Friday, June 20, 2008
running with angels
I finished the book Running with Angels and had a bunch of quotes I had to write down because the book was very inspiring. It was motivating to me on a lot of levels, not just about running and staying in shape, but about starting good habits and patterns, taking care of myself personally, not just being a mom, etc.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
me time/just do it!
3+ miles
35 minutes
treadmill
warm-up, faster pace, slower cooling down
some toning
I am proud of myself that I made it back to the treadmill again. Sometimes it is hard to get over there in the evenings. By the time Chris gets home, we have dinner and get the kids down, I am thinking I'm ready to relax and go to bed (especially knowing Cooper will likely be up at 4:3 or 5:00 a.m.) I fed Coop while Chris and Ian went to the pool, then helped Ian get ready for bed while Chris finished showering. We read scriptures and said prayers then I let Chris finish with Ian's bedtime routine. Sometimes I feel like just taking off, feeling like I could make excuses for not doing scriptures and prayers together as a family, but then I remind myself that the difference in 5 or 10 minutes is nothing in comparison to the promised blessings of family prayer and scriptures. So I stop being dumb and stupid and spend a few extra minutes with my cute fam.
Luckily it didn't take me too long to find a good TV station. The Disney channel was near where I started my search and it was the end of High School Musical, which was fun to ask, especially the closing number. The movie and acting were cheesy, but I think the music and dancing is fun. I like upbeat, cheesy stuff (what can I say? I liked Lizzy McGuire, too. But Chris does too. So that doesn't make me feel as bad!). I brought my iShuffle as well and cranked that up a few times when the TV got boring. I really like listening to it loud. I found that it was easier for me to zone out and not realizing how long I'd been running or that I'd been tired when the music was on instead of watching TV. But Hannah Montana came on after the movie and since there is so much hype over Miley Cyrus I just had to watch. I have to admit, at first I thought it was really dumb and lame. But the end I thought it was still really cheesy, but kind of cute. It does worry me how much young girls are looking up to this. When I saw that Billy Ray Cyrus played the father in the show, it dawned on me...Miley Cyrus! So my theory is that this show is a way for a country "star" to get his daughter's music into the limelight through the Disney Channel. Seems like an interesting way to go, but she definitely has a following, so I guess whatever works...kind of weird but whatever. I does seem sad that so many little girls look up to her and idolize this little "celebrity" like Hannah Montana portrays on the show; it's not reality so it's hard for me to think it's really that healthy for girls to look up to that...who knows what it'll be like if or when we have a girl. Especially because I know there was something in the news about her right before she came to the Stadium of Fire in Provo last year. I think we really do need to be careful as parents to who and what our children idolize and take interest in. That probably is easier said than done I'm sure I will find!
Despite my analysis of the show, it really was fun to just kick back, have a really good workout (it felt so nice) and just be me and doing something recreational. Reading Running with Angels has made me think a lot about what I need to do to focus on me and spend time working on my talents and needs so I don't get 5, 10, 20 years down the road and feel miserable and sorry for myself. I know I am a mother and that is my most important calling, but I also know I need to be me and take care of myself and my needs or I won't be able to be a good mom. This is a hard concept for a mom, especially since so much of my responsibilities as a mom are about being selfless and focusing on and caring for the needs of others. Especially having a nursing baby who truly is dependent on me for everything, including be fed at least 6 times a day! I am not complaining. I am so grateful I can take care of him, but is a lot of work, I have to admit!!
I also was thinking how good it felt to be running. I was all sweaty and running a pretty good pace (for me right now in my running! I still feel slow! But my legs are getting stronger and it seriously just feels so good knowing I'm making time to run how much or how slow!!). It made me think of the saying: Just do it! Because a lot of times I make a list of excuses why not to go, that I am leaving Chris, or what about the kids, or the house, or that I could be doing others things...but when I get there and start going and when I am done and afterwards, I feel SO good! And am so glad I did it!! So I need to make sure to remember this feeling so that when I am trying to decide, the decision is made already, that I'll go and have a great time and not let the feelings and doubts before hand rob me of some good time for myself that has lots of good benefits for me personally and for my family.
I didn't make it out yesterday. Chris says we can try and have me go in the morning if I feed Cooper. If he keeps waking up early, I could totally feed him and go for 1/2 hour or an hour and still be back to help with Ian and get Chris off to work. But today (Friday) Coop slept until 8 a.m.! No complaining there! But I can't really go run when I need to nurse first! I could pump and go...I guess I'll just need to decide how we want to prioritize and rearrange stuff/how I want to make sure it happens almost every day. I can tell it's easy to just let it slide. If it doesn't happen in the morning (and it hasn't yet, since it's gotten hot; I haven't taken the boys out in days with me in the morning like had been our habit...). So I really am needing to look at things again and figure out how I want to make sure the runs happen. Like last night I went to the temple in the evening and by the time I went to Sonic (I really wanted one of their strawberry slushes!) on my way home, it was almost 9:30 p.m. and I spend time with Chris and still didn't get to bed until after midnight, I think...it really is a matter of prioritizing, communicating and making sure things happen. If I want them to, they will because I will do what is necessary to rearrange or reprioritize. But it really is necessary to commit to doing it or it is so easy to get to the end of the day, not having done it. It definitely won't just happen on it's own without some effort, planning, commitment on my part, and often support from Chris!
And then tonight we have plans with friends. So I hope it can happen when I get home, but am not sure if it'll work. I'll for sure try to go Saturday morning, so that would be 3 runs this week. Which is less than I'd been doing before, but better than nothing. Keep moving forward right? Don't get down, just do the best I can EACH DAY and recommit the next day and focus on that day and just do it. That way I won't get bogged down feeling discouraged. Focus on my efforts and the positive and take it one day at a time!!
35 minutes
treadmill
warm-up, faster pace, slower cooling down
some toning
I am proud of myself that I made it back to the treadmill again. Sometimes it is hard to get over there in the evenings. By the time Chris gets home, we have dinner and get the kids down, I am thinking I'm ready to relax and go to bed (especially knowing Cooper will likely be up at 4:3 or 5:00 a.m.) I fed Coop while Chris and Ian went to the pool, then helped Ian get ready for bed while Chris finished showering. We read scriptures and said prayers then I let Chris finish with Ian's bedtime routine. Sometimes I feel like just taking off, feeling like I could make excuses for not doing scriptures and prayers together as a family, but then I remind myself that the difference in 5 or 10 minutes is nothing in comparison to the promised blessings of family prayer and scriptures. So I stop being dumb and stupid and spend a few extra minutes with my cute fam.
Luckily it didn't take me too long to find a good TV station. The Disney channel was near where I started my search and it was the end of High School Musical, which was fun to ask, especially the closing number. The movie and acting were cheesy, but I think the music and dancing is fun. I like upbeat, cheesy stuff (what can I say? I liked Lizzy McGuire, too. But Chris does too. So that doesn't make me feel as bad!). I brought my iShuffle as well and cranked that up a few times when the TV got boring. I really like listening to it loud. I found that it was easier for me to zone out and not realizing how long I'd been running or that I'd been tired when the music was on instead of watching TV. But Hannah Montana came on after the movie and since there is so much hype over Miley Cyrus I just had to watch. I have to admit, at first I thought it was really dumb and lame. But the end I thought it was still really cheesy, but kind of cute. It does worry me how much young girls are looking up to this. When I saw that Billy Ray Cyrus played the father in the show, it dawned on me...Miley Cyrus! So my theory is that this show is a way for a country "star" to get his daughter's music into the limelight through the Disney Channel. Seems like an interesting way to go, but she definitely has a following, so I guess whatever works...kind of weird but whatever. I does seem sad that so many little girls look up to her and idolize this little "celebrity" like Hannah Montana portrays on the show; it's not reality so it's hard for me to think it's really that healthy for girls to look up to that...who knows what it'll be like if or when we have a girl. Especially because I know there was something in the news about her right before she came to the Stadium of Fire in Provo last year. I think we really do need to be careful as parents to who and what our children idolize and take interest in. That probably is easier said than done I'm sure I will find!
Despite my analysis of the show, it really was fun to just kick back, have a really good workout (it felt so nice) and just be me and doing something recreational. Reading Running with Angels has made me think a lot about what I need to do to focus on me and spend time working on my talents and needs so I don't get 5, 10, 20 years down the road and feel miserable and sorry for myself. I know I am a mother and that is my most important calling, but I also know I need to be me and take care of myself and my needs or I won't be able to be a good mom. This is a hard concept for a mom, especially since so much of my responsibilities as a mom are about being selfless and focusing on and caring for the needs of others. Especially having a nursing baby who truly is dependent on me for everything, including be fed at least 6 times a day! I am not complaining. I am so grateful I can take care of him, but is a lot of work, I have to admit!!
I also was thinking how good it felt to be running. I was all sweaty and running a pretty good pace (for me right now in my running! I still feel slow! But my legs are getting stronger and it seriously just feels so good knowing I'm making time to run how much or how slow!!). It made me think of the saying: Just do it! Because a lot of times I make a list of excuses why not to go, that I am leaving Chris, or what about the kids, or the house, or that I could be doing others things...but when I get there and start going and when I am done and afterwards, I feel SO good! And am so glad I did it!! So I need to make sure to remember this feeling so that when I am trying to decide, the decision is made already, that I'll go and have a great time and not let the feelings and doubts before hand rob me of some good time for myself that has lots of good benefits for me personally and for my family.
