silence.

Again as I type this I begin to wonder if that is what led me to ponder running in the first place.

Meditation need not be in an ashram in India or a special room in a yoga studio as Im quite certain the women I see running in Austin are experiencing that "meditative state" with every step.


what about you?
is running your meditation time?
Id love to know as I start down my new path of spiritual fitness.


(oh, and if youve read the book, I ADORE that she had bestowed upon her such a cool nickname as GROCERIES. I want a fun nickname like that. can it be called a nickname if I bestow it upon myself?)

I promise getting better with computers is on my to-do list...

for now the link below will look ugly---but work just fine!


It's really pretty simple: email a duck. raise a buck.

All the money generated is donated to breast cancer research.


Have fun, get creative, send to friends & raise some cash.


http://www.munchkin.com/projectpink/email_a_duck.php

Thursday's run

I usally do not run on Thursdays. It is a BodyPump day, but I missed yesterday and was anxious for a run. I talked my husband into planning to be home till 0830 so that I could run for an hour. My baby kept waking up from 5am on, but I still got out the door at 0740. It is a beautiful day-- Fort Knox, Kentucky- a place I never would have chosen, but God put me here for a reason. I start out my normal route headed to the front entrance with railroad tracks and a road to keep me on the straight and narrow. It is my normal 4.5 mile run and my body kicked into a familiar pace. I try to pray on these runs for my family and did a little bit. On the way back I noticed up armored Humvees headed my way. I was in the Army from 1990-1996 and this is a training post that does not send large units off to war. I looked up at these soldiers manning machine guns on the top and fully realized we are in the midst of a long drawn out war. Please no politics here-- I have never been for invading Iraq, but am sure our soldiers are doing their best and need our full support. I guess I just felt really sad knowing that we're no longer playing cold war games or playing war games in the desert. These soldiers really need these heavy weapons on their vehicles. The Army I was in just seemed safer than this though we did invade Panama and fight Desert Storm while I was in. Is it because I'm a Mom now and my children may follow their parents to the military? Last year we had Thanksgiving Dinner in the mess hall with a bunch of new enlistees going through Basic Training. They were carrying their weapons with them inside and everywhere. That is also new to me. We always left them in the Arms room or one soldier would guard them outside while everyone ate. On Monday morning there were hundreds of these basic trainees running down my street (their Commander lives on my street). It was loud, they were yelling and happy, they were a unit. I looked out my window and could see the stragglers being helped along the end of the formation run. Running really builds stamina, esprit de corps, and whether they were ever runners before, they are now. We were assigned to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) for 5 years and the cadets always ran by our house. They seemed so young and carefree. I'm going to add soldiers to my morning prayer time on a run or not.

thank god for my running buddy

if it wasn't for our 6am runs, I would probably sleep in. We say this to each other about every other time we meet to run. Both of us are moms, AM has three and I have 1....we both work so it is the dedication of each other that keeps us going. We actually made time to train for a local sprint triathlon this summer and compete in it. having access to this FREE site seemommyrun, is awesome! Because in the hustle and bustle of life, running can be alot easier, and fun with a buddy or buddies!!!
This is my first blog...I look forward to gabbing about the UPS and DOWNS of life, and running...literally!
as dorie from finding nemo might say " just keep running, just keep running, just keep running"!:)

chickenbus.

As all moms I finally decided that it was time to lose my swear words. My daughter is a late talker (she's practically an ASL interpreter with all the signing she does but that's an 'UhOh should I have done all those signs with her? will she be speaking by the time she goes to prom?" for another day) so thus far she isnt mimicking. But it's coming. And my dear sweet husband does not swear.

So the day the Toddler Tornado drops an f-bomb we'll all know from whence it came.

moi.

Hence the CHICKENBUS.


Todays chickenbus is brought to you by the fact Im really truly a newbie runner.
As in I dont. Yet.
Im a bodybuilder (natural. small. I often get "oh you must be a runner!" when people meet me.) and I love the endorphin rush I get from lifting & I love being strong.

and I love looking strong (*wink*)

However I am going to get into running.

They (the big they. in my first career I owned a personal training studio. so the THEY I was compelled to listen to) say that it's important to change up your cardio every few months.

Ive been doing the recumbent bike for 6 years.

Now you know why Im here.

can you say external accountability?

Brain vs. Legs: Game On!

Since yesterday was Wednesday, it was my "oh goodie! I get to run so I think I'll go out way to hard and to fast because I'm so happy to be running" day. As a result, my legs were very anti-run this morning. My brain, on the other hand, was all for it. And so the inner dialogue began. There is something about that first 1/4 mile or so when my legs are just screaming at me. The argument goes something like this: Legs - "What are you doing! Why did we leave that perfectly good hazelnut coffee and the couch? We were happy there! And there was a great article in the Style section just begging to be read!" Brain: "Zip it and keep moving. We are running today and you will like it!" And so it goes. On days like this, I like to trick my legs into going further. I play the 'just one more tree' game, as in "OK legs, see that tree up there? I bet you can't make it to that tree." and my legs, being the stubborn things that they are say "Oh yeah? Watch me!" and then just like that, I make it to the tree. I do this for as long as it takes. One tree at a time. Mile after mile. Today this game was very much in effect and I am happy to say that the brain was way ahead of the legs. Around mile 3, I see this woman walking with her dog coming toward me on the path. She is grinning ear to ear. As I get closer, I realize why this woman is so dang happy. She is walking with a venti frappuccino!!! A venti!!! At that moment, my legs and my brain both nearly came to a screeching halt. Legs: "Did you see that? Starbucks is closer than home! That could be our next tree!" Brain: "Hmmm...you make a good argument." But somehow, I managed to plow through and turned left instead of right which took me closer to home and further from the Starbucks. Game back on. I am happy to say that I added 1.5 miles to my run from yesterday and everyone is happy. My brain gets to brag and my legs got a banana and vanilla yogurt smoothie as a much better substitute for that 500 calorie frappuccino (yes, 500. I looked it up as soon as I got home).

Imposter

This too is my first Blog and after reading the others, I feel like a bit of an imposter. I've been with seemommyrun for more than two years and go nearly religiously....let's face it, it is cheaper than therapy and more sociably acceptable than a straight jacket. I was a walker through pregnacy and breastfeeding until I found "The Oprah Bra" to support my DD lactating boobs ( OK.....they were probably larger than DD, but I still squeezed those puppies into those bras because I didn't want to know what the next size was!!!) The thing is, with me, it is more more like.....see mommy pant, see mommy turn beet red, see mommy walk up the hills, see mommy sweat like a prostitute in church, and see mommy in last place AGAIN!! I am a Navy gal ( just reserves now) so have had to run for more than 20 years. During most of those years I belonged to the 3 mile club......that is 3 miles a year ( our tests our bi-annually at 1.5 miles each time). I admittedly don't LOVE to run but I do love this group, I do love the way I feel when I finish and I do love the Starbucks stop with my "real" runner friends. I honestly don't know what I'd do without them. Soooo next time you see a group of ladies running, wave to the the one bringing up the rear to encourage me......I mean her!

Motivation

My biggest challenge is motivation. This morning I woke up and my first thought was, 'Ugh! Today's a running day!' (I alternate weight training with running) Running days mean suiting up and getting out there and noting each muscle that is not performing up to optimal levels. (Upper inner thighs--hate it!)
But I did it and I do it because I want my kids to see me doing it...I want them to know that Mama's a badass. I want my daughter to aim for my standards and I want my son to look for my qualities in a partner.
And now, of course, I have this blog as a motivator. I feel connected now, not like it's me against the world anymore.
So, Run, Sisters, Run!

