Race Report 10/23/11

Race: Honored Hero

Distance: 20 Miles

Time: 3:13

Finish: Overall:  , Gender:  , Age Group: 1/  (coming soon...)

Comments:  Small races can be so nice!  I had a really great run and by that I mean I felt good.  I can't say that about all my races.  But I felt good the entire 20 miles.  I'm not sure if it was because I was just running at a pace that felt right (no time goal).  In fact, I was feeling so good around mile 14, I started talking to just about everyone I came along, even if it was just to say "Good job!".  I was also able to speed up for my last 3 miles which was another sign that I was feeling pretty darn good.  Have I mentioned that?  What's kind of funny is that I was actually afraid I wouldn't finish the entire 20 miles.  I was worried I'd stop part way through.  One of the guys I chatted with is getting ready to run his 75th marathon next weekend.  Wow!  You can read about him here.  I met a grandmother who is training for her first marathon.  I met another woman who lost her mom to cancer and had a shirt that I would love to have - the back read "Strong for my mom". 

Lessons Learned:  I found some new spots that will need Body Glide during future long runs and the marathon.  ;)  I think a pit stop has to be part of my marathon plan - somewhere between mile 4 and mile 7.  I am just going to have to stop.  No other option as far as I can tell.  Oh well. 

Here are the girls waiting at the finish line.  Photo taken by ever-supportive husband. 

I tried to quit but . . .

Yes, it's true.  I tried to quit.  Several weeks ago after my 18 mile training run, I tried to quit. 
I haven't been able to get in my long runs on Saturdays which means either super early on Sunday, breaking them up on Sundays or running on Sunday afternoons (because I'm teaching Sunday School, of course).  I am a morning person.  Running after noon = bad.  I don't want to do much of anything after 3pm.  Five in the morning is much, much better than five in the evening. 

So when I did my 18 mile training run a few weeks ago, I wasn't in the greatest of moods to begin with.  It took me 3 hours.  My legs hurt.  They ached.  I was tired.  And I'd spent the majority of a weekend afternoon running.  Alone.  OK, not entirely alone since My Neighbor joined me a for a few miles around Mile 11.  But certainly without my girls or my man.  And weekends - at least for us - are supposed to be about family. 

So after feeling tired, achy and grumpy after my run, I decided it was just plain stupid.  Why am I doing this to myself?  Why am I spending all this time running?  It's never been a life long dream of mine to run a marathon.  I've never kicked myself for not doing it earlier in my life, unlike many other things I wish I'd done.  It's not one of those back-of-my-mind things I've thought about for years.  So why am I doing it?  I don't remember exactly.  I think it had something to do with needing a new goal, something to work toward and strive for. 

When my husband and girls returned home to find me soaking in a very hot bath, I announced that I had decided my training was STUPID and that I'd be changing my registrations to a half if the race organizers allowed that.  Angel Girl quickly responded with Mom, we don't say that word!   (Stupid, of course.)  So I said, OK, this is not smart.   And then to my complete and utter amazement my husband said, No.  You've trained too much for this.  You're too close.  Do it and then you can be done with it. 

And so it goes.  I am still training.  The 20 Miler is on Sunday.  I'm nervous and dreading it and worried about it.  I haven't gotten to do a 20 mile training run yet.  So I guess we'll just have to see how this goes. 

Still here

Yes, I'm still here.  I've got at least 1 race report due.  Training for the 20 miler and December marathon = HARD.  I almost quit.  More about that soon. 

Race Report 9/23/2011

Race:  Get Healthy Texas 5K

Distance:  3.1 Miles

Time: 26:24

Finish:  Overall:  32/159, Gender:  10/93, Age Group:  3/24

Comments:  One of the Stroller Mates Moms used this as her goal race to train for a 5K following the birth of baby boy #3.  It was a fun race - we met there and hung out with until start time.  Wonder Woman was also there with her oldest who's 6.  He kept yelling at her to "Run faster, MOM!" during the race (yeah, that's super-easy when you're pushing a 45 lb kid).  Angel Girl sort of sang/yelled the whole way and chimed in occasionally with the "Run faster, MOM!" and "Go, Mommy, Go!" on hills.  We were quite the sight, I'm sure.  It was a 6pm race, so I was very thankful that Little Miss Spitfire didn't fall asleep during the race (that would've meant a very late bedtime).  Probably the singing/yelling kept her awake.  Angel Girl thinks I won this race because I got a trophy.  I'll just let her think that for now.

Lessons Learned:  No big lessons here, but I am reminded how much I like small races (when else would I get a trophy?!), how much more fun it is to have friends there, and how nice it is to have one close to home.

What happened to running?

Is this a post about running?  Well, not so much.  But it is a post about my frustration because I'm not running as much as I'd like to be.

Life has gotten a little more hectic and less conducive to running in the last month or so.  About 4 weeks ago while walking home from our neighborhood pool, we passed a home for sale and commented that more space might be nice.  Ten days later our house went on the market and we had an Open House (same day as the Hottest Half).  Three days later we had an offer.  Now we're 'under contract', and I'm stuck at the house waiting for various service techs to show up during a 4 hour window. 

Wednesday morning I actually ran laps around our block while waiting for a plumber.  It's half a mile around our block, so I figured the most anyone would have to wait was 4-5 minutes.  I think I got 2.5 miles in that way, but running laps around your block (a) gets moderately boring and (b) makes the neighbors wonder what you're doing.  Yesterday I managed to squeeze in 3 miles before the girls woke up.  I've been doing 2-3 miles on the dreadmill when I can (but oh how boring that is).  This piecemeal running is not ideal.  I miss getting 4-5 miles in at once.  I'm hopeful that I'll get back into a better routine and soon.  I have only been going to Stroller Mates when I'm teaching which means my overall fitness is suffering - not just running. 

I've also had to apologize to every friend who's moved in the last couple of years - for my own ignorance and lack of sympathy for all the stress it entails.  Wonder Woman moved not that long ago, and I had no idea.  Since Angel Girl was born, the majority of our moves have been from one rental to the next until this home.  Even then it was buying only.  I think what's frying my brain is the selling and the buying all at once. 

Race Report 8/14/2011

Race:  Hottest Half

Distance:  13.1 Miles

Time: 2:07:33

Finish:  Overall:  474/1373, Age Group:  17/102

Comments: This was my slowest time for a half marathon yet.  I had anticipated taking it a little more slowly given the heat and humidity.  I knew I'd actually be walking through water stops.  But even knowing that, I still wanted to finish in under 2 hours.

We got a brief respite from the heat the day before the Hottest Half which meant it wasn't as hot as it had been (39 consecutive days of triple digit weather), but it was very humid.  Much more humid than it had been. 

I dropped my water bottle around mile 9.  I was apologizing profusely as I picked it up, and when I started running again another runner started chatting with me.  He ended up talking to me until we crossed the finish line.  I learned all about his kids (all grown), and he got to hear all about mine.  He was about the same age as my dad, and thankfully, he was funny. 

Lessons Learned:  Don't start at the back.  I know they say that it doesn't matter with chip timing, but it does.  If you're way in the back, you get stuck behind the walkers.  I spent the first mile just trying to get out from behind people.  Then the race bottle-necked on a bridge, and I probably walked 100 yards . . . slowly.  I know not to start at the back, but we'd just come out of the port-o-potties when we heard the gun go off. 

Hottest Half

I'm scheduled to run the Hottest Half this Sunday with My Neighbor.  It may truly be the hottest half.  We've had 40 consecutive days of triple digit heat.  The record is 42 consecutive days. 

We've been under either a Heat Advisory (temps over 105) or had an Excessive Heat Warning (temps over 110) pretty much every day.  The predicted low on Saturday night is 80 and the predicted high on Sunday is 104. 

I've decided to freeze the reservoir in my Hydrapak and wear it during the race.  That will allow me to focus on sports drinks at the water stops and keep water handy for most of the race. 

Anyone else running the Hottest Half this weekend?  Are you traveling or do you live nearby?

Hills

Have I commented on hills much?  Probably just randomly.  I know I read somewhere that a "hill workout" should be part of my regular training.  But like many things that should be part of my training routine, I don't always find them practical with a stroller.  I would include hills in this category of "not practical" although I have an idea or two about how I could include them. 

