Three Things Thursday...Joggermom Marathon

No you did not miss anything....I did not run a marathon also this weekend (my husband would have had me committed for sure!).  I however did run the Joggermom Virtual Marathon during the month of May! 

I did this one last year as well and I really had a lot of fun with it each time!  They send you weekly newsletters and playlists during the month.  It's great...a must do for next year!  I broke my marathon into 3 parts which fits just right for today's three things!!!  Lucky you!

Run 1....

I tried out a new (to me) app called RunKeeper since I now have to run with my phone just in case.  It worked pretty well...told me an update every 5 minutes which was encouraging.  I will forever love my Garmin and just being able to glance down at it but getting the updates every 5 minutes was a nice change! 

                                              Run 2....
This was an 8 miler but alas I can't find the picture of it....of course!  My pace was more of a 10:15 pace for the 8 miles.  I am at a point where it is all about covering the distance and not the speed in which I do it!  It has been nice to be able to take in the scenery more!

Run 3....

Ok so I went over 26.2 miles but I finished with a bang with my half marathon on Sunday!  A great way to finish up!!

Somebody forgot to take her picture with her bib!!  Clearly I'm at work....I don't have an alphabet at home (yet)!

....and now for the bling!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

In our house, when Summer calls, you listen!  The "to do" list gets put aside, we grab a Popsicle, and head to the beach.  It's an unwritten rule!

Hyannis Half Marathon Race Report

Part of my Memorial Day weekend, I spent running around Cape Cod in a half marathon.  While people were piling onto the beaches here, I was running.....and sweating...a lot!  It really was great though so let me just recap it for you beginning with Saturday!

Saturday as soon as we saw the sun burning through the clouds we rushed around the house and got our bathing suits on.  We were out the door in 10 minutes flat including a kiss to Dad as he headed to the gym.  The best way I can describe the scene at the beach was pure bliss...a huge sandbar to play on for hours...sun for days...kids and adults alike running into the water like they had been waiting their whole life to do so!  Summer was here and there wasn't a person around that wasn't excited!  Hours later we returned home for naps!

I of course was sporting my Chicaband for fly aways!

My beach bum...I love that we both LOVE the beach!

Sunday I woke up surprisingly nervous for the race.  It thankfully started at 8:15am so we were done before the hottest parts of the day!  I had my bagel and peanut butter (seriously some days I run just for the bagel!) got dressed and was out the door!

Obligatory belly shot! Day 2 of Chicaband love!

I wore my Saucony "Find Your Strong" band for when I needed the reminder!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the skinny....good....bad....ugly!

Good:

• Ummm that I was able to run this race!  Something I never would have done during my last pregnancy
• Seeing so many friends!  There were many running group buddies and they were so awesome to stick around to see me finish!  (Even though Queen Cranky Pants wanted me all to herself afterward)
• The Scenery...seriously this is a beautiful race rolling along the coast!
• The guy talking trash on the megaphone ragging on the guy I passed at the end saying, "You don't want to get beat by this little girl!"....I needed that especially since I wasn't feeling so little!
• My playlist....I actually had some of my high schoolers give me suggestions on music to add...good job kids! 
• The visitor's center....see the bad for more details
• I FOUND MY STRONG!  I dug deep and pushed through and found strength I didn't think I had!

Bad:

• It was a hot one!   The sun was really strong and there was parts with no shade which equaled hot momma!
• Water...there was a few miles where I was considering running up to a beach-side stand and begging for them to fill up my handheld!
• VERY small bladder.  Yeah having to stop to use the potty was a first for me...especially since it was in the first 3 miles.  I skipped the port-o-john and fortunately scored at the visitor's center!  I was good for the rest of the way...probably because I was a sweaty mess!
• Mile 8...yeah that's when I decided, "I'm tired and would really love to stop!"

Ugly:

• Em's sunscreen....yeah it was running down everywhere by mile 1...ooops!
• After....I chugged 4 big bottles of water and just vegged on the couch...texted my sister to say, "The next time I say I want to run a half marathon 20 weeks pregnant, tie me to the couch!"  The water did help though and I was feeling much better that night....so I could have a much needed visit with JILL and Brian! 