Confessions

1. I am not a fast runner (I’m 5’1” and all my height is in my torso – scary!).
2. I am trying to lose these final pregnancy pounds. (Ok – my twin girls are almost 5 – I don’t think I’m technically allowed to call them pregnancy pounds anymore – but just try and stop me!)
3. This is my first post on this fantastic site and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

I started running in high school. My dad was the track coach & football coach so I felt I needed to participate in one of those sports (don’t even get me started on the trauma I will tell Oprah ALL about regarding going to the same high school where my father taught and coached – HA!). Since my high school was completely against females playing football (they were just scared of our abilities – I’m sure of it), track was my choice. I was never very good – admittedly. I was too short and not fast at all, but I knew I would finish. I just told Coach to be sure they never started a new race without me coming in (I ran the 800m and the mile occasionally). I think I was only on the track team for one season and switched over to a sport that was a little more up my alley – cheerleading – but I have never lost my love of running. See I am a people person – the shining example of the word “extrovert”, but there is something about the solitude & serenity of running that appeals to me. And that is why I continue to do it. Just remember – don’t start another race without me finishing.

I'm in a Rush to Pace Myself

I am relatively new to running. I joined a boot camp with some friends back in April and as it turns out, that was the only kick in the rear I needed to get me moving. I was always an athletic kid. I played soccer for as long as I can remember, ran short distance track and could play football with the boys even when the ball had to be fetched out of the prickle bushes. I was a full on tomboy. I'm sure that is why I was blessed with two boys. Fate was kind to me and knew if I had a girly girl, I wouldn't have a clue what to do! After both of my pregnancies, I walked like mad and used exercise dvd's to get back into shape. I always thought that I'd like to try running but then the excuses would quickly follow. Things like "No way! You'll never go further than a block!" and "Don't do it! Think of your knees!" Eventually, I settled into a life of non-activity. That is, no activity unless it involved chasing after two kids, cleaning the bathrooms and doing massive amounts of laundry. Then last April happened. Boot camp happened. On the first day of the boot camp, our trainer had us run from the parking lot to a community center that was approximately 1/4 mile down the road. I got there but was panting so hard that I could hardly hear my friend say "what the heck are we doing here!?" At that moment, something clicked....or I freaked, whichever you prefer...and I decided that was it. I was going to do this running thing and I was never going to pant like that again! Needless to say, there was a lot of panting after that but I've stuck with it and have found something I truly love. I started out too hard and suffered a sprained ankle and achillies tendonitis in both ankles that had my butt on the couch and my feet elevated for over a month. But I got back out there and eventually got two 5k's and a 4-mile race under my belt. There is an 8k around the corner that I am hoping to complete as well. Running does something incredible for me. It magically erases any stresses of the day. It makes me feel like I can do anything and I truly believe that it makes me a better mommy. I love when my preschooler says, with a big smile, "so mommy, are you going to go for a little run today?" He knows what it does for me.

So what's the problem? The problem is time. Which I'm sure is the same problem that so many of you have. My youngest son goes to preschool on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. On those mornings, and typically one morning on the weekend, I get a quick run in. I drop him off, race home and get out there as quick as I can before I have to jump in the shower just in time to go pick him up again. All three days I do this and then nothing. Nothing other than strength training and dvd's until the next Wednesday. When that next Wednesday finally comes, I'm so excited to get out there that I run way too fast and typically burn out by mile 3.5. Every Wednesday is like starting from scratch. By the weekend run, I'm up to a comfortable 5.5 miles but I would really like to go further. So what is the secret? I'm sure there are a lot of you out there that have been where I am now and have found a way through it and increased your mileage so I'd love to hear your tips! Until then, I'm off to put my running shoes by the door so I can get out there again tomorrow.

I never quit before

Now that I have my first ever blog out of the way I can talk about running or I guess in this case not running the Marine Corps Marathon. This is the 3d time I've made the cut and had to back out. The first time I backed out I was pregnant. The second time I backed out I had gotten into the NY City Marathon and lived in NY so I ran that one. This time I have no excuse and it feels awful. I ran NY 9 months after my 3d child was born. I breastfed at the family reception area after a very long marathon (had to keep drinking at every station to make breast milk). I thought wow what a great way to get back in shape. None of my friends told me I was nuts so I thought it had to be ok. Soooo,, 4th child born last December and I signed up to run the Marine Corps. I pulled out Hal Higdon and started training, then stopped, then started and got up to a 12 mile long run before realizing I am out of my mind. I have two kids on select soccer teams, a busy 4 year old and an infant who really does not ask for much except to be fed and held, but I was jumping my mileage without putting the weekly runs in. My knees hurt. I've never ever had a running injury. I'm too slow for that. I weigh too much for this and I've got to call it quits. My friends and family could care less. I'm the only one crying for a lost marathon. I should go ahead and run a half marathon as I'm trained for that. Lost causes. I did love the two hours to myself for the weekly long runs. My husband will always help me run. I feel pressured to have a plan. What will I write in our Christmas letter?

This is a testblog...

although with my luck it will actually WORK and my blogmommyblog career shall be launched with a fizzle.

If, however, the blog-G-ds smile benevolently upon me then I shall be back.

Soon.

At some point here after I bathe my toddler tornado, motivate to shower, shave my legs and actually GO OUT (sans husband) and pretend Im a grown-up again.


For a few hours anyway...

How I Got Here

The local news had run a feature inviting girls from the area to submit applications as to why their mother should be Mom of the Year and, initially, I was very excited. Until, that is, I actually tried to think of reasons why my mother should be Mom of the Year.
In my eyes, a child's eyes, there was no doubt that she was Mom of the Year, but in society's eyes, well, I had to admit, she didn't have much to offer. The truth of it was, and is, that single mom's of three children whose kids go to school hungry and wearing the same clothes as they had worn the day before, aren't exactly Mom's of the Year. That mom's like mine, who opted out of meet the teacher night and who never baked cookies or accompanied the class on a field trip weren't the sort of mom's who earned honors.
The realization brought with it quite a bit of shame--shame for myself and shame for my mother. At that moment I knew that I wanted to be Mom of the Year. That when my time came, my child(ren) would have a Mom of the Year.
And here I am now! I won't lie. It's been a bumpy ride. Like water following a groove, I have been tempted by mediocrity and I've had to teach myself and learn by default many things that I think other kids were taught--I don't know. But I've also taught myself and learned by default many things that other kids weren't taught for the simple reason that they had a Mom of the Year and I'm pretty sure that's what the whole trip has been about.

Put on your running shoes, clothes....

