Monday Motivation....Reaching Out

One thing about the blogging community that has never ceased to amaze me is how supportive we can be of each other in times of need.  We all have times in our lives where we need more courage than others...times where life takes a turn and knocks us into a direction we never imagined.  Harmony from Keep On Keeping On is facing one of those times facing her husband's cancer diagnosis.  I usually use Mondays to start all of us off on the right foot for the week but as I sat down to write Harmony was on my mind...her need to be lifted up and supported has been weighing heavy on my heart.  Today as you go through your day...lift up Harmony and her family...pray they have courage overflowing and healing!

What's For Dinner Week 5...Protein Power!

If I'm going to be completely honest I planned a great week last week that....well...went better planned than in reality!  The days had a crazy way of getting away from me and before I knew it I had only sucked down 2 cups of coffee and it was 2pm...yeah not what I was going for!  This week I need to be more mindful of taking the time to refuel even if I may not be extremely hungry.  My body needs it!  I also want to focus on having a source of protein at every meal...breaking my day into 5 small meals and having some protein at each meal should get me headed in the direction I want to go! 

Here is a snapshot of what these meals will look like....provided Sandy the Frankeinstorm doesn't take us off the map!

Meal 1:  green monster smoothie

Meal 2: cottage cheese and almonds

Meal 3: salad with tuna/chicken

Meal 4: apples with peanut butter

Meal 5: grilled chicken and broccoli

Even typing it sounds boring but right now I need to just be focusing on getting the fuel in...I'll spice it up when I have had a full night's sleep!! 

What's for dinner at your house??  Any quick ways to get protein into your meals?  Are you prepping for Sandy??

Fitness Friday....Holiday Fitness

Oh yes it is that time of year again!!!  That time when desserts are making their way to our counter tops and when time could be as valuable as liquid gold...or gasoline depending on where you live!  The trick is getting through this time of year without a layer of insulation like you are ready to take a long winter's nap...and some (me included) want to lose during this time!  There are two challenges that I have done for several years that have really helped me to stay motivated and in my jeans through the holiday season!  Seriously check them out...you will NOT be sorry!!!

Monica from Run Eat Repeat is hosting Pile on the Miles again this year.  It starts on November 1 and lasts until December 1st.  It's literally how many miles you can pile on during that month so that the lbs don't pile on instead.  Head over and sign up!!!

Amanda over at Run to the Finish is again hosting the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge this year.  I love this challenge too since you get points for not only miles but also weight training, eating veggies, and just moving your body!  Head on over to check it out....and don't forget to tell her that Fancy Nancy sent you!!

How do you keep the added lbs away during this time of year???

Three Things Thursday

I feel like it's been a long time since I've done a Three Things...then again I feel like a lot of time has gone by since I've done many things...like run!

So sit back and enjoy this week's Three Random Things!

1.  My inner skinny...One thing that I'm feeling this week is that I feel much skinnier than I actually am...it makes things hard because when I look in the mirror it sometimes surprises me!  Weird and random I know!  I know that as time goes by the reflection will surely match the way I feel inside...especially once I get the green light to work out in 4 more weeks!

2.  Second time around...Today I brought Aubrey to her 2 week check-up.  In the waiting room with me was a couple with a one-week old (their first) and an expecting mom.  I honestly wanted to give them both hugs!  Certainly I do not think I have this whole mom thing down pat and yes I did cry while watching friggin Rachel Ray this morning, but the looks of terror on both their faces made me realize that my Mom was right...you are much more relaxed the second time around!  Has anyone else had this experience with #2?

3.  Toddler turn-around...Please do not get me wrong on this point, Em is an amazing little girl but I feel like since starting preschool (and yes I am fully aware that this coincides with a pint-sized addition to our family) her behavior has me saying, "Do the kids in your class act like that?" more times than not!  Seriously I don't know where she gets half the stuff these days!  As a teacher I wonder what things my students have gone home with through the years that had their parents scratching their heads!  One mom at school told me there is a 6 month adjustment for kids when they start school....does that mean I get my sweet...only sometimes sassy chickie back?  

What random thoughts are on your mind this Thursday? 

