Runch Time Ramblings

I guess this is turning out to be a weekly thing but I went for a lunchtime run today (a.k.a. Runch) and once again found myself thinking about a variety of things. 

1. RWRunStreak - Yes! Still in tact!  It's been 4 days now and I have run 9 miles and my legs feel pretty good at the moment.  I woke up feeling sore today but I think the run helped a lot in getting rid of some of that soreness. 

2. Hood to Coast - Many of you know I'm an alternate on the Nuun Hood to Coast Relay team but what you don't know is that Nuun invited us (the super amazing alternates) out as well.  I've thought a lot about it, maybe even over thought it and had settled on the fact that I shouldn't go.  There is SOO much going on at home right now that I had just told myself nope, you need to stay here.  I even had emailed Nuun and given them the bad news but then I started thinking about it more and I realized that I was passing up an opportunity to do so many things I love: Run, Relax, Hang out with like minded ladies, and travel.  So I talked to S about it and he supports me going. 

Now here's where it gets frustrating.  I went out, looked for flights and I started to get this feeling in the pit of my stomach...Mom's Guilt was kicking in.  I did a quick vlog to talk to you about it.  What I want to know is how do you deal with Mom's (or Dad's) guilt? 

3. Blog Activity: I can't even tell you how excited I am about the blog right now.  There is so much going on, I don't even know where to start.  There will be shoe giveaways for you soon, there will be (hopefully) new vlogs and workout videos, so much!!  When am I going to get a chance to do it all? That's another story but I will find the time..why?...because I love it!  If you're a company looking to connect with highly motivated readers, send me a note, maybe we should collaborate.

Time to Get Planning

WARNING: Lots of project manager terms used in this post.  Blah.  I'll highlight them in red for your amusement. You might even see some power point sneak in here!

So the natural "next step" for a Type A program manager such as myself once a goal has been set it to plan to achieve it.  That involves laying out a training plan.  Doing this does a two things:

1. Keeps me focused on what I need to do that day and the days leading up to my goal
2. Keeps my husband straight on what my workouts are going to be (i.e. what days I'm not going to the gym so I can go bike, run or swim).  That way he knows when he has to take E with him.

Planning is essential to success, plus it's just fun.  The process of putting together a training plan is like going through a little mental negotiation lots of prioritizing discussions going on.  Goes a little something like this..

Me:I think I should do XX workout on Tuesday.

Mental Arbitrator: Are you sure you should?  Your brain is telling me you have a lot going on Tuesdays.

Me: Fine, how 'bout we do YY? Then I'll do XX on Wednesday.

Mental Arbitrator: Fine, that sounds better.  The brain agrees.

You win some you lose some but either way, I usually am able to generate some sort of plan.

So that's what I've been doing.  I created a plan with 2 goals in mind. These plans are real and concrete.  I know exactly how and when I'm going to achieve them, which is the way I roll:

1. Complete the Runners World Run Streak (May 28th through July 4th)
2. Compete in a local triathlon on July 29th.

The plan came together pretty easily but I'll warn you as you look at it...it might not seem super ambitious but that's on purpose.  I know that in order for me to get excited about a plan, I have to know I can do it and given the chaos of my life right now...I know I can do what I've planned.  If school weren't in the picture, it might be different. 

I'm excited to get back into a rhythm and train with a purpose.  Here's where I socialize the deliverable (plan) with you.  I've also done a couple things for you! 

• I've created a PDF version of it so you can scribble all over it if you want.
• I've created a blank PDF of the training plan so you can set out establishing your goals and planning
• I've created a blank excel for you to rebuild your plan if you are an excel junkie like me.  Feel free to share it with all your friends (by pinning it using the provided buttons). 

So now it's your turn.  How do you plan for your goals?  Do you have a tool you use?  Do you like a certain training plan? 

I'm going Streaking!

I'm pretty sure I should be writing headlines somewhere.  :)  Just kidding.  I'm not going streaking like this guy...

(Source: MailOnline)

Can I just point out the sign behind him?!  How ironic?!