Good Morning,

This is my first ever blog and I'm as nervous as a new bride. Ok, I was never nervous getting married, but it makes me laugh to write that. I'm Trice. I'm 43, and have 4 children. I have been in the Army and they make you run. Now I run because I love to run and it makes me a nicer person. My whole family knows that Mommy is so much nicer when she comes back from a run even if I was running in the rain, even if cars tried to run me over, even if it was only 30 minutes or 2 hours. They have also figured out that I'm a little less nice if I took a child in the running stroller and had to share the run. I've been the owner of at 7 running strollers over the past 12 years of Motherhood. I've run with two children in the heat of Texas in the double when my husband could not pinch hit. I've run in Germany in 1996 with one of the first Baby Joggers on a Volksmarch (10K) and had Germans chasing me down trying to buy my stroller. Now who would give up a stroller in the middle of a run? I've run on Normandy Beach commemorating D Day with both babies in a double. I'll keep this short today, but love to talk about running. I joined this blog to give my neighbors a break. They are tired of talking to me as I come in from a run and want to talk about running. My neighbor is running the Army Ten Miler this weekend. I signed up for it in 2001 and it was canceled after 9-11. I flew to DC and ran 10 miles by myself. I still have to get there for that race.

Yes, Ladies and Gentleman...

Mattel has yet another toy recall. Of course, they can't tell us which toys yet...have to wait for the press conference.

No Joke

A friend sent me one of those "true story" emails about toddlers getting drunk off of Purell. It appears to be true.

Don't Have The Time?

I read a tip in Working Mother magazine a couple of weeks ago. The tip was to squeeze in exercise whenever you can. I now do squats while I wait for my water bottle to fill. I do push-ups while I wait for Harry's "Mimo" in the microwave. I do sit-ups while Harry is on the potty. I just grape-vined up the stairs.
One of my first runs ever was a marathon (I did train for it, but I'd never done a 5K or a 10K or gone running on a track). After running a marathon at about age 25, a last minute 10K was no big deal...even when said 10K turned into a 10 miler! Well, times change. You do what you can to get by, and stay trim.
Since I work, I have real issues about taking even more time away from Harry. Now that he is 3, he does, too. Just ask me about the events leading up to him "zoom-zoom-ing" his cars during the ceremony at my sister-in-law's wedding. While I'd like to get out on a long run on Saturday, it's been easier for me to just lug my gym clothes along and hop out of the car on the way back from a meeting, or to run to the bank since with traffic as it is, it's quicker to run anyway.
I have also given up fast food. It's been almost 1 month. Instead of waiting in line at McDonald's, it is just as fast to get a bowl of Miso soup and seaweed salad from the Japanese Restaurant, or Harris Teeter, even.
I have gained ten pounds since December. I can't tell you yet that I have seen noticeable improvements, but I definitely have more strength and energy. And I even look forward to when Harry wants to sit on my shoulders during a two hour hike! I can tell you, I blew away my trainer at the gym today with my endurance for doing squats with a twenty pound bar on my shoulders. After all, I'm used to 34 pounds!

Tying My Shoes

Yesterday I enjoyed one of the most scenic marathons/half marathons in the country - the Charlottesville, VA half marathon. I hadn't really trained for it and almost didn't make it due to a sick child, but I got there and ran like the wind. This was my first race to run without my running buddies and buddy up with my ipod instead. The race was absolutely stunning, only about 1500 participants, and hilly as hell. Yes, there were some rolling hills. But there were also a couple of massive, lung-burning, calf-locking, thigh-screaming, vow-to-never-race-again HILLS. Runners were dropping like flies on these hills. Get the picture? I do tend to exaggerate a bit - but I swear these were difficult.

Back to the race...the race started at 6:30 a.m. I arrived too late the night before to pick up my packet early. So I needed to get there by 6am (cut off for packets). After arriving late to the hotel, staying up with a fussy baby, nursing several times through the night, I dragged my butt out of bed at red-eye 5am. Did I mention I also had a sick toddler with me? And guess what, I actually ran a good race! Yep - my pace was pretty spectacular in the scheme of things. Now...I hope you've all been able to experience that post-race glow when you know you ran well, overcame many challenges, and kicked some young girl butts! It is a great feeling that follows you for days! Even waking the next morning and realizing you can barely walk is a rush.

This morning as I limped out of bed I took a run down memory lane. Highlighs from some of the races I've donerun over the past 10 years were flashing through my mind. People I've met along the way, training partners, hills, bike rides, traveling for races, running with a hangover now and then.

And then I had a sad thought. I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO WAKE UP, TIE MY SHOES, AND HEAD OUT THE DOOR FOR A RACE WITHOUT A TON OF RESPONSIBILITIES HITTING ME IN THE FACE AGAIN. Do you remember pre-kids when you could run anytime, anywhere, no worries, no cares, no breakfast to make, no nursing before you head out the door, no rushing home to take care of the family? I know all of the obstacles of motherhood make us stronger. But wouldn't it be nice to have just one day, one more race, one more post-race beer, one more weekend without thoughts of motherhood responsibilities ringing in your head?

Yet another whirlwind of emotions took over. The joy I feel when I see my smart, strong, happy daughters running around chasing each other. The sense of accomplishment I will feel for years and years as my daughters reach goals of their own.

And one day - maybe when I'm 60 - and my girls are away at college or spending a summer abroad I will wake up, tie my shoes, and hit a PR (personal record) in a race once again.

Mini Van Mama

I'm the hip chick that said, "I would NEVER drive one of those goofy looking mini vans. Those are for desperate housewives toting around snot-nosed brats." Keep in mind, that was me in my mid-twenties -- single and loving it. Not a care in the world. No intention of getting married much less having kids. My most important decisions those days were which bar would I visit that night and what would I wear. Or what would be my big splurge of the month - new kick-ass shoes or a mini vacation? I was nearly hitting a six-digit income and spending every penny frivolously on myself.

Fast forward to present day. Married, two kids, two car garage, house in the burbs. Getting dangerously close to turning 40. Temporarily (hopefully) hung up my power business suits. And just had baby #2. Whoa! Who is this chick? Did my mother take over my body?

To top it all off -- I just bought a mini van. Yep, you read it right. I, the mini-van-hating-mini-skirt-wearing-mama opted for a mini van. And I LOVE IT. It holds anything and everything, including my two fabulous children, their toys, jogging stroller, snacks, books...everything. We can even transport adults AND kids at the same time!

Now, buying a mini van did not happen without some self-inflicted blows to my ego. As soon as I drove the house-on-wheels off the lot I aged 20 years. Seriously, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw a billion wrinkles on my previously somewhat smooth face. And a gray hair was waving at me too (one of many)! The next day I went on a teen-inspired t-shirt shopping spree. I bought a few concert shirts, skull-and-crossbone shirts, cool headbands, and a box of haircolor. I even ordered a microdermabrasion kit from a Susan Lucci (All My Children) infomercial. My thought process was this...if I had to get out of a mini van dragging two kids behind me, at least I could look somewhat cool doing it (or look like a young mom). A friend even sent my 2-year old daughter a couple of concert shirts so we could look hip together!

Why do I care? I really don't. I mean, I'm trying not to dwell on aging and fret about every tiny detail (sagging skin, weakening bones, dwindling energy, varicose veins). But we all want to age gracefully in the back of our minds - admit it. But most of all I think I just want to be a somewhat "hip mom" to my daughter's friends. Someone they feel comfortable coming to when they need advice. Someone they WANT to spend time with and don't feel embarrassed to be around. Someone to coach their soccer teams and drive them to state championships. Their dance partner in the living room! Someone to share their dreams and secrets.

I consider buying the mini van "taking one for the team!"
And, NO, it isn't one with DVD players and auto everything. I tried very hard to control myself!

By the way, my dear husband gave up his speedy Volkswagen Jetta to gift me with the van. Now THAT is what I call love.

Marathon Mom

Let me say this off the bat: I completely brought this upon myself. I have no one I can blame. I placed the curse upon myself.