Cupcake Classic Race Report

With this being the first week that I have been home from the hospital, I did not "run" this race but covered the miles over the past week with my little new nugget and then with both chickies!  I had done this virtual race last year and boy was my time much faster!!  I was happy to do it this year and it was good find out that Miss Aubrey loves the fresh air...and it makes her sleep really well!!

Here is the cupcake crew!

Ok so not the picture I had planned to post but time got away from me....these are all the girls who did it though!!

Monday Motivation

Today starts a weight loss challenge with other fabulous bloggers (and their significant others) who are part of a Tristate Fitness Blogger group.  This is coming at a great time since I am starting to settle into the routine of being home...kind of (I mean why can't they send home a nurse with you when you leave the hospital?)...and ready to be on my way to fitting into my clothes again!  I know it isn't going to be easy and I'm going to be back to tracking what I eat and do.  I'm actually looking forward to the structure and accountability again!  As with anything I know it isn't going to be easy but I know when I slip on that pair of Lucky Brand jeans...the ones that make me feel fabulous...it will all be worth it!!

What are you facing that is going to be hard but oh so worth it?  

Let me know...it's so much easier facing it with support!

What's For Dinner...Menu Planning Week 4

No you didn't miss a week...I did!  I left last week in the hands of my dear Mom who came to stay with us for my first week home from the hospital. 

It was such a blessing to have her here...like a little elf that magically kept the dishes clean, laundry baskets empty, and yummy food on the table.  Add to that that she was game for any project I had on tap and always there with a hug only a mom can give!  We miss her dearly!!

It also means that I am back to menu planning for this week, unless one of you know someone who can be our personal chef for..ummm...like the next year!!  Hubs and I agreed on light dinners that are super easy to throw together so the name of this week is "Make ahead meets Thrown together"!

Breakfast

oatmeal and green monster smoothies...I've fallen off the smoothie wagon and am certainly in need of hopping back on!  Anyone know of anything (not caffiene) that I can add to my smoothies for added energy?

Lunches

roasted veggie wraps...I've made these a bunch of times before.  Basically you cut up a bunch of different veggies(I try to use what is on sale), toss them in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and roast at 400* for 1 hour.  They come out super yummy and so versatile!  This week I'm going to use them on wraps with hummus for lunches!

Dinners

Salads with grilled chicken....I told you we are KISS...aka Keep It Simple Stupid!  I'm feeling rather "stupid" working off of little sleep and can't be responible for how elaborate dinners may turn out but I can chop veggies and throw them into a salad! 

Exciting I know...This week leaves me with the question...

What are your quick, mindless meals you throw together when you are pressed for time & sleep?

Don't forget to check out the other recipes and menu plans at Fitness, Health and Happiness or Mommy Run Fast

Fitness Friday....Athletes as Role Models

In light of what is going on lately with Lance Armstrong and the controversy that surrounds he and his team, I have been thinking more and more about athletes and their inevitable position as role models for those watching.  Sports historically has seen major athletes rise to the top and then fall due to their own vices either trying to continue to rise above the competition or letting their personal life get the best of them.  Unfortunately what ends up happening is that we tend to forget their achievements and remember their fall.  It leaves fans frustrated and many times let down.  It also leaves many with the question...Are there any athletes that still know how to play by the rules and step up as role models?

Of course is my response!  The tricky part is these athletes unfortunately don't get the press coverage that the the others do.  As part of being a ZOOMA Ambassador we were able to interview one such athlete.  She and her husband have been not only killing it on the running front but they are walking the walk they talk. 

Sara Hall, the better half of men's Olympic runner Ryan Hall, allowed us to ask her our burning questions we had for her.  We were able to ask her all about her training and personal life.  One thing that Sara and Ryan do that I have followed is their Steps Foundation. 

   Q: I have been following your Steps Foundation for a few years now after reading about it in a magazine.  I'm curious if beginning this foundation has changed your perspective on running and its potential impact on the world.  - Nancy from Living the Dream (http://www.littlefancynancy.blogspot.com)

A: Thanks for following Steps! Ryan and I feel very honored to have a community of supporters that are committed to running for a reason- bettering the health of undeserved communities world wide.  It has been amazing to see the tangible impact a race can have on a community halfway around the world, whether bringing basic health care or clean water.  It’s added to our motivation and given our running more depth to have a cause we care so much about.