Anyway, the streaking I'm talking about isn't a crime and it isn't something that's going to land me in jail but it will make me feel better and stronger.  I'm talking about the Runner's World Running Streak 2012.  It's a challenge to run at least 1 mile everyday from Memorial Day to July 4th.  That's 38 consecutive days of running.

The timing of this challenge couldn't be more perfect!  If you read my last post, you know I've been in a funk.  We've all gone through it and for me it usually happens between the time I reach a goal (usually when I complete a Triathlon or Half) and when the next goal is set.  With E, school, work and everything else, I've had to be very flexible in my training planning and my workouts have suffered because of it.  I'm Type A all the way.  To a fault I'm afraid so not having goals can mean disaster for me.  This last week I realized I was in a funk.  My workouts were crap (pardon my french) and I ate terribly too.  Yes, I am still eating my 5-8 fruits/veggies a day but the rest of the food...CRAP.  So, when I saw the tweets (#RWRunStreak) start flying, I knew I had to do it.  So, I'm in.  I even started a little early.  I ran 3 miles Friday, Saturday and 1 yesterday and 2 today. 

Are you in?  Check out Runners World FAQs to determine if you're ready.  If you are, let me know and I'll cheer you on! 

In the meantime, here are some pictures from our busy weekend!  I'll tell you all about it later but in the meantime enjoy!

Ramblings and a Nuun Giveaway Winner

Seems like about once a week all I want to do is brain dump (excuse the expression, it's a work term).  I just have a lot of random thoughts that need to come out.  So here's this week's dump..

1. The Naked Almost Naked Runner - I finally got a picture of her the other day.  It's from the back but I still think you get the effect.  She seriously puzzles me.  I love running as much as the next but this lady takes in to a new level one that's probably rooted in something much bigger.  Yes, that's a bikini top she's running in.  I know a lot of you couldn't fathom running in a bikini top but I know I could do it without any issues.  :)  That's why I want one of these.  It's a sports bra with a little extra for those of us that need it from a company called Handful.  Pretty clever right?  No one told me that after you finish breastfeeding that they would get smaller!?  At least mine did and know I shop in the kiddie section for my support needs.  :)  Sad!

2. Holiday Weekend - This will be an extremely bittersweet weekend for the family. It's our annual home town festival which celebrates the town's italia heritage (Look for the JMO logo, that's my dad).  It's a weekend full of bocce ball (yes, that's a sport), food and family except this year we'll be missing an EXTREMELY big part of the family.  This will be the first year we do this without my dad.  He was always so involved in this event, donating anything they needed, sponsoring bocce courts, you name it he did it.  So we will all be representing him all weekend wearing these.  My dad's best and long time friend Troy is a jeweler out in Arizona and he made us this necklace in honor of my dad who was CONSTANTLY wearing his glasses like a little old lady would.   Troy is an amazing jeweler. He designed the Rose Bowl Queen's crown.  Pretty cool!  Thanks Troy.  We love them and will wear them often.

3. Nuun Giveaway winner - The response to the Nuun giveaway was so amazing that I'll be doing another real soon so if you didn't win, no worries.  Join the site to stay connected and watch for more amazing Nuun give aways.  The winner of this prize was chosen randomly using Random.org is Annie!  Congrats!  Send me an email with your address (use the email address on the About Me page) and I'll get your prize in the mail stat!

4. 5-A-Day Fail follow up - I can honestly say that I've been working VERY hard since this post to improve my eating habits.  I can safely say that everyday I'm eating at least 5 servings and usually closer to 7.  I'm doing it in the ways I listed in my video.  A quick note though...for E, sometimes I need some go-to veggies that I can feed him so I've found that cans of vegetable soup are perfect!  I heat half the can, with the broth then strain out the veggies.  They have some flavor which he loves and he eats a wide variety depending on the soup you buy. Well, at least I thought it was genius.  :)

5.  Workouts and Running - I guess I can admit it now but I've been in a little funk since about the middle of last week.  About the time I started getting really stressed about my finals, I found myself getting really snippy about going to the gym.  I'm about to say something that might through us all for a loop but here it goes...Sometimes...I don't like working out.  I don't even like running.  Sometimes I'm just tired.  Ideally, that would be when I changed it up a bit but school interfered with that. So I finally got back in the gym today and did a quick workout:

• 10 Min FAST pace on the Stair Machine
• 15 Min Core Cruncher Nike Training Club workout
• 10 Min Run

It was definitely nice to get back in the gym and I'm hoping I'll be completely reinvigorated after the weekend and ready to start training for my first Sprint Tri of the year. 