I didn't make it out yesterday. Chris says we can try and have me go in the morning if I feed Cooper. If he keeps waking up early, I could totally feed him and go for 1/2 hour or an hour and still be back to help with Ian and get Chris off to work. But today (Friday) Coop slept until 8 a.m.! No complaining there! But I can't really go run when I need to nurse first! I could pump and go...I guess I'll just need to decide how we want to prioritize and rearrange stuff/how I want to make sure it happens almost every day. I can tell it's easy to just let it slide. If it doesn't happen in the morning (and it hasn't yet, since it's gotten hot; I haven't taken the boys out in days with me in the morning like had been our habit...). So I really am needing to look at things again and figure out how I want to make sure the runs happen. Like last night I went to the temple in the evening and by the time I went to Sonic (I really wanted one of their strawberry slushes!) on my way home, it was almost 9:30 p.m. and I spend time with Chris and still didn't get to bed until after midnight, I think...it really is a matter of prioritizing, communicating and making sure things happen. If I want them to, they will because I will do what is necessary to rearrange or reprioritize. But it really is necessary to commit to doing it or it is so easy to get to the end of the day, not having done it. It definitely won't just happen on it's own without some effort, planning, commitment on my part, and often support from Chris!
And then tonight we have plans with friends. So I hope it can happen when I get home, but am not sure if it'll work. I'll for sure try to go Saturday morning, so that would be 3 runs this week. Which is less than I'd been doing before, but better than nothing. Keep moving forward right? Don't get down, just do the best I can EACH DAY and recommit the next day and focus on that day and just do it. That way I won't get bogged down feeling discouraged. Focus on my efforts and the positive and take it one day at a time!!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
being flexible
3+ miles
8:30-9 p.m.
35 minutes
Treadmill
Steady, slower pace, few minutes of faster paced
With the change in the weather (it is still in the 90s, even at 7-8 a.m.) I am needing to figure out something different for getting my runs/exercise in. Luckily Chris was a sweetheart and after we all went to the pool, I fed Cooper and put him down, we read scriptures and said prayers as a family, then he put Ian down while I headed to the complex gym. We're gonna have to look at things, but for right now, it seems like the gym might be my best option, since in the mornings, even if I fed Cooper and then went on a run, I worry about being outside by myself around here and mornings are kind of crazy taking care of the kids, doing breakfast and Chris out the door by 8 a.m. So it might be evening runs at the gym. We'll see. As long as it's happening. I really would like to find a running partner and be outside, but seriously, it is still 100 degrees at 9 p.m. Crazy huh? LOL!
I watched the Reba show, which was actually kind of funny, kind of lame, but distracting, since running a treadmill can seem pretty tedious. It was an episode with therapy, so that made it more funny. Plus I brought my Shuffle and blasted some music for a bit, during commercials. I know many runners don't like listening to music and I really prefer thinking during my runs or being able to talk to the boys, but when I'm stuck inside on a treadmill, it really helps pass the time and keep me going when I otherwise want to be done on there after 5 minutes! :)
Yesterday Cooper had me up a little after 4 and Chris was WONDERFUL and fed Coop a bottle and laid him back down and got Ian breakfast and a movie so I could sleep in. So no exercise yesterday. For some reason I feel like I need to workout 6 days a week--like every other day would be bad. I really need to cut myself a slack and be glad if I get a few workouts in a week. I really am doing so much better! As before I was doing nothing!! :) Tomorrow I was wondering if I should try and get up early and go, but not sure if that'll work. I am planning to go to the temple for ward temple night, so we'll see if I can go when I get back. It's just hard to be away from Chris when I know I need to be spending some time with him when he's home in the evenings!!
8:30-9 p.m.
35 minutes
Treadmill
Steady, slower pace, few minutes of faster paced
With the change in the weather (it is still in the 90s, even at 7-8 a.m.) I am needing to figure out something different for getting my runs/exercise in. Luckily Chris was a sweetheart and after we all went to the pool, I fed Cooper and put him down, we read scriptures and said prayers as a family, then he put Ian down while I headed to the complex gym. We're gonna have to look at things, but for right now, it seems like the gym might be my best option, since in the mornings, even if I fed Cooper and then went on a run, I worry about being outside by myself around here and mornings are kind of crazy taking care of the kids, doing breakfast and Chris out the door by 8 a.m. So it might be evening runs at the gym. We'll see. As long as it's happening. I really would like to find a running partner and be outside, but seriously, it is still 100 degrees at 9 p.m. Crazy huh? LOL!
I watched the Reba show, which was actually kind of funny, kind of lame, but distracting, since running a treadmill can seem pretty tedious. It was an episode with therapy, so that made it more funny. Plus I brought my Shuffle and blasted some music for a bit, during commercials. I know many runners don't like listening to music and I really prefer thinking during my runs or being able to talk to the boys, but when I'm stuck inside on a treadmill, it really helps pass the time and keep me going when I otherwise want to be done on there after 5 minutes! :)
Yesterday Cooper had me up a little after 4 and Chris was WONDERFUL and fed Coop a bottle and laid him back down and got Ian breakfast and a movie so I could sleep in. So no exercise yesterday. For some reason I feel like I need to workout 6 days a week--like every other day would be bad. I really need to cut myself a slack and be glad if I get a few workouts in a week. I really am doing so much better! As before I was doing nothing!! :) Tomorrow I was wondering if I should try and get up early and go, but not sure if that'll work. I am planning to go to the temple for ward temple night, so we'll see if I can go when I get back. It's just hard to be away from Chris when I know I need to be spending some time with him when he's home in the evenings!!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
a longer run
4 miles (almost 3 miles out, park, just over 1 mile back)
7:30-8:45 a.m. (30 minutes or less out, 12 minutes back)
Past Bird Park, out to next major intersection, Slide Park, back home through side streets
80's (I figured out I can get the current temp on my phone so that's exciting!)
Chris went to a golf tournament for work this morning, so the boys and I headed for a run and the park. I decided to go a little longer before we went to the park so I could lengthen the run overall. Ian was a little confused when we ran past a park we often play at, but it worked well. Cooper fell asleep on the way to the park and I had a really good run there. We played for a little bit, then headed back so I could buy tickets online for Val. The run back was short but a good, steady pace. It felt good to increase my overall mileage for a run.
I added a list of races I'd like to run. That really got me excited about some of the cool places things I have to look forward to. Seeing the pictures of runners on the websites was fun! I almost had to laugh at how many marathons I put on there--we'll see! Since I haven't even run one yet! LOL. But I figure these are the things that keep me motivated and excited about this.
7:30-8:45 a.m. (30 minutes or less out, 12 minutes back)
Past Bird Park, out to next major intersection, Slide Park, back home through side streets
80's (I figured out I can get the current temp on my phone so that's exciting!)
Chris went to a golf tournament for work this morning, so the boys and I headed for a run and the park. I decided to go a little longer before we went to the park so I could lengthen the run overall. Ian was a little confused when we ran past a park we often play at, but it worked well. Cooper fell asleep on the way to the park and I had a really good run there. We played for a little bit, then headed back so I could buy tickets online for Val. The run back was short but a good, steady pace. It felt good to increase my overall mileage for a run.
I added a list of races I'd like to run. That really got me excited about some of the cool places things I have to look forward to. Seeing the pictures of runners on the websites was fun! I almost had to laugh at how many marathons I put on there--we'll see! Since I haven't even run one yet! LOL. But I figure these are the things that keep me motivated and excited about this.
Friday, June 13, 2008
making things a little easier
2 miles (6 laps)
8:15-8:45 a.m.
20 minutes (approx. 10 min/mile)
Complex
upper 70's (guess)
I am typing this a day later and I already can't remember what I thought about or how the run went! That's funny. I either am getting older than I thought or my "daily" running habits are starting to run together--I truly hope it's the latter! :) Cooper did get pretty fussy on this run. Ian was a pretty good boy. He had wanted to watch a movie before we left, but luckily complied pretty easy when I told him we could watch it as soon as the run was over while mommy was showering. I think I get some pretty funny looks as I run around the complex, especially from the security guards, but oh well. I am doing the best I can to get exercise in and at this point, taking my boys with me is the best I come up with. I seriously think I am getting some good strength/cross-training in pushing that stroller though! We chased birds again today, which Ian thinks is fun. Unfortunately there was one dumpster that was pretty smelly, so that was a little yucky, just had to be careful how I was breathing. We did make it to the library later that morning, late, but not because of running. I didn't get a run in on Thursday because we had an appointment to get Cooper's 6 month shots/well-baby check at 9:30 a.m. and I didn't want to shove too much into the morning. I'm realizing that if I want to get my runs in I really have to just make sure to plan on them. Even if I have stuff to be to after, if I start early enough, it is totally possible. Plus, I did lay my clothes out the night before, and put them on right as I got up, that way I felt like I'd already committed myself to going and I just had to get the boys ready and go, rather than running around in my pj's and then attempting to rush and get ready. I think that will really help.