I have two routes with quite a few hills and I try to run them once a week (ok, maybe every other week - they really kick my rear...and quads...and hams...).  I find even the smallest, inconsequential looking hill to provide plenty of challenge with both girls.  I also find downhill to be a challenge because control is easier said than done. 

I ran at a nearby lake recently and I'd forgotten how hilly it is out there.  Yikes!  My Polar HRM really liked it as far as calories are concerned.  It was a fabulous workout and should probably be a regular route in my training schedule.

I've also considered parking the girls at the bottom of a hill while I do a short hill workout as part of a daily run.  I would probably need a few extra snacks and/or toys while they're sitting still.  And I probably wouldn't try it in the heat we've been having lately (unless they're in the shade and there's a breeze).  It could work, right? 

I've worked in some hill repeats on the rare weekend solo run, and I like the variety.  I have a couple of hills nearby that are great for it.  Any advice on hills?  How often?

Podcasts

I've started listening to podcasts on my long runs.  The pro is that I find them very distracting and entertaining.  My favorites are Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me and Car Talk (just FYI, I have no interest in cars but Click and Clack are hysterical!).  The con is that I run slower listening to podcasts than I do with my music.  All my run music is up tempo, dance type music (go figure), and I tend to run with the beat.   But long runs are supposed to be slower, right?

I just saw that Another Mother Runner has some podcasts, so I've downloaded those for my next medium-long run.  When did 8-10 miles become not a long run?  I'm not sure . . .

Do you have suggestions for how to get out of the house without the kids for a long run?  My strategy lately involves getting up very early on Sunday mornings and leaving before anyone else is awake.  The main downside is that I am too tired to fix my hair for church and have been wearing it in a bun (which is actually OK because it's so hot, I don't want to use heat in way, shape or form to fix it) AND I am fidgety during church.  Me and my 4 year old are bouncing in our seats during the service.  But I digress.  I typically leave Hubby a short list that says something like please feed the girls and get them dressed (I have to lay out the clothes, sometimes food suggestions too).  I would like to leave water on the front porch and stop back by the house once or twice, but I'm fearful I will also get at least one girl in a stroller if I do that.  ;)  It's happened before.  I don't mind doing long runs with Little Miss Spitfire, especially if she falls asleep, but I know Angel Girl's max right now is about 45 minutes and then she just wants O-U-T.

Tempo Runs

Lately many of my runs have been a variation of a "tempo run" by default.  As in I don't manage to get out of the house until 6:50am and Hubby needs to leave by 7:30am AND my goal mileage for the day is 5 miles.  You see the issue here since I typically run a pace of 9:30 to 10:30 per mile on daily runs (especially in this heat).  So I've had quite a few mornings where my pace is averaging around 8:30 per mile.  Based on what I've read, I should really be doing a warm-up and cool-down mile at a slower pace, but again, it's not really an option some days. 

(Total side note:  Our A/C went out Thursday afternoon.  Yikes it was hot in here!  Luckily the A/C repair guy was here bright and early on Friday and got it functioning again by 10am.  I don't know about the weather where you are, but we're on our 28th consecutive day of triple digit heat.)

Poor neglected blog . . .

I don't know about your summer, but ours has been packed with activities, lessons, day camps, and trips to various pools and splash pads.  I over planned for the summer to say the least.  Add on weeks of triple digit weather and you get one poor and neglected blog. 

I am an early riser. Yes, one of those people.  I'm normally up no later than 5:30am because that is typically the only time that no one else is awake, and I am able to do things without interruption.  Things like blog posts.  However, with the triple digit streak and lows only dipping into the lower 80's, I've been trying to log some miles before Hubby goes to work and that means getting out to run by 6:00am or as soon as there's enough light.  That in turn means that everyone is awake by the time I get home and thus, no blogging. 

I did manage my longest run to date this past Sunday - 16 miles.  I started at 5:50am and finished at 8:30am.  Yikes, that's a long time to be running!   I seldom plan a route exactly now that I have my Forerunner 610, and this day was no different.  I wore my Camelbak (packed with ice and then filled with water), but I ran out of water at 10.25 miles.  At that point I started texting Hubby (while running) giving him location information and asking him to bring me water.  Unfortunately, he didn't get the texts until I was walking down our street as a cool down.  So now I know I need to stop back by the house at least once on runs longer than 14 miles.  Run and learn.  I wasn't very sore the next day, but I took a hot soak in the tub and then got the water as cold as I could stand it for a while longer.  I don't know why that works for me but it seems to. 

Race Report 7/4/2011

Race:  Firecracker 5000

Distance:  5K

Time: 26:36

Finish:  Overall:  90/361, Age Group:  8/26

Comments:  After our last 5K, I knew we needed to hold back and not start off too fast.  I kept us around an 8:45 minute mile for the first 2 miles.  Hubby kept trying to take off, but hovered around us at the same time.  The first 2 miles felt good.  I wasn't tired or winded and could chat with Angel Girl.  I would tell you what we were chatting about if only I could remember.  After mile 2, I told Hubby to "just go" and that we would try to keep up.  I slowly watched the distance between us lengthen.  He's pretty quick considering a good week for him is running 3 times for 20 minutes.  If that were my running schedule, I doubt I could finish a 5K without walking.  His actual time was 26:10.  It must be partially due to each his natural athleticism and competitiveness.  At least that's what I'm going to tell myself. 

This was my first race with the Garmin and without using the Nike+.  Because I am usually using the Nike+, I typically have my headphones with me so I get to listen to my iPod as well.  This time I forgot the headphones because I wasn't worried about the Nike+.  I also forgot my arm band to hold my iPhone.  I like my music!  I ended up turning down the volume and letting my iPhone play via speaker in the stroller pocket, so we could enjoy some tunes but hopefully not disturb others on the course. 

Apparently, I overemphasized the need to not lose her water bottle, because Angel Girl was holding onto her water bottle in its cup holder in every race photo.  She's so funny!  Little Miss Spitfire - you guessed it - slept through most of the race.  She even missed the post-race bananas that she loves so much.  I used the Phil & Ted's which - as I've stated before - is great for 5K races because it's tandem, but not so great it how tough it can be to push, especially uphill.  On a side note, I added up the weight for the strollers and the girls and both the Bob Duallie and the Phil & Teds plus the girls come in around 90 lbs. 

Once again, I like my Garmin!  It was so nice to see our pace in order to pace us.  Ha!  I promise I will stop reporting my laps when the newness wears off, but until then I'm afraid they'll be listed in practically every post. 

Lap 1 - 8:46
Lap 2 - 8:31
Lap 3 - 8:14
Lap 4 - 1:14

The race itself was very organized and well put together.  The announcer was on top of things, and the course was easy to follow and didn't have any curbs.  You know how I feel about those curbs during races.  We've run one or two other 5K races in the park where it was held, and they are generally good there - lots of sidewalks, roads, and trails to run on.  I can't say I'm a fan of the hill during the last half mile, but who would be and what kind of 5K would it be without it. 

Lesson(s) Learned:  Starting off slow is a good idea.  We finished slightly faster than our last 5K, and we both felt good.   We did not feel good after the previous one, so this was a welcome change.  Going to the zoo right after may not have been the best choice though.  We were both hot and a little tired, but overall it was a very fun 4th of July. 

Have I mentioned how much I detest photos of myself running?  I mean, I just look like I'm in pain.  I feel the need to apologize to all my neighbors for having to see me run on a regular basis.  Actually, I seldom like photos of myself in general, so photos of myself running are just the epitomy of dislike for me.  I got the dreaded "your race photos are online" email which I can never just delete.  It's my own train wreck if you will.  I can't not look.  But I was pleasantly surprised to find that they didn't have any photos linked to my name or bib number because the stroller was blocking my number.  I think I'll use that strategy in all future races.

Forerunner 610

I finally got my new Garmin Forerunner 610 this past weekend, but it took me until yesterday to try it out.  It's very, very, very cool. 

I left the house about 6:45am just hoping to run a mile or so with my new Garmin to see how it works.  I knew it would be easier if I wasn't distracted by the girls.  (Mistake #1 - leaving the house without water because I didn't think I'd be gone very long)  I asked my husband to turn the porch light on if Little Miss Spitfire woke up.  That would be my cue to stop running, cool down and go home. 

As it turns out, there is a half mile loop right in front of my house.  I didn't know that until the Garmin told me.  So I basically ran "laps" while I fiddled with the Garmin.  I was also using my Nike+ for comparison and my HR monitor.  Gadgets galore.  No water. 