Yesterday it was back to Summer Shred and my first day of the Runner's World Streak!  Em and I headed out after dinner for a quick and relaxing mile!  I of course had to start the streak with my trusty running buddy and she certainly kept me entertained the whole mile! (This girl has a lot to say!)

                                                                                   

Monday Motivation

Today starts the Runner's World Summer Streak Challenge!  Today when my feet and hips ache from the half marathon yesterday (which was great....full report tomorrow) I am going to slip on my sneakers and head out the door for at least one mile.  And tomorrow.....I'm going to do the same dang thing....and perhaps come July 4th this challenge would have changed me! 

What is challenging you lately?  Are you going to fight against it or allow yourself to be changed by it?

Fitness Friday....Celebrating the Half

Seriously how can you not love this girl?!! 

But this isn't the type of celebration I was referring to....although it may end up looking like this.....minus the killer abs!

This weekend (Sunday) begins my 20th week of pregnancy....half way to babytown....half way there!  Last pregnancy I received an amazing Burberry diaper bag from my loving hubby who likes to indulge my obsession from time to time.  I probably went for a leisurly walk and/or relaxed on the beach.

Enter this year.....

This time around I'm celebrating my half way marker with.....

a half marathon!!! 

This Sunday I'll be toeing the line at this half marathon in Hyannis, MA!!  Granted when I registered for this race I was not even pregnant, but it worked out great!  I'm not shooting for any particular time goal but I do want to finish....and celebrate the gift of reaching the half way point for baby #2!!  This will be the 3rd long distance race (20 miler and 1/2 mary earlier) of this pregnancy.  The last time I ran this race was when we started thinking that a move down here might be a good thing!  This time we have been here 2 years!  I have my belly brace on the way and outfit is just about picked out.  Now all that is left is the run!

What are your plans this Memorial Day weekend?  How are you kicking off the "unofficial" start to Summer?

Check out Runner's World Summer Running Streak starting on Memorial Day!!  It goes until 4th of July (38 days) where you have to run at least one mile a day each day.  That's like to the end of our neighborhood and back....I can handle that!  How about you?  Wanna go streaking this Summer?????

Three Things Thursday

Thank you all so much for your kind comments from yesterday's post!  It helped me to get it out there and now I am ready to celebrate the bump!!

Now here is your weekly dose of randomness!!  Enjoy!!

1.  Another Mother Runner Challenge....As if Sarah and Dimity were listening to my thoughts yesterday, they posted today a challenge for June!  Thanks ladies....I needed this push to keep moving!!  Those two rock anyways and after talking with Sarah for the Another Mother Runner feature, I feel like we are practically BFFs!! :-) If you want to check out all the details yourself and sign up, go here.  You need to log 5 days of workouts a week for the month of June.  You don't have to run you just have to move your hiney and sweat!  So.......

Are YOU mother enough?

2.  What is this race for?....This weekend hubs went up for some much needed guy time and golf so Em and I had a girl's weekend!  I had thought of surprising her and going to run in a local race on Sunday morning.  We went to the beach Saturday and honestly I couldn't tear her away from the water (yeah it's not even close to being warm enough....I told her not to go farther than her ankles because I was not going in after her!)!  We stayed for 3 glorious hours and this genius didn't put sunscreen on.  Granted I lathered Em up in about an inch thick all over her body but I differed to "I'm Portuguese...I'm good" mentality and passed.  Well yeah I got a sunburn....the race was for melanoma awareness...yeah you do the math....we passed on the race as to not put myself up as the spokesperson for what not to do if you don't want melanoma!

3.  Tick...tick....tick....The school year is beginning to wrap up, although not as quickly as my nieces school and for that I am of course jealous.  I mean their bums will be in the sand while mine will be sticking to a chair built for a kindergartener!  When June approaches I begin to get giddy thinking about all the fun things we can do for the Summer.  This year is no different!!  Sunday Em and I were talking about all the time we can spend at the beach and just playing!  I'm thinking of starting a Summer Bucket List.   What would be on yours???

Stay tuned for tomorrow....I'm revealing how I am celebrating my half-way mark (20 weeks)!! 