As I ran today I did feel like I was lame for only running 2 miles or running at such a slow pace, but I just have to keep reminding myself that some physical activity is better than nothing. I am establishing good habits. The mere fact that I am getting out there, despite how much or fast I run, is setting me up for future success as I make this a habit each day. I also am getting excited that my accumulated mileage is adding up; not that I'm really aiming for a certain thing, but it really is exciting to see that I've been at this for almost a month and that most days, even if I am a bit resistant and it is kind of annoying to get everything ready and the boys situated to get out the door, I really do look forward to going out for the run.
8:15-8:45 a.m.
20 minutes (approx. 10 min/mile)
Complex
upper 70's (guess)
I am typing this a day later and I already can't remember what I thought about or how the run went! That's funny. I either am getting older than I thought or my "daily" running habits are starting to run together--I truly hope it's the latter! :) Cooper did get pretty fussy on this run. Ian was a pretty good boy. He had wanted to watch a movie before we left, but luckily complied pretty easy when I told him we could watch it as soon as the run was over while mommy was showering. I think I get some pretty funny looks as I run around the complex, especially from the security guards, but oh well. I am doing the best I can to get exercise in and at this point, taking my boys with me is the best I come up with. I seriously think I am getting some good strength/cross-training in pushing that stroller though! We chased birds again today, which Ian thinks is fun. Unfortunately there was one dumpster that was pretty smelly, so that was a little yucky, just had to be careful how I was breathing. We did make it to the library later that morning, late, but not because of running. I didn't get a run in on Thursday because we had an appointment to get Cooper's 6 month shots/well-baby check at 9:30 a.m. and I didn't want to shove too much into the morning. I'm realizing that if I want to get my runs in I really have to just make sure to plan on them. Even if I have stuff to be to after, if I start early enough, it is totally possible. Plus, I did lay my clothes out the night before, and put them on right as I got up, that way I felt like I'd already committed myself to going and I just had to get the boys ready and go, rather than running around in my pj's and then attempting to rush and get ready. I think that will really help.
As I ran today I did feel like I was lame for only running 2 miles or running at such a slow pace, but I just have to keep reminding myself that some physical activity is better than nothing. I am establishing good habits. The mere fact that I am getting out there, despite how much or fast I run, is setting me up for future success as I make this a habit each day. I also am getting excited that my accumulated mileage is adding up; not that I'm really aiming for a certain thing, but it really is exciting to see that I've been at this for almost a month and that most days, even if I am a bit resistant and it is kind of annoying to get everything ready and the boys situated to get out the door, I really do look forward to going out for the run.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
first early morning run
2 miles (6 laps)
Complex track
6:40-7:00 a.m.
Low 70's (or cooler; best guess. Was windy, almost a cool breeze! felt really good)
Cooper has been getting up between 5 and 6 a.m. each morning to nurse. He doesn't have to go back to sleep either, and usually ends up waking Ian...luckily this morning Coop was up at 5:15 but Ian didn't wanter in until 6:15. I decided since they were both up and happy (for the time being!) I'd go for a jog earlier than usual since today was playgroup and it doesn't end up happening if I wait too long. We didn't end up going to playgroup, so it wouldn't have mattered today, but oh well! It felt SO good to be coming in from a run at 7:00 instead of maybe leaving the house by 9 a.m.! Big difference. Chris felt bad I didn't wake him up to come too. I was just worried about him getting enough sleep. I am kind of tired during the day, but most days am getting pretty used to the earlier wake-up time. Maybe I can turn into a morning person! :) It would be better if we went to bed a bit earlier (before 11 p.m.) so that is what I told Chris we need to try for.
The run was pretty slow, but I was happy to get it in. And the boys were both really happy. If I can get in this habit, I think it's an almost ideal time for the boys, especially Coop, he seems a lot more pleasant than when we go after 2nd nap/feeding. It also felt SO good out there. As soon as it gets hot I am going to HAVE to get up early and go, 'cause I here it's hot by like 9 a.m.!
Complex track
6:40-7:00 a.m.
Low 70's (or cooler; best guess. Was windy, almost a cool breeze! felt really good)
Cooper has been getting up between 5 and 6 a.m. each morning to nurse. He doesn't have to go back to sleep either, and usually ends up waking Ian...luckily this morning Coop was up at 5:15 but Ian didn't wanter in until 6:15. I decided since they were both up and happy (for the time being!) I'd go for a jog earlier than usual since today was playgroup and it doesn't end up happening if I wait too long. We didn't end up going to playgroup, so it wouldn't have mattered today, but oh well! It felt SO good to be coming in from a run at 7:00 instead of maybe leaving the house by 9 a.m.! Big difference. Chris felt bad I didn't wake him up to come too. I was just worried about him getting enough sleep. I am kind of tired during the day, but most days am getting pretty used to the earlier wake-up time. Maybe I can turn into a morning person! :) It would be better if we went to bed a bit earlier (before 11 p.m.) so that is what I told Chris we need to try for.
The run was pretty slow, but I was happy to get it in. And the boys were both really happy. If I can get in this habit, I think it's an almost ideal time for the boys, especially Coop, he seems a lot more pleasant than when we go after 2nd nap/feeding. It also felt SO good out there. As soon as it gets hot I am going to HAVE to get up early and go, 'cause I here it's hot by like 9 a.m.!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
trials make us stronger
2.5 miles
9:10-10:00 a.m. (about 10 minutes each way)
Bird Park
80's (best guess; it was probably one of the hottest days so far. Gonna have to start going earlier!)
Whew! I am proud of myself for even getting out today! And most of that wasn't even just 'cause I was being lazy. Cooper and Ian were up at 5:45 a.m. and I was dozy for awhile and wanted to crawl back in bed. But I got moving around and was fine. I should have gotten my running clothes on and the stroller and everything ready while Cooper was asleep, that would have helped somewhat. I have decided that I need to set my running clothes/shoes out the night before and make sure everything is ready in the stroller, that way in the morning, all I'll need to do is get the boys ready and we'll be off. I think it's hard on them when I have a ton to do and then we still have to go.
It definitely felt hotter when I walked out the door to leave this morning. I was feeling it on the run out, especially with the wind blowing against me. I was thankful for it in a way, because it did cool things off a bit, but it did make the run to the park harder, especially when I was already feeling like I was moving slow.
But to back up--the part about barely getting out of the house--Ian had a meltdown this morning and was furious at me when I turned off the computer, saying game time was over and we were going on a run to the park. He pulled a screaming, no time-out, biting moment. I let him go at it for awhile, not quite sure what to do to make things better (some people would probably say this behavior deserves a spanking; I just can't see how that would help things...I am not sure what he needs at this point, but I just don't feel like that is it. Sorry to those who would disagree.), then decided just to hold him down, dress him and buckle him in the stroller, screaming the entire time. By this point Cooper had also started screaming. So by the time I was pulling the stroller out the door, I had both kids screaming (luckily I had remained calm all things considered). They were both quiet as soon as we hit the pavement, so that was good. I guess maybe it was inspiration to do what I did. :) Luckily it did change the course of the day and things have been good since.
We made it to the park, right as the group of kids did that were there yesterday (gonna have to get out earlier for two reasons now--to beat the heat and the kids to the park). They made Ian a little more nervous today and he tried to run and play "hit" a few of them, but they just stared at him. I worry that this makes him feel sad, but I think he's okay. He still has a lot to learn about interacting appropriately, and I need to do better at giving him opportunities to do this. I held Cooper while Ian played, but then he was ready to go. Ian resisted some, but overall was good.
The run home was better, I was almost thinking I was feeling good enough that I'd do another mile around the complex, but by the time I entered the complex I was slowing down and I didn't want to push my luck with the boys, so I figured I should call it quits, I had gotten out today despite some roadblocks and had a decent run.
So the wind on the way and Ian beforehand got me thinking about trials and how we need to keep going and push against them, rather than just quitting or turning back. We do miss out on things in life when we don't keep going no matter what is going on or what has happened in the past.
I also was feeling "guilty" about my slow pace (probably a 10 minute mile or worse sometimes) but I had to remind myself that I am pushing the jogger as well, so I can't feel too bad about it. That also goes along with my whole trial analogy, as resistance like this will make me stronger. I'm sure when I run or race without the boys, it'll have paid off that I was used to jogging pushing so much extra weight!
9:10-10:00 a.m. (about 10 minutes each way)
Bird Park
80's (best guess; it was probably one of the hottest days so far. Gonna have to start going earlier!)
Whew! I am proud of myself for even getting out today! And most of that wasn't even just 'cause I was being lazy. Cooper and Ian were up at 5:45 a.m. and I was dozy for awhile and wanted to crawl back in bed. But I got moving around and was fine. I should have gotten my running clothes on and the stroller and everything ready while Cooper was asleep, that would have helped somewhat. I have decided that I need to set my running clothes/shoes out the night before and make sure everything is ready in the stroller, that way in the morning, all I'll need to do is get the boys ready and we'll be off. I think it's hard on them when I have a ton to do and then we still have to go.