The porch light never came on, so after 4.1 miles I stopped.  I think I might have been fine without water except that (a) I hadn't really had any water yet and (b) I was having so much fun watching my pace and picking up my speed that I averaged and 8:31 mile and got faster with each mile. 

Here's what the Garmin summary read:
Lap 1: 8:41
Lap 2: 8:38
Lap 3: 8:26
Lap 4: 8:22
Lap 5: 0:53

This brings us to Mistake #2:  Running too fast for me.  I usually run somewhere between a 9 and 10 minute mile on general runs.  I'm very comfortable at that pace. 

As for the comparison between my Nike+ and the Garmin, the Nike+ (which often tells me that it has a weak GPS signal) was off by 0.05 miles (less) on every mile.  If you do the math, then it was off by about 0.2 miles by the time I finished.  And that means . . . I may have been running farther than I thought.

I felt awful when I got home.  I blamed it on the run, but then I began to wonder if I was coming down with something.  As it turns out, yes, I am.  Mastitis.  Fun stuff.  Not really.  I'm somewhat astonished that after 50 consecutive months of breastfeeding I'm just now getting mastitis?!  But I'm digressing...

I went for another run today but I (a) took my small 10oz hand held water bottle and (b) averaged 9:36 per mile.  I also ran different routes that kept taking me back by my house since I had the same arrangement about the porch light this morning.  You'd think he could just text me but we're old school or something. 

Today's summary:
Lap 1:  9:45
Lap 2:  9:22
Lap 3:  9:51
Lap 4:  9:31
Lap 5:  0:55

I felt much better after this run despite the infection still bugging me.  I don't know everything that my new Garmin will do.  I'm hoping to figure out how to do some speed drills with it.  You know, with all that spare time I have to figure things out.  So maybe by the end of summer.

Drills

I didn't have time for a long run this morning, so I tried out some of Jeff Galloway's drills.  I think I rather enjoyed them.  I did his Cadence Drill, Acceleration Gliders and a few Hill Repeats.  Actually I did 4 of each.  My Polar HRM seemed to like them too . . . as in, I burned quite a few calories.  I'll definitely be doing them again.

Running with the Famous

Yesterday morning, Todd from Running Mate joined us for our cardio class.  Though it's not a huge stretch to have him there (I mean, his wife is my partner in crime at our stroller classes), it is a treat to have him join us and chat about all things running while we run.  The Running Mate app is almost ready, and I don't know about you, but I'm anxious for it to be available.  It was also fun to hear about all the Running Mate Fans on Facebook and how people are really getting into and succeeding with the training programs. 

If you haven't tried out any of Running Mate's podcasts, you definitely should!  They're available on iTunes.  Even if you can already run a 5K or 10K (there are training programs for both), then at least try one of his interval podcasts.  They're a great addition to your training.

Race Report 6/12/11

Race:  Wounded Warrior Half Marathon

Distance: 13.1 Miles

Time:  1:56:58

Finish: Overall: 160/883,  Gender: 37/410,  Division: 8/77

Comments:  I ran this race with My Neighbor and she graciously drove us there.  This was the first half marathon that I've run with a friend, and it was so nice to be standing around chatting before it began.  We debated either (a) starting with the 1:50 pace group and seeing how long we could stay with them or (b) starting with the 2:00 pace group and trying to speed up in the last few miles.  We chose option (a).  I gradually watched that 1:50 sign move farther and farther ahead of me after Mile 5 or so.  After that my goal was simply not to let the 2:00 pace group pass me.  It was HOT.  OK, maybe not that hot, but it was in the mid-70's when the race began at 7:00am, and it was in the mid-80's by the time I got back to the car.  That's pretty warm.  I was happy that Hubby and the girls made it in time to greet me at the finish line!  They are always a welcome sight. 

Lesson(s) Learned:  Heat makes a huge difference.  I knew that - sort of - already.  I seem to be needing a little bit more recovery time today and am having a few . . . um . . . "issues" that's I'd read about but had yet to experience.

Race Report 6/4/11

Race:  River Run

Distance: 2 Mile

Time:  19:51

Finish: Overall: 515/2342, no division results posted

Comments:  This course was also fairly flat but the shade had disappeared by the time it began at 9:30am. We began the race together but Hubby and SIL's husband took off at about a 8:30 pace.  After running the 10K and acquiring the 75+ lbs of stroller + kids, I wasn't even trying for faster than a 10:00 pace.  I ran with my sister-in-law and we chatted about So You Think You Can Dance and various other things.  Both of these races were well organized and fun. 

Lesson(s) Learned:  Watch out!  It's hard to stop quickly with the stroller.  My apologies to the man who ran in front of me and slowed down.  I ran into him . . . or rather I ran the stroller into him.

Race Report 6/4/11

Race:  River Run

Distance: 10K

Time:  57:03

Finish: Overall: 658/1659,  Division: 33/116

Comments:  It was a nice course - a lot of shade, fairly flat and the race started at 7:30am to avoid some of the heat.  My race strategy seems to involve finding someone who looks like they know what they're doing and also seem to run a similar pace and then I follow them.  It was nice to run by myself.  I saw several people with strollers and realized Hubby would've asked me to take Little Miss Spitfire if he'd known they were allowed.  The race was well organized and fun.  I would definitely run it again. 

Lesson(s) Learned:  I could have run this race faster but I was worried about the 2 Mile Run after it.  I didn't want to be exhausted because (a) I was running with some family members that we were visiting and (b) I knew I'd be pushing the Phil & Ted's with both girls. I was able to push myself pretty hard for the last mile - a clear indication I did not push myself enough early on.

A Tempo Run

Disclaimer:  My brain is fuzzy today.  I think I need more sleep.

After registering for my first full marathon this morning, I finally sat down with several training plans and came up with a schedule.  27 weeks until race day.

On tap for today was a Tempo Run.  I had never done a tempo run before and my Garmin hasn't arrived yet, so this took some planning and calculation.  I do have a GPS for my Polar HRM, but it only gives real time speed (mph).  That meant I had to calculate what my speed should be at different paces.  What the plan actually called for was a warm up mile, 4 miles at 8:47 pace and then a cool down mile.  I decided the warm up and cool down would be at about a 10:15 pace making my warm up/cool down speed approximately 5.8 mph and my tempo speed around 6.85 mph.  And then I thought about it. 

What I realized was that although I can do an 8:47 pace, I don't typically run faster than a 9:00 pace with the Bob Duallie and both girls.  I revised the plan and shortened my run a bit because I've got a 10K Race plus a 2 Mile Run on Saturday.  Additionally, I decided that I need to work with ranges because my speed can vary significantly based on hills and the wind. 

Here's what I ended up with:
Warm-up:  1 mile at approx 5.4-5.8 mph
Tempo:  2 miles at approx 6.5-7.1 mph
Cool-down: 1 mile at approx 5.4-5.8 mph

Overall the run went well.  I got stuck at a light for a while and Angel Girl lost a shoe at one point (that required some backtracking).  It was nice to vary my speed and to push myself more during those 2 miles.  I felt like I was going soooo slow during that warm up mile, but I was ready for the cool down pace by the end of the tempo miles.  

The end of the run is another story entirely because Angel Girl had a complete and total meltdown and at one point was lying in the middle of the street (luckily a cul-de-sac).  The rest of the morning was equally as dramatic but this isn't really a blog about that. 

The Long Run

I finally logged a Long Run on Memorial Day. 

Before I left for the run, I gathered up everything that would be necessary to take Little Miss Spitfire with me if she woke up before I left.  (She didn't.)  I also left a detailed note for Hubby about what he should put in the stroller if he wanted me to take her with me. Then I placed an insulated bag on the front porch with water and Gatorade and set out to run 3x 4-mile loops, stopping by the house after each one for water and in case I needed to pick up LMS. 

The first loop, I kept thinking that it felt like I was flying.  Not because I was going fast.  I was not.  But because I was stroller free.  I could run up and down curbs, cut corners, and use both arms. Fabulous. 

My first loop ended up being 4.4 miles because I took an extra quarter mile around a pond and then took a detour around some free roaming dogs.  I shouldn't have been surprised that my insulated bag was not on the front porch when I returned.  I continued up the driveway to see the stroller sitting out which was actually good because I needed a potty break.  While I went inside, Hubby got LMS situated.

