Got Milk?

Guess what came in the mail yesterday?! My Refuel with Chocolate Milk grant and gear!

I couldn't wait to take the shirt out for a spin, so I wore it to the Y last night. Chad and I were only walking since we both ran on Sunday, but I couldn't resist!

It's good timing too. Chad and I will run the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k in less than two weeks! Hot chocolate is just chocolate milk warmed up, right? :)

Challenge 52-5

Ok, so last week's challenge of getting my clothes ready to go at the beginning of the week proved to be a big help. I'm going to keep at that one and try to start doing the same for my kids.

This week, I'm going to pick a challenge that's more about our health but sticks with the idea of a little advanced preparation. Let's preplan and even pre-portion out our snacks. I can't say I'd advise doing this for the whole week in advance. If you're like me, you don't have the room for that. However, I can do this the night before to ensure that I eat healthy options the next day. Snacks are my downfall. I get super hungry right after school and don't always plan for that well. So...that's the plan.

This week

I'm going to go ahead and do this week's miles counting today's run. I'm so off with these back and forth Saturday/Sunday runs, and I'm afraid I'll forget to count a run or two.

Mileage
This week: 18.35 miles
YTD: 68.85 miles

This morning's run was a planned 10 miles. My sister had 8 planned, so I ran a mile before I stopped by her house. It was a brisk 32*...cold for those of us in Texas where temps have been fluctuating from 50 to 70 on a regular basis. The run went well. We took off on a new course that took us out a little farther than normal, and it was a nice change in scenery. I didn't have to stop and walk at all and kept my paces pretty even, hovering between 10:30 and 10:45 for most of it. My first two miles were 11's, but I'm good with that. We kept up conversation for most of the run. We did have one scare with a dog...as we ran by a huge privacy fence, we heard the dog run and hit it and saw its head pop over the top! Holy cow! Well, that's not exactly what I said :)

Carrie stuck with me for my last mile making her run 9 miles. I know that was a boost for her since we've got a 15k in two weeks. It's not that she's never done this kind of distance because she has. However, her little one is just about 7 months old, so this is the farthest she's run since his birth. Pretty impressive!

On that note, my best friend Chandra's little one turns a year old this week. That means that just one year ago, she was pregnant...and now, a year later, she has already run a half marathon and is signed up for a marathon this summer. Impressive!

I didn't have time for an ice bath or even a decent breakfast after my run this morning, and I'm paying for it now. Chad ran on the treadmill while I was out running. We made it to church, but sitting still for that long after a run was not a good idea for either one of us. We're both tired and sore now.

However, I'm feeling a bit like Supermom today...long run, hot shower, two kids bathed and dressed, church, lunch (although Chad made that one!), a 100 days of school project and a 100 days of school snack...now on to a birthday party and dinner at the Johnson's. I'm going to be so glad to see my bed tonight!

Three Thing Thursday

1. Tonight we were supposed to have a family date night, but Chad had to go pick up my little buddy from preschool this morning because he was throwing up. I came home early to relieve him so he could get to a meeting. Ryan did fine all afternoon until just a little while ago. I could tell he wasn't feeling quite right...good thing too because he was sick again. So Chad and SB are on a daddy-daughter date instead.

2. I'm getting my house decluttered and organized. It's not horrible...I'm no hoarder. But I love bringing order to our home, and I love the mental space it frees up for me. I used to try and do the FlyLady thing, but I get overwhelmed by it. I'm using the routines from there though, and now I'm adding the Home Storage Solutions 101 52-Week Home Organization Challenge. I like it because it focuses on one small area each week. I didn't start at the beginning of the year, but somehow, we had actually done the first couple of challenges before we even knew about the challenge. I'm almost through with the kitchen and hope to be completely done with it by the weekend...just one drawer and two cabinets to go!