It definitely felt hotter when I walked out the door to leave this morning. I was feeling it on the run out, especially with the wind blowing against me. I was thankful for it in a way, because it did cool things off a bit, but it did make the run to the park harder, especially when I was already feeling like I was moving slow.
But to back up--the part about barely getting out of the house--Ian had a meltdown this morning and was furious at me when I turned off the computer, saying game time was over and we were going on a run to the park. He pulled a screaming, no time-out, biting moment. I let him go at it for awhile, not quite sure what to do to make things better (some people would probably say this behavior deserves a spanking; I just can't see how that would help things...I am not sure what he needs at this point, but I just don't feel like that is it. Sorry to those who would disagree.), then decided just to hold him down, dress him and buckle him in the stroller, screaming the entire time. By this point Cooper had also started screaming. So by the time I was pulling the stroller out the door, I had both kids screaming (luckily I had remained calm all things considered). They were both quiet as soon as we hit the pavement, so that was good. I guess maybe it was inspiration to do what I did. :) Luckily it did change the course of the day and things have been good since.
We made it to the park, right as the group of kids did that were there yesterday (gonna have to get out earlier for two reasons now--to beat the heat and the kids to the park). They made Ian a little more nervous today and he tried to run and play "hit" a few of them, but they just stared at him. I worry that this makes him feel sad, but I think he's okay. He still has a lot to learn about interacting appropriately, and I need to do better at giving him opportunities to do this. I held Cooper while Ian played, but then he was ready to go. Ian resisted some, but overall was good.
The run home was better, I was almost thinking I was feeling good enough that I'd do another mile around the complex, but by the time I entered the complex I was slowing down and I didn't want to push my luck with the boys, so I figured I should call it quits, I had gotten out today despite some roadblocks and had a decent run.
So the wind on the way and Ian beforehand got me thinking about trials and how we need to keep going and push against them, rather than just quitting or turning back. We do miss out on things in life when we don't keep going no matter what is going on or what has happened in the past.
I also was feeling "guilty" about my slow pace (probably a 10 minute mile or worse sometimes) but I had to remind myself that I am pushing the jogger as well, so I can't feel too bad about it. That also goes along with my whole trial analogy, as resistance like this will make me stronger. I'm sure when I run or race without the boys, it'll have paid off that I was used to jogging pushing so much extra weight!
Monday, June 9, 2008
playing with my boys/accountable to my blog
3 miles (1 mile/2 miles)
9:10-10:20 a.m. (10 minutes out, 15 minutes back, playing in between)
Bird Park (different/longer new path home, around block--ended from the east)
80's (best guess; it felt hot, but I didn't check so it might not have been that hot already)
I tend to ask Ian where he wants to go on our runs, because I figure he is doing my a favor to sit in the stroller and be good for an extended period of time. Plus it is fun that he is able to play and we are all able to get out of the house. I have realized another good thing about jogging with my boys is that I am a captive audience. It may not be exactly what Ian would choose to do with me, but at least it is teaching me to spend time with him in the middle of our runs when we stop and play and to talk to him and ask him questions as we run.
I was tired on way the run out to the park this morning. After I stopped and stretched after a few blocks, I did better. The playground at the park was empty when we got there but quickly filled up when a children's summer program from the community center next door brought a large group of children out to play. At first Ian wasn't sure what to think, and then he seemed to want to play with them, but no one really would. One older boy (probably around 7) even started pushing Ian around, which I quickly stopped. Cooper was ready to go, which makes Ian kind of mad, but we went and played on the other "blue playground" (more of a workout playground with bars and stuff) which was mostly empty. I think all those kids were a bit much for Ian; for Cooper for sure.
On the jog home I was feeling really good, much better than the run on the way out, so instead of taking the same way back, I decided to go down a new road to see some new scenery and add some mileage to the run. It was getting hot, so I was worried about that, but did fine. It ended up being a good run. I even came back on roads that before I would not have thought about running on! It's funny how much my perceptions have changed in the last month. I know I still need to be alert and careful, but I am much less skittish (like not waking up all through the night worried if the boys are okay or if someone has broken into our house; I still do check to make sure the lappy and our camera are here when I leave during the day, but overall I am way less paranoid! Relieving! :) ).
Today as I talked with Ian at the park I really did appreciate that running is giving me a time to play with the boys. It's a way for me to get out of the house and get outside and go to the park. My runs may not be the best and aren't continuous mileage, since we stop to play in-between, but at least I'll be in better shape and hopefully have a better relationship with my boys. Maybe I'll actually learn to play one of these days too! Who knows--exercise and my relationship with Chris have improved lately, so I figure there is hope for anything at this point!
I've really enjoyed my runs because I am getting more familiar with the area. When we decided where we were going to live this summer, Chris and I got on Google Maps and mapped out a few places, including this park that I go to often. I remember thinking, that's cool, that park is close, I wonder if I could walk to it. But of course I didn't know what was in between our condo and there, so I didn't really know. So it's been nice to get here and find out that though we are near the Strip and the "city" and there are businesses nearby, pretty much in our "backyard" and at various places near us, are lots of little neighborhoods with houses.
It is weird that many (not a lot, but enough that it stands out) of the houses around here have bars on their doors and windows. It reminds me of the song by Tim McGraw, "Where the Green Grass Grows." I really liked that song (especially when I wanted to move to Orderville to be with my high school heartthrob who I though I was in "love" with; funny how times change!). But it has made me wonder what it would really be like to live here. It's strange to think of living in a place where people would actually PUT bars on their doors and windows, because there is a need to. It's especially funny because we live in the "red zone" of Las Vegas, which is the highest crime zone, which I was totally freaked out about (and people on a Las Vegas forum acted like you would practically die living here...) I drove down some streets further north over the weekend and am very grateful we don't live there; the major street we live on seems much nicer and safer. I don't think I would have jogged down that one home if I lived on that street. But anyways, it just makes me wonder what the more suburban areas are like. And overall, what kind of home and place Chris and I want to live and raise our family...
I also realized today that my thoughts while I am running do go toward what I will write in this day's post for the blog. So I guess I've realized I am feeling accountable to my running blog, both for my run, that it actually happens, and for what I think about while I'm out there. I think that maybe that helps me think about and focus in on important things that I would want to record, so maybe my thoughts are a little more productive that way...
9:10-10:20 a.m. (10 minutes out, 15 minutes back, playing in between)
Bird Park (different/longer new path home, around block--ended from the east)
80's (best guess; it felt hot, but I didn't check so it might not have been that hot already)
I tend to ask Ian where he wants to go on our runs, because I figure he is doing my a favor to sit in the stroller and be good for an extended period of time. Plus it is fun that he is able to play and we are all able to get out of the house. I have realized another good thing about jogging with my boys is that I am a captive audience. It may not be exactly what Ian would choose to do with me, but at least it is teaching me to spend time with him in the middle of our runs when we stop and play and to talk to him and ask him questions as we run.
I was tired on way the run out to the park this morning. After I stopped and stretched after a few blocks, I did better. The playground at the park was empty when we got there but quickly filled up when a children's summer program from the community center next door brought a large group of children out to play. At first Ian wasn't sure what to think, and then he seemed to want to play with them, but no one really would. One older boy (probably around 7) even started pushing Ian around, which I quickly stopped. Cooper was ready to go, which makes Ian kind of mad, but we went and played on the other "blue playground" (more of a workout playground with bars and stuff) which was mostly empty. I think all those kids were a bit much for Ian; for Cooper for sure.
On the jog home I was feeling really good, much better than the run on the way out, so instead of taking the same way back, I decided to go down a new road to see some new scenery and add some mileage to the run. It was getting hot, so I was worried about that, but did fine. It ended up being a good run. I even came back on roads that before I would not have thought about running on! It's funny how much my perceptions have changed in the last month. I know I still need to be alert and careful, but I am much less skittish (like not waking up all through the night worried if the boys are okay or if someone has broken into our house; I still do check to make sure the lappy and our camera are here when I leave during the day, but overall I am way less paranoid! Relieving! :) ).
Today as I talked with Ian at the park I really did appreciate that running is giving me a time to play with the boys. It's a way for me to get out of the house and get outside and go to the park. My runs may not be the best and aren't continuous mileage, since we stop to play in-between, but at least I'll be in better shape and hopefully have a better relationship with my boys. Maybe I'll actually learn to play one of these days too! Who knows--exercise and my relationship with Chris have improved lately, so I figure there is hope for anything at this point!
I've really enjoyed my runs because I am getting more familiar with the area. When we decided where we were going to live this summer, Chris and I got on Google Maps and mapped out a few places, including this park that I go to often. I remember thinking, that's cool, that park is close, I wonder if I could walk to it. But of course I didn't know what was in between our condo and there, so I didn't really know. So it's been nice to get here and find out that though we are near the Strip and the "city" and there are businesses nearby, pretty much in our "backyard" and at various places near us, are lots of little neighborhoods with houses.
