Happy Thanksgiving!!

Be sure to let someone know just how thankful you are for them today...don't let the day go by! 

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Just a few pics that make my heart fill with gratitude....

Family and friends...and miles in between!  What fills your heart with gratitude this year?

Monday Motivation

Right here in this place I am thankful!  I will spend this week dedicating posts to being thankful for many different things but my motivation today is that I am thankful for today...a day when I can push myself and beat up my body and watch it grow stronger....a day when I can run the miles ahead of me and feel my lungs getting stronger...a day when I can be an example of a fit woman for my girls...a day when I can choose to be healthy and strong!

What are you thankful for this day?

TTT

Happy Thursday!!!  Last week I was convinced that this week was Thanksgiving...yeah not so much!  Enter the longest week ever!!!  Happy to have arrived at Thursday and knowing tomorrow brings the weekend and some much needed attention to my hair!!  Here's your randoms for this week!!

Just not right...Our oldest was really sick last week (fever, no eating, achy) and even had to get blood work done and go to Children's Hospital to get further testing done (i.e. reason for a heavy hearted run Friday).  She was originally diagnosed with Lyme's Disease which is scary but we were glad to start treatment.  Then two days later we were told that it in fact was not that.  Now don't get me wrong I don't want her to have Lyme's but it was a diagnosis with a treatment.  She is feeling much better (no fever or aches) but she is still very tired and just not right.....Do you fret over your children's health?  When do you make that call to the doctor when something is off? 

Fleece-Covered Fancy Nancy...The time of year is here when you can find me at one point in my day wearing something made of fleece!  I always have fleece in my car and I'm beginning to get out the winter running gear courtesy of Under Armour...they have the best layering pieces for the winter!  I'm game to run in any temps but the other 22 hours of my life I am such a baby!!  I'm sure my hubby is getting tired of me telling him how freezing it is...praise God we don't live in a colder place!  Are you always cold or hot? Running outside is not a problem and I am able to dress for even single digits...why then can I not figure out the rest of my day?!  Even though it is far too early, I'm already dreaming about the beach and the warm sun on my face!!

Piling on Miles...I am on week 3 of the Pile on the Miles challenge and I have to say I'm excited about this year!!  As I said I set the bar high at 125 miles this month (fully knowing I'll need a massage and nap once Dec 1st rolls around!) and I'm excited to say I'm sitting at 90 miles this morning and I'm feeling confident that I can hit 125 by next week!!!  Then like I said...promptly schedule a massage!!!!

Extra....Extra...

You can sign up until November 25th and let your miles do something good for people that have lost it all!

WIAW...#HBBC2013 Week 1 Eats

This week is the first week of the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge with Amanda at Run to the Finish. 

One part of the challenge is to get in 7 servings of fruits and veggies each day.  In order to do this I try to incorporate veggies into each meal of the day....

Breakfast is a big ole green smoothie!  This week's smoothie was a banana, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, almond butter, chai tea, protein powder, and a splash of pumpkin pie spice.  Yum!!!

Lunch was 2 cups of roasted veggies with grilled chicken (not shown).  On Sunday I cut up a bunch of veggies and roast them with balsamic vinegar and a little bit of olive oil.  Then I portion it out for the week!  This week's roast was zuchinni, summer squash, portabella mushrooms, onion, and kabocha squash.  I also have an apple for dessert!

Dinner is usually veggies and some kind of meat.  Yesterday was turkey meatballs with spaghetti squash.  I made brown rice pasta for the hubby! 

I've been planning meals veggies first usually with what is on sale at the grocery store.  It's a challenge at times but I do feel much better as the day goes by!

How do you incorporate more veggies into your meals?  Any fun/unexpected ways?

Monday Motivation

Yesterday started the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge...and boy am I ready!  This time of year with good (but not quite so good for your body) food all around I'm looking forward to focusing on eating clean and getting in my veggies and water!  As with every year, this challenge helps me focus on getting in my veggies and honestly it helps me pick better choices all around!  I know that no matter how hard I work at the gym and out on the road, I can't erase bad food choices.  They will either show up on my mom belly or in my lagging energy levels.  So....The menu is set, the food is prepped, and I'm ready to rock the first week!!

Are you part of the HBBC?  How do you keep yourself on track during the holidays?

The Best Version of Me

Sometimes I come across things that will provoke a thought it me...most times I need it to marinate for a bit before I can really know what it meant to me.  Last month I saw this on @AuthEmmie's Instagram...