Words for Wednesday...Doing What Your Momma Taught You

"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"

I have been writing this post in my mind for the past week or so trying to find just the right words so that I don't sound like I'm whining or being bitter in any way.  My thoughts started to form after reading a post by one of the sweetest ladies I read (I don't know her in real life).  She is in her second pregnancy and is bigger than she was with her first (even though she is a peanut still!) and she was reflecting on how people's comments have made her feel this time around.  For some reason or another, people's internal filter gets turned off the moment they see a baby bump.  Comments they would never make to an overweight person just flow freely from their mouth like....

"Wow you're really big"

"Were you this big with your last?"

"You sure you want that salt given how much you could swell even more?"

"Are you sure there is just one?"

"My______ is pregnant too but she's much smaller than you!"

"How much weight have you gained so far?"

I'm sure there are a flurry of comments people have made to women that are really tiny their whole pregnancy as well....just never had that problem! I mean it's not like I can suck it in...it shouldn't be open season on the comments.  You have to read this article I posted on Facebook with 20 things never to say to a pregnant lady....hilarious!

I had never given much thought during my first pregnancy about these comments except the passing, "Ummm ok thanks?"  I loved my belly and stuck it out proud.  Then I had to lose the weight.....yeah not so easy!  During this pregnancy I was confused at first as to why it was such a goal for me NOT to look pregnant even now that I am almost 20 weeks.  I feel HUGE even though when I put on my old maternity clothes I am swimming in them.  I think part of it has to do with being given those messages in my previous pregnancy....I was huge (even though my very kind family tells me I wasn't) and I suppose I was trying to avoid those same things.  Who knows.  

I know today my baby and I are both healthy....I'm running still (and hopefully pain free thanks to the advice of several of my Fitfluential running mommas)....and while my belly is growing (exponentially it seems by the day) I am working it (most of the time!).  This is a short time in my life and I am going to try my best to celebrate each moment...each expansion of the waistline...each kick...each milestone!  And while I'm at it I'm going to tell a fellow pregnant lady that she looks fabulous!!!  

Monday Motivation

I found this quote Saturday after my long run and it was exactly what I needed to hear after a slow and steady long run.  I'm fully aware and accepting that my pace is going to slow down and not letting that get into my head is going to be key for me this coming weekend.  I may be slower but I'm not stopping...and that is what counts!!  Don't let your pace get in the way of your goals...don't let it get into your head.  The other day at running group one person commented about how they were one of the slow ones in the group.  I simply stated, "Maybe....but you're here and that's what counts!"  You're stronger for getting off the couch...carving out time for YOU...and getting out the door!  Don't stop!!!

Three Things Thursday

Hi all!!!  The sun is shining and the birds are singing...what more could you ask for in a morning (except maybe to not have to work!)?  The skies even cleared last night and I was able to join my group for our first track workout of the season....and it did not disappoint!  I loved it AND my sore legs this morning!!  Ok without further ado...here are your three randoms of the week!

1.  We are family......Ok so I'm sure by now you have heard of Fitfluential or seen the hashtags of #Fitfluential or #PROOF invading your space on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!  Well come be a part of the Fitfluential family!!!!  Come join an amazing group of fitness lovers and people trying to strive to be their best!!!  Not sure what Fitfluential is?  Go cruise around the website here and be sure to check out the Ambassadors and their contributions to the Fitfluential blog!!  Sold already and are ready to apply???  Well go you!  Click here and hit send!!! 

2.  Have you entered yet???...I posted earlier about the Zooma Women's Half Marathon coming to Cape Cod in September.  Don't remember or missed it?  Refresh your memory here....then come right back!  Many of you said how you would love to be able to come.  Well you can!  Until June (but time goes quickly so don't you wait!) you can enter to win an amazing Girlfriends Getaway package!!!  Enter now!!!

3.  Gleek.....Ali at Running with Spatulas asked the other day if she was the only person over the age of 19 that watched Glee.....no Ali I am certainly over 19 and I watched it this morning!  What I wasn't expecting was to be crying like a baby at the end!!! 