It is weird that many (not a lot, but enough that it stands out) of the houses around here have bars on their doors and windows. It reminds me of the song by Tim McGraw, "Where the Green Grass Grows." I really liked that song (especially when I wanted to move to Orderville to be with my high school heartthrob who I though I was in "love" with; funny how times change!). But it has made me wonder what it would really be like to live here. It's strange to think of living in a place where people would actually PUT bars on their doors and windows, because there is a need to. It's especially funny because we live in the "red zone" of Las Vegas, which is the highest crime zone, which I was totally freaked out about (and people on a Las Vegas forum acted like you would practically die living here...) I drove down some streets further north over the weekend and am very grateful we don't live there; the major street we live on seems much nicer and safer. I don't think I would have jogged down that one home if I lived on that street. But anyways, it just makes me wonder what the more suburban areas are like. And overall, what kind of home and place Chris and I want to live and raise our family...
I also realized today that my thoughts while I am running do go toward what I will write in this day's post for the blog. So I guess I've realized I am feeling accountable to my running blog, both for my run, that it actually happens, and for what I think about while I'm out there. I think that maybe that helps me think about and focus in on important things that I would want to record, so maybe my thoughts are a little more productive that way...
Saturday, June 7, 2008
just the two of us
2 miles (run/walk)
7:45-8:30 a.m.
Around the neighborhood (up to park, around block and back)
70's
My family came in town Friday night and we stayed up late with them. But of course the boys were still up around 6 a.m. So...after feeding Cooper and putting him back down for a nap (love that he's already been up, ate, and is going back to sleep before others have even gotten up once!) and giving Ian some breakfast and a movie to watch in his "cave," we told Nicole to call us if they needed us, but that they should be fine while we went out for a run.
We walked for a few blocks, then jogged for about 10 minutes, then walked most of the rest of the way home. It was just nice for Chris and I to be out alone together, without any kids. Though I did realize one perk of having the jogger is to hold water. It felt pretty good outside and there are some beautiful bushes in bloom with pink, white, and orange/red flowers--very pretty!
I am proud of Chris for coming with me. I know he wants to get back in shape. It can kind of feel slow at first, but I'd really like us to start some better habits right now. It's not like life will ever slow down and that there will be a better time than now to start. He has a hard time running with his asthma and allergies, but I'm hoping with time and practice, we can increase his abilities.
P.S. I didn't get out running yesterday. It may have been an excuse, but they were turning our water off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and I really wanted to make sure I got a shower, especially since we needed to be to the library by 10:30. I hate feeling like I am making excuses, but I did get 4 runs in this week, so I can't feel too guilty!
7:45-8:30 a.m.
Around the neighborhood (up to park, around block and back)
70's
My family came in town Friday night and we stayed up late with them. But of course the boys were still up around 6 a.m. So...after feeding Cooper and putting him back down for a nap (love that he's already been up, ate, and is going back to sleep before others have even gotten up once!) and giving Ian some breakfast and a movie to watch in his "cave," we told Nicole to call us if they needed us, but that they should be fine while we went out for a run.
We walked for a few blocks, then jogged for about 10 minutes, then walked most of the rest of the way home. It was just nice for Chris and I to be out alone together, without any kids. Though I did realize one perk of having the jogger is to hold water. It felt pretty good outside and there are some beautiful bushes in bloom with pink, white, and orange/red flowers--very pretty!
I am proud of Chris for coming with me. I know he wants to get back in shape. It can kind of feel slow at first, but I'd really like us to start some better habits right now. It's not like life will ever slow down and that there will be a better time than now to start. He has a hard time running with his asthma and allergies, but I'm hoping with time and practice, we can increase his abilities.
P.S. I didn't get out running yesterday. It may have been an excuse, but they were turning our water off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and I really wanted to make sure I got a shower, especially since we needed to be to the library by 10:30. I hate feeling like I am making excuses, but I did get 4 runs in this week, so I can't feel too guilty!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
not a car
2 miles
20 minutes
10:50-11:10 a.m.
Complex "track"
Mid-70's (felt a lot hotter than that!)
Today I got up and was a little bit sore from the treadmill and toning last night, but it felt good. Chris and I both slept well, and it actually took me a little bit to come out of sleep when the boys woke up this morning. I had planned to go grocery shopping this morning, but it ended up that we went for a later run after Cooper's nap and 2nd feeding. It said it was still in the 70's on weatherchannel.com so I figured we'd be okay, even though it was later. It felt hotter than that, but we weren't too hot.
I decided to just go around the complex today, since we were later. Ian was anxious to be done from the start. And Cooper's been really fussy and was screaming before we started, settled down, then got a little upset with a couple laps left. I felt like I was movie pretty slow, but was able to pick up the pace for a little bit. I told Ian to tell me to go faster and then that would mean we could go play at Scoop Park sooner. He is always telling me to slow down, so I was trying to explain that he should cheer me on to go faster, like Queen so we can get done and go play. Considering how the jogging stroller is red, and attempting to get Ian into the whole "racing,"going faster thing, I excitedly told him, "Ian! We're Queen! We're red!" He matter-of-factly said, "Mom. We're not a car." So much for imagination on that one...
I did some thinking again while running today. It's funny because I mostly think what I am going to write on the blog about the run :) so if nothing else, the blog is a good way to have my mind think about important things that I want to record. We went to Scoop Park and talked and played for a little bit, then headed back to the house for lunch. Luckily I was able to "bribe" into to go home because I told him he could watch a library movie while I showered. Oftentimes he'll tell me to go get in the shower, hoping that means I'll let him watch a movie. It's amazing how quickly that kid has caught onto things.
I also wanted to mention how much I love my jogger. Especially the sunshades. My last Baby Jogger (single) didn't have the sunshades that rotate as much as these, and that is primarily why I wanted the performance brand this time. I was afraid I wouldn't use my jogger enough to justify spending the extra money on this one, but already I feel relieved that I didn't waste the money. I am glad I have it and am thoroughly enjoying the strollers, especially the ability to keep both boys out of the sun and adjust the shades depending on the direction we're running, which just wasn't an option with the Q-series; I was always having to put blankets across the front to keep Ian covered and the sun out of his eyes.
20 minutes
10:50-11:10 a.m.
Complex "track"
Mid-70's (felt a lot hotter than that!)
Today I got up and was a little bit sore from the treadmill and toning last night, but it felt good. Chris and I both slept well, and it actually took me a little bit to come out of sleep when the boys woke up this morning. I had planned to go grocery shopping this morning, but it ended up that we went for a later run after Cooper's nap and 2nd feeding. It said it was still in the 70's on weatherchannel.com so I figured we'd be okay, even though it was later. It felt hotter than that, but we weren't too hot.
I decided to just go around the complex today, since we were later. Ian was anxious to be done from the start. And Cooper's been really fussy and was screaming before we started, settled down, then got a little upset with a couple laps left. I felt like I was movie pretty slow, but was able to pick up the pace for a little bit. I told Ian to tell me to go faster and then that would mean we could go play at Scoop Park sooner. He is always telling me to slow down, so I was trying to explain that he should cheer me on to go faster, like Queen so we can get done and go play. Considering how the jogging stroller is red, and attempting to get Ian into the whole "racing,"going faster thing, I excitedly told him, "Ian! We're Queen! We're red!" He matter-of-factly said, "Mom. We're not a car." So much for imagination on that one...
I did some thinking again while running today. It's funny because I mostly think what I am going to write on the blog about the run :) so if nothing else, the blog is a good way to have my mind think about important things that I want to record. We went to Scoop Park and talked and played for a little bit, then headed back to the house for lunch. Luckily I was able to "bribe" into to go home because I told him he could watch a library movie while I showered. Oftentimes he'll tell me to go get in the shower, hoping that means I'll let him watch a movie. It's amazing how quickly that kid has caught onto things.
I also wanted to mention how much I love my jogger. Especially the sunshades. My last Baby Jogger (single) didn't have the sunshades that rotate as much as these, and that is primarily why I wanted the performance brand this time. I was afraid I wouldn't use my jogger enough to justify spending the extra money on this one, but already I feel relieved that I didn't waste the money. I am glad I have it and am thoroughly enjoying the strollers, especially the ability to keep both boys out of the sun and adjust the shades depending on the direction we're running, which just wasn't an option with the Q-series; I was always having to put blankets across the front to keep Ian covered and the sun out of his eyes.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
treadmill
3 miles
33 minutes on treadmill, short jog/stretch beforehand, walked back to the condo
8-9 p.m.
Condo gym
Kinda stuffy in gym, but not hot; felt good outside on walk home
I think today I was more raunchy than I can remember in a long time (Chris might remember otherwise). I know I get temperamental during pregnancy, but man, I was so ornery today, I couldn't even stand myself! I had a hard time taking care of the boys and being patient. And I seem to have taken up a new hobby, which I detest already--yelling--I've only yelled at Ian a few times in the last few days, but it's something that's gotta stop fast!
Wednesdays are kind of a crazy day because we have ward playgroup at 10:00 a.m. By the time I feed Cooper twice and have him nap once, it's hard to fit in a run before it's time to leave for playgroup. But I think I could have used the run earlier in the day--maybe it would have helped my foul mood. :( Chris was totally fine to let me go to the gym in our condo complex in the evening after the boys were ready for bed. It was my first time in the gym (we finally figured out how to get in; no thanks to the security guard). It's nothing much, but the treadmill seems to work fine which is all I need. Maybe I'll even think about doing some cross-training with some of the other machines. I think I've always been a little intimidated by then, like I wouldn't know what to do on them, but they can't be that hard!