6. E - I LOVE this kid.  I know I've said that a time or two but seriously..at 19 months, he's learned to jump with both feet and it's hilarous.  I'm still trying to capture this and when I do you'll be hitting repeat on YouTube constantly.  He's also starting to really communicate and I'm finally hearing.."Momma".  It's such a sweet sound that melts my heart every time.  S has started dropping hints of wanting another one but that's another post for another time. 

7. Pinterest Project - Ohh..I did a pinterest project this weekend.  How cute is that M?  It is a Moss covered Monogram for our last name.  I love it!  My DIY pinterest boards are over flowing.  I actually DO most of the projects I pin but I haven't had time lately.  I'm going to have to work on that.  I feel the need to craft!  :)

Other Projets:   Message Board    |   A-Frame Tent

Source: ordyandjoon.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

8. Random Shower Thought - In the shower the other day, this thought came to mind.  Not sure if it's quote worthy but it's sticking for me and hopefully it will resonate for you.

Opportunities are everywhere.  The key to finding them is positive thinking.  - me

Ok, that's enough rambling.  You ever get in a fitness funk?  What are your holiday plans?  Are you a closet crafter like me?  Let's talk!



What's a Girl to do?

to set a new goal. To get back on the proverbial hoarse.  The question is...what's next?  Before E was born, I was getting extremely serious about triathlon.  I'd created my race schedule culminating in multiple Olympic distance tris. 

My ultimate endurance goal, is the same as my buddy the Janice, the Fitness Cheerleader...to do a Half Ironman.  I know and accept that I'll never be able to do a full Ironman.  My back is too far gone but I think I can squeeze out a half if I really try. 

But the other side of me wants to get back in competition shape and compete in a figure competition again.  That's also something that I had a lot of fun doing and was getting but it too would take a lot of time and effort which would be different than the time and effort needed to do the half ironman. 

So what's a girl to do?  Oh yeah and by the way, I'm still in school getting my MBA and don't graduate till next August.  ARGH!  The smart sensible side of me says...

Come on Katie, don't you think you have enough on your plate? Don't you think you should maybe lay low this year and just get through school?

But then there is the ever present need to compete athletically.  The need to feel the pain of pushing yourself to limits you didn't know you could reach and then feel the joy and sense of accomplishment once you achieve it.  Seriously it's a high like none other. 

So maybe I need to compromise. I started looking around trying to find maybe a sprint triathlon or two just to get back into it. 

Prep for a figure competition is a 12 week process.  Should I find one to target and start prepping?  SO many choice so little time (literally). I'm the type to feel better when I have a goal.  Help me figure this out.

What would you do?  How did you set your goals?  How did you make sure they were realistic?  Have you ever set a goal that was too aggressive?

Don't forget to register for the Nuun giveaway. Contest ends on Thursday.  LINK

Nuun Giveaway

So many of you MIGHT know that I'm part of the Nuun Hood to Coast Relay team which is AWESOME for me and for you!

They have just sent me a bunch of goodies that I'm going to pass on to you.  Are you excited?   

First off, they've given me a discount code for my readers.  Yep, you can now get 15% off all your Nuun needs in the Nuun Shop simply by using the code: bloggerslovenuun when you check out.  PLUS they have free shipping on orders of $50 or more.  So, here's what I would get to maximize my money, here's what I would get:

See then you get so much and you take advantage of the free shipping!  It's a win win.

I didn't just get a great discount code.  I also got some Nuun to giveaway.  So rather than hoard it all, I'm going to give it to you. 

Today's giveaway features one of the coolest waterbottles you'll ever own. As you can see from my professionally taken picture, I take mine everywhere. Here it is in my MBA class, doesn't it look good!?