 Seriously I feel like these are my own students!!  I know I get a little too involved in fictional characters.  My hubby and I still argue over who Joey SHOULD have picked Darson or Pacey (Pacey all the way!!) and I may or may not have wanted to give Dylan a hug when his wife died!!  Either way the episode touched me!  As a teacher, and even more so as a teacher of very transient students, it is very touching when students recognize the efforts of their teachers.  My students, as I'm sure after 10 years my hubby can attest to, get inside my heart and take up residence long after they have passed through my classroom!  I want to see them succeed and beat the odds....to reach their dreams!  I'm still blaming the pregnancy hormones though on this morning's crying session over Glee!!!

Why on Wednesday???

This morning's drive to work was similar to this:

Why?? (said in my best whiny voice)  Our running group meets on Wednesdays.  I kid you not almost every Wednesday has had rain.  Now there have been some great days of weather but let's just say I have grown very close with my rain gear!  Normally I would tough it out but cold + rain + my new turtle pace = no fun!  Hopefully it will clear by tonight since today is our first day back to the track...I LOVE the track! 

What's the craziest weather you have run in? 

I thought running the Boston Marathon in the middle of a Nor'easter was crazy but maybe you can beat it!!

Virtual Race Weekend!!!

This Sunday, my only request was to be able to run my virtual races and that I did!  The weather was beautiful and not far into my run I had take off my shirt and was running in a tank and capris.  Now to make it even more glorious, the little nugget decided to play nice and let Mommy feel normal again (well almost)!! 

As I said, I did a 10k which was actually for TWO virtual races!!  The first was the Westminster Women's Classic which they opened up as a virtual race.  We got a race shirt and a bib!!! 

This 10k was also for the fabulous and amazing Momma in Hawaii at Life as a Running Mom! Seriously she gets to run in paradise all the time!!!  She was hosting her Sweat Pink with Me Virtual race.

 I chose the 10k knowing I had a busy weekend on tap and I'm so glad I did!  I was only gone an hour and was able to cuddle with my daughter and get a big sweaty hug from her without having to worry about time and beating bridge traffic (a lovely problem living on Cape Cod....can you sense the sarcasm?)

Mile 1 of my runs lately have been 50% mental and 50% physical....like I spend the mile convincing my body that this is what it really wants to be doing!!  Once I got warmed up, I was loving it!  At my new slower speed, I am able to take in the sights a little more and am realizing that when we move I am really going to miss my trusty route!  This is a couple pics from one of my favorite down and up hills to one of the many hidden beaches!

Going down to the beach...

...and back up the hill (looking down is way more fun!)

I was proud of myself finishing in 1:01:59 since I have been feeling like a turtle lately.  I keep reminding myself that my speed isn't gone forever....it's just taking a break for the moment!!  More than anything I felt great and am getting excited for my half next weekend!!  When I got home I had this waiting for me!!

Monday Motivation

I just loved this this morning!!  There are accomplishments in your life that no one can take away from you!  Maybe yours isn't a marathon...maybe it was that 5k you have always wanted to run...or 1/2 marathon...or Crossfit workout that's been hanging over your head....or that weight loss goal you reached.  Reach for those goals because once you hit them....no one can ever take them away!  It is yours!!!

#Sweat to Street....Mother's Day Style!

Happy Mother's Day to my dear Mom!  This is an oldie but this is exactly where my Mom is happiest...surrounded by those she loves!  Happy Mother's Day to the woman who has taught me not only how to be a mom but also a woman of grace and strength!  I love you Mom!!

Welcome to Sweat to Street Sunday’s!

Each week my fabulously fit co-hosts and I will link up with one everyday outfit AND one fitness outfit that we love!

Meet Your Hosts!
Family and Life in Las Vegas (Emily)
Wild Things RUN Free (Charlotte)
Running and Cupcakes (Samantha)
MCM Mama (Erika)
Boobs, Barbells, and Broccoli (Tenecia)

***IF YOU WANT TO FOLLOW SWEAT TO STREET ON TWITTER OR PLAN ON TWEETING YOUR POST, PLEASE USE THE HASHTAG #SweatToStreet***

Sweat to Street has been created as a place to link up your favorite outfits of the week as a new Sunday blog feature. The idea is to have some fun and change it up! Each week we encourage you to post one workout outfit and one outfit you wore that isn’t fitness related.