It's been awhile since I was on a treadmill, so it was a little interesting of a run. I watched The Price is Right while I ran. Next time I need to turn the sound up higher, but it was a nice distraction. My pace was pretty slow overall, but I did speed it up during the middle and towards the end. I feel dumb that my mile pace is so slow, but I gotta not be so hard on myself--I'm out running and that's what matters. I can focus more on speed and pace later. Right now I'm just beginning again, building a foundation and just getting the runs in. It's hard not to look down on myself sometimes. But I just gotta celebrate doing the runs!
Chris has been doing push-ups some nights, which has made me think about my need to do sit-ups and toning in general (I need to work on push-ups too, but upper body strength has never been my forte, so we'll leave that on the list of "to-do's" for now). So tonight after my treadmill run I came back to the house and read the New Testament while I did some crunches, leg lifts, etc. The burn felt nice. Maybe I can get this bum and thighs into a little bit better shape. It was funny--the other day I noticed that my sister Andrea's stomach was flat and I suddenly remembered that mine once was like that! I really am quite happy with my body overall, especially considering having two kids, but it was just funny to see that and suddenly flash back to when mine looked like that!!
33 minutes on treadmill, short jog/stretch beforehand, walked back to the condo
8-9 p.m.
Condo gym
Kinda stuffy in gym, but not hot; felt good outside on walk home
I think today I was more raunchy than I can remember in a long time (Chris might remember otherwise). I know I get temperamental during pregnancy, but man, I was so ornery today, I couldn't even stand myself! I had a hard time taking care of the boys and being patient. And I seem to have taken up a new hobby, which I detest already--yelling--I've only yelled at Ian a few times in the last few days, but it's something that's gotta stop fast!
Wednesdays are kind of a crazy day because we have ward playgroup at 10:00 a.m. By the time I feed Cooper twice and have him nap once, it's hard to fit in a run before it's time to leave for playgroup. But I think I could have used the run earlier in the day--maybe it would have helped my foul mood. :( Chris was totally fine to let me go to the gym in our condo complex in the evening after the boys were ready for bed. It was my first time in the gym (we finally figured out how to get in; no thanks to the security guard). It's nothing much, but the treadmill seems to work fine which is all I need. Maybe I'll even think about doing some cross-training with some of the other machines. I think I've always been a little intimidated by then, like I wouldn't know what to do on them, but they can't be that hard!
It's been awhile since I was on a treadmill, so it was a little interesting of a run. I watched The Price is Right while I ran. Next time I need to turn the sound up higher, but it was a nice distraction. My pace was pretty slow overall, but I did speed it up during the middle and towards the end. I feel dumb that my mile pace is so slow, but I gotta not be so hard on myself--I'm out running and that's what matters. I can focus more on speed and pace later. Right now I'm just beginning again, building a foundation and just getting the runs in. It's hard not to look down on myself sometimes. But I just gotta celebrate doing the runs!
Chris has been doing push-ups some nights, which has made me think about my need to do sit-ups and toning in general (I need to work on push-ups too, but upper body strength has never been my forte, so we'll leave that on the list of "to-do's" for now). So tonight after my treadmill run I came back to the house and read the New Testament while I did some crunches, leg lifts, etc. The burn felt nice. Maybe I can get this bum and thighs into a little bit better shape. It was funny--the other day I noticed that my sister Andrea's stomach was flat and I suddenly remembered that mine once was like that! I really am quite happy with my body overall, especially considering having two kids, but it was just funny to see that and suddenly flash back to when mine looked like that!!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
thinking time
3 miles (1 mile each way, plus about a mile around park jogging trail)
8:50-9:40 a.m. (12 min. out, 13 min. around jogging trail, 10 min. home)
High 80's (best guess; didn't check, but it sure felt hot by the time I got home!)
Bird Park (Ian chased the birds and played on the playground and in the sand for a few minutes before Cooper was getting tired; luckily Coop fell asleep on the run home.)
I am beginning to realize that running is a metaphor for life. The same difficulties with attitude I am having getting myself out to run are the same ones I have about cleaning my house, or playing with my boys, or investing in relationships. I really am afraid that I sound like the biggest pessimist, but honestly, I kind of am. I know I am, but out running today it really hit me that I need to make some changes. I knew that. But it really hit me hard today. I got out pretty easily today and while running was thinking about how often I drag my feet about doing things, whether it's running or cleaning or taking time for the people I really care about. As I was running I thought how good it felt and realized that's how other areas of my life are too--that when I will take time for them, even if begrudgingly at first, I do enjoy it and it really benefits me and others.
I added another sidebar list for races I've run. I'm really embarrassed almost, that I can only put two on there. I swear there have to be more! But I only have two t-shirts so that sadly is probably true so far. I have had a funny attitude about running and exercise. Not to blame this on my parents or not take responsibility for my personal choices, but exercise was never something my family emphasized. I started running track in junior high (my friend tried to get me to join in 7th grade; I ran the first day and never went back, at least not that year). I ran from 8th-11th grade. I remember talking to two senior girls who I ran with throughout my senior year. I asked if she was running at Ricks when she went there in the fall, but she said no, she'd just keep up running on her own. I distinctly remember being perplexed by this; why would she keep running if she wasn't running on a team? How dumb I was and how long it's taken me to get over that silly mind myth (if you'd like to know more about these, let me know).
I thought I was too busy my senior year to run, which was unfortunate. My coach really tried to get me to run, but I didn't. Thinking back to my senior year (which has been even more so the last few days, since my little sister Andrea just graduated from PGHS last week, 8 years after me!) I was a mess. I felt so bogged down with all the things I was involved in and remember when I was about ready to dropped by AP English and AP Calculus classes because I could not handle everything I was involved in (then I aced a Calculus test and decided maybe I wasn't doing as poorly as I felt like I was...LOL), that there is no way I could have fit in track, too. But you know--I should have, because I think some physical exercise would have helped a lot during that time when I was so stressed and feeling so down and depressed. My coach also tried to get me to do cross country in high school, but I never would. It is sad to me that I had such a funky attitude about running, and even exercise in general. After graduation I would go to the track and run some mornings, and then my freshman year I would run once in awhile with friends from the dorms, but overall, I really had a bad attitude about running. Even when I had friends who wanted to go and tried to get me out there, I still fought it. After Chris and I got married I fought him when he wanted to go for walks. I ask him why we didn't exercise more together and he says because I always got mad at him when he asked; and he's right. I was "so" busy with school that I let things that could have helped and made life happier not be a part of my life. Then I got pregnant and was busy with Ian, then I got pregnant....I had really wanted to run during my second pregnancy and was geared up for it (ran two races in March, not knowing I was pregnant) but then just couldn't keep it up during the pregnancy 'cause I didn't really have that good of base prior to getting pregnant. Then in is weather excuses, postpartum, too busy--whatever--I can usually come up with what I think are some pretty good ones. I was worried about running here in Vegas with the heat (we'll still how that goes when it does actually get hot down here), with the boys in the stroller, etc. I do wish I could run on my own or find a running buddy, or figure out a way to get out more with Chris. Those are just some things I am working on right now, that I think would help things. So I am really hoping to start some lasting habits now that will continue on, no matter what stage of life I am in or where we're living.
I realized on my run this morning what they mean about running being more mental than physical. I think I have a lot to learn about this, but I think if I am able to do that in running, it will be a huge blessing to every facet of my life, especially as a mother and wife.
I didn't get a run in yesterday. My family was in town and left that morning and I honestly just didn't even try to. Chris and I talked about going for a run for FHE that night, but he took Ian swimming before dinner, then we did a short FHE and bedtime. I'll really like it when I "freak out" and can't stand the idea of not getting a daily run in! Not that I want to base my life or day around it, but when it becomes vital to me feeling sane and enjoying my day, I look forward to that.
8:50-9:40 a.m. (12 min. out, 13 min. around jogging trail, 10 min. home)
High 80's (best guess; didn't check, but it sure felt hot by the time I got home!)
Bird Park (Ian chased the birds and played on the playground and in the sand for a few minutes before Cooper was getting tired; luckily Coop fell asleep on the run home.)
I am beginning to realize that running is a metaphor for life. The same difficulties with attitude I am having getting myself out to run are the same ones I have about cleaning my house, or playing with my boys, or investing in relationships. I really am afraid that I sound like the biggest pessimist, but honestly, I kind of am. I know I am, but out running today it really hit me that I need to make some changes. I knew that. But it really hit me hard today. I got out pretty easily today and while running was thinking about how often I drag my feet about doing things, whether it's running or cleaning or taking time for the people I really care about. As I was running I thought how good it felt and realized that's how other areas of my life are too--that when I will take time for them, even if begrudgingly at first, I do enjoy it and it really benefits me and others.