I had the gall--the gall, I say!--to think to myself, "Wow, after the last action-packed marathon, this marathon will really give me nothing to blog about. I know all the ins and outs of the marathon. I know the tricks. I'm fully prepared. I'll have nothing to write but, 'I ran my second marathon and I had a time of XXX.'"

Which is how I jinxed this marathon.

Let's start with the sinus infection. I was feeling probably 80 percent better. But that didn't bother me as much as the words of my doctor, which kept running through my head. "You may not feel healthy enough to run. You may not feel healthy enough to run. You may not feel healthy enough to run." The power of positive thinking right? Yeah, right.

Then there was the missing registration card. The ING site said, "All U.S. registration cards will be mailed the week of Oct. 13." So I waited. And waited. No card. Where is my card? The card that is essential for getting my race number at the expo? No card. Then, the week before the race, an e-mail arrived that read, "If you didn't get your registration card in the mail, you can use this e-mail," which leads me to believe they didn't mail all the cards out. Okay, that's all right. Taken care of.

Then I called the hotel to confirm our reservation. Oh, they had it all right. For twice as long as we had intended on staying. Thank goodness I called because they had us down as arriving on Thursday. Can you imagine how thrilled I would have been had I shown up on Friday only to find that they not only charged my credit card the $358 for Thursday night but had since given away our room?

I printed out my registration card and took a good look at it for the first time. There I was. Yep. There's my name. That's my age. It's me. But wait? No bus pass? I know I signed up for a bus pass as it's the only reasonable way to get to the start line! What a pain in the neck. I've got to make sure to remember to buy a bus pass at the expo instead of nicely and conveniently having it printed on my bib number.

I know, I know. You're thinking, "This really isn't all that big a deal. You were stressing over nothing." Which would be true if it weren't for the final thing. The ultimate jinx. The voice-from-above "I gave you plenty of signs you shouldn't run and yet you ignore me" jinx.

I took a closer look at my registration card. I noted my bib number. Last time I ran my bib number was 47474. A nice high number because I had put down a very slow predicted race time. No biggie. But this time my race number is W409. That's odd. Did they change the numbering schematic? And then I look one more time. There it is on the side, in all caps. "WHEELCHAIR START." Um, hello? HELLO!!!! I DON'T THINK SO!

While it certainly provided much fodder for the household banter ("Do we have plans for next Wednesday? I want to go out for dinner with a friend." "Well, I suppose it's okay. I'm sure I'll have managed to navigate bathtime in the wheelchair by then"), it turned me into a stress monkey. Which in a way was good, because I wasn't stressing about the race itself. I found myself being extra careful when I ran because I was convinced I was going to break a limb. (Again, the voice from above: "You wanted a wheelchair start? Well, I'll give you a wheelchair start!") My husband was convinced it was no big deal and they'd fix it at the expo but I was pretty sure they were just making me go to the help desk to publicly humiliate me and strip me of my running shoes.

As it turns out I was right in the first place: there really isn't much to blog about the marathon. My sister was correct when she told me, "All those jinxes were good! You got all the bad stuff out of the way and now you can run a great marathon!"

The trip to New York was hunky dory. The kids were well behaved and, except for that smell that began to seep out of Pie's diaper around New Rochelle, the trip was uneventful. We gave a ride to another runner, and Adam dropped the two of us at the Expo center on our way into town Friday evening. What a difference a day makes. Whereas last time, when I went on Saturday, the lines snaked out of the building, on Friday evening we walked right in. I went to the "Solutions Desk," and they did indeed solution my wheelchair problem. Hallelujah! It's a miracle! I can walk again! In fact, I ended up with a lower number (when I signed up, I think I predicted at 4:45 or 5 hour marathon and I knew I could do much better than that) and she asked me which color I'd like to start with. I didn't have a preference and she said, "I'll give you blue. That's a good one--you start on top of the bridge." And then she gave me a bus pass! How sweet was that? I was able to actually enjoy the rest of the Expo.

And then: Sunday. I woke a zillion times in the night (didn't help that Doodles was crammed between me and Adam, with his little head shoved into my side and his feet under Adam) and I finally got up at 4:55 a.m., five minutes before the alarm. I got dressed and headed to meet my friend to hop the bus to the start. This is definitely the most tedious part of the marathon--just waiting for the start. We took a 5:30 bus but the marathon didn't start till 10:10. The sun was just starting to come up when we got off the bus at the start in Staten Island. We had to split up, because she had a seeded number (she told me later that she got distracted at the start, because she looked up and over to the other side of the bridge, and there was Lance).

So I waited. And waited. And waited. Used the portapotty a bunch. Got some Tylenol. Drank a lot of tea. Jumped up and down trying to keep warm. Had a little massage. And I waited. And waited. Finally it was time to line up. We started to move up before the gun went off and sure enough the bathrooms emptied out. I was actually able to run in and be out in time to hear the starting gun. With my "low" number (if 30012 can really be considered low), it only took me ten minutes to cross the starting line. I decided to hang out with the 4:30 pace group. I really had no idea what my speed would be--hard to tell in training what you can reasonable sustain over 4 1/2 to 5 hours. My goal was a 4:45 marathon. My stretch goal was a 4:30 marathon. My don't-admit-it-to-anyone-but-what-I'm-really-hoping-for goal was a 4:22 marathon.

I kept with the pace group in the beginning, but realized I found it distracting. I wasn't paying as much attention to the crowds and the music and the scenery because I was so focused on keeping up with the group. I also found the run to be much, much denser this time, and I exerted way too much energy weaving in and out and around people. It was a tad claustrophobic. I made friends with another woman, Kelly, and we chatted and ran together for a while, but I soon discovered if I ran just in front of the pace group, it was a little less crowded.

My first goal was my family at mile 11. Unfortunately I didn't know which side of the street they'd be on, so I slowed down from the pace group so I could get a good look. My right knee started to bother me, but I decided to ignore it. At about 11 1/2 miles I spotted them. Doodles was day dreaming and even though I screamed his name about 12 times, he barely saw me. Pie was asleep in Adam's backpack. And I just kept running. At this point, the miles were coming fast and furious, just melting away. But about halfway over the Queensboro Bridge, my knee really started to bother me, to the point where I feared I might have to drop out. I considered stopping at a medical tent, but told myself I'd go just a little farther and think about stopping at the next one. I started to walk through the water stops, and that helped considerably. By this time the pace team was ahead of me, but I just kept a steady pace and around mile 18 or so, I had caught up, and by mile 19, they were definitely behind me. At mile 20, my sister was waiting for me with a friend. "My knee hurts!" I told her. She replied, "Just keep going! Keep running!" so I did.

Around this point, I was relieved that I had broken through the wall. I knew I was going to have the energy to sustain me to the end, as long as my knee held out. But this is also the point where each mile doubles in length. The miles were no longer melting away, but sloooooooooowly stretchhhhhhing ooooooouuuuutttt. I had to resist the urge to run faster, because five miles after 21 miles is still a long way to go. So I just kept a steady pace.