Sweat

Yeah my black on black earlier this week is not hiding the bump any longer!!!

Shirt: Under Armour

Pants: Nike

Hat: Nike

 Today's Westminster Women's Classic Virtual 10k with my SuperMom Bondi Band!

Street

Mother's Day Tea Time

Hat: Marshalls

Sweater: Gap

Dress: T J Maxx

Fitness Friday-Zooma Cape Cod

Happy Friday all!!  Thank you so much for your encouragement yesterday!  I did make it to the Gap! :-)  As I said yesterday, I had a big surprise for you all.....well I was chosen to be a Zooma Connector for their Cape Cod Half Marathon and 10k race on September 22nd.  I couldn't be more excited!!!!  The Muscle Milk Zooma Race Series is "dedicated to promoting health and fitness by providing an encouraging, inspirational, and healthful venue in which to run".  Celebrating and supporting strong women is something near and dear to me.  From the moment I heard about the race last year I have been bullying encouraging friends and family to sign up!

 In case you haven't heard of Zooma or the amazing race they are having here on Cape Cod, let me tell you all the reasons you absolutely need to put it on your race schedule today!

Reason Numero Uno....

Who can't use a getaway with their girlfriends?  Now throw into the mix a beautiful race with amazing sponsors.....oh and a chance to win all of this!!!

ZOOMA Women’s Race Series Announces “Girlfriend Getaway” Sweepstakes

Grand Prize Winner Scores a Trip for Two to ZOOMA Cape Cod

(May 2nd, 2012)– The Muscle Milk Light ZOOMA Women's Race Series is a celebration of fitness, sisterhood and health. ZOOMA’s boutique half-marathon and 10K/5K races take place in upscale venues all over the country and allow goal-oriented women to come together for a challenging race followed by a well-deserved party that includes pampering, wine, food, live music, and shopping.

ZOOMA, in partnership with Skirt Sports, ISIS, Sherpani, Women’s Adventure Magazine, and MyChelle, is pleased to announce it’s first-ever national “Girlfriend Getaway” sweepstakes. One grand-prize winner will receive an all expenses-paid trip for two to the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon & 10K in North Falmouth, MA on September 22, 2012.  Entries are being accepted now through June 11, 2012 on the ZOOMA Sweepstakes page.

The inaugural ZOOMA Cape Cod Half-Marathon &10K is set in an idyllic setting. Runners start and finish at the newly renovated, historic Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth, MA, just one hour from Boston. The airy, secluded resort overlooks Old Silver Beach and is surrounded by charming New England cottages. ZOOMA Cape Cod is open to all ages and abilities, from seasoned competitors to new runners.

The “Girlfriend Getaway” Grand Prize package is valued at over $2,000 and includes:

* Round-trip airfare for two from anywhere in the continental U.S.

*  Hotel accommodations at the oceanfront Sea Crest Beach Hotel for one night

* Delicious meals

* Two VIP event entries to ZOOMA Cape Cod (half-marathon or 10K

*  Fitness-and-fashion makeover courtesy of Skirt Sports, ISIS, and Sherpan

*  Complete 6-step skincare package from MyChelle

*  Training plan from the popular new book Train Like a Mother, along with a phone consultation with the authors, Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell. 

Runner-Up prizes from ZOOMA partners include:

*Sherpani gear

* MyChelle skincare products

*  Women’s Adventure Magazine subscriptions

*  Signed copies of Train Like a Mother

How can this not have you saying "YES PLEASE!!!"?....you need another reason?

Reason Numero Dos.....

If you a frugal type like me and you have a hard time buying things that aren't on sale or that you know will be used every day for the next 10 years, then  today is your lucky day!!!  Zooma is giving all my followers, friends, family (that's right Amy I'm talking to you) a discount code to use!!!  You can receive $10 off the half marathon and $5 off the 10k.  It's easy peasy lemon squeezey....

Go to register by clicking here

Then enter this coupon code:   CCCONN4

DO IT! 