21 oz. Nuun Water Bottle

You might be asking..."well, I love that bottle but what am I going to put in my new water bottle?" I've got that covered too. How about trying a tube of Nuun tropical? It is one of my favorite flavors and I almost hated to part with it but I want you to taste the Nuun goodness too. So it's yours if you win!

Together these hold the key to keeping you hydrated.  Speaking of which, want to know more about how it works?

Click the image to check it out | Learn More

Hopefully I've gotten you excited and you're just dying to try it. Either by buying your own and/or winning this giveaway. A random winner will be picked on Thursday 05/24. You can register by:

1. Leave a comment telling me what other flavor you'd like to try.

2. Follow Nuun on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you did.

3. Follow Me on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you did.
4. Share this on Google+ below and leave a comment letting me know you did
5. Tweeting about the giveaway:
I just registered for a @nuunHydration giveaway at @momslrb http://www.momslittlerunningbuddy.com/2012/05/nuun-giveaway.html

5-A-Day Fail

Now I know you all come to read my blog because you think know I'm a specimen of health and fitness and you're just dying to see what I'm going to talk about next. 

Ok, so maybe not but that's beside the point.  Last week, I found the American Cancer Society's recommendation for the number of fruit and vegetables to try to eat every day.  Can you guess?  Yep, 5.  That's not even close to the USDA's recommendation of 9.  Anyway, so my first thought was, what a great premise for a blog post. 

Then yesterday morning E (my 18 month old son) recommended we vlog about it.  So we did...at 7:30 in the morning we vlogged about fruits and veggies.  I know you're just dying to see it and hear what we have to say so without any further delay...

It seems like slowly I'm reforming the way I eat and drink.  First giving up soda, which I'm still going strong on and now this!  What's next?  Giving up sugar?  Ok, slow down...one step at a time.

So now it's your turn...how do you get your fruits and veggies in?  Any tips and tricks for adding more to our diets?

One more side note, as many of you know, I'm now a proud member of the FitFluential Family.  A great group of people who love inspiring others to stay healthy and fit.   But you don't have to blog like a crazy woman (me) to be part of the family.  Sign up here as an enthusiast to play in all the reindeer games!

Hold On..Crazy Week Ahead

It's the week before this semester of class ends.  I have a 2 finals and a presentation due on Friday.  Oh joy!  That means that I'm going to have to put something on the back burner to make sure I get through these next few days.  Can you guess what's going to give?  Most likely blogging.  It's so frustrating because I have a TON of ideas that I'm dying to share with you.  I just time to put them together and I'm not sure this is going to be the week that they get done.

I knew when I started this MBA that something was going to have to give and most of the time it's my TV watching time.  I seriously only watch TV if I'm on a treadmill or stationary fitness equipment. Sad, yes but it has to be done.

We all know that there's times in our lives where we have to rebalance and this is one of those weeks.  Hopefully you'll come back and visit me.  I have SOOO much planned for you.  You have no idea.  It's gonna be great.  There might even be 2 vlogs up my sleeve.

In the meantime, thought I'd leave you with an amazingly cute video of E entertaining the cardinal fans at the game on Saturday night (17 secs of fun).  Have I told you how much I love this kid?  Really..I am head over heals for him and all his crazy little ways.  Enjoy!  Have a great week!!!

Tips From The Front Lines

Motherhood is an exclusive club full of people that have all learned a number of lessons about how to get through life with a child or two or three.  We support each other and depend on each other for so much.  There are new moms entering our club every day and I wanted to help them make the transition to motherhood by passing along some of the random tips I've picked up a long the way.

I'm also hoping that if you're a mom and reading this that you'll share your tips and tricks.  We could all use the help I think.  In about a week, I'll create a printable version of this and will include all the tips that are provided just make sure to leave your Blog URL and/or Twitter handle so I can give you credit.  Ok, here it goes:

1. Get Creative - Use the resources you have. E was a very difficult newborn.  He required you to rock or walk him to sleep every night.  He was also born in October which made the walking thing kind of challenging...so we got creative.  If you're fortunate enough like me to have a treadmill in your house, it might just become your new best friend.  I can't tell you how many nights we'd head downstairs and turn it on real low and just walk, and walk and walk some more.  Soon enough he'd fall asleep and we'd be able to put him to bed.  I always wondered if this need to be walked to sleep didn't have something to do with all the working out I did when I was pregnant.