Rather than continuing doing loops, LMS and I ran the last 7.6 miles down our main street, around our Town Square and then back through our neighborhood.  My only complaint about the route was that I ran by Panera Bread, The Corner Bakery and Starbucks.  Yummy aromas all around.  I was already hungry.  That didn't help. 

But at least that 12 Miles is out of the way.

Random Notes

Do I really have a Half in less than 2 weeks?  Yes, I do.  It's snuck up on me so quickly.  I'm not ready - not really - but I'm not overly worried either.  I just want to finish and get this out of the way.  Then maybe I'll take a month off from this "training" schedule and simply enjoy my runs before I begin the schedule for the 20 Miler in October.  Maybe. 

We switch to our summer schedule at Stroller Mates this week.  As the heat increases, we move class earlier if at all possible.  This summer we're trying something new and having class 2 days per week at 7:30am.  Here in Texas it can already be in the mid-70's by that time of day.  I'm a little worried about what time I'll have to get myself and the girls up in order to make it on time.  I also like to run a 2 mile loop before class but I don't realistically see that happening at 7am.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays we're also trying something new - circuit classes at the playground.  We've got quite a few kids 3 and over.  This should allow them time to play (and get some physical activity) and decrease the amount of time they spend in the stroller. 

Registration for the Full Marathon on my Birthday Weekend in December opens this Wednesday.  I'm not sure if I'm excited, nervous or crazy, but . . . I'm registering.  At least My Neighbor is going to do this race also.  I will not be alone.  She's already run a full though, so she knows what she's doing.  I, on the other hand, really have no idea.

A New Toy

I had given up on getting a Garmin.  I couldn't justify it after having bought a new Polar HRM with GPS in March, even though it only gives real time mph and distance.  It doesn't give me a pace for each mile or do the other cool things that Garmins do.  I wanted one, but I wasn't going to tell Hubby that.  Well, I wasn't until his sister's husband told me that his company is working with Garmin and he can get them at a considerable discount.  So I ordered the Forerunner 610.  I can't wait for it to come in!

Shout Out

Thanks for the shout out!  I had a great time Jazzercising with CW during grad school . . .  and lamenting statistics courses and field work, of course. 

Recovery

I had hoped for a long run of 8-10 miles on Sunday morning, so I was disappointed that I didn't leave the house until 6:50am knowing full well that I needed to be back no later than 8:00am.  I managed 6.2 miles.  A 10K seemed like a decent goal considering I'd only run 3.5 miles a day since getting over that nasty sinus infection & bronchitis. 

The bad news it that I have a 10K on June 4 and a Half on June 12.  I'm pretty sure the 10K will be fine.  Luckily, we're going a little bit north (2 states north actually) so I'm hoping for slightly cooler temperatures and less humidity.  The Half is another story entirely because it will be here in Texas where the humidity has been over 80% lately, and it's been in the mid-70's by 7am.  At least the race begins at 7:30am in an effort to avoid some heat. 

My first ever Half Marathon was in February at Disney World.  I was suprised to finish in 1:57.  My second Half was in my hometown and I was disappointed (despite everyone commenting on the ridiculous headwind for the entire race) to finish in just over 2 hours with 2:01.  I had hoped to finish this coming Half in under 2 hours, but I'm beginning to think my goal should be simply "to finish".  My Neighbor will be running as well and she keeps (sensibly) reminding me that my actual goal is a Full Marathon in December and that these summer races are just for fun. 

Takin' it easy

Finally, I'm running again.  I tried an easy mile on the treadmill Monday morning before Stroller class.  Later in the afternoon, I decided to try running with the stroller, so that was our mode of transportation to dance class.  One mile.  I decided to walk home rather than overdo.

On Tuesday, I ran 1.75 miles with the stroller before Stroller class.  I was still taking a pretty slow pace and left with ample time to get to Stroller class. 

Yesterday, I ran 3.7 miles (no Stroller class).  It felt pretty good.  I think I could have run further and longer, but again, I didn't want to overdo it.  I'm taking it easy and slowly after 10 days off. 

I have a 10K on June 4 and a Half on June 12, and I'm a little worried that I won't feel ready for either.

My only consolation is that because I didn't run for 10 days, my heart rate is higher than it was just 3 weeks ago so I'm burning more calories per mile than I was.  Of course, that also means I lost some cardiovascular conditioning (which we already knew, right?).  Every day that I wasn't running, that thought went through my mind.  Sometimes hourly.  Sometimes more. 

A few months ago, I got a new Polar HR Monitor.  This one has a GPS option.  Plus, it's pink and pretty.  It comes programmed with training options where it has a total goal time for the week and a goal for total calories to burn for the week.  If you reach certain percentages of your goals, it either says "nice" or "well done" and gives your stars.  After the week that I couldn't workout, it said "incomplete training week" and has been telling me to "train a lot more".  I'm not sure why that's amusing to me, but it is.

Day 9 . . . really?

Yep, Day 9 of No Running.  It's Sunday, my usual "rest day".  I'm feeling better but still not back to normal completely.  I've still got a touch of crud in my chest.  Today is my last day of antibiotics though, so after talking it over with hubby, I've decided to give 1 or 2 miles a try tomorrow. 

My next Half is June 12, and we recently decided to do a 10K on June 4 (while on a trip visiting family).   I don't want to wait too much longer.  I should be training for that half. 

I was reading a post over at Mom vs Marathon who is in a similar situation.   OK, only similar in that she's having to take time off from running.  Truthfully, I had lost some motivation.  I didn't have a real schedule going on.  Maybe all this happened to give me some time "off" from running to get motivated again and actually come up with a plan.  Or maybe it happened because I needed to slow down (literally and figuratively) for a little while to give my body a break, to give our schedule a change, and to appreciate being able to run and be active.   

On Thursday Angel Girl looked at me and asked if we were ever going to go anywhere again.  Maybe she needed some change too.  I decided to try Stroller Class on Friday.  It turned out to be only me and the (other) instructor, so we took a 2 mile walk and then let the kids play at the playground.  On the way home, Angel Girl sang "I love my mommy" over and over.  When we got home, I put Little Miss Spitfire down for her nap.  Then Angel Girl and I had lunch.  She told me it had been the best morning ever.  Maybe both of us needed some change to appreciate what we have.

You probably figured out that I skipped that 5K yesterday.  There's a first time for everything.  Going to packet pickup made me a little sad, but I wanted the race goodies. 

Day 7

I'm on Day 7 of No Running.  The bronchitis is pretty much gone although I still have some chest stuff going on (my doctor thinks it's related to the sinus infection).  I seem to be primarily dealing with the residual effects of my sinus infection which means I'm still coughing periodically, my head gets a little pressure now and then, and I'm not sleeping quite like normal yet. 

I had registered for a 5K tomorrow and went to pack pickup a little while ago.  I was tempted to try running on the treadmill to see how I feel, but everything I've read discourages running with a sinus infection or bronchitis . . . much less both.  And since I'm still not feeling "good", I guess I'll wait.  But I'm not happy about it. 

Forced Rest Days

I must admit.  I'm not that great at rest days.  I typically make Sunday my Rest Day because I can't realistically run before church (I have 3 people to get clean, dressed and presentable including myself and getting up earlier than usual just seems wrong on the weekend).  And let's face it, if I've put on make-up and a decent outfit (ie, not workout clothes) I feel like I should stay in that presentable state for at least a few hours.  But then there are the Sundays where I often suggest just a short family bike ride or say I'll just go to the fitness center for some light cross training.  I do know that I need to rest.  For some reason it's one of those things that's easier said than done for me.  Unless. . .

I'm now looking at my fourth consecutive Forced Rest Day.  This is not a cross train and do some light workouts.  It's no workouts.  Absolute rest (although I'm not sleeping) days.  I've got a killer sinus infection, bronchitis and pharyngitis (which is - I had to look it up - a fancy name for a bad sore throat).  I do not feel good.  My head is pounding and I have frequent coughing fits.  For a couple of days my throat and ear felt like they were on fire.  That seems to be better at least.  As for the other symptoms,  I hope everyday that the next will be The Day I Feel Better.  I keep hoping. 

Both Hubby and Wonder Woman have told me to rest.  They know me too well.  I've been told NOT TO WORK OUT AND GET SOME REST.  Just like that. 