I added another sidebar list for races I've run. I'm really embarrassed almost, that I can only put two on there. I swear there have to be more! But I only have two t-shirts so that sadly is probably true so far. I have had a funny attitude about running and exercise. Not to blame this on my parents or not take responsibility for my personal choices, but exercise was never something my family emphasized. I started running track in junior high (my friend tried to get me to join in 7th grade; I ran the first day and never went back, at least not that year). I ran from 8th-11th grade. I remember talking to two senior girls who I ran with throughout my senior year. I asked if she was running at Ricks when she went there in the fall, but she said no, she'd just keep up running on her own. I distinctly remember being perplexed by this; why would she keep running if she wasn't running on a team? How dumb I was and how long it's taken me to get over that silly mind myth (if you'd like to know more about these, let me know).
I thought I was too busy my senior year to run, which was unfortunate. My coach really tried to get me to run, but I didn't. Thinking back to my senior year (which has been even more so the last few days, since my little sister Andrea just graduated from PGHS last week, 8 years after me!) I was a mess. I felt so bogged down with all the things I was involved in and remember when I was about ready to dropped by AP English and AP Calculus classes because I could not handle everything I was involved in (then I aced a Calculus test and decided maybe I wasn't doing as poorly as I felt like I was...LOL), that there is no way I could have fit in track, too. But you know--I should have, because I think some physical exercise would have helped a lot during that time when I was so stressed and feeling so down and depressed. My coach also tried to get me to do cross country in high school, but I never would. It is sad to me that I had such a funky attitude about running, and even exercise in general. After graduation I would go to the track and run some mornings, and then my freshman year I would run once in awhile with friends from the dorms, but overall, I really had a bad attitude about running. Even when I had friends who wanted to go and tried to get me out there, I still fought it. After Chris and I got married I fought him when he wanted to go for walks. I ask him why we didn't exercise more together and he says because I always got mad at him when he asked; and he's right. I was "so" busy with school that I let things that could have helped and made life happier not be a part of my life. Then I got pregnant and was busy with Ian, then I got pregnant....I had really wanted to run during my second pregnancy and was geared up for it (ran two races in March, not knowing I was pregnant) but then just couldn't keep it up during the pregnancy 'cause I didn't really have that good of base prior to getting pregnant. Then in is weather excuses, postpartum, too busy--whatever--I can usually come up with what I think are some pretty good ones. I was worried about running here in Vegas with the heat (we'll still how that goes when it does actually get hot down here), with the boys in the stroller, etc. I do wish I could run on my own or find a running buddy, or figure out a way to get out more with Chris. Those are just some things I am working on right now, that I think would help things. So I am really hoping to start some lasting habits now that will continue on, no matter what stage of life I am in or where we're living.
I realized on my run this morning what they mean about running being more mental than physical. I think I have a lot to learn about this, but I think if I am able to do that in running, it will be a huge blessing to every facet of my life, especially as a mother and wife.
I didn't get a run in yesterday. My family was in town and left that morning and I honestly just didn't even try to. Chris and I talked about going for a run for FHE that night, but he took Ian swimming before dinner, then we did a short FHE and bedtime. I'll really like it when I "freak out" and can't stand the idea of not getting a daily run in! Not that I want to base my life or day around it, but when it becomes vital to me feeling sane and enjoying my day, I look forward to that.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
i like saturdays
3 miles (about 1.5 m. out, 1.5 m. back)
7:30-9:30 a.m. (we left the house, ran to the park, played for awhile, then ran back)
Probably 70's
This could be a Saturday tradition I could really come to love. I told Chris I could get used to him not having to study on Saturdays, and just being able to spend the day playing together as a family. This morning Ian had us up at 6:30 a.m. (not when we'd want to be up! but at least we took advantage of the morning). Chris got everything ready to go with the stroller, which helped a ton (it always takes me so long to do that). Cooper was already tired (usually I end up going after his morning nap), but luckily he ended up napping on the way home and went to sleep in his pack 'n play as soon as we got home, so it worked out.
Chris even jogged some with me! I was so excited. I ran most of the way over, and he would jog, then walk a little. I finished a pretty strong jog to the park, then we played around for a little while. Ian had a fun time with Chris. And it was fun to show Chris our favorite park so far (which I learned is right next to the police department, which helps me feel even safer playing there!!). Chris needed to adjust the shoelaces on his new running shoes, but after that jogged almost all the way home with me.
We have talked a lot about needing shared hobbies to do together. So I told Chris my proposal that I should get SCUBA certified like he's wanted me to and we can do that together. And that he should start running with me and maybe even do 5Ks (or a marathon someday, if he really starts to feel ambitious). He was very amenable to both ideas, which was nice. It would be good for us to do things together. I figured both of these would accomplish goals to be more in shape and recreate together. Both things we both need to be doing! And we need to be enjoying each other more; I hope doing things together like this would help! I am going to check if we can take a stroller in the 4th of July 5K, maybe then Chris and the boys could run it with me...we'll see. I really do need to get a training plan together and find another running buddy; I think that'd help me a lot with motivation. Val and I will probably try to do some runs together this fall, depending on where she is at and what she's up to; I look forward to that!
I decided to start a new sidebar of places I've run, so that hopefully I will always feel a reason to bring my running shoes and go for runs wherever we are in the world! I thought that'd be a pretty cool thing to have record of all the places I've visited--and run!
7:30-9:30 a.m. (we left the house, ran to the park, played for awhile, then ran back)
Probably 70's
This could be a Saturday tradition I could really come to love. I told Chris I could get used to him not having to study on Saturdays, and just being able to spend the day playing together as a family. This morning Ian had us up at 6:30 a.m. (not when we'd want to be up! but at least we took advantage of the morning). Chris got everything ready to go with the stroller, which helped a ton (it always takes me so long to do that). Cooper was already tired (usually I end up going after his morning nap), but luckily he ended up napping on the way home and went to sleep in his pack 'n play as soon as we got home, so it worked out.
Chris even jogged some with me! I was so excited. I ran most of the way over, and he would jog, then walk a little. I finished a pretty strong jog to the park, then we played around for a little while. Ian had a fun time with Chris. And it was fun to show Chris our favorite park so far (which I learned is right next to the police department, which helps me feel even safer playing there!!). Chris needed to adjust the shoelaces on his new running shoes, but after that jogged almost all the way home with me.
We have talked a lot about needing shared hobbies to do together. So I told Chris my proposal that I should get SCUBA certified like he's wanted me to and we can do that together. And that he should start running with me and maybe even do 5Ks (or a marathon someday, if he really starts to feel ambitious). He was very amenable to both ideas, which was nice. It would be good for us to do things together. I figured both of these would accomplish goals to be more in shape and recreate together. Both things we both need to be doing! And we need to be enjoying each other more; I hope doing things together like this would help! I am going to check if we can take a stroller in the 4th of July 5K, maybe then Chris and the boys could run it with me...we'll see. I really do need to get a training plan together and find another running buddy; I think that'd help me a lot with motivation. Val and I will probably try to do some runs together this fall, depending on where she is at and what she's up to; I look forward to that!
I decided to start a new sidebar of places I've run, so that hopefully I will always feel a reason to bring my running shoes and go for runs wherever we are in the world! I thought that'd be a pretty cool thing to have record of all the places I've visited--and run!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
timely advice
I love the internet! I may be kind of a junkie sometimes, but it's nice to get some reassurance from active.com:
"As with starting any new activity, the first few weeks are always the hardest. 'The first three weeks are about making the effort to just get your run or walk in,' says Hadfield. 'By week three you'll feel 100 percent better.'"
That is definitely how I have been feeling. I'm just grateful I am making the effort to get out there and get the run in, no matter how slow or how short. This is coming up on week 2 for me; it's nice to know I'm not the "only one" who struggles the first little while :)
"As with starting any new activity, the first few weeks are always the hardest. 'The first three weeks are about making the effort to just get your run or walk in,' says Hadfield. 'By week three you'll feel 100 percent better.'"
That is definitely how I have been feeling. I'm just grateful I am making the effort to get out there and get the run in, no matter how slow or how short. This is coming up on week 2 for me; it's nice to know I'm not the "only one" who struggles the first little while :)
a new route
3 miles (1.5 miles to park, 20 min. playing, 1.5 miles back home)
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (30 min. total, 15 min/break/15 min.)
Low-mid 70's
Today I decided that we could all use a change of scenery. It seems to take me awhile to actually get out of the house by the time I feed Cooper around 6 a.m., feed Ian breakfast, then likely have to feed Cooper again... :) But I really am just proud I'm getting out of the house! I thought Ian would enjoy going to the park, so I google mapped a park near our house that we like and it was about 1.5 miles, so I figured round-trip that would be a good run. It was so nice to be out on the streets and not have constant speed bumps to run over! We went a backway, so most of the way was residential, with a short stretch down a more major road, which did have a bike lane, so that was nice. A big "Mack" (as Ian named it) truck drove by us pretty fast on our way home home and it felt a little close for comfort, but we were fine. I think I will try this route again. I am going to have to start my runs earlier and get going faster in the morning because it is going to be in the 90's real soon and it's only gonna get hotter from here on out.
We had fun playing at the park. There was even a big puddle at the bottom of one slide, which of course we didn't realize until Ian had gone down! But he was a good sport about it. Ian wants Cooper and I to go down the slides, but Cooper is still pretty freaked out by it. I think I ran a pretty good pace, especially on the way home, until almost the end, then I got a little worn-out.