This Foundation is doing amazing things...check it out!  Joining in and running for the Steps Foundation as an Ambassador is on my bucket list for 2013...I have always had a heart for Africa and this is a great way to join in on Sara and Ryan's foundation!!

See...there are athletes that can be role models for those out there.  There are many more too...let's focus on them and give them their time in the sun!!

 

Almost Wordless Wednesday

I promise I will resume talking about fitness and all things running but for now I just can't get enough of this face!!  1 week old today....I just can't get enough!!  Thank you all for your supportive words yesterday!!  I'm always humbled by how supportive you all are!! 

One Step at a Time

Nothing like a toddler's honest words to snap you back into reality!  The other day after coming home from the hospital, my loving, sweet Em patted my stomach and asked, "Is there another baby in there Mommy?"  Ouch...  I never claimed to be like one of those celebrities or amazing moms who walk out of the hospital in their pre-pregnancy jeans but I thought I would look a little less....well pregnant.  I mean I'm no Kristen Cavallari

but I did stay active up until the day I had her.  I've been here before...that place laced with exhaustion where you feel much smaller than the mirror reveals.  I know what it takes to get back to where I was...and I will get there one step at a time...but boy oh boy do I need the encouragement because I'm feeling discouraged and overwhelmed about where to begin!  If only I could snap my fingers and be able to head outside and bang out 10 miles or zip up my jeans, but I know that time will come....it is just getting there and right now getting sleep!

She's Here!!

On Wednesday, we welcome Miss Aubrey Elizabeth into our family and hearts. 

We are so in love!!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

While I would love to bring you a Wordless Wednesday picture of our new snuggle bunny, I know my limits....well my hubby's limits...and he may just have me admitted if my first words post C-section were..."Don't forget to post a picture on my blog!"  So today you are blessed with pics from Em and I's adventure from this weekend's Mommy and Me date day.  She and I had a day just us two girls.  I wanted to have a special day with her before we added to the crew!  It was full of outdoor play, pumpkins, manicures, and snuggling watching movies.  It really was a lot of fun!!! 

Running Pop Quiz

Today officially marks my first day of maternity leave and since I go in tomorrow, my list of things to do is longer than a marathon!  What's a girl to do...oh yeah...blog!!  I found this quiz yesterday from Michelle at Running with Attitude who linked over from Christine over at Big Dream Runner.
Feel free to play along!!

1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?
I have been known a time or two to eat the Chocolate Mint GU as an after dinner dessert...I mean come on people it tastes like frosting!!!  My only complaint about GU is the difficulty I have getting the package open during winter runs.  Here in New England we not only wear gloves but LOTS of layers making it hard to rip and eat the GU.  However, it is worth it once it hits your lips!!

2. Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?
I love the 1/2 marathon!!  I had never run one until I was training for a marathon (I signed up to run the Boston Marathon for Diabetes after only running a 5k!).  At the time it was a training run but after having Em they have turned into my favorite race!  They are enough of a challenge but training for them doesn't eat up as much time as a marathon so I don't get as much Mom guilt!

3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?
Usually you can see me sporting a skirt....NEVER will you see me running in shorts unless someone is chasing me down the street!  I honestly don't even wear shorts in my non-running life!  14 years of being a catcher has blessed me with strong legs...that cause things to ride up in not so flattering ways.  I LOVE skirts and when the temp dips down I wear them over my tights!

4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?
When I'm running it is water only....everything else just pisses off my belly!  After long runs I like to chug some NUUN or Cytomax.  This helps to ward off any post long run headache if I didn't hydrate enough.

5. Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?
Cold please!!  Yeah heat, humidity, and I are not friends!

6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brookes, Asics or Other?
Sacouny girl right here!!!  I bought my first pair of Sacouny Rides when I first started training for Boston in 2007 and since then I have bought 4-5 pairs every year!!  Some ladies buy purses...I buy running shoes!!  This summer I tried out the Kinvaras 3 and LOVE them too!!!

7. Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?
When I'm not preggers (which did I mention will be tomorrow?!) it's a Sugar Free Red Bull (I know, I know but we all have our vices), whole wheat bagel, and peanut butter.  Prego running is just minus the Red Bull sadly!  This has to be consumed too at least an hour before I head out the door...since it is good the first time....not the second!

8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or Other?
1xper week....sometimes 2 depending on what is going on and how I'm feeling.

9. Music: Have to have it or go without it?
Since moving to Cape Cod, a lot of my running (except Wednesday nights which I can't wait to get back to running group!) is spent alone (wah!) so I find it easy to get lost in a good playlist.  I feel like the music gives me rhythm to my stride and pushes me at the right spots.  When I am running with others I am music free.

10. #1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or Other?
Running for me covers so many things....it's stress relief, me time, endorphins, the thrill of competition, a way to bond...but above it all it teaches me about myself and helps me clear my head!  It challenges me and makes me a better version of myself!!

Monday Motivation

Today's motivation/inspiration comes from Miss Dimity, one half of another mother runner.  Her post today about her Twin Cities 10 miler was just amazing!  Head over to read the whole post but here is a quote where she just sums it all up!

"Running doesn’t just bring me mental peace. It soothes sore spots I didn’t even know were bleeding; it brings back memories, both lovely and cringe-worthy; it lets me realize when I’m being petty and should let things go; it gives me confidence to take on things I shouldn’t let go (but want to); it solidifies friendships; it connects me with branches of my family I thought had withered; it lets me relive and laugh and wander and chat and connect and imagine."

 Most days, especially lately, running is a physical challenge for me...but then there are those days where you realize just how much more it does for you!!  Running Changes Everything!!

What's For Dinner Menu Plan...Week 2

Last week's menu went well!!  It was relieving to have it all planned out and not have to think as much during that hour when I'm toast and Em is feeling the effects of being in school all day with no nap!  I had all my ingredients on hand and could throw together whatever I had planned!  I had to laugh to myself thinking through this week's menu and actually made a few adjustments since it was turning into a comfort food fest!  You see the temps are cooling off and my nesting instinct has kicked in full force! 

You'll notice too that the menu is short....like 4 days short!  That is because unless Miss Baby decides to come on her own early, she has been served eviction papers on Wednesday.  After having surgery previous to having children and then an emergency C-section with Em, that is the plan....but we all know about well laid plans! 

 Since I'll be gone and not able to pack Em's lunch (aka a box of snacks) I am going to be making a couple of batches of these amazing oatmeal pumpkin muffins....she has them instead of a sandwich and loves them! 

So here is what the "short" week looks like...you'll notice the heaviness on the comforting food!

Breakfasts:  

Crock Pot Pumpkin Pie Steel Cut Oats (I'm going to add in apples too to use them up) OR Green Monster Smoothie

Lunch:  

Salads with grilled chicken (I have to balance the day at least a little!)

Dinners:

Sunday: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and soup...comfort anyone?
Monday: Turkey Mini Meatloaf....I got this recipe from "Cook Yourself Thin" and I love the recipe.  It has spinach and whole wheat breadcrumbs in it.  Each mini meatloaf only has about 210 calories.
Tuesday: Crock Pot Chicken Parm...Yeah here comes the comfort again!!  My "last meal" so to speak since I can't eat after midnight!

So what's for dinner this week at YOUR house?  Don't forget to check out the other recipes and menu plans at Fitness, Health and Happiness or Mommy Run Fast

Fitness Friday Favorites

I recognize that the longer I go without posting, it may give you all the indication that perhaps something is going on around here....well not yet!  Little Miss is getting her eviction notice effective Wednesday but nothing has been happening otherwise!  Today is my last day at work and the Type A Fancy Nancy is in full force getting things set up so that the sub can coast for the next 3 months....yes my lovely husband convinced my doctor to give me the 12 weeks I was hoping for!!!!  So I apologize for this short post but I do need to get back to making sure every I is dotted and T is crossed (because obviously things would implode if I don't :-) ).  Here are some of my favs this week in and around the fitness world!

Bani Bands are one of the ZOOMA sponsors and I was so excited to meet one of the owners at the Cape Cod expo a few weeks ago...even more surprised to find out the he lives in Newport, RI (my hometown).  I do find myself loyal to locals and thought I would pass some love on to them!  You know how much I love me a sparkly headband and I actually bought this very one for my delivery day...momma needs some sparkle to go with the hospital gown!