Once I hit 23 miles, I knew I'd make it even if I had to crawl across the finish line, so I let myself speed up a little. I would have liked to have sped up even more, but there were still so many runners on the course that it was difficult to navigate around them. I still walked at water stations--even at mile 25 (didn't want to collapse because of my knee in mile 26)--but I felt great. I powered through the end, feeling like a champ. Adam and the Pie were apparently at the end, at 250 yards, but I didn't even notice them, I was so in the zone. I flew through the finish line, clocking in at 4:25:07. Despite being three minutes off my dream goal, I was exceedingly pleased (remember, my only other marathon was a 5:19 marathon!). I feel confident that given a flatter, less crowded course, I could do it.

After the race, I gathered with my family and a close friend at my parents' place for pizza and wine. The next day I got my medal engraved, bought a finisher's shirt, and spent the morning at the Central Park Zoo. The ride back was fine except that the Pie was finished with it about 45 minutes before we were finished with it, which made for a painfully loud experience.

As far as body woes, my knee now seems to be fine. I have one very, very ugly toe (I tried to take a picture of it for all of you, but you can be grateful that it didn't come out well enough to really appreciate the black, bloody, bruised thing that it is) but I'm itching to get back out there.

So now? Now it's time to 1) recover and then 2) get back into training. After all, it's only two months, one week, and six days until the Miami Marathon! 4:22, here I come!

Just like Lewis & Clark

One of the things I like best about being a runner is exploring a new city on foot. Unfortunately, when I'm not training for a race, this luxury goes by the wayside. However, this summer's marathon training got me out for a fantastic long run on a recent trip to Louisville.

The Louisville Riverwalk runs 6.3 miles from downtown Louisville to Shawnee Park on the city's West End. The trail runs adjacent to the river for a bit, and then passes by working railroad tracks, through wooded areas, past parks and a golf course, and eventually ends up at Shawnee Park (which itself has a 1.3 mile running loop around its grounds). Along the path are various lists of river-related trivia embedded in the asphalt, which help take a runners' mind off the many miles stretching out before her. I wound up running just under 16 miles in perfect weather.

What struck me the most was that is was not very crowded, unlike the trails here in the D.C. area. On the way out, I could count on one hand the number of people I saw along the trail (which was, quite frankly, a little unnerving for a female running along). And, of the runners I saw along the trail, there were no other women. It wasn't until I got to Shawnee Park that I saw a woman running (with a male running partner). She caught sight of me, and began clapping, saying, "Yeah! A woman running! I like to see that!" It made me wonder if it was such an odd sight for a woman to be running in Lousiville.

Fortunately, on my way back towards downtown, I saw several female runners. I think most of them were with the Leukemia Society Team in Training group, but it was good to see them out there nonetheless.

All in all, it was a fantastic place for a run, and it cemented my love of running in Louisville (the scenic loop in Cherokee Park is a close second). However, it also made me grateful for the strength and diversity of the running community here in D.C.

Practice Makes Perfect

It's interesting- the more you run, the better you become at it, as is the case with most things. But with Pilates, the more you do it, the harder it gets. Therin lies the paradox (has anyone read Prep? I've been looking for a reason to use that last line. Need to remove it from my head and pass it on to you).
I guess the thing is, when you do Pilates, you learn how to do it better, and you focus on different things. You learn new skills so that you advance. Hmmmm...
I've been telling Harry lately that the more he practices something, the better he will get. Usually he believes everything I say. If he doesn't, he matter-of-factly says "Mommy Do It." He doesn't get hung up on the fact that he can't, say, wipe his face with a napkin (even though he can). But, Harry does get excited when he perseveres and succeeds. "I did it!" he says with a sparkle in his eye.
I suppose, as with Pilates, life will get harder. I was thinking Pilates was the exception to the rule, but I suppose not. I just never thought about it.
While watching a Baby Einstein DVD a few years ago, I realized a Solar System is named such because the planets revolved around the sun. My brother-in-law, a science teacher, was appalled that I didn't already know this. Perhaps I did, but it doesn't come up in my day to day pharmaceutical research.
Another thing I learned today, while watching Franklin, is that sometimes people get mad at you, but that doesn't mean they like you any less. I'll ignore the fact that this may indeed change as we age. I will pretend that it is true: everything we need to know in life, we learned in kindergarten.

And Already It Begins...

I get Doodles out of the house and to Target by telling him he can pick out a new lunch box that he’ll take with him to preschool. He’s psyched for the idea, and all the while I’m shopping, he’s asking, “Where are the lunch boxes? Can I get my lunch box now?” I say we’ll get there soon and I remind him that Sweetie Pie will need a lunch box too for the Tiny Tot room. “Can I pick out her lunch box?” I shrug, and say, “Sure!” Sweetie Pie is babbling away in my mei tai carrier and doesn’t seem to mind the idea.

So, we make our way over the lunch box aisle finally, and they have *the* cutest dinosaur lunch boxes. I quickly move Doodles past the Spiderman, Batman, and the like lunch boxes.

Me: Wow! Look at this! Are these the coolest lunch boxes or what?
Doodles: They’re dinosaurs!
Me: They are dinosaurs!
Doodles: I want a dinosaur lunch box!
Me: I think that’s a fabulous idea. Would you like the orange one or the green one?
Doodles: Um, the orange one.
I pull the orange one over.
Me: Look! Do you see what kind of dinosaur it is?
Doodles: Is it a triceratops?
Me: Yes, it is! That’s very good, Doodles.
Doodles: I want to pick Sweetie Pie’s lunch box.
Me: Great idea. Do you think Sweetie Pie would like the green dinosaur?
Doodles wrinkles his face in distaste.
Doodles: No. Sweetie Pie wants the Hello Kitty lunchbox.
Let me interject here and ask: How the hell does my son know what Hello Kitty is!!?!! Okay, back to our story:
Me: I really think Sweetie Pie would like the green dinosaur.
Doodles: No, the Hello Kitty lunch box.
Me: I think the green dinosaur is the baby sister dinosaur. Don’t you think Sweetie Pie should have the baby sister dinosaur?
Doodles starts getting upset: The Hello Kitty lunch box!
Me: I have an idea! Why don’t we get you the Hello Kitty lunchbox and we’ll get Sweetie Pie the dinosaur lunch box!
Doodles: No, I want the dinosaur. Sweetie Pie wants Hello Kitty.

Now I’m debating with myself. Do I get the Hello Kitty like he asks for? (I can't find the lunch box online, but it looks almost like this.) After all, I did say he could pick out her lunch box. Or do I override him and get her the green dinosaur? I even contemplate buying both the green dinosaur and the Hello Kitty and then secretly returning the Hello Kitty when Doodles’s forgotten about it. Then I have an idea. After all, Sweetie Pie has my genes, right?

Me: I know! Let’s let Sweetie Pie decide!
Sweetie Pie is happily reaching for everything from inside my mei tai.
I hold up the dinosaur.
Me: Sweetie Pie! [lots of cheer in my voice] Do you want the neat green dinosaur!!
I hold up Hello Kitty.
Me: [voice goes lower] Or do you want this one?
Sweetie Pie looks at both. Her eyes start to sparkle and she gives a big smile.
Me: Look! Sweetie Pie wants the dinosaur! Here Sweetie Pie!
At which point Sweetie Pie squeals loudly with disgust, bats her hand out until it makes contact with the dinosaur, throwing it down on the ground, and grabs the Hello Kitty lunch box with both hand, cackling with delight.
Sweetie Pie: Eee! Eee! Eee!

I buy one dinosaur lunch box and one Hello Kitty lunchbox.

I’m a failure as a feminist mother. They’re going to take away my feminist credentials. Might as well buy those Barbies now and get it over with.