It got me thinking about a habit I have gotten into lately.  Since having Aub, I have been comparing myself to what I looked like and was able to do before having her.  Remembering that I found out I was pregnant just a week before I was very ready to run a 20 miler, I know I was in probably the best shape I had been since college.  Reading back over the posts I've put up since having her I got annoyed with myself reading all the "old me" comparissons. 

You see after I had Emma I did the same thing...I took a long look at myself and the 70lbs I needed to lose and I fought like hell to lose it!  However along that journey I was again chasing what I was.  What resulted was not who I was...it was better!  I was faster and stronger than I had been before!  I reached levels I had never been to and was honestly proud of how hard I worked to get there!

The lesson for me this time around...I am done.  I am done chasing the girl I was before I had Aub.  I am done trying to be as fast as she was...as thin as she was...as dedicated as she was.  I am done trying to measure up to her.  Done because in doing that I am doing two things...limiting progress and losing perspective.  I'm limiting myself to only become who I was before pregnancy.  I know I have the potential to be even faster and stronger than I was before.  I don't want to be as good as I once was...I want to be better!!!  I'm also losing perspective on how far I've come thus far.  I took a picture at the gym the other day and it actually surprised me...I do so much tearing apart when I look in the mirror that I fail to see the progress in front of me....So I did this...
6 months ago:

 6 days ago:

So I'm promising to myself to look forward and not back...I'm looking forward to the amazing things I can do today and in the future...I'm looking forward to the journey that lays ahead...I'm looking at today and the body I have fought to have!  To think I have almost missed out on so many things including family pictures because I wasn't where I was before...I'm embracing joy now in the body I am in today!!!

Have you every compared yourself with what you were when you were younger?  How do you maintain perspective as you are trying to lose weight?

TTT

Buckle up for this week's dose of randomness!

Pre or Post Thanksgiving...There has been a great debate going on in the Fancy Nancy house about when to decorate for Christmas.  Let me set the stage here.  Before meeting my husband I thought I was a huge Christmas fan...and then I met him.  He is a HUGE Christmas fan...all year round!  He gets excited when the store start setting up their displays as I am just clearing the beach stuff out of my car...and now he has an accomplice, our daughter.  The other day we were driving home from the doctor's office and she perked up from her sickiness and said, "Mom look at those lights!"  So enter our debate...when to put up our decorations. 

As noted by hubby, Thanksgiving is late this year leading to less time to enjoy the lights.  My thought is I need to be present for one holiday before moving on to the next.  Which camp do you belong to...before or after Thanksgiving?

Smokers cough?...Now that the temps are dipping down below freezing there has been a strange thing happening around here post run.  This has been something that has happened for a few years now.  While I welcome cooler temps...I would much rather bundle up than sweat my face off...this is an annoying side effect.  For the day after an outdoor run in cold temps (under 40 degrees) I cough up grossness...seriously sounds like I smoke a pack a day!  Does this happen to anyone else?  Any wicked smaht people out there that knows what is causing this? 

Protein Hot Cocoa...Since I have been taking supplements, I've been skipping my morning coffee.  While I don't need the extra boost...I'm missing my warm, cozy hug I get from the whole coffee drinking experience!  Well enter my newest love!  I have been using hot water instead of cold water in my daily 10am protein shake...chocolate mint protein plus hot water equals a warm, chocolaty hug minus the sugar and fat!  I love it and know it's going to be my hot cocoa substitute this winter!  Try it out!!

This is coming out a bit late due to a sick chickie at home...hoping her fever breaks soon!!

Cranberry Bogs and Santa Claus

What do these two things have in common?  Well if you add in a train you would have Edaville USA in Carver, MA!

It is a place dedicated to Christmas where you can go, visit Santa, and ride the famed Edaville Railroad through cranberry bogs and hundreds of Christmas decorations.  I can remember going there as a kid once and aside from it being freezing, I remember how awesome I thought the lights and decorations were!  My husband remembered going too and when Em was old enough we brought her there.  She loved it...again it was freezing!

I started seeing pictures of a race that wound in and out of cranberry bogs and thought to myself, that would be a cool race to run.  Then one day looking through New England Runner magazine I found what the race was...The Edaville Rail Run 5 miler!  I was sold!  And with a great price it was even better! 

Since it was really cold Saturday (is it ever warm there?) the ladies stayed at home with Dad and I was off early heading to Carver.  I really didn't have a plan for this race.  When I thought about goals I thought it would be nice to get in under 50 minutes...that changed as we got going!  It's a small race (under 400 for the 5 miler...there is also a 2 mile walk option) and we were all huddled in Santa's house before the start staying warm!  Not before long we were lined up and off we went!