I am loving Under Armour's new campaign for women...their #What'sBeautiful and #Sweat Every Day is so inspiring!!!  Their clothes rock but now so do their ads!!  Check them out!!

Have Pinterest...Know Fitfluential....Have Kick ASS workouts!...and who wouldn't want that back?

The last thing I've been loving lately...and let's be honest a lot more than lately are the AWESOME workouts that some of my fellow Fitfluential Ambassadors are cranking out!  My Pinterest Workouts board is filled with them but do yourself a favor and check out Jess at Blonde Ponytail, Tamara at Fitknitchick, and Brad at Brad Gouthro Fitness or Live Lean TV.

What are you loving this Fitness Friday???

WIAW....Green Monster Obsession!

I promise I was not driving at this time...and excuse my sausage thumb!!

This school year I have certainly been obsessed with my Green Monster smoothie every morning!  Each morning I whip one of these babies up and know that I am getting not only a healthy dose of protein and calcium, but I'm also starting my day off with some fruits and veggies too....not to mention the fact that it takes about 2.2 seconds to whip up!

Today's Green Monster contain:

• 1 banana
• 2 handfuls of spinach
• pumpkin puree
• 1 scoop of peanut butter
• 2 scoops of protein powder (cookies and cream flavor)
• 12 oz coconut milk

I know they look scary but I would encourage you to try one out....I promise you can't taste the spinach and they are so super yummy!!! I'm linking up with

How do you start your morning off right??

I'm headed to my last doctor appointment today and couldn't be more excited....Miss Thang has been causing lots of swelling yesterday and today...not to mention tingly fingers and legs.  So fun! 

Totally Random Tuesday....

Yeah it's one of those days when I am feeling completely random.  Call it too much on the brain....too much on the checklist of things to do, but I have a million thoughts swirling around and lucky you get to be the dumping ground for some of them!  I mean I can't expect my hubby to get all of it and my high school students certainly are not listening!

I got an email yesterday that there are openings to join Team Tough Chik!  If you've never heard of Tough Chik before, head on over to check them out!  While you're there, check out some of the other team members!  These ladies rock and so does Team Tough Chik!  I'm looking forward to join this time around and wearing my "uniform" at my comeback race this winter!! 

Etsy/Pinterest has been working overdrive in the Fancy Nancy house as I try to put the finishing touches on Miss Baby Capen's nursery before she gets here!!  Seriously though I could spend countless hours just combing those sites looking for the perfect night light or wall hanging!  The room is just about done...which is great because so am I!!  I got the girls' Big Sis/Baby Sis shirts in the mail yesterday that I had ordered from Etsy.

Fall running is my favorite time of year....New England winters can be harsh...they melt into often times raw Spring and hot, humid Summers follow.  Fall is like the reward for running through them all!  Crisp weather and beautiful scenery show up for each and every run.  Suddenly runs where you struggled to breathe, are like a walk in the park!  I LOVE Fall running.....and I'm missing it dearly!!  I know I only have one more week but oh boy as my usual local races happen all around me, I am totally having FOMO syndrome!!  Em and I am taking lots of walks and soon it will be three of us!  I can't wait!!!

So thank you so much for allowing me a few minutes to lighten the load and brain dump a bit!  I honestly feel better.  Things are getting checked off the list...yesterday I interviewed and we hired a sub for me (nothing like waiting to the last second) and hopefully today I will get some more things checked off.  Until then I'll keep plugging away and getting outside to enjoy these gorgeous Fall days....dreaming of long runs in my Sacounys!!

Monday Motivation

This has been my quote of the year....to finish what I've started.  It is the phrase that I repeat to myself when runs get tough and this month it has been the phrase I have repeated over and over when the couch looks like a much better option than working out!  It's easy to quit...especially when you have a good excuse...but the true growth comes from when you dig deep and finish what you started.  Finish that training plan, you're almost at the starting line...finish your meal planning, you have just a few pounds to go....finish that last round of the circuit, you are stronger than you think! 

This week...

Finish what you started!!!