Tip to feel good about being a traveling/working/busy mom

When Harry was an infant, traveling for work was not as hard. In fact, it was nice to be able to relax for a night before rushing home. I have been hoping when he is older he will understand and maybe even appreciate my travel. I figure our phone calls will be more productive, he can fax me his homework to review, I can leave him notes in his backpack...But 2 is hard. At 2, he just wants Mommy to be home. Actually, he wants Mommy to take him to the beach. (I want to go to the beach too!) So, feeling guilty (and a bit lazy) and not wanting to catch a 6 AM flight to Atlanta, I sat down at Harry's desk and picked up a crayon and wrote him a letter. The extent was "Good Morning, Harry! Love, Mommy!" It included pawprints, happy faces and flowers. I am told after finally finding it on the floor in front of him, he went and wrote his own response to me (across the front of the letter of course!). I can't wait to see it. And if the letter didn't serve the full purpose of letting him know I was thinking about him, at least it was a distraction!

Oh- and running 4 miles on the treadmill helped me sweat out some guilt too!

first day of school

I dropped Iz off for his first day of "school" -- a summer program in town that meets two days a week for four hours each day. One of the days is called"Mothers' Day Out", the other the "Early School Program." The former concentrates on holidays and social stuff, the latter on school-like topics (colors, shapes, numers, letters). But the teachers, kids, and place are the same. The kids arrive, play with toys, do an art project, play outside, eat lunch, and again play with toys or go outside. Perfect for little Iz.

How to explain to a two-year-old kid who has never been to school what school is... Didn't matter. We arrived at the door and he took off without a backward glance. The Seasame Street theme helped (he pounced on a little plastic Elmo action figure).

I hovered a bit before I left. I wasn't worried that the teachers couldn't take care of him. But I did wonder if I should tell them that he doesn't eat a damn thing. I decided not to because it occurred to me that he might eat better around other kids and when those around him had no idea he is a pain about food. We'll see. I'll probably get a starving, exhausted child back at 1pm. Maybe then he'll start figuring the food thing out.

This school thing is odd. Now I have four hours and no work on my desk to get done (when I don't have child care for him, I have tons of work -- am I cursed?). Sure, I could clean some part of the house. Yes, I could clean and organize my office. Maybe tomorrow, when he goes again. Now I think I am going to exercise out back, then paint a bit (I'm still working on the big version of the Zamia Street house). Maybe, maybe, then I'll start in on cleaning my office.

Update: I received an "Iz has messed himself, please come and change him" call an hour after I dropped him off. You see, they don't do diapers, though they don't expect a two-year-old to be toilet trained, just toilet "aware." I sent him in pull ups to at least pretend he is aware. I ran over (okay, drove over), changed him, and left again.

The report at 1pm was that he been great -- not even cranky when he was tired (which the teacher said some of the older kids were). He is a rallyer when tired, as long as there are other kids around and toys to play with. But he didn't eat a damn thing.

where have I been?

It all started when Iz fractured his foot on May 31. He climbed on a little square cafe table on our back deck. As I walked toward him and asked him to get down, he smiled that "of course I'm not going to listen to you -- in fact, I'm going to make the whole situation more risky" and walked to the edge of the table and jumped.

Not off the table, but the table tipped, he flattened out on the table top, and the two hit the ground. Not very fast, not very hard, not very far. But it was enough.

The foot breaking happened right when I had a huge, unfamiliar editing job for a new client that I had promised to them by June 5 (I did get an extension until June 9 -- and just managed to get it done). I may sound selfish here -- believe me, I would rather make sure Iz was okay than do the editing job -- but the facts were that I had this huge job and had made a promise to a client.

Iz was a mess for a few days (understandably). The first night, he slept no more than 3 hours combined -- no more than 15 minutes at a time. The rest of the time he was crying -- ranging from hysterical to wimpering. I knew he was exhausted and drove around with him for an hour at 2 a.m. (Interesting out there on the roads at 2 a.m. We live in an area which has a high number of car thefts and I think I saw a car being stolen. But what was I going to do about it? Pull over and ask the three young men -- who were hiding their faces from my view -- what they were doing while my two-year-old screamed. Not likely. They were gone by the time I made a third loop down the road -- as were two cars.)

The type of crying seemed like the pain kind, but it turns out he was totally frustrated with the splint. Took us two days to figure that one out -- if we unwrapped the ace bandage, he fell right asleep.

Anyway... I snapped. I indulged in my own hysterical crying and rants that spiraled into hopelessness. (A complete mental breakdown? Hard to say.) I think I still have not recovered. I am questioning everything:

• I love taking care of Iz, but should I put him in more extensive child care so I can get work done?
• I can't imagine myself not working, but could I work much less and not be destitute?
• Should I bag the whole idea of having a second child?

Maybe I'll recover and stop doubting everything.

Isaac is, of course, recovering (I was never worried that he wouldn't). He never had a cast put on because the first split gave him a huge blister -- and you can't put a cast on a blister (festering possibilities). So we can take off his splint, bathe him, stop him from screaming hysterically... And he runs around on the split like nothing is wrong. He calls it his "big foot."

IT JUST GOT INTERESTING!

No, I don't mean Jen & Vince's pending engagement. I mean the second marathon I signed up for this October! I feel fine after running 1, so why not 2? I'll be seein' ya in Chicago October 22 and again a week later for my third Marine Corps Marathon. Hmmm. I REALLY better start training now. Anyone have any good suggestions for a 4 month training plan? ;-)

Bert-day to you. Bert-day to you.

Instead of Here Comes the Bride, the tune I hear most frequently these days is Happy Birthday To You. I’m not complaining, really. I just find it interesting.
I realized the other day that this is the first year in the past 15 that I don’t have 1 single wedding to attend – at least none that I am aware of this late in the game. There were some years that we woudl attend 3 weddings in one weekend. 1 day we attended two weddings in two different states...and I was in one of them! But now they seem to have been replaced.
What I have now is a schedule full of toddler birthdays and birth announcements. They are fun. A social outlet, at least. I do miss cake that doesn’t turn my teeth dark green (Ninja Turtles) and sitting down to enjoy a meal. And dancing with my husband. But bouncing around the room with my toddler can be a blast...and don't you kind of wish everyone still lit up at the site of a balloon? It would make business meetings a whole lot more interesting!

I Will Make It There...

I ran the Covered Bridges Half Marathon on our vacation. First let me say, the name is somewhat of a misnomer. We ran over exactly one covered bridge. However we did pass another and regardless the scenery was absolutely stunning. What an amazing half. It's quite difficult to get into the race--they open registration in December and it generally fills the same day. I had my husband get online first thing in the morning to secure my spot.

I ended up running about 90 percent of the race with friends, which made it just fly by. At about mile 10 1/2, though, it started being not so fun. That always happens. I'm digging the race, in a zone, psyched just to be running. And then at some point, I realize, "Hey, I'm tired. I'm ready to be done." And then I just want the race to be over, which kind of works in my favor because it forces me to kick it to get the race over with faster.

Which leads me to my time. A personal half marathon record for me! My net time was 2:04:17 for a pace of 9:29 minutes a mile! Whoo hoo! Now it has me thinking, "Could I break the two hour half marathon?"

Anyway, we returned from a week's vacation with me kicking and screaming and not wanting to come home to, well, real life. I said to my husband, "Now what? Now what do I have to look forward to? We have no more trips planned."