2. For new moms of little boys.  This had me puzzled for a while.  E would somehow wet through his clothes all the time.  It wasn't till someone told me to point it down before you put the diaper on that the issue was resolved.  We went through countless outfits until I learned this lesson.



3. For traveling.  I'm sure you've been told that you should make sure babies are nursing or drinking when you ascend and descend.  That way they will relieve the pressure that could occur naturally.  But here's another travel tip.  If you travel with children, TSA requires you show their birth certificate which I've always been so nervous about because I'm afraid I'll lose it.  So...turns out you can get your baby a state issued ID card for $10 and it will also be accepted by TSA which means you can leave the Birth Certificate at home.  

4. Always Have an Extra Change of Clothes (in a Ziploc bag) - Chances are taking off to will need to go in that Ziploc bag for transport home for proper cleaning.

5. Pack for bed - I live in a 2 story house and E still gets up every now and then.  What I don't want to do at 3:30 in the morning is go running downstairs to get him something to drink.  So I pack a little cooler and take it to bed with me each night.  Saves me a trip and maybe a little time.

6. Soothing music is amazing - The first time we took E on a car ride he screamed and screamed.  I called my sister all upset that I couldn't get him to relax.  She said..find some relaxing music and CRANK IT.  Almost to the point where you can't hear him crying.  Then when he starts to settle down, gradually lower the volume.  So we found the Spa channel on Sirius radio (Channel 68) and did what she said.  I couldn't believe that it worked.  To this day, E still listens to spa music in the car and relaxes.  He even listens to it when he goes to bed.  My ipod is full of it and I just put it on repeat.  The only problem with this is that I can't go get a massage without thinking of him the entire time.  Oh well!  :)

I'm sure I'll think of more and when I do, I'll post them but I'm hoping these got you thinking.  Do you have any secrets you want to share with us moms?  Don't forget to leave your Blog URL and Twitter handle if you have one. 

Happy Mother's Day!!

Mom Knows Best

Thank you to Tout for sponsoring this post and encouraging me to share mom’s best advice! Visit the SELF + The Honest Co. + Tout contest on.self.com/MomKnows to share the best advice you received from your mom and enter to win $500 worth of The Honest Company product and a Maya Brenner Designs necklace valued at $200, in addition to having their Tout featured on SELF.com. Additionally, for every response a donation will be made to Baby2Baby.

It's no secret around my family that my mom and I are close.  She is, by far, my best friend.  I call her everyday and not because I have to but because I want to.  I want to talk to her. I want to get her advice.  The thing she's pretty good at is knowing when to actually give advice and when to just listen. But you can bet that when she does bestow her wisdom it's pretty darn good. 

Going back to childhood, she's been teaching me and forming me into the person I am today.  Amongst all the pearls of wisdom, there are some that have definitely stuck with me.  Here's a run down of my favorites:

1. Take an Advil - As teens we had the tendency to whine about an aliment or a sore muscle.  She always seemed to know when we really medical attention and when we didn't.  She knew that in most cases, we just needed to toughen up a little.  Here's how those conversations would go...

Me: Mom, my pinky hurts

Mom: Is it broken?

Me: No

Mom: Is it different colors?

Me: No

Mom: Take an advil

And it worked.  It got the point across (and no, we weren't taking advil all the time.  We didn't need it).  :) 

2. Your knees are your best friends they should never part - Ok, truth be told, this was my Nana's advice but my mom was the enforcer most of the time.  :)  This one requires a back story.

I am a tom-boy through and through.  Always have been.  So much so that  my mom thought it would be a "good idea" for me to attend an etiquette school as a young girl to try to teach me how to be a lady.  HA!  I kicked and screamed all the way there.  Classes required you to wear a dress and pantie hose and were usually held right after softball practices so you can imagine the hot mess I went in there as.  Anyway, the advice that mom was trying to instill in me is that just because you are a jock doesn't mean you have to act like one. 