I've got a 5K on Saturday.  I've yet to sign up for a race that I don't actually do.  Of course, I've only really been a running addict since last September, so I'm sure it's just a matter of time and circumstance.  In the meantime, I've been reasoning with myself that I can, at the very least, walk the 5K if I'm sidelined for much longer.

8 Miles

I managed to run 8 miles with My Neighbor on Friday, and I felt great (at least while I was running). 

We ran two 4-mile loops.  I warned My Neighbor as we were beginning that (a) I hadn't been feeling that great and (b) I wasn't sure how long the girls would last.  My Neighbor wanted to do a 9 mile run.  I was hoping for at least 4 or 5 miles, my daily standard. 

Can I just say how nice it is to run with someone else who's running?  And not just the someones in the stroller.  Don't get me wrong, I love my girls.  I took up running because I could do it and keep them with me.  But they don't really converse with me and my newly 4-year-old Angel Girl has no idea how hard I'm working to push her. 

Back on topic.  The first 4-mile loop seemed to pass by quickly.  I had been keeping a mental list of things I wanted to ask advice on and I plowed through them as I got the chance.  My Neighbor reminded me several times that slow is good for long runs.  Not a problem.  I was not feeling tip-top and I had both girls in the Bob Duallie (read: heavy, a lot of weight to push). 

When we stopped for water after the first loop, I was feeling good.  No one was whining.  I decided to start the second loop at the very least.  More chatting and the first 3 miles passed quickly.  As we hit the 7th mile, I could feel it.  I was getting slower on the hills (however minor they might be).  At 7.5 miles the whining began.  Luckily, that meant only 1/2 mile to home.  So while My Neighbor grabbed some water, I ran the last .05 mile to round out my 8 miles and then started a walking cool down.  I'm sure she enjoyed that last mile in peace and quiet. 

I'm just thankful that, once again, she got me out for a long run.  We've got a Half in June that I know is coming, but I've yet to come up with any real schedule to train for it.  This is so unlike me.

To Run or Not To Run

I've been debating the Long Run with My Neighbor since I woke up at 2:30am with a coughing fit and couldn't go back to sleep.  I was awake for over an hour.  Luckily, no one else woke up despite everyone being in our bed.  I've still got 3 hours to decide . . . I really want to go.  I want to run.  I want to discuss Garmin watches.  I want to accomplish another Long Run before my next Half in June. 

An Awful Run

Let me just be plain honest and say that my run yesterday was awful.  I didn't feel that great - throat a little scratchy, a little sinus pain, achy joints, so I decided to wait until my older daughter was at her dance class in order to run with only baby in the stroller.

I ran the mile to the dance studio with both girls.  It was fine.  I felt OK.  My heart rate was a little higher than usual, but it's getting warmer and I chalked it up to the temperature. 

After Angel Girl was twirling away in class, I took LMS and ran away from the dance studio and away from my house - the only way to be sure I'd keep running.  About a mile into the run, I was feeling pretty bad and already worn out.  At 2.5 miles, I really just wanted to stop and lay down in the grass.  But alas, I was too far from the dance studio and I had to be back to pick up Angel Girl.  So I kept running.  I was probably a quarter of a mile from the dance studio when I hit the 4 mile mark (5 miles total if you include the first mile I ran to the studio) but I felt too bad to keep going.  That was my goal for the day - 5 miles total, and I was done. 

I walked the rest of the way to the studio and proceeded to sit in the middle of the waiting area, stretching.  Luckily, not many other moms were there and those that were didn't care.  I thought I might feel better if only I could stretch my aching legs.  No luck. 

What made the whole thing worse was we still had to get home, and there was only one way to get back.  Well, I guess I running was an option, but I felt way too bad for that.  I let Angel Girl walk on the way home which meant a very slow, meandering walk home.  In my favor, she was wearing rain boots on a perfectly sunny day and that meant she was even slower than usual.  It took longer with her walking, but at least I wasn't running. 

I tried a hot bath once we got home.  That usually works for my hips.  It did help but only marginally.  I took baby back to the playroom and rested on the floor while she and big sister played happily. 

I cannot tell you how happy I was that my in-laws called and suggested coming over to our house for the afternoon and dinner.  I waited until they arrived, took the baby to my room and the two of us took a nap together.  It was only 45 minutes or so, but I felt so much better. 

Today I decided to take it easier.  I taught stroller class today, but decided to forgo my usual 2 mile run before class which not only meant less physical activity but I got to sleep a little more.  I was feeling a lot better by baby's nap time today, so I did an easy 2 miles on the treadmill - thankful for the A/C. 

My Neighbor emailed me earlier (ok, she posted on my wall on FB) and suggested a long run tomorrow.  I hope I'm up for it!

Want a BOB?

JoggingStroller.com is giving away a BOB stroller.  All you have to do is make them laugh! 

Race Report 4/23/11

Race:  Running Moms Rock

Distance: 5K

Time:  26:49

Finish: Overall: 76/465,  Division: 11/89  (10 year age groups)

Comments:  They had great race shirts, and I got a cool hat.  They also had a lot of great activities for the kids - face painting, toy give aways, live music, fun photos.  After waiting in line for an hour because Angel Girl wanted her face painted, she then asked to have it washed off immediately when we got home. 
Oh well.  Now about the race itself . . . ok let me just say that I assumed (never assume) that because the name of the race was "Running Moms" that the race would be stroller friendly, including the route.  It was not.  It was probably the least stroller friendly 5K route that I've done - many hills, at least 3 short treks on unpaved (grass) trail - one of those was uphill, lots and lots of sharp turns, at least one curb to go up.   I had both girls in the Phil & Ted's stroller.  Hubby helped me push the stroller up the 3rd hill and then took over pushing for an additional 1/2 mile.  It was pretty warm (lower 90's) and windy (but not in a good way). 

Lesson(s) Learned:  We started off too fast.  If race conditions are less than ideal - warm and windy-but-not-in-a-good-way (and I am pushing both girls in the stroller), then I should really just give up any idea of getting faster and try to enjoy the race at an easy pace.  Hubby agreed with me on this. 

Longest Run

My longest run to date is 14 miles.  I ran it 2 weeks before the Princess Half.  What's amazing to me about it is that Little Miss Spitfire slept through 13.5 miles of it.  She fell asleep after half a mile and continued to sleep for another 2 hours and 15 minutes.  Occasionally she would stir, look around and then fall back to sleep.  That girl can sleep!  I don't know if she actually likes sleeping in the stroller or if it's so boring it puts her to sleep. 

Now you may wonder why on earth I would run 14 miles with her.  It was not my idea.  It was a Saturday.  I really tried to get Hubby to watch both girls, but he kept suggesting things like trading them halfway through the run or running halfway with one and then running the second half by myself.  I knew that "trading girls" halfway would be a major ordeal - someone not wanting to, swiching water bottles and snacks, different toys/entertainment.  I also knew that just dropping off one (presumably LMS) would take a while too because it would mean getting all my stuff (music, water, etc) out of the stroller and on my person.  So I opted to take LMS with me, planning the run during naptime and hoping at each half mile that she would sleep just a little longer.

Where is my motivation?

I've been a little lacking in motivation since my last half.  I think my longest run to date has been 5 miles.  My Neighbor encouraged me to sign up for a half in June . . . which then motivated me to sign up for a 20 Miler in October.  But June seems so far away.  I guess she got tired of hearing me talk about my lack of motivation because I found myself outside at 7am on Sunday morning with Little Miss Spitfire cocooned in the BOB, ready for a 7 mile run with My Neighbor. 

So My Neighbor deserves a huge THANK YOU!  I've never run with someone else (other than races but that doesn't count - I've tried chatting with people during races and no one seems to like it) and it was so much fun!  We talked the whole way, every step.  I think she might have been done with chatting around 5.25 miles because she tried to turn her iPod on for some tunes.  But it wasn't working.  So I cranked up the iPhone with its speaker and continued to talk over it. 

Little Miss Spitfire slept.  She fell asleep about 20 minutes into the run, and I - as usual - had to wake her up when we got home. 

Have I mentioned I've wanted to join a weekend group run for months now?  I'm - quite frankly - intimidated and worried about taking at least one girl in the stroller because I'm afraid I'd be the only one with a stroller.  But it was so nice to run with someone and talk (I mean talk other than shouting back and forth about snacks, how much further we have, and why we can't take home every rock we see).  Maybe next weekend.