And if your like me and forget....it doesn't expire and you can find it EASY by looking over on the side bar!!

Reason Numero Tres....

I was hoping not to have to pull this card out but if you need yet another reason to join this race then here it is.....

Actually taken on a beach on Cape Cod that you will run by!

I mean really....come down, up, over, whatever to Cape Cod and you can see ME!!! I won't be running this year since I will be just 2 weeks away from delivery and I'm clearly not as badass as the lady that ran Chicago and then gave birth. However I will be there to cheer you all on, meet up, give hugs, high fives, whatever!!! Stay tuned for meet-ups and more!!!

What do you say? Grab a friend, sister, mother, girl running down the street and head to Zooma Cape Cod!!!

Three Things Thursday

Today's random thoughts could best be summed up with the words, "Why do I do this to myself?" and really aren't exercise related!  I will be sure to add one in that has to do with running though!! Enjoy!

1.  Procrastination Station....Yeah even writing this post is another way that I am procrastinating!  For those of you who are new (and because I really don't talk about my big girl job) I am an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher in Massachusetts.  For the majority of my years as a teacher (11....can't believe it has gone so quickly) I worked with refugees and new immigrants in an elementary classroom.  My job now is slightly different but still works with the same kids.  In addition to schools, I am also an adjunct professor and really enjoy teaching other teachers and showing them how to support these students.  Last week my dear friend Carrie showed me that a new opportunity that is being offered by the state and it would really be an answer to prayer for me.  I REALLY want to get picked for it!!!  In comes the procrastination.....the whole application (lots of essays and lesson plans) needs to be on the director's desk by tomorrow at 5pm.....yeah just writing that gives me hives!  I can do this and like I say every time...."I'm never again waiting until the last second again!!"  This time I mean it!!

2.  Hey jealousy.....Starbucks is a wonderful place to fill up on caffeine, plug in the computer, and just crank out work.  I spent many hours in them during my Master's and CAGS programs.  Since moving to the land of the retired folk, I can't help but envy the table of older, retired men sitting just a few tables away as they calmly sip their cups of coffee and plan a tee time for tomorrow.  I'm vacillating between thoughts of wanting to be them and wanting it to pour tomorrow!  My hubby was nice to point out that the course probably won't be dry by tomorrow....it helped a little!

3.  On the mend....My ankle is still a little swollen but not sore at all.  After a visit to the doctor on Tuesday, I was given the "The baby is fine" ok that I needed!  He said the side pain is just round ligament pain, which I figured, and not to worry too much.  As to not put myself back 3 days, I took it easy on the pace (who am I kidding.....my pace is turtle now either way) yesterday and today.  I'm trying to be smart!!!  I have two virtual races this weekend so I need to get my A game on!  I have some VERY exciting news for tomorrow so stay tuned!! 

Have a great Thursday and say a little prayer for me today!  My motivation is if I get the three essays written I can walk over to the Gap which is right across from me....actually staring at it out the window!  Better end this so I can finish!!!

WIAW....Breakfast Time!!

Breakfast for me during the week is a challenge.  I love breakfast however have tried to wedge so much in between the time I wake up to the time I need to sometimes literally jump in the shower, that I find that breakfast is the most stressful meal of the day....seriously I know that sounds silly just writing it!  Last week, while I was cruising Pinterest, I came across this and pinned it right away!  It lead me to a blog called Sugar-Free Mom and possibly the answer to my breakfast woes...baked oatmeal with toppings!!

Her picture is first since it is her recipe and it's much more appealing than my pic from my kitchen!  I followed the super easy recipe and used toppings like raisins and walnuts (for me), plain (for hubby), and dark chocolate chips and walnuts (for the chickie).  I did substitute the milk for almond milk and it worked out fine!  *Sugar-Free Mom put on a follow-up post with substitutions and questions here.

See I told you hers looked much yummier!  Within a half hour they were done and I had 2 dozen "cupcakes" as Em calls them!  I can't get enough of them!!!  I eat 1-2 in the morning with a bowl of Chobani plain yogurt with blueberries and I am good to go!!  These are great too because when I am running late I can eat them in the car and not fear dripping something on me or having trouble driving!  Em loves them too although next time I think I will mix her chocolate chips into the mix instead of putting them on top....she's only eating the top!  I think also next time I would add a little more cinnamon.  Check these out and try them with any kinds of toppings you can think of!!!