3. I have started scrapbooking digitally. I love it! I can't tell you how good it feels to be getting my pictures scrapbooked. It is awesome to be able to do a page or two without dragging out all of my crafting supplies. My plan is to really clean out my scrapbooking closet, saving only the things I think my kids will use in their crafting, so I can set up an office-like area there. I will probably save a lot of things, but I should be able to relocate things to higher shelves and save the desktop for workspace. It's going to be a time-consuming project, but one I know will be worth it.

Challenge 52-4

This week, let's focus on planning again, this time for just you (and maybe your kids, if you're ambitious).

This week's challenge: Plan what you will wear for the next week. Make sure everything is ready to wear. Plan everything, right down to the shoes and jewelry. If you can, set up an area where these outfits can be ready to go. I have a set of hooks above my closet window where I can put three of these outfits. I'm just really bad about remembering to do this. If you already do this, take it a step father and create a picture portfolio of your outfits and their variations so they are always at your fingertips.

Stick with it

For the past couple of weeks, I've had to run on Sundays because of our schedules. I definitely prefer early Saturday morning runs, but that just hasn't been feasible. And to be honest, the Sunday runs have been nice, especially since my sister and I have been able to run together. I knew I wasn't going to be able to run early this morning, but after seeing that tomorrow holds possible wind gusts of 55 mph, I figured running this afternoon in the cold was better than running tomorrow with warmer temperatures in the wind.

It seemed to take me forever to "gear up" for my run this afternoon, which gave me entirely too long to contemplate the nine-miler I was facing. I think I really like early morning runs because my feet are moving long before my brain has had time to realize what is about to happen. It took a few long slow miles to get in the groove, but I got that awesome feeling I normally get around mile 8 at around mile 6 today...oh, so nice! I love that feeling where it seems all my body parts actually belong to the same body and want to get along. In fact, I reached 9 miles and felt like more, so I tacked on .3 to make it a 15K since that's what I have planned in February. I really thought about going for 10 at that point, but sanity won out and I headed home.

The run started off with the potential to go south in a hurry. I almost turned around after just a quarter mile because I was cold. I had to change course for a dog...the same dog I later had to get out my pepper spray for (but luckily didn't have to use). My water bottles were leaking Gatorade all down my back side. However, I am so glad I stuck it out and enjoyed the run, even if it took a while to get that feeling. Sometimes that's just the way it is...we stick out the tough parts, and that makes the good stuff that much sweeter.

Mileage
This week: 25.55 miles (because I had a Sunday run and a Saturday run)
YTD: 50.8 miles

Challenge 52-3

I'm all about making things easy on yourself, and sometimes that takes a little prep work up front. It seems counter-productive, but it all works out in the end.

This week's challenge: Plan a week's worth (or more if you're so inclined) of healthy meals, including lunch, breakfasts and snacks. Then schedule a time to grocery shop for these meals. It doesn't have to be for this week...just do the planning before your next shopping trip. If you already do this, why don't you plan something different for the week instead of your old stand-by meals?

And share some of your plans! I always love to get some fresh ideas!

Happiness is...

Happiness is...

-A long run with my sister on a cold morning (but not as cold as it could be this time of year)
-A warm vanilla to warm up after that post-run chill sets in
-A little cat nap and a lazy morning after a long run
-A yummy lunch of French dips, caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms
-A second nap
-Hearing my kids play together in the backyard
-Having the windows open...yes, in January!
-Jumping on the trampoline with my kids and husband and enjoying the beautiful weather (how many calories does that burn?!)
-Catching up on TV shows with the family
-Learning something new
-Catching up on scrapbooking (now that I'm going digital!)

So that makes for one very happy day!

I have battled a headache all day, but I'm pretty sure it's because I didn't do a very good job of fueling before or after my run, especially considering electrolytes. I tried to fix the problem, a little late, by having some tomatoes with plenty of salt and some Nuun. It helped some, but that headache is still vaguely there.

And I have done this week's challenge of looking back. Part of that was while I was scrapbooking with my mom and sister yesterday. I've also looked back at my blog. It's always neat to see how far I've come in my running and all the fun things I've done with my family. And today marks the anniversary of my grandmother's passing. I have a scrapbook of just her, and I plan on looking through it tonight and remembering her and her life.