Ah, but sometimes the gods work in your favor. And when I came home and downloaded my zillion e-mails, there it was: "Countdown to the start of the race of your life, November 5, 2006: 150 Days. Congratulations! You're in for the experience of a lifetime, the ING New York City Marathon 2006!" It's my do-over! I got a lottery spot in the NYC marathon!

It's completely rejuvenated me. And I'm really far ahead in my training this time around--already up to 15 mile long runs. I see a great race in my future. Anyone else out there doing it?

"Marathoning is like cutting yourself unexpectedly. You dip into the pain so gradually that the damage is done before you are aware of it. Unfortunately, when the awareness comes, it is excruciating." -- John Farrington, Australian marathoner

I guess I dig the pain.

Improving with Age

So my mind may be slowing, but my body is speeding up! I ran the Portsmouth Red Hook/Runner's Alley 5k last Sunday, and I kicked butt! About four and a half years ago, Adam and I ran a 10k together. I thought I did awesome then! Well, now that I'm practically 38, I broke my personal record:

535 (out of 1529)
42 out of 262 in my gender/age division
total time: 25:57
pace: 8:22 minutes a mile.

In just two short years, I'm in a new age division (and a "master's" runner. Yuck!), which means I might actually start to really kick some ass. Right now, my age division is 30 to 39, so I'm competing against those youngsters. When I'm running in the 40 to 49 year olds, I'll be the young 'un!

My half marathon is this weekend. I have a terrible time pacing myself on longer races--I tend to go out too hard and then sputter out at the end. I haven't quite figured out what my pace should be, although for 13.1 miles, I'm hoping to average a 9:45 to 10 minute a mile pace. Wish me luck!

DoodleSpeak

We're now entering that phase that's so wonderful when Doodles's communication is getting to the point where he can really express himself and tell stories and let us know what's going on in his world. It was really exciting for me the day I walked into his day care and he said, "Come see the chrysalis!" and he brought me over to a net cage. He said, "We had caterpillars. They're now chrysalis." His teacher prompted him, "What will they be?" Doodles said, "Butterflies!" His teacher asked, "What kind?" Doodles said excitedly, "Painted lady!"

Sometimes he tugs at my heart strings. We're still having issues with Sweetie's sleep (will it ever end?) and the other day, I put her down. I was home alone with Doodles, so I was intermittently patting/walking/nursing Sweetie and then running back to take care of Doodles who also needed to get ready for bed. At one point, he stopped eating and he looked at me. "Sweetie is crying," he said to me. "I know, honey," I told him. "Can you make her feel better?" he asked me. Ugh! Don't I wish!

But there are also the really fun moments. Like last night. We were looking at his book, Things That Go, and I was pointing to different parts of a car, not sure which words he knew. Especially because of day care, I find that his vocabulary always surprises me, and he knows words I never would have expected him to know. So I pointed to different things and asked questions:

Me: What is this?
Doodles: A car!
Me: What color car?
Doodles: Blue!
Me: [pointing to the headlights] What are these?
Doodles: Headlights!
Me: That's very good! I didn't know you knew what those are. [now pointing to the side-view mirrors] And do you know what these are?
Doodles: [no hesitation] Ear lights!

Yeah! Does it get more fun than this?

Feelin' Good!

Wednesday I gave up coffee.
I have been dragging and I decided coffee may be the culprit.
I never used to drink the stuff. There are a lot of things I used to do and not do.
Anyway. No more coffee. At least not everyday.

Since giving up coffee, I am not dragging as much. In fact, I feel so good I decided that beginning tonight I am going to get 8 hours of sleep every night. I am even going to chart my progress.

I'm an all or nothing kind of gal - or at least, I used to be. Since getting pregnant 3 years ago, my health routine has been bordering on nothing. I was really sick when I was pregnant and the only thing that made me feel better was eating. Root Beer. Potatos. Cupcakes. I have given up the soda but not so much on the cupcakes and fries. Kick starting my regimine isn't working, so I am taking it one day at a time. Eventually, I will be back on track, rock hard and full of energy. That's my goal. Here is where you come in. What are your best kept secrets to feeling good? An apple a day? Vitamin D? Thai yoga massage? Pina Colada chapstick? Taco Tuesdays? Tanqueray? Let me know what works! I need to get moving. I bet I am not the only one!

Que es mas macho?

That would so be me. I am muy macho. Up here in eastern Massachusettes, we are having some MASSIVE rain. Sunday was not just pouring, it was ark-building weather. And yet, I had a race planned, a Mother's Day 5k and I was not to be deterred. Oh, I was a little disappointed because if the weather had been better, my whole family would have come to cheer me on and Doodles would have run his first race--there's a kids' fun run first--but I couldn't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day than a race.

But the clouds had their way and as I drove up, I was directed to the parking lot... where I was told the race was cancelled. The city asked the running club to cancel the race because flooding on the streets was so bad that cars needed to be redirected onto the race route. A few of us diehards were thanked for coming and we were encouraged to take a race shirt and partake of the baked goodies.

It was disappointing, but I felt a minor sense of accomplishment anyway, having shown up, which as we all know, is half the battle. It was going to be my first race since Sweetie was born (she's 8 1/2 months) and I was anxious to see my time. My running has improved so much of late, but I guess I'll have to wait until my next race (or rather my first race) on Memorial Day weekend. Which is fine. Just gives me that much more time to improve my speed!

Old School

As you may remember, I am a big fan of cross training. But, today I was being a super good runner. I walked to the gym and did my speedwork on the treadmill. I was all set to walk home when I got pulled into an Aerobics class. "It will be so fun!" I was told. I agreed and told the instructor I would likely stay for only 15 minutes. I stayed for the whole class! I felt like I was 13 again. Well, a slightly out of shape 13 year old, that is. It was a blast, though, and I have more spring in my run! It was weird to be in a workout studio with my shoes on and no yoga mat, but I have every intention if going back next week...and adding it to my marathon training!

Road Trip Season

I am on a teleconference at the moment. No clue what they are talking about. I do have a few ideas for my next vacation though. If you click on the link, there are a bunch of good ideas to use for road trips. And since I have to kind of listen to the call, and can't do anything too productive, here is my two cents:

Travel Games & Ideas for Toddlers:
Surprise packages Prepare ahead with paper bags of items to be given out every 25, 50 or 75 miles -- marked on a map with the location, it takes a little bit of preparation to do this but it REALLY helps young children. In each bag put a wrapped item -- usually a small toy. Then in some of the surprise packages you can add juice or a snack, stickers and a piece of paper, or something pertaining to the trip that you can talk about.

Hmmm...sounds like it will end up all over the mini-van. We take 3 hour trips regulary and I usually pack one bag with mostly large items such as books, etch-a-sketches, animals...NO STICKERS!

Travel Tickets
Use some colored construction paper to cut out some "tickets" for your trip. Give your child a pre-counted baggie full of tickets. Every half hour (or every 30 miles) they can turn in one ticket to you. When their tickets are gone, the trip has ended! This really helps young children get an idea of how much time is left on the journey.

Maybe for older kids...

Aluminum Foil modeling
Give everyone a sheet of aluminum foil. Have them mold it into anything they want: animal shapes, Frisbees, balls, jewelry, crowns, headband, necklaces. Be creative. Here's a link to article I wrote about more ways to have fun with aluminum art!