Today, I think I can be both a lady and a jock.  I can attend black tie balls and feel comfortable knowing what is appropriate.  I can also then, head to the track, court or ball diamond and know how to act there.  That versatility is so important in becoming a well rounded lady and I thank her NOW for instilling that in me (not so much at the time).

Ok, all kidding aside, the one piece of advice that I think has been the most valuable for me is the last one:

3. You are responsible for your own actions.  Own them - I won't lie, when I was in second grade, I tried to cheat on a spelling test.  I didn't know how to spell the word "welcome".  Turns out I wasn't very good at cheating because I got caught.  When I got home, I knew I was in for some serious punishment.  The conversation that ensued resonated and has stuck:

Mom: So, I think you have something to tell me.

Me: What?

Mom: Oh, I don't know something about a spelling test

Me: (Swallowing the lump in my throat), Oh yeah, that.

Mom: Why did you do it?

Me: I didn't. The paper just happened to be in my desk.

Mom: You don't expect me to believe that do you?

Me: But...but...

Mom: Katie, you have to learn that you are responsible for your actions.  No one made you cheat.  You did it all on your own.

Me: (crying and about to vomit)

Mom: I want you think about it and then you can tell your dad when he gets home.

Me: (vomiting...not really but I wanted to) ok

At the time, I couldn't see past the fear of having to tell my dad.  The next day and for all the days after that, I saw it.  As a mom, I think that is by far, one of the most important lessons that I can teach E.   

Mom and I continue to have conversations.  She continues to help me navigate the waters of adulthood and motherhood.  I know there will be more gems that come from our conversations and I will be truly grateful that she's shared them with me. 

I'm a lucky daughter to have such an amazing mom.  I love you!!

Your turn: What is the best advice your mom has given you?  I'd love to hear.  Then go over to Self.com and enter to win the Mom Knows Best .  Thanks to SELF/Honest Co./Tout for putting on such a great contest.

Thank you again to Tout for sponsoring my post. Visit on.self.com/MomKnows  to share the best advice you received from your mom.  Fans and readers can reply directly via webcams at www.Tout.com, through Tout’s mobile application, on www.Facebook.com/TheHonestCompany and www.Self.com/health/mothers-day in addition to other promotional sites.  Viewers can watch the entire stream of replies on the Tout widget on http://www.self.com/ and share their favorites to their Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest pages, as well as by email and SMS.

Sweat to Street

I'm going to join a great group of girls who are sharing their fashion with you in the form of Sweat to Street.  Only catch is I am reversing it.I go from Street to Sweat since I work first and workout second, I'll be changing it up a little bit.  So here we go...first a little about the game..

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)

• **Visit their blogs if you want to link up too!!!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. Ok so down to business....literally...my business look(s)
  
  
  ***IF YOU WANT TO FOLLOW SWEAT TO STREET ON TWITTER OR PLAN ON TWEETING
  Street Look 1 - Casual Friday
  
  So I know this isn't the greatest picture but this is my FAVORITE top to wear on Casual Friday at work.  I'm wearing dark wash denim and a long necklace.
  Both the Shirt and Necklace are from AnnTaylor (my favorite store to find work clothes)

  Street Look 2 - Monday's Attire

  
  Yes, dare I say it, I wore white today?  But I wore a navy shirt to off set it a little bit.
  Shirt: Ann Taylor (surprise surprise)
  Necklace: Limited
  Pants: Banana Republic (about 6 years old)
  Belt: Ann Taylor
  
  
   I work in an environment where you have to exude confidence so I always look for business close that make me feel strong.  I need to be able to be confident and part of that for me is looking the part.
  

  Sweat

  

Top: Under Armour Women's UA Escape Get Started Tank

The fit is great and it's cut longer which I also like.  I hate feeling like I'm wearing a belly shirt to the gym or run.

Shorts: Zella Go Shorts

Zella Day of Movement eventThey fit amazingly.

Socks: Belaga

I know you can't see them but they are my all time favorite socks

Shoes: Asics

I do love Asics but for some reason this last pair doesn't seem to be wearing well.  I already feel like they are losing their cushioning and the tongue does not like to stay in place.  I'm thinking of trying another shoe.  Any recommendations?

