Marathon Mom

Like all other runners I have my favorite, go to workout clothes and rarely deviate. But when I was contacted to review a new eco friendly workout top from Khai Earth I couldn’t say no. I’m a tank girl unless it is cold out so I chose the AirLite Tank but they have short sleeve active wear as well. They are a small company offering limited options but the simple options seems to meet most people’s needs. Do you prefer tanks or short sleeves to workout? The fabric had that cotton feel but was full tech and even lighter than the usual running top. It was super soft and comfortable. My only complaint is the lack of size chart on their website, I guessed and chose a small but probably could have gone Xsmall. It is recyclable and biodegradable… But the true test, the workout! I sweat and not the cute sparkle sweat, but full on drenched sweat. This fabric was awesome, as the sweat dripped off my forehead the inner layer of the tank kept my chest and back dry by quickl...

Normally I am full of ideas on what to write and while I have a few in my head I am just lacking clarity and don't know where to start so I just want to write some thoughts and today get back to why I began this blog; to write what was on my mind... This past week has been a little crazy and stressful all around. I know I haven't said much about the surgery I had last week but while I am feeling better I am still without answers, so we wait more. Could be another week before the doctor has things back to discuss. I do have some answers to explain things that have been happening over the past few years and did find out that my hemoglobin is low and after looking at other labs, likely iron deficiency anemia, thanks to Tracy for her consult, got to love having sports minded physician friends J . I began on iron and hope to see a difference in the next month or so. Since Friday we have also been dealing with a sick puppy. Every time I think about bringing him in he ge...

As a long time runner and through many injuries I keep talking about becoming a true triathlete to focus on the cross training. Yes, I have done two in the past; one indoor and one in a lake and yikes the lake swim nearly killed me! It has been many years but I am ready to go for it again. Awhile ago I asked Laura from Mommy Run Fast  for her advice on going from runner to triathlete. Below is a combination of advice from us both... Swim: The lake swim is what gets the best of most of us “non swimmers”. The thought of swimming with others and near weeds, fish etc. is not the best feeling. My first open water tri the water was cold and my breathing suffered.  Take a few deep breaths and think back to your childhood when the lake was no more than a big bath tub, jump in a have fun! Per Laura: “ You should aim for two- three swims per week, of about double the race swim mileage.  Master’s swim groups can be a great place to gain tips and be given workouts with swimm...

I decided I needed to get back in this habit of meal planning, so I am back to linking up with Laura and Jill who are hosting a weekly menu planning link up every Sunday. Check out their posts to see what others are making and find more healthy meals. We are going on week 3 of gluten free for O and seeing minimal changes: 2 weeks down and 2 to go before I make a decision about this. Lunch Dinner Sunday Soup, sweet potato with hummus Chili & Corn Muffins Monday Leftover Veggie Stir Fry Quinoa Mac n cheese Tuesday Leftover Chili GF toast with almond butter (pre-run) Wednesday Leftover Quinoa Mac n Cheese Veggie Pizza Thursday Leftover Pizza Pumpkin French Toast Friday Leftovers Butternut Squash Skillet (based on the linked recipe) Saturday ?? ?? Dinner out   Meal and workout planning are also part of the Elf 4 Health...

View from the run Saturday: The start of my early morning stretch and the last 20+ mile run before the taper begins. Matt and I were helping pace groups for a 20 Mile training run hosted by the gym I work for. It was the perfect morning to run and a great course to be running, 20 Mile out and back following the final 10 Miles of TCM. I agreed to pace a 9:00 mile forcing myself to take it easy on my final long run. As someone who is notorious for going out too fast I was not sure how this would go, but it was great! The run started a little messy and groups were spread all over so I ran with just a small group, allowing me to meet some great runners. I am always amazed how you can carry on a 3 hour conversation with someone you just met while running. I managed to stay pretty close averaging 8:50 miles. I headed back for an extra 2.5 miles and was happy to see I had enough left to push the hills at a 8:15 pace! Best part, I felt great, best run in a few weeks. Sunday: We had ...

After a nice 7 mile morning run I decided to skip the short drive to pick up a Redbox and instead get in a longer bike ride with a stop at the end for the movie American Reunion , in the mood for something funny so I hope it lives up to expectations. Lately I have been doing more biking: to and from Boot Camp/ the park / the beach/ or just for a ride meaning I and finding more frustrations with others while I am out.... If I say "Passing on your left" that is exactly what I mean. Please do not move to your left and in front of me. Why do people think it is safe to bike with earbuds in a no helmet? Please watch your children, do not let them play in the middle of bike trails especially those at the bottom of a hill or around a turn. I am not as fast as others and prefer not to hit your child or injure myself trying to avoid them. If you must stop and talk please do not take up the entire trail, move to the side so others can pass. Wildlife need to follow the above too...

We had originally planned a short family vacation, but after being so busy lately and being gone so much I thought it would be better to stay home and have fun doing things that we never have time for. I hate when trying to enjoy a vacation only leads to more stress, so why not avoid this stress and vacation at home? Thursday Summer here is packed with community festivals and parades, as a past princess for my hometown I know many of these very well. Thursday was the end of school and my hometown parade. O is finally catching on the the concept of candy throwing, but I think the pom-pom from the football team and political stickers were the highlight. (I did my best in monitoring her choice of political advertising!). The school was handing out books, so much better then candy. Beads and a pom-pom, what more do you need? Friday Parade #2 in our neighborhood. and another late night! I learned that she hates clowns just like I do when they tried to stop and she responded with ...

Happy Friday, a 3 day weekend and it began with an hour on the bike trainer and will likely continue with an afternoon run, I love these double days! Oh my, what have I just done? For years I've thinking about running an ultra and now I am committed to a 50K. I just registered for the Afton Trail Run in July. Now to figure out how to actually train for this so I don't embarrass myself! There is a 9 hour limit so I figure I will be fine and worst case I can stop after the first 25K loop if I need to. I honestly don't think the running will be a problem but I am concerned with fueling and not upsetting my GI system. Any advice? "Exercising" I guess this is what happens after a week of good news and excitement. The workouts of last weekend and then a nice 10 mile run in sun and warmth earlier this week along with time on the bike have inspired me and helped me arrive at an important decision. After being recruited about a month ago and then three interviews ...

What a weekend of workouts! I guess that's what happens when you hang out and train with friends training for an Ironman! It all started with an innocent conversation when the endurance trainer at the gym where I am the run coordinator asked me to let his group know about us. Fast forward a few weeks and I was asked to join some of the "fast" runners for long runs and it has progressed, I am now biking and have gotten into the pool, even considering a triathlon this summer. Saturday started early with a long run of 18 miles in the snow. I love snow running, it is just so peaceful and calming, but I could have done without the wind, bad footing and ebing pelted in the face with icy snow. It was tough and slow, but a great way to start the weekend. Kind of strange having my first real winter run in March, what a strange year so far. Sunday was another early morning. I was convinced to sign up for a spin event which is basically 1,000 people doing a 2 hour (actually 2:15...