This one sounds like a great idea. And here is another addition: marathon blankets! You know those space age things you get after a big race? I stash them in my car in case I get stuck in one of those blizzards that pop up between DC and Philly unexpectedly. On a 1.5 hour drive on Easter, my 2 year old and my friend's 8 year old were entertained for an hour. 8 year old's little sister was left out though...so if you have multiple kids, you are going to have to run multiple marathons so you have more than 1 blanket (or use wrapping paper or aluminum foil).

Teleconference abruptly ended and when I tried to spell check I lost my entire post.
So, in brief, review the link. They have some good ideas.

Also, please ignore any spelling errors. I am not editing again!

In closing, thanks to everyone who recommended a car seat to use on a plane. We ended up with a lightweight Eddie Bauer for about $50. Harry loved it, was good as gold on the flight and in cabs, and it his now his "thinking chair" to draw "Clue's" in. I also used an old $9 folding luggage cart that they used to sell at airports before people had roller bags. Worked like a charm!

end of an era

A cliche for a title -- but I am so unexpectedly sad. Last night was my first night away from little Iz (who is just over two years old). He stayed with his grandparents, my in-laws. That was hard enough. (I knew they would take great care of him -- but it was odd and melancholy being away from him so long.) On the plus side, Abraham and I actually got to go running together without a jogging stroller or dog -- all by ourselves at 7 a.m. (because we were wide awake at 6 a.m. even sans toddler).

And, since Iz has now not nursed for two days, I have decided to wean him (seems like the only way -- though he may never nap for me again). And I am crying. No kidding. Tears streaming down my face, a few pathetic sobs. I have just left him in bed with his dad, who will do the getting him to sleep routine (he usually nurses to sleep with me -- yes, at two years old).

I don't really want a three-year-old who nurses (I may just be buying in to Western norms, but it seems a little odd to me -- and the kid needs to learn how to put himself to sleep sometime), but I have loved breastfeeding him. It has been easier than I expected; I never had much pain -- some soreness and odd breast changes early on. But easier than many stories I have heard and read. Since I had no idea how to wean him, this seemed like the only way. But I am so sad.

And tomorrow is my 35th birthday (I am not sad about that at all -- a fine age to be) -- and this is simply not a great present to give myself. But what else can I do?

Can’t we all just get along?

Sorry to use such a cliché in the title of the post, but this morning I had a truly mystifying experience on the trail. I was out running with one of my intrepid running partners on this glorious spring morning. The trail was, naturally, quite busy despite the early hour. Walkers, runners, cyclists, all sharing one of the recreational jewels of the Northern Virginia suburbs. As we approached a choke point (a narrow bridge), we were passed on the left by a faster runner going at a pretty good clip as two other runners were coming the other way, who were about to be passed on their left by a cyclist. The cyclist had to weave around the runner who had just passed us and squeeze between the two sets of runners. Annoying, I understand, but not atypical of a day on the trail. But as he passed us, he muttered under his breath, "f***ing joggers!"

Was that really called for?

I know historically there has been animosity between cyclists and runners, as they all share tight quarters in an attempt to avoid the exhaust fumes and road crossings of street running. And I know there are lapses on both sides, as I have been nearly plowed down by cyclists who think they're training for the Tour de France and my then-two-year-old daughter nearly caused a three-bicycle pileup when she got away from me at a pitstop on the side of the trail and ran into oncoming traffic. But, please. A little civility could go a long way.

Long Live Estee Lauder and Bras that Fit

Before I had a child, I was not old. Now I am. Granted, I turned 30 while pregnant, and that may have a little to do with it. Also, the weight changes. I, at least, am convinced that pre-baby I could walk out of the house with wet hair and little make-up and still look good for most of the day. Granted, I had a better body back then. That may have helped.
But, ladies, never under estimate the power of a good bra and some under eye concealer. Sure, it costs a little, but aren't we worth it? So, here are my tips:

1. Estee Lauder Perfectionist is everything that it claims to be. Add a little bit of concealer and you will look 29 again.
2. Yes, a good bra really does make your clothes look better.

I don't know about you, but mine are pricey (I am a bit bigger up top, and I am not bragging). I had hoped my old ones, which were new pre-baby, would fit well again eventually. At this point, they were nearly 3 years old, still not fitting well...time to take the plunger and get re-measured. It was well worth the price. I feel better, I look smaller, and I can wear a lot of old shirts that weren't fitting well in the too-small bras. So, it saved me money in the long run.

Now, back to the long run...

Guilty Pleasures

Wednesday morning in Alexandria. No, I am not sitting at home watching The Real Housewives of Orange County on Tivo. I am out doing my tempo run- on recycling day! I am checking out what brand of orange juice the neighbors drink. (One drinks Tang!). I am seeing who drinks better wine...who else likes Red Bull...who had a party...who prefers Pepsi to Coke...what brand of water Denise Austin drinks (just kidding. I didn't run that far)...who puts their newspapers in Trader's Joe's bags. I even checked out my own. In fact, mine was the healthiest one on the block. Good thing we dropped the empty Sierra Nevadas off at a friend's!
Hey, it makes the running go faster, right? I also like checking out what people stock in their refrigerators...how neat they are...I blame MTV (Cribs) for this. They do it, too. I have just taken it to teh streets!

Cross Training

So, I'm at the gym. I am taking a yoga class rather than running on the treadmill or outside. I love yoga. It makes me feel stronger and more fit. After a few weeks of daily yoga, I see results. I look more toned and my clothes fit better. After a few days of doing yoga, I get the urge to run another marathon.

So I sign up for races. I religiously attend yoga and brush up on my Pilates. I might swim, bike, even add weights. I take the dog for long, fast walks. Do I run? No, I do not! I do not run!

I mentioned to some friends last week that I was planning to run the Marine Corps Marathon again this year (assuming I get in). I don't know why I was surprised by the response. This was it: "Are you going to run this one without training, too?" Keep in mind, these friends are a group I used to work out with every day at 5:00 AM.

Well, when you put it that way!

I have run 4 marathons, lots of 10-milers, a couple of half marathons, some sprint triathlons...but I can't say I have ever logged more than 30 miles a week. That would include those weeks I was supposed to be running those longer-than-the-actual-marathon runs.
I am a bit slow right now, but pre-baby I kept a reasonably steady pace. I could run a 7 minute mile and average 10 for a marathon. My best marathon ever I stopped running a month before the event. It was the 2001 MCM and I wasn't sure it would actually be held that year. Luckily, I had trained with a running coach early on...but I stopped because the faster I got the less fun the running became. No what? I actually finished ahead of the 3 people I struggled to keep up with during training!

Some people run to get faster, or to meet personal goals, or to lose weight. I run to have fun. I mentioned getting faster takes the fun out of things for me. I usually gain weight when I run. Personal goals...sure, I have those...hey, maybe my personal goal is to run marathon #5 without training for it! Although, that gets harder as I age...

For me, running clears my head. It gives me energy. It tans my skin. It often provides quality time with friends. It gives me something to talk about and a reason to be outside.

There are lots of reasons to run. Not everyone has to run to be faster. For those of you who are like me and aren't into that, it's okay. We still count as runners. And my training may not be traditional, but it gets the job done. I feel great during and after the race. And I have fun. My goal is not just to finish, but to enjoy the process. I like long distance runs, but I like too many different activities to possibly train for running just by running. After all, it's the journey, not just the destination.