There are days when I like getting all made up and then there are days when I just wish I could go in yoga pants and a pull over.  Ok, so there you have it.  My looks.  What do you wear to work?  Do you have to dress up like this?  Where do you like to shop?  What are your favorite brands?

Set It and Forget It

I'm betting that phrase brings images of a chicken roating in a little oven on your countertop or this guy..Ron.

Well, oddly enough, that is exactly what came to mind on my run. First off, let me say that I, have never been one to work on speed. I never thought I could get faster. I'm an asthmatic and when I get going real fast, the wheezing start to kick in. SO, I've used that as an reeason to never try. Then when E came around, I'm not sure what exactly happened but I just got a little faster. Maybe it was from pushing the stroller. Whatever it was, I realized that I might actually be able to do this.....ok now on to today's story.

I had intended to go out for an easy three miles when I stepped out the door and realized it was crazy humid. But I went anyway. After a quick 2 min walk, I started in. I quickly realized that my body seemed to want to move faster than the 10 min mile that I was anticipating so I went with it. I decided that I would try repeats (insert technical running term here). It's exactly what it sounds like. I decided to do 1 mile repeats with 30-45 secs between each.

After about 5 minutes of running faster, I found myself focused on my feet...how quickly were they hitting the ground? Could I speed that process up? Then all of a sudden, I was wheezing. Oh and did I mention I rarely take my inhaler with me?! Yeah, I know smart move. Anyway, I slowed down, finishing the first mile in about 9:37.

After a good minute of walking, I had my breathing back under control so I started in again. And again, I found myself thinking about my feet and you know what happened after that.. So again, I slowed but finished slightly faster then the first at 9:00. Then after a brief break I started again, and then it hit me..kind of like a ton of bricks...STOP WORRYING ABOUT YOUR FEET!!

I need to pick a goal speed, set it and forget it! Focus on the breathing. For me that was far more important and ended up being a much better game plan. I finished the last mile in 8:39.

So while I don't know if I'll become a speed demon anytime soon, I did make a ground breaking discovery in how best to try. I'll keep at it because it's fun and challenging. Maybe I'll even make it my Under Armour Challenge...PR in a 5k. Hmm.

Do you work on speed? What are your goals?  How do you do speed work?  Am I thinking about this the right way? 

Have a great week!

Nordstrom's Zella Day of Movement

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear that is the scene from Rocky where he yells.."STELLA".  Then I start daydreaming about Zella..the fitness clothing line at Nordstrom.

Today Nordstrom hosted a series of "Day of Movement" Events all over the country.  Unfortunately, my local store wasn't hosting the event but that didn't stop me from going in to check out the goods.  The clothes were so cool and inspiring, I may have done a few planks in them just to try them out.  :)

Before I show you the amazing clothes, I have to tell you, I have had nothing but amazing experiences at Nordstrom.  Back in January, I needed a cocktail dress at the last minute.  I called them in the mid morning, told them I was coming by at lunch.  I asked them to pull some dresses.  They had a great selection all laid out for me.  I tried two dresses on and I found the right one.  I was in and out in 20 min.  That's great. 

The woman who helped me today was just as helpful as my amazing associate in January.  She could tell I was totally into the clothes and she told me all about them..right down to the stitching.  Then I got to try on some of my favorite looks. 

I'm going to treat myself to one of these looks but I need your help to decide.  Don't focus on the not so ideal model...just focus on the amazing colors and styles these clothes have. 

Which one should I get?

Bra - Zella 'Z' Bra    $38.00    |  Zella 'Go' Shorts   $48.00

Bra - Zella 'Seamless Z Gradient' $28.00  |  Zella 'Go' Shorts (Black) $48.00 |  Zella 'Curve' Jacket - $88

These shorts may have gone home with me already!

 

Zella 'Peekaboo' Tank  - $48.00  |   Zella 'Booty' Shirred Waist Capris - $52.00

All of these outfits inspired me to make today a Day of Movement.  There were so many more.  I could've been there all day looking and trying things on.  Now all you have to do is help me figure out which outfit to get. hmm...so many choices so little time.