Immediate thoughts that first mile....I need to get some sunglasses soon so my eyes will stop watering...I probably should have run on trails before I ran this...don't trip...don't trip...wait was that the first mile?  I think focusing so much that first mile on not tripping made it fly by!  I looked down at my watch and saw a 8:12 staring back at me!  Well then maybe this mama can run faster than 50 minutes!  Then came on my good ole Ludacris song and well...I choose not to arrive safely to the finish!  I was going to push this! 

It definitely was a battle between my mind and my body.  Surprisingly my body was game...it was my mind that needed convincing!  I pulled out every tactic in the book as we snaked around cranberry bogs...watched men harvesting the berries as we ran by!  I gave myself pep talks...picked people in the crowd that I wanted to pass...repeated Philippians 4:13 over and over.  With one last push to the finish and up a small hill I crossed the finish...looked down at my Garmin and saw the number 42:02 looking back at me! 

Running this race has taught me a lot about myself.  I need to stop hiding behind fear and comfort in my runs and goals for running.  I am capable of more than I think I am and today was the day that showed me that.  I haven't seen pace like this since I got pregnant with Aubs...I actually broke down in the car because I honestly didn't think I ever would!  I'm thankful I didn't play it safe during this race....and for the confidence that followed!!

8 Years and a Winner!

Em was trying her very best to keep Aubs in one place!!

Our first dance was "God Bless the Broken Road" and honestly I can say I feel like life with this man is a blessing!  8 years...2 children...and memories to last us another 80 years!  He is my best friend and an amazing Dad!  He supports my CRAZY habits and loves me anyway!  Life has thrown us curves but I wouldn't want to take them with anyone but him!  Happy anniversary babe!

Ok cheesiness done!  Now what you really are looking for...a winner of the LuBelle Fit giveaway!
The winner is...

Ashley E

Thank you all for your entries and congrats to Ashley!  Please send me your info (address) to mrscapen14 at yahoo dot com.

Monday Motivation

There are no secret quick fixes...shortcuts to speed...shortcuts to weight loss...shortcuts to strength.  There is work...there is dedication...there is determination to get to your destination.  This journey back after having our second child has been work...hard work...but it takes getting up every day and making a choice to work knowing that one day I will get to the place I'm going!  There are no shortcuts...but in the end would I really want them?

Would you take the shortcut if it was there?

LuBelle Fit Review and Giveaway

Who here likes to look good while they work out?  Yes admittedly I did wear an old maternity shirt with holes in it yesterday on a run but most of the time I try to look good.  I'm always looking out for fun tanks and shirts that are not only cute but functional and comfortable.

Well the ladies over at Lubelle Fit are making just that!  Cute shirts that are great for running or working out!  Plus these ladies not only talk the talk but they are walking the walk too!

Emily and Sara are fit mamas who started LuBelle Fit just a few months ago and they are putting out some awesome shirts!!  I was psyched when Emily contacted me to try out one of their tanks!  There were a bunch of fun ones to choose but I picked the Run Happy tank because well...I am happy when I run and Lord knows I love pink!

I literally got home, took it out of the package, put it on and was off running with the girls!!

My thoughts?  This is the perfect tank!!  The fabric is so incredibly soft and comfy while still being functional.  An added bonus was the cut for me.  It is fitted on top and a little forgiving in the belly area which I always appreciate!  It certainly made my run happy!!  I have honestly worn it more times than I can count since then...it is just so comfy!!!  LuBelle Fit not only has super comfy tanks like this one but also slim fit tees and bamboo wicking tanks.  They have also just added in October more tank designs, long sleeve tees and tech shirts as well as a quarter zip pullover. 

Want to sport a LuBelle Fit tank or tee for yourself?  Go do the thing and enter to win!  The giveaway will end Tuesday November 11th and the winner will be announced on the 12th! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I was given a tank from LuBelle Fit for the purpose of this review but all opinions are me myself and I!

WIAW....Prep for Success

Well I am 2 months into my Paleo Challenge and I have to be perfectly honest....I've SUCKED (sorry Mom I know you hate that word!)

I do awesome for the first 2/3 of the day and then I come home from school and WHAM....I proceed to rationalize and lose focus!  It isn't for long...usually just an hour but the damage I do sometimes is just not ok!  This week I'm back on track and I'm convinced that even through these holidays I can do it!!

Part of the problem with my day is that I have prepped breakfast, lunch, and dinner but nothing for my afternoon snack.  I get home hungry and that is where I fail!

The name of the successful eating game is prepping ahead!  I know that if I have good choices that are just as convient as bad choices then I will be far more successful than if I need to prep something while I'm starving and having to run the circus show that is our afternoon!