P.S.  Hubby fixed the tire on the BOB.  Yay!  I guess I should have referred to Wonder Woman's post about setting goals while I was looking for my motivation.

Getting Pumped for Races

Bad pun I know, but I couldn't resist. 

I am slowly learning a lot of lessons about races. 

Before the Princess Half in February, Little Miss Spitfire just happened to wake up and look at me at 3:30am, so I fed her right before I left to catch the bus.  Even with that feeding, it was another 5 hours before I was able to feed her again.  I'm sure sweat wasn't the only thing I was dripping by the time I finished the race (TMI?  Yeah, probably), but I wasn't that uncomfortable when the race was over.

Before the A2A Half in March, she wasn't awake before I left, and I didn't have my pump with me.  Big mistake.  Even though I was only gone for about 4 hours, she hadn't nursed recently, and I was not comfortable by the end of the race.

So now I know:  pump or breastfeed before the race.  Always.  Or at least "always" until she's weaned.

Why I heart Bob, Phil & Ted

BOB Revolution Single/Duallie

Pros:  Smooth like butter.  Easy to turn.  I can easily run with only one hand on the stroller (I'm sure they advise against this in the users manual).  Plenty of storage under and behind the seats.  The sun shades provide plenty of coverage and have windows on top to see the kiddos.  If am only going to have 1 daughter during a 5K, I choose the single BOB. 

Cons:  The Duallie is HEAVY and wide.  It's tough getting in and out of my Murano.  I generally leave it at home and use it around the neighborhood.  I would not use it in a 5K because of its width. 

Options:  I added a "drink console" to each BOB which holds 2 water bottles and has a zippered pocket for smaller items.  I have the car seat converter for the Duallie which includes a snack tray on one side for Angel Girl (holds a drink and snacks).  I also have a rain cover for both BOBs.  I use them more for wind & colder weather more than rain. 

Phil & Ted's Sport (with doubles kit option)

Pros:  Tandem seating means that even with 2 kids, it's not too wide.  It fits in the car easily and it's a little bit lighter which makes it easy to get in and out of the Murano.  It fits in my husband's trunk as well.  It switches easily from single to double.  If I am going to run a 5K with both daughters, this is my choice.  It's been through quite a few of them.  Adequate storage in the bottom of the stroller.  Great for stroller classes. 

Cons:  Not quite as easy to manuever.  Requires both hands to turn.  Not quite as smooth.  It only has one sun shade (on the top seat), and I find it necessary to add an additional sun shade in the summer.  The bottom seat does not have its own sun shade; I add one in the summer.  No storage on the backs of the seats.

Options:  I added a Phil & Ted's "drink console" which holds 2 water bottles and has a zippered pocket for smaller items.  I have a rain cover for this stroller as well, also used more for wind and cold than for rain. 

Side note:  Keep a small hand pump in the bottom of your stroller!  I learned that lesson the hard way. 

(Virtual) Race Report 4/10/2011

Race:  Running Mate Bunny Hop Virtual 5K

Distance:  3.11 Miles

Time:  26:45

Finish:  1 out of 1

Comments:  Running Mate holds a virtual 5K regularly. It's typically over a weekend - which ever day works into your schedule - and Todd usually offers some sort of drawing for those that enter a photo when they post their participation.  The virtual 5Ks are easy enough as long as you have a way to track your distance.  I use my Nike+ and the GPS for my Polar.  This morning I only had Little Miss Spitfire (who slept most of the time) in the Phil & Ted's.  I seriously need to talk about my strollers because the Phil & Ted's is just a little bit tougher to push than the BOB.  Unfortunately, my single BOB has a flat tire right now, and if I'd taken the time to change it this morning, I wouldn't have had time to run.

Race Report 4/9/2011

Race:  Bird on the Run

Distance:  1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

Time:  about 20 minutes, give or take

Finish:  As a family, we came in dead last (out of about 30 people). Hehehe! Due in part to the following: Angel Girl threw herself down on the trail and cried that she couldn't walk any further, we stopped to look at a snake in a tree for several minutes (took photos), and the one group that was behind us cut through the field halfway around the trail. 

Comments:  I knew we'd be walking this one because we were taking the girls and strollers were not allowed (trail run/walk).  Little Miss Spitfire rode in the Kelty backpack for the first time and had a great time looking over my shoulder.  Angel Girl walked, picked up rocks, and drew in the dirt with a stick occasionally despite Hubby's best efforts to get her to run.  A fun family "race" indeed!

Lesson(s) Learned:  Hmmm....Angel Girl does not want to run/walk more than 1/2 mile right now?

Me Time

As other moms (and dads) know, "me time" is precious and often rare as a parent.  Since having our second bundle of joy, I began getting up around 5:15am in order to have "me time".  I work on my current Bible study, maybe do a little housework, and then if I'm lucky (ie no little ones are awake yet and hubby isn't on the treadmill) I might even log a mile or two. 

So why is Angel Girl wide awake at 5am this morning and Little Miss Spitfire keeps trying to wake up? 

Happy Saturday, Y'all!

Getting the Miles Logged

A while back my friend, Wonder Woman, gave me some simple advice:  get the miles in when and where you can.  I've really taken this to heart. 

As I mentioned before, I bought a treadmill back in February and it's proven to be very convenient.  Not only does it give me the opportunity to run on days when it's raining or just too cold to put the girls in the stroller, but it often also gives me the chance to log a mile or two or three before my girls wake up.  I also know I can add a mile or two during my younger daughter's afternoon nap if I really need (want?) to. 

Really the biggest "disadvantage" to the treadmill is that it's easier than running behind the stroller.  I see a significant difference in the calories burned, max and average heart rates.  But then again, easier running is better than no running.  Some running is better than none.  At least it is in my life.  I've also found intervals on the treadmill to be beneficial - both for cardio conditioning and to fight boredom but that's probably a post for another day.  Getting back to the topic at hand...

That advice also gave me the permission I needed to break up my runs rather than feeling like I had to do all the miles at once or they didn't count.  Now on busy days, I sometimes run to and from classes, storytimes, and anything else that's under 2 miles from the house and doesn't require make-up or something nicer than workout clothes.  It doesn't actually take that much longer and if the weather is nice enough, it's quite enjoyable. 

Don't get me wrong here.  I'd actually like to get all my miles in at once and be done with it for the day.  But that simply isn't always the best or most realistic option for me. 

How do you log your miles?

Skinny Jeans

I think we all have a pair of skinny jeans, right?  Mine are from before baby #1, Angel Girl.  You know, back when I put on those hot pants and chaps and shook poms in front of thousands of people.  Well, tonight I managed to squeeze into mine.  I'm not sure it's pretty.  Ok, I know it's not pretty.  But I got them on.  Buttoned and zipped.  And that, for me, is an accomplishment.  Because I must say that I haven't had those on since before Angel Girl was born.  I won't be wearing them in public or anything . . . but I'm feeling pretty good about it anyway. 

Dragging the Hubby Along

I only managed to log 1 mile on the treadmill on Saturday before Little Miss Spitfire woke up.  The morning was a blur of toddler gymnastics, brunch at a new local favorite, and a hair appointment for me.  At some point while my stylist was getting my hair ready for summer, I decided that we (hubby, the girls and me) could all run together once I returned home.  Never mind that I didn't call or text my husband with this fabulous idea.  Why would I?  He only started running in February when I - out of complete desperation due to freakishly cold snowy and icy weather - bought a treadmill.  Since then he's been running about 20 minutes a day, 2-3 times a week.    

It never ever occurred to me that he might, on a Saturday afternoon when he's watching both girls by himself, decide to run.  You can imagine my astonishment (and disappointment) when I arrived home and found him all sweaty having just completed his usual 20 minutes.  Big frown from me.  He agreed to run with me anyway and actually didn't seem too upset about the extra run because it would be "family time". 

It was warm, bordering on hot, so we took off toward some shadier sidewalks and green space.  About 20 minutes into the run he started asking me how far we were going.  Truthfully, I had no idea.  I don't map runs ahead of time.  I let my GPS update me, and I work with it.  He pointed out my error here when he said "You can run as far as you decide to.  I run for 20 minutes a few days a week."  (Umm, I must say that up to this point, the farthest I've 'decided' to run has been 14 miles.  I'm not a marathoner.  Yet.)  Yes, my mistake.  I was having fun.  We were talking and both girls were napping contently in the Bob Duallie.  I was pointing out bat houses and commenting on the nice trail through one of the neighborhoods.  He, on the other hand, was not having quite as much fun.