I was not paid for this post.  These are all my own thoughts.  Love all these clothes.

Something For Everyone

Do you ever have one of those nights where you have a lot of stuff on your mind and you know that you won't be able to go to sleep till you get it out of your head?  Well, tonight is one of those nights.  I have a bunch of things I want to share or just get your opinion on so hopefully at least one of the things below will amuse or make you think...

1. Breakfast Smoothies that both my hubs and I agree to love.  Ever since I gave up soda a few weeks ago (and still going strong, thanks for asking), I've struggled with what to have for breakfast.  Read my post..you'll understand.  ANYWAY, I've been searching and searching for a way to incorporate my new found love of chia seeds because they are a great protein punch and not to mention the great fiber and Omega 3s.  One day I was on Pinterest and there it was...you could almost hear the angels singing.  Now granted, I take things I see on Pinterest with a grain of salt.  Sometimes they don't always turn out as good as they look but this is not one of those recipes. Over at the Yummylife.com , she really did a great job of walking you through the steps and they came out exactly as stated.  Did you know Chia Seeds can be used as a thickening agent?  Who knew?  Anyway, I've made two batches now and will be making more.  How can you not with stats like this:

• 286 calories, 4.8g fat, 53.8g carbs, 12.6g protein, 7g fiber
• High in antioxidants, fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, folate, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, riboflavin, and Vitamins A, B12, B6, C, D
• Weight Watchers PointsPlus: 6-8 points (I didn't get consistent results using the WW calculator, but this gives you a general idea)

Source: theyummylife.com via Katie on Pinterest

2. When does an obsession become an addition? I think we can all agree that fitness is a passion of ours.  It's probably an obsession to some of us but is it an addiction?  Reason I bring it up is that every day and sometimes 2 or 3x's per day I see this older woman running in my area.  She always runs in a triangle swimsuit top and sometimes even swimsuit bottoms.  The look in her eyes when she's running isn't like the looks I see on others I run with.  It's different.  It's almost compulsive.  She seems to be moving pretty well, but I do worry about her sometimes.  I wonder why she feels compelled to run that much every single day.  What does she do when she's not running?  She's my constant reminder to keep my obsessions in check.  There is life outside fitness.  What do you think?

3. Jewelry and the gym..my husband asked me today why I was wearing a necklace to the gym.  I'd like to say that I just want to look my best for the meatheads but that's the farthest thing from the truth.  Honest answer is that when I'm doing workouts with a lot of squats and things that require you to focus on one spot so you don't fall over, I focus on that little diamond around my neck. It keeps me centered.  Kind of like sighting in open water swimming.  It's the "thing" I look I look for in the mirror. 

4. Work..I'm in a very weird spot right now at work and I'm even a little nervous to post but I'm going to try it.  I can sense that I am being given the opportunity to step up, play a bigger role in what's going on and maybe, just maybe get promoted.  The problem is that with everything else going on in my life (grad school, toddler, family loss), stepping up at work is adding a LOT of stress.  I like what I do and the level I'm at but I also know that my career aspirations are to continue to grow but I'm just unsure if I should take the leap.  I want to do what's right for the company and for myself but I'm nervous.  Do you ever struggle with these types of thoughts? 

5. E..So E is battling is 5th ear infection (this one's a double).  I knew something was wrong late last week but I hesitated to call the doctor thinking that maybe it was just a molar trying to come in.  On Monday morning, mother's intuition won out and I called.  We went in and sure enough that's what we found out.  I felt terrible for not getting him in sooner.  I know..you can only do what you can do but still.  We're on day 2 of medicine and he seems to be feeling a little better.  I love that kid with my ENTIRE heart and then some.  To see him in pain is not something I want to do.  As you can see, his appetite is back and he's back to rocking out.  And..while I know he's still sick, I'll not going to feel guilty about cuddling with him at night when he wakes up.  Who wants to let their sick kid cry?  Not this mom!

Ok, so there's my ramblings.   I'm curious to get your thoughts on  any or all the above.  Sometimes you just need some feedback.