Linking up!

Sidelined.....For Just a Moment I Swear!!!

This weekend I was so excited to get in 15 miles of running....10 were glorious on Saturday making me forget at times that I was carrying around another person and thankful for the strong body that I have.  5 were not so pretty but done on Sunday while bringing Em on a much needed park visit!  Now mind you, like most people in the world, I didn't just run this weekend.  Wedged into every moment was 9 loads of laundry (I swear someone is breaking into our house and leaving their laundry), dusting, playing, and grocery shopping (which is like an Olympic sport when I am alone to see how fast I can get it done!). 

Monday morning I woke up with a sore, swollen ankle and a very sore lower abdomen.  I thought to myself, "I'll just take the morning off and do some cardio tonight."  The pain in my side got worse, however the doctor must not have been too concerned since we played phone tag twice and then I just never heard back.  I brought Em to the track to watch my high schoolers' meet and by the time I got home my ankle was really swollen and red/warm to the touch.  You're kidding me right?  I hustled over to my Aunt's house, who is actually a retired physh nurse but since she has the word nurse in her job description I figured she could diagnose me!  Her recommendation...go see a doctor and don't run until you do!

Yeah I'm not a very good sick person....period.  It is only magnified when I am stressed and can't run.  I found this shirt that best describes how I feel right now....

Our last running group day is tomorrow before we head out to the track so I am willing my body to recover so I can join in on the fun!  Even if I cut my mileage down as long as I can run!  My hubby starting throwing out words that never should be uttered to a running momma like "bed rest" and "ride a recumbent bike".  Yeah not going there just yet!!!

Monday Motivation

This was a good way to describe my weekend with running....Saturday was a glorious 10 miler leaving me happy as a clam....then Sunday's park run was well not so glorious!  That is how running goes though.  One day you could be riding the runner's high and then BOOM you bonk at mile 2!  It's that high that keeps us chasing each day....don't let that bonk keep you from lacing up.  Keep at it because you WILL reach that goal and you WILL feel that high. 

Every day is the day!

Three Things Thursday

You've got that right!  It's Thursday so hold on to your umbrella (if your anywhere in Southern New England) and enjoy today's three randoms!

1.  What am I paying for again?....I have never been the type of person who needed to go to the most expensive gym or the one that had the most bells and whistles.  Before moving down to the Cape, I went to a nice all women's gym which I really chose due to it's location and classes.  I also split my time there and with my trainer who had opened her own studio.  When we moved down I chose a gym that was just 2 miles away from our house.  All I needed were some weights and a treadmill and I was happy.  At the time there were classes too but I had committed to going before work and before most of the world woke up!  Well it was bought out by Work Out World (which as an organization is probably pretty good just not our location) and since then the quality has gone way down.  Last night I went to run and there were 8....count them 8 treadmills broken and one with a wobbly deck!!  Mind you most of these have been broken since a month ago!  I'm really not hard to please with gyms.  Just give me a treadmill that works and I'm usually good.  Perhaps it's time to explore my options!

2.  Help please!!!....The past couple of runs for me, including last night, I have felt like perhaps a major organ was going to fall out via my lady parts (sorry male readers).  I work those muscles so hard to try and keep that from happening that I end up getting really bad stomach cramps which of course freak me out!  Anyone else ever have this happen?  Any suggestions on what I should do?

3.  Virtual trainer....Over Christmas-time I joined up with Bobbi from Nhershoes for her Holiday Shred.  I was greeted every morning with a new kick butt workout that lasted 20 min that really got the sweat going!  It was awesome and she also provided support for ways to clean up my diet as well!  Well she is back at it again!  She is starting her Summer Shred!  I'm totally in.....how about you?  Check it out here and sign your bootie up!  You will not be sorry you did!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

What do you give your favorite running momma this Mother's day?

Oh yeah!  These bad boys right here!!!

Saucony Kinvara 3....headed straight to the door of this lady!!!