We ran just over 3 miles and then walked the remaining mile or so home.  Overall, I thought it was nice.  We should run together every Saturday.  But next time, I'll map out a route ahead of time and give him plenty of warning.

Do you have a running partner?  Run with a training group?

Cross Training - Stroller Fitness Classes

In addition to running, I started taking stroller fitness classes when my older daughter was about 6 months old. I found them to be a beneficial for many reasons.

Exercise: Of course, they're intended to be group exercise/fitness classes and therefore, yes, you get to workout. Most of these classes are an interval type class mixing cardio and strength training and then end with abdominal work on a blanket or mat followed by stretching. I've participated in classes offered by two of the major franchises (Stroller Strides and StrollerFit), and the biggest differences were the type of warm-up and the use (or lack) of music.

Losing Weight: Let's face it. Most of us gain weight during pregnancy and the lack of sleep and crazy hormones after baby is born don't really help when it comes to shedding those unwanted pounds. Regular exercise that incorporates both cardio and toning is key to losing weight. It's also important to surround yourself with people who will promote your healthy behavior and can encourage you when you hit a plateau.

Support and Encouragement: Other moms going through the same things you're going through. Need I say more? Probably not, but I will. I find it extremely encouraging to talk through my daily challenges with other moms, especially moms with kids similar in age or slightly older than mine. They've been there, done that. It can be the simplest things, like when some other moms suggested I put my daughter in the shower with me on the days I don't manage to shower before she wakes up. Duh! Simple? Yes, but it hadn't occurred to me yet and being one of the first of my circle of friends to have children, I really didn't have anyone to ask.

Interaction with Your Child: I know you interact with your kids regularly anyway, but sometimes it's nice to have that focused time with them. You know, when you're not trying to load the dishwasher while they finish their lunch. We regularly sing to (or with) the kids, play games, count in multiple languages, recite the alphabet. To this day, I think my older daughter could recite the alphabet by the time she was 18 months solely because we sang it every day at our stroller class.

Getting Out of the House: This is a big one for me. I like to go places. I do not like to sit at home. Once I'm out, I'm going. If I was feeling lazy about getting to the store or the post office, well, it's on the way home so I might as well. We are also likely to invite some of our friends from class to join us at a park or feeding the ducks or for a picnic following class.

Feel Better: Rarely do I exercise and then say to myself "Wow, I wish I hadn't done that." No, 99.99% of the time, I just feel better. Endorphins? Adrenaline? Yeah, maybe. Or maybe it's just a sense of accomplishment. I did something good for myself today, and I set a positive example for my children by exercising, by choosing to spend part of our day promoting our well being. And for that reason, I also think participating in stroller fitness classes can help combat and prevent PPD for many moms.

Mini-playdate:  My older daughter loves going to class because she gets to see her friends.  We often end class with ab work on a mat or blanket and let the kids run or crawl around.  It's so much fun for them!  Even my younger daughter has fun looking at the other babies (although I'm going to have to begin referring to her as a toddler, I guess).  Everyone has fun; everyone gets to see their friends.

Keeping the Kids Happy

I recently saw a question about how to keep the kids happy while you run. Here are my tips (some are based on age). As a reference, right now Angel Girl is almost 4 and Little Miss Spitfire is almost 1.

Littler Ones
* Naps: If your child still takes a morning nap, try running during naptime. My younger daughter regularly sleeps in the stroller. So much so that I have been known to rush my other daughter out the door because her sister needs a nap and won't take one until we get moving. (Please do not tell the sleep training people this. I pretty much break all their rules anyway.) There are a lot of head support options (like this) out there for smaller ones.

* Entertainment: Toys for little ones, like teethers, can keep them occupied. Just be sure your tether them in some fashion so you're not stopping to pick them up. I use sippy cup straps (something like this) for anything and everything.

* Pacifier: If you baby takes a binky, then by all means, take it with you. My older daughter was angered by binkies so I never even tried one with the 2nd child, but from what I hear, if they like 'em, they love 'em.

* Drink: Sippy cup with water (also tethered to the stroller). This is especially important in warmer weather. We do ice water when it's really hot.

* Snacks: Little Miss Spitfire just started "eating" Cheerios. By "eating" I mean that maybe 1 out of 10 makes it to her mouth and gets consumed. The squirrels and birds must really like us these days.

* Music: My playlist has some kids songs and some of "my" songs. I also have a kids' songs only playlist. I don't like running to it quite as much, but I'll use it if I need to. The girls seem to enjoy their music and if you sing along, you'll get an even better cardio workout. Plus, they can learn some classic kids songs. I'm tone deaf, so my girls need to hear someone else singing.

Slightly Older Ones
* Breakfast or Snacks: Because we often run as early as possible in the summer, my older daughter usually gets breakfast on the go. We are especially fond of organic cereal bars and PB sandwiches for breakfast. During the winter, we often don't go until the afternoon, and in that case, I take a small snack. I'm always looking for healthy options, so feel free to tell me what you take for your kids.

* Water Bottle: Angel Girl has been taking her own water bottle, just like Mommy's, for quite some time. She knows it's important to stay hydrated, and she will tell you as much.

* Motivation: When time & weather permits, we frequently end our run at a playground or in the greenspace that's about a quarter of a mile from home, but Angel Girl must be well behaved to get this "treat". Actually, I usually plan to do one or the other because I want her to get some physical activity, too, but she doesn't have to know that. I have also been known to offer her fruit snacks as a reward when I'm desperate. She loves fruit snacks, but they are a "treat" in our house.

* Entertainment: I have a few small toys that I leave in the stroller as special "stroller toys". Sometimes we take books. Angel Girl loves books. I know some moms strap DVD players in the stroller as well. I don't have a working portable DVD player but if I did, I might use that too. Movies on an iPhone or iPad would work, too, but I'm generally using the Nike+ on my iPhone.

Spring Gear

Now that it's spring, I'm realizing I've got to revamp how I prepare for our runs. I no longer need blankets or fuzzy seat liners.

Rain Cover: I use this for rain (although rarely do I actually run in the rain, drizzle and misty type weather maybe) and also for windy days when the temperature is below 60. Angel Girl will ask for it if she thinks it's too windy or too chilly. I may also start a run with it if it's a little cool, and then have to remove it as the day warms up (it was 50 when we started our run this morning but 63 by the time we got home).

Sun Shades: I have some with a 50+ UPF rating that make me feel a little better about having the girls out on warm, sunny days. Of course, my Bob Duallie has individual shades and the sun shades don't provide that much increased coverage, but additional sun shades are a must on the Phil & Ted's (at least I consider them a must for my fair-skinned kiddos).

The rain cover will get stored in the bottom of the stroller once our days get a little warmer, but I'll keep those sun shades throughout summer.

Speed Drills/Intervals

I try to incorporate speed drills in my training about once per week. I also tend to use them on the treadmill to prevent boredom, so rainy/icy/snowy weeks see more of them. I don't like to have to concentrate too much during a run (errr, when is that even a possibility?), and because I think Running Mate is awesome, I generally use one of his speed drill (interval) podcasts (available on iTunes, in case you're wondering). I also had the good fortune to be one of his test subjects (I was going to say guinea pig, but ewww) for his Fastest 5K program which consists of several speed drills, and I incorporate those regularly as well. (BTW, best 5K time so far - and thanks to Mr. Todd - is 27:24 with a stroller).

From what I've read and heard, it seems like speed drills are necessary not only to help you gain speed, but simply to improve your running and keep you from becoming stagnant in your training. I find them much easier to do uniformly on the treadmill because I have the ability to set the speed and change easily back and forth, however, I find them much, much more challenging with the stroller (of course) and therefore love the cardio workout benefit with the stroller. Changing the momentum of the stroller enough to speed up really gets my heart rate on the up swing and I'm not sure if it's just my bad luck, but the "speed" intervals almost always seem to begin as I'm headed uphill or into the wind. My Polar HRM definitely shows a difference between my workout on the treadmill vs an outdoor workout with the stroller (and that's obviously true even when it comes to an "easy run" day).

25 Minute Cardio

In the event that I actually make it to our fitness center for some cross training, I am usually - as I'm sure you are - pressed for time. If the weather is nice enough and I have the extra few minutes, I like to ride my bike there for a little extra cardio.