This week I made my lunches, bagged up nuts for snacks, hard boiled eggs, and even prepped some dinner for later in the week (when I'm more apt to call for take out) on Sunday afternoon!  I have a weight goal for the end of this year and I'm not letting my lack of preparation or laziness get in my way!!

There are some great bloggers out there to get ideas from for Sunday prep as well!  Lindsay at Lean Green Bean is amazing at prepping her week (like serious organization and awesomeness!)   Also Jill at Fitness, Health, and Happiness hosts a weekly menu planning link-up that is chock full of bloggers who plan and prep their week ahead of time!

Do you menu plan/prep your week on the weekend?  How do you set yourself up for nutritional success?

Monday Motivation

I know what you're thinking...Ludacris is an unlikely source for motivation most times but this song is on my running playlist and so many times I hear it and think about how it can apply to so much.  Why arrive to the finish line with more left in the tank?  Why get the end of a workout with more to give?  Why phone in your life when you can be living it?  There you have it...lesson learned from Ludacris!  I wouldn't quote much more of the song but this one always gets me moving and thinking about taking more risks with my training and running...putting fear aside and realizing I really have nothing to lose!

Are you going to tiptoe or give it your all this week?

October in Review

I've never really done a monthly review but there was so much going on around here in Fancy Nancy Land that I figured a review was the way to go....you're welcome!

Main Event....By far the main event of October was that little miss turned the big O-N-E!!  I honestly had a blast planning her party and seeing it all roll out perfectly!! 

My MIL made a comment after the party that she hadn't seen me this happy in a while and when I reflected on that day, she's right!  It was just a perfect day of family and friends all there to celebrate our beautiful baby girl.  There was a moment during the party that I hadn't been able to recognize until after.  It was a moment similar to one I remember having one night when I was pregnant with Emma 5 years ago....I was able to look over the whole scene and realize this was what I had wanted all my life!  It has been a long time coming...getting through a fog of postpartum emotions after two girls, being uber busy, so many life transitions, and a few major heartbreaks...but there it was!  It is hard to put into words but there are these moments...blessings really...when you can look at your life and realize God has answered those prayers you uttered as a single girl just starting out! 

Running Totals...This month was a weird sort of in limbo month for running for me.  I'll talk about it more but I had just run ZOOMA the end of September and October was a little bit of a recovery month for me.  That being said I was happy to log 90 miles total putting me less than 100 miles away from another 1000 mile year!!

"I pick things up and put them down"....My hubby hates that Planet Fitness commercial but I think it's funny! 

This month I feel like I really got my love of weights back.  Yes you too can love weights AND running!!  Don't worry running!  You're still my #1!  Thanks to Best Body Bootcamp and a new kettlebell workout I really have loved my strength training in October!!  I'm looking forward to continuing it this month and see how my body reacts!

Where did Stella find her groove?...There are days when I want to stay in bed...or I turn off my alarm without realizing it like this morning...but this month I have felt like I have battled with this mind over matter of convincing my mind to tell my body to just move.  This month as I said has been a limbo type time for me...no big races on the calendar and no major goals.  This is why I chose such a big goal for me for November mileage.  I want to push myself out of this place and start to see changes again! 

Nesting?...I've been in a weird nesting almost mode this month.  Perhaps it's the fact that we are staring winter in the face meaning more time in our house...meaning more time for me to do projects or the fact that we have now emerged from the first year with two children and I can finally breathe!  Whatever it is I have been really wanting to do some projects around the house...redo my bathroom (gray and yellow), jazz up the playroom downstairs (bring on the pink and green love!), getting things organized finally! Pinterest has been blowing up for me which always makes the hubby very happy (you do see the sarcasm here yes?!)

Winter Wonderland...Is it weird that I am looking forward to winter running?  I do love running in the Fall but there are times...like today for example...where summer is just hanging on for dear life!  Today it is 65 degrees and humid....huh?  I'm actually looking forward to breaking out my Under Armour cold weather gear and heading out in the cold temps!  Winter tends to be a fickle friend around New England but I feel like I can enjoy it a bit out on the road...with my eye lashes freezing and nose icicles! 

Now what...I've been starting to look to 2014 and races that I have my eye on.  I have also been thinking of a theme for next year and I'm loving what the Biggest Loser has going on right now with their Second Chances theme.  Perhaps I need to revisit my only DNF this year???  It is still up in the air but I know I want to definitely continue my strength training and pick some goals for running that may cause me to squirm but will be worth it in the end!!!

How was your highlight of October?