Mileage Report
This week: 15.25 miles (today's long run will be in next week's mileage...my week runs Sunday-Saturday)
YTD: 25.25 miles

Three Thing Thursday

1. It was Date Night, and I've been hungry for Chinese food...so that's what we did :) Look at me being decisive for once!

2. Chad and I are going to fit in a run (for him) and a strength training session (for me) now that the kids have gone to bed. I'm loving checking off my goals on my weekly chart. It gets me out there to do my strength training.

3. I'm really looking forward to a 3-day weekend! I have really been struggling with a weird brain fog and seem to be coming out of it, so I'm hoping I can get a few areas of the house decluttered and reorganized to free up some mental space. Plus, I think the kids and I will do a little cooking or craftiness that day.

Year in Review-Wordless Wednesday

My year in review according to Daily Mile...

Just the running stats...

Challenge 52-2

I forgot to post this yesterday. That seems to be a common issue these days. I'm going to write a few of these and schedule them to post on Mondays so I don't forget again.

Last week's challenge was to make an inspiration board of sorts to help you keep your year's focus nearby. I'm going to stick with my Wordle. I'll even get it printed out tonight to put in front of the treadmill.

I know we spent most of the first week of the year looking forward, but I think it's important to remember the past as well. So, this week's challenge is to spend some time looking back. Whether that's looking at old pictures of your family, flipping through a scrapbook or just thinking about your old self, focus on what has made you who you are, both good and bad. Use that time to solidify the goals you have for this year.

Sunday nights

I always feel a vague sense of apprehension on Sunday nights. Something about the weekend ending fills me with a little sadness and thinking about a new week beginning leaves me with a little anxiety.

However, as part of my New Year's goals, I decided I want to read the Bible at least 3 days a week. Chandra and I are going to start a Bible study (as soon as I remember to order it), but until then I found a daily reading plan on BibleGateway.com.

Part of today's reading was this: "33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:33-34

I needed to be reminded of that. Worrying is pointless. I should instead focus on the things that matter.

I tried to do that during this morning's long run. I focused on a different family member each mile...thanking God for them, praying for them and thinking how I could make our relationship better. It really helped me enjoy the run and choose to see these important pieces of my life in a different way.

I also ran into my sister after about 3 miles. She stuck with me, slow pace and all, for the next four miles. It was wonderful to have company and some good conversation to carry me through the miles. I wish I'd thought to take a picture of us! We both had BondiBands over our ears and ponytails in braids...the rest of her outfit was a little more colorful than mine though :)

So instead of dread looking at this week, I'm going to enjoy a little family time tonight, do what I can to prepare for the week, and worry a little less.

Weekend Fun

This weekend, my husband had a state umpire conference to attend in Dallas. The kids and I decided to tag along to have a little fun. The kids are easily entertained, so I knew a hotel with an indoor pool would be a hit...and I was right. And I got in right along with them and enjoyed some fun with the kids.

Then this morning, we decided we couldn't be 15 minutes away from a race my parents were running and not go cheer them on, so we made the quick (and luckily, not difficult) drive to Grapevine's Bold in the Cold run. We missed the start, but we did get to see Poppy finish and hang out with him to cheer Nana on as she ran by a couple of times before finishing. She finished first in her age division! (And I somehow managed to leave my camera at home, so I don't have many pictures of our fun this weekend...but I did video her finish!)

After that, I had to take the kids to the park we had seen on our way out to the race. They had wanted to stop then, but we wouldn't have made it to the race in time to see my dad finish if we'd done that. It was a really cool park.

Next to the park was a free botanical gardens that we enjoyed walking around for a little while. There were fish in the pond, a kitchen garden, and lots of paths to roam.

The kids were quite happy with their new Happy Nappers (yes, I'm a sucker...they saw them on sale at Walgreens where we had to make a quick pit stop).