I want to talk to Chris and see if we can get him out running with us sometimes, as well as consider ways and times that I could get out running on my own. I would need a running buddy, which I don't have right now. Just some things to think about.
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (30 min. total, 15 min/break/15 min.)
Low-mid 70's
Today I decided that we could all use a change of scenery. It seems to take me awhile to actually get out of the house by the time I feed Cooper around 6 a.m., feed Ian breakfast, then likely have to feed Cooper again... :) But I really am just proud I'm getting out of the house! I thought Ian would enjoy going to the park, so I google mapped a park near our house that we like and it was about 1.5 miles, so I figured round-trip that would be a good run. It was so nice to be out on the streets and not have constant speed bumps to run over! We went a backway, so most of the way was residential, with a short stretch down a more major road, which did have a bike lane, so that was nice. A big "Mack" (as Ian named it) truck drove by us pretty fast on our way home home and it felt a little close for comfort, but we were fine. I think I will try this route again. I am going to have to start my runs earlier and get going faster in the morning because it is going to be in the 90's real soon and it's only gonna get hotter from here on out.
We had fun playing at the park. There was even a big puddle at the bottom of one slide, which of course we didn't realize until Ian had gone down! But he was a good sport about it. Ian wants Cooper and I to go down the slides, but Cooper is still pretty freaked out by it. I think I ran a pretty good pace, especially on the way home, until almost the end, then I got a little worn-out.
I want to talk to Chris and see if we can get him out running with us sometimes, as well as consider ways and times that I could get out running on my own. I would need a running buddy, which I don't have right now. Just some things to think about.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
and a check for wednesday
So I again was struggling with my attitude to get out today, but I did get a run in, so I feel good about that. I ran with the boys from about 9:10-9:30. It was probably just under 2 miles. Ian was antsy to get done and go to playgroup at the water playground, so it was a bit hard for me to feel motivated when he was whining for me to stop. I had a harder time running today, just was tired easy. Ian is getting sick of the speed bumps around the complex (as am I) but until I come up with other alternatives, I am very grateful I can at least run around the complex and get some running in.
I started a miles ticker today and am looking for good running sites to add to my sidebar, mostly just to add to the motivation pool. :) Right now my goal is to run about 10 miles a week. I figure that is 5 2-mile days, or 4 2-3 miles days, so that shouldn't be too hard. I can increase at anytime, but I figure that's a good place to start, so I have somewhat of a goal to aim for each week.
I think I will try and run the 4th of July 5K. I am sad I can't be in Provo and do the Freedom Festival this year. I think having races to work toward will help me have something to work toward and feel motivated by, since I'm having such a bad attitude! I don't know what my problem is; I've just felt pretty down lately. In general, not just running. But I am glad I'm at least getting out of the house and moving for a few miles. I feel like it's not much, but at least it is something and starting the habit, right?! :) My next plan is to find a training plan for the 5K. I'll keep looking for races after that; I am thinking one every month or two would probably be good, just to keep me working toward something. I'll try to find some in Provo to do this fall when we get back.
I started a miles ticker today and am looking for good running sites to add to my sidebar, mostly just to add to the motivation pool. :) Right now my goal is to run about 10 miles a week. I figure that is 5 2-mile days, or 4 2-3 miles days, so that shouldn't be too hard. I can increase at anytime, but I figure that's a good place to start, so I have somewhat of a goal to aim for each week.
I think I will try and run the 4th of July 5K. I am sad I can't be in Provo and do the Freedom Festival this year. I think having races to work toward will help me have something to work toward and feel motivated by, since I'm having such a bad attitude! I don't know what my problem is; I've just felt pretty down lately. In general, not just running. But I am glad I'm at least getting out of the house and moving for a few miles. I feel like it's not much, but at least it is something and starting the habit, right?! :) My next plan is to find a training plan for the 5K. I'll keep looking for races after that; I am thinking one every month or two would probably be good, just to keep me working toward something. I'll try to find some in Provo to do this fall when we get back.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
motivation
I feel like I am already hitting a slump and I haven't done much...last Friday I was getting the house ready for Chris' family to come, then we headed to the library, then met his parents and Val at El Pollo Loco for lunch, so no run on Friday. Val and I had intended to get up and go just she and I on Saturday morning, but by the time we got up and going, we didn't make time for it. We didn't even talk about going Monday, which we should have, though they were getting ready to go. They had a Ronald McDonald House run on Monday (Memorial Day); I thought that would be cool to do, but it didn't work out. I am realizing my attitude sucks lately. I just got done ready Annie Andrus' running blog (she's the one who gave me the idea to do this) and now I'm even more depressed! :( She was talking about getting up at 5:15 a.m. to go running every day. Then she was talking about doing her speed work on the track. It makes me feel like a slacker. I feel like I don't even care, but I really want to. I really do want to make running and fitness a bigger part of our lives. Especially to start better habits for our boys. Chris is wanting to get in better shape too, but we have a hard time knowing what to do. We are busy, but mostly we really just don't make time in the day for it. If we were willing, we could do a lot more. Chris has been doing push-ups lately, which is nice. I know he doesn't like his gut and is wanting to work on that, too. I'd like to find things we could do together; we just get stuck.
I am glad that I did get out today at least. I was working around the house, so we didn't start until about 11:15 a.m. I went for a 20-25 min. run with the boys around the complex, probably about 2 miles. We chased birds and Ian looked for fire hydrants, which he loves. He even told me he wanted me to slow down, I was running too fast. At least he thinks so! :) I need to be better at stretching, but did after the first lap. I usually forget to by the time we get home and it's time to nurse and do lunch and naptime. But I guess, at least I'm getting out, especially when I don't want to. I don't know why I am having such a bad attitude. I think a lot of the time it's 'cause there is other stuff to do and it takes a lot of work to get the boys out the door with the stroller and the stuff, to make sure there are drinks and snacks and that we are timing it right after and in between feedings and naps. I don't want to sound like a whiner, but it is hard for me to start a habit and get excited about this, when I feel like I just focus on all the excuses and reasons not to....I hope it will get easier. We went to the outlets yesterday, so Chris and I both have a new pair of running shoes; that should be fun. Now if I can just figure out how to get us both out there, planning to make fitness part of our lifestyle.
I am glad that I did get out today at least. I was working around the house, so we didn't start until about 11:15 a.m. I went for a 20-25 min. run with the boys around the complex, probably about 2 miles. We chased birds and Ian looked for fire hydrants, which he loves. He even told me he wanted me to slow down, I was running too fast. At least he thinks so! :) I need to be better at stretching, but did after the first lap. I usually forget to by the time we get home and it's time to nurse and do lunch and naptime. But I guess, at least I'm getting out, especially when I don't want to. I don't know why I am having such a bad attitude. I think a lot of the time it's 'cause there is other stuff to do and it takes a lot of work to get the boys out the door with the stroller and the stuff, to make sure there are drinks and snacks and that we are timing it right after and in between feedings and naps. I don't want to sound like a whiner, but it is hard for me to start a habit and get excited about this, when I feel like I just focus on all the excuses and reasons not to....I hope it will get easier. We went to the outlets yesterday, so Chris and I both have a new pair of running shoes; that should be fun. Now if I can just figure out how to get us both out there, planning to make fitness part of our lifestyle.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
friendly fitness
It took me a little bit to get out of the house today. Luckily Chris texted me and said it was still pretty cool outside so I should go out. Sometimes I am kind of dumb about getting out there. It was around 11 a.m. I jogged about 2 miles, right as we were almost done with our 6th lap around the complex "track", we saw Alison Williams and her kids (they are in our ward and live in our complex) were outside their condo playing. They invited us in, so we packed my double jogger up their stairs (possible but not something I'd want to do every day! but didn't want to chance it getting stolen...) and let the kids play and she fed us lunch.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
chasing birds
8:40-9:00 a.m. Probably about 1.5-2 miles. Ran around the complex with the boys in the jogger. We chased the birds, which Ian thought was hilarious. It was fun to have him laugh and have him enjoy the time while I exercised. Cooper is also being very patient, which is nice. Chris measured the distance in the car and it looks like it is just over 1/3 of a mile, so 3 times around the complex "track" is a little over a mile. Pretty good. I am moving pretty slow and figure the boys and the stroller probably weighs close to 75 lbs! So I kind of feel like a wuss right now but I'll keep working day by day and hopefully get better. We went to Scoop playground and played for about 1/2 hour, then Cooper was ready for a nap.
Monday, May 19, 2008
something is better than nothing
It was supposed to get up to 107 degrees today, so even though I slept in until almost 8:00 a.m., after Chris left for work, I decided we should at least spend a few minutes outside before it warmed up too much! It takes awhile to get the jogger and the kids and me ready, but we made it out the door by 8:45 a.m. I was hoping to run at least 20 minutes, but Ian was ready to go play. So I ran about 17 minutes, around the condo area about 3 times (probably about 1 mile). I want to drive the car around to figure out the mileage, but Chris and I are figured it's probably about 1/4 of a mile. It's not a lot, but I figure it's better than nothing and hopefully I'm starting some good habits! It's felt really good just to be out there and running again!! I fed Cooper while Ian played the "Scoop Park," the playground in our complex. It was a good morning.
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