Here's my 20-25 minute cardio routine (thanks to my PT) that I do on the elliptical or exercise bike:

• 3 minute warm-up (easy building to moderate intensity)
• intervals: 45s at a moderate intensity, 15s at a high intensity (repeat for 15-20 minutes)
• 2 minute cool-down (make sure your heart rate is coming down slowly)

If I can spare another 10-15 minutes, I usually move over to the weights for the following (2 sets of 10-15 reps):

• Leg Press or Squat (superset with calf raises)
• Lat Pull Down or Seated Row (superset with plie squat)
• Pec Press or Push-up (superset with stiff legged deadlift)
• 2-3 minutes of crunches (working rectus abdominus and obliques)

I can usually fit this routine into 40 minutes or less, and I know my husband is grateful for that if both the kids are awake.

Just Getting Ready to Run is a Challenge

If I am going to run by myself (a rare occasion indeed because it must be a Saturday and it must be over 7 miles otherwise hubby assumes I will take at least one child with me), here's what I have to do to get ready to walk out the door:

1. Dress self
2. Grab iPhone, water belt (for long runs), maybe my keys
3. Put on shoes and leave house

If I am going to run with both of my girls, here's what I have to do to get ready to walk out the door:

1. Dress self
2. Change Little Miss Spitfire's diaper
3. Dress Angel Girl, dress Little Miss Spitfire
4. Get a water bottle for myself and one for Angel Girl, sippy cup for Little Miss Spitfire
5. Prep breakfast or snack for Angel Girl, snack trap full of cheerios for Little Miss Spitfire
6. Ask Angel Girl if she needs to go potty
7. Convince Angel Girl that going for a run will be fun, motivate her further by promising to end either (a) at a park or (b) in the greenspace so she can walk the last quarter mile. . . if she's agreeable for the duration of the run
8. Realize Little Miss Spitfire has a dirty diaper, change diaper and redress
9. Realize it's been half an hour since we started our attempt to leave and take another potty break myself
10. Put on shoes
11. Load iPhone, keys, water and snacks into stroller while holding baby
12. Make sure there's a spare diaper, spare pull-up, wipes, and the hooter hider in the stroller (because you just never know)
13. Also check that tires are aired up and that the small pump is in the bottom of the stroller (because I don't want to carry anyone home if it can be avoided)
14. Buckle Little Miss Spitfire in and attach her cup and snack trap cup
15. Buckle Angel Girl in and give her a water bottle and breakfast/snack
16. Finally leave house

I Am Not a Runner

At least I tell people I'm not really a runner. I used to hate running. I mean hate it. Like thinking it was torture, hate it. Which is why it's so funny now that I pretty much work my day around fitting in a run. My daughter expects to go for a run. My husband asks when I ran or how my run was.

Yes, well, life changes. Goals change. We change.

I began as a dancer. I actually still classify myself as a dancer even though the only reason I've set foot in a studio in the last 4 years is to drop off my daughter at class. Some things die hard.

But the fact is, I don't dance anymore. I no longer teach group fitness classes. Instead I found something I could do to exercise and achieve goals while keeping my kiddos with me. And that's running. And that's why I heart Bob (I have 2 Bob strollers) and Phil & Ted (I only have one of theirs but it's got the doubles kit . . . . so it's kind of like 2-in-1). I'll get into that more later.

I started running after my first daughter was born, just a 2-3 mile jog a few times a week.  Not a lot.  I call it my "running for fitness" phase.  I ran in combination with stroller classes, teaching the occasional group fitness class, and regular trips to the gym.  That was when hubby came home at lunch most every day and took care of Angel Girl while I worked out. That slowly faded and as he got busier at work, I found myself putting her in the stroller for a jog more and more often. 

Then hubby changed jobs and my workout routine switched almost exclusively to running and stroller classes with the occasional trip to the gym or group fitness class (and by "occasional" I mean maybe once a month). 

While I was pregnant with Little Miss Spitfire, I had a complication that precluded any exericse.  At all.  My doctor actually told me that I wasn't even allowed to walk for exercise.  I thought I might go crazy, and I dreaded getting "back in shape". 

After Little Miss Spitfire was born and I was cleared to resume working out, I returned to stroller class and then decided to start the 5K101 program.  I blame this new found love of running on that.  I registered for a 5K 6 months post-birth just to have a goal.  I had so much fun at that race that I did something really crazy, crazy for me anyway.  I registered for a half marathon 10 months post-birth.  I consulted with my friend, Wonder Woman, who's run many marathons.  Could I train for a half in that amount of time?  Was I crazy?  Her answers were "yes" and "no" respectively.   I ran the Princess Half Marathon in February and then turned right around and ran another half 3 weeks later as part of a fundraiser for the cancer center in my hometown.

My goal is to run a marathon by the end of the year, for my birthday actually.  I've got a series of races on my schedule along with a training plan.  If you've done the math, I'm almost a year into this journey, and I guess we'll have to see how it all turns out. 

I'm reading a lot and trying to learn what I can from that.  I would love to join a running group and learn from experienced runners, but so far the ones that I've found don't have times that I can work in.  Yet.  Maybe soon. 

What's in a name?

If you're a mom, you can guess where this blog is headed. If not, I'll get to blogging . . . well, as soon as I can.

Race Report 3/20/2011

Race:  A2A Valero Fastest Half

Distance:  13.1 Miles

Time:  2:01:46

Finish:  Overall Finish: ?, Gender Finish: ?, Division Finish:  1/39

Comments:  Lots and lots of hills plus a head wind.  It was tough. 

Lesson(s) Learned:  Check your official time and race results no matter how you think you did.  I was so bummed that I was actually slower than my first half, that I didn't even look at the results.  It never crossed my mind that I could have placed in the top 3 in my division with my time, let alone first.

Race Report 2/27/2011

Race:  Disney Princess Half Marathon

Distance:  13.1 Miles

Time: 1:57:21  (5K Split: 28:22, 10K Split: 56:14, 15K Split: 1:24:07)

Finish: Overall Place: 721 / 13797, Gender Place: 661 / 13114, Division Place: 124 / 2194

Comments:  For my first half marathon, this was certainly a fun race!  Characters, bands, volunteers and spectators lined the entire way.  My favorite, of course, were the gymnasts on the trampoline.  I had to smile at that!  A guy making a video for YouTube was running near me for almost the entire race.  He was kind of running around for lack of a better description.  I'm not sure how I stayed off his radar and didn't make it into the video (should I be insulted?), but you will not see me there.

Lesson(s) Learned:  Always look for the finisher shirt.  I don't know if they had one, but I didn't see it.  I wish I had known to search it out.

Race Report 2/26/2011

Race:  Disney Royal Family 5K

Distance:  5K

Time:  No official time, but we finished crossed the finish line at approximately 30:30.

Finish:  No official time

Comments:  Fantastic!  So much fun!  We had a blast!  Basically, we ran from one character to the next.  Angel Girl was so excited to see many of the Disney Princesses.  I had the girls in the Phil & Teds stroller, and Hubby was in charge of the camera. 

Lesson(s) Learned:  My navy Nike shorts are short enough that I cannot wear a 'regular' t-shirt with them.  I do not appear to be wearing pants in the photos.

Race Report 1/19/2011

Race:  GHS Fillie Trot 10K/5K

Distance:  10K (or 9K?)  There was a lot of discussion about this at the results table.  I don't know what the final decision was.

Time:  50:39 (That sounds about right for me for a 9K - about an 8:53 pace)

Finish:  So much debate was going on when I went to check my results, all I really know is that I was 5th in my age division. 

Comments:  I signed up to run this in preparation for the Princess Half, and it was the first race that I ran sans stroller.  While it's easier to run without a stroller, I am accustomed to having things nearby and easily accessible, like my water bottle. 

Lesson(s) Learned:  I like having my water bottle conveniently placed in the stroller.  ;)  I started off the run with a disposable (recyclable) 8 oz water bottle and that worked well for me. 

Race Report 1/1/2011

Race:  Resolution Solution 5K

Distance:  5K

Time:  27:24

Finish:  Overall: 58/142,  Division: 2/10

Comments: This was small race and it was great!  Most people were running and therefore, I got to run the whole way.  I only had Little Miss Spitfire in the BOB single.  You really have to want to run to get up and run a 5K at 10:00am on New Years Day. 

Lesson(s) Learned:  Small races are fun!