From there, we met up with Daddy for burgers for lunch and chilled out in the room until he was done. Then we had to hit up the Ballpark, followed by getting Chad fitted for running shoes at Luke's Locker. By then, we had two very tired kids on our hands and frustration was setting in as we tried to find an open and easily-reached cupcake place (all because we saw one but it was closed). We ended up at a Corner Bakery, and that worked perfectly for a little treat. We headed home after that, and the kids were quickly asleep. Of course, we'll pay for that late nap now, but it's ok. The fun we had this weekend was worth it.

I didn't get a long run in today because of our little trip, so it's on schedule for tomorrow morning. I'm still debating the strength training for tonight. I only did it once this week, and I sure hate to not meet my New Year's goals the first week of the year.

Here's what I have for this week's mileage:

Mileage Report
Weekly: 10 miles
YTD: 10 miles

Three Thing Thursday

1. School started back this week, and that means we're getting back into routine. Routine is good, but it's always an adjustment. We're not quite there yet, but we're getting there. I've managed to have good lunches ready each day this week and had a good breakfast each day too! I've even been able to eat with the kids a couple of mornings. And my running is getting back into routine as well...two early morning runs so far!

2. I decided I needed some sort of visual to keep me on my track for my goals this year, so I made a little chart for each week...and it is helping! I'm almost there for this week's goals of 5 days of healthy eating (although tonight's pizza and fried Oreos didn't help that one), 4 days of cardio, 3 days of Bible reading, and 2 days of strength training. Here's what it looks like...and I put about a dozen on one page, so I can keep track of the whole year in just a few pages.

3. This week I've gotten to cook a little more than I usually do, and I'm loving it. I tried a recipe for tuna cakes or patties last night, and it was really good. And I've also been really enjoying lots of fresh veggies and fruits. I even tried a new food this week...cottage cheese! I tried it with apple butter...not so crazy about that, but I think I'll like it better with something savory like tomatoes or something. I'd say I'm doing a good job of eating healthy 80% of the time.

Choose

I've never done a Wordless Wednesday, but there's a first time for everything.

In a worst-case scenario, I'll use this for this week's challenge :)

Challenge Time!

I am all for a challenge, so I'm going to give it a try from the other side of things. I'm going to create a weekly challenge...something simple to complete during the week that relates to your home, your heart or your health. I'll try to rotate through these areas so that we hit each at least once a month. There aren't any prizes...unless I am feeling especially generous :)

For Week 1, your challenge is this:

Choose one word that will guide your year and create some way to focus on this on a regular basis...a collage, a framed picture, a quote, etc. Spend some time thinking about this and making it meaningful to you.

I'll post what I come up with later this week.

Happy New Year!

I couldn't stand the thought of not running on the first day of 2012, especially since I signed up for the Resolution Run through Run to the Finish and am participating in the HBBC. and then when I saw the status for Moms Run This Town this morning suggesting a run of 20:12, I knew I could do that! I had originally planned on running first thing this morning, but that didn't happen. I did, however, fit in a run late this afternoon. It was much cooler than yesterday, but it was still warmer than you'd think for January 1. I did 2.04 in 20:12...and then walked a half-mile home. It was a good run...nothing special, but thoroughly enjoyable.

I wrote "choose wisely" as my resolution. I think that covers most everything...to choose what I eat, what I do, how I spend my time and energy, what I think, who is around me, and all those little choices each day with thought and care.

In addition to my resolutions or goals for this year that I posted yesterday, I'm going to add a couple of principles to live by, things I am going to try to use to be happier and healthier.
1. Make conscious decisions regarding my mood, attitude, food, time, and actions. This means I will actually have to be decisive for once :)
2. Be true to me. What I'm thinking here is that I want to do the things that are important to me first, whether that is spending time with the kids, taking a walk outside, or reading a book. I spend way too much time doing things that don't matter to me.

When I got home from my run, I could hear the kids out back playing, and it totally brought a smile to my face. I found them with Daddy on the new trampoline and, after a few quick pics, I joined them for a little family fun before dinner. That choice, to focus on them for a little while, is the kind of "choosing wisely" I'm talking about.