Or Not...

Apparently the kids club at my gym closes at 3:00 on Saturdays. I ended up running to the nearest Redbox with my kiddos instead. This whole single parenting thing is really cutting into my running. Oh well, at least they were mostly good today. And the way things are heading, they will be snugly tucked into bed by 8pm leaving me to tear it up by myself for the new year. I see some bathroom cleaning, laundry, and a Bones marathon in my near future (I'm hooked on that show thanks to Netflix). I really know how to party, people!

Happy New Year to all of you! I'd love to hear your 2012 running goals if you've got them. :)

Day: 70
Today's Miles: 1.65
Total Miles: 135.16

Me And My Three

The hubs took off (not so bright and) early this morning on an RV trip to Pasadena to watch the Ducks win the Rose Bowl. I took the kids on a short run when we got a rain break this afternoon. It's amazing how much fun they can have running (or strolling) a dark damp 13min 48sec mile on a crappy Oregon December day. That's like the slowest mile EVER! The most exciting part of the run for me was my new watch having some perfect GPS tracking. Yay! Tomorrow I'll give the foot pod a try on the treadmill (so I can run at a reasonable pace for a reasonable amount of time).

Day: 69
Today's Miles: 1.02
Total Miles: 133.51 

Nike+ Help Needed

I got a Nike+ GPS watch today (and it's so freakin' cool)! I decided to go with the cool factor over utilitarian. Now I just have to figure out how to do the whole Nike+ thing. Any pointers you may have are welcome. I want to join one of the challenges and I'm not sure which one yet. I can't wait to take it for a run outside (unfortunately the hubs is leaving for Pasadena tomorrow so I'll have to wait for an outside run until at least Tuesday). I can't figure out if I can count my treadmill miles or if I have to use GPS for the miles to count on the website. I have some research to do.

I went to Turbo Kick today and then took the treadmill for a short spin. It was all I had in me after an hour of crazy cardio.

Day: 68
Today's Miles: 1.02
Total Miles: 132.49

Grimm

Catching up on the first episode of Grimm with the hubs (it's filmed in Portland so we have to watch it, right?). Not a great argument for running solo in Forest Park. Although chances are if one of those freaky creatures came out of nowhere, a buddy wouldn't be of much use.

I went to an awesome Zumba class today (a good excuse to wear my hot pants!), so I kept my run short.

Day: 67
Today's Miles: 1.19
Total Miles: 131.47

To Choose A Running Watch

So...for Christmas, the hubs gave me my choice of running watch. I'm thinking this Nike watch because it looks super cool.

Or perhaps this Garmin from Costco because it's a little cheaper and people seem to like Garmin.

Looking for suggestions. Garmin or Nike? Anything I'm missing?

Day: 66
Today's Miles: 3.11
Total Miles: 130.28

Hot Pants!

My sis-in-law is a Zumba instructor. She is also pretty awesome. Thanks to her, I got the best pair of workout pants EVER for Christmas! Aren't they cute?

Oh, and congrats to Drew Brees!

Day: 65
Today's Miles: 4.13
Total Miles: 127.17

I'm Back!

We were out of WiFi range for the last couple of days and iPhone posts take WAY more patience than I was able to conjure up during the holidays. Yesterday I spent my day finishing up some last minute Pinterest inspired Christmas gifts and ran out of daylight before I got my run in. Normally not a big deal, but Christmas Eve in my small hometown doesn't offer very many appealing late night running options. My in laws live out of town up a pretty steep hill so I ran up and down their driveway with my daughter's flashlight until I got scared of whatever creature decided to jump out of the bushes and eat me (who knew I could run that fast straight up hill?)! We finished up our night with a girls against boys Trivial Pursuit drinking game of sorts. Gotta love family gatherings!

Today is Christmas and we had a marathon day of presents with both sides of the family. Luckily, I was able to fit my run in pretty early in the day. I don't think it will ever cease to amaze me how fast 5 kids can tear into presents that take hours to wrap. We got a double dose of crazy present chaos today. We finished our night with a drive through a great neighborhood with tons of Christmas lights. We'll miss those when they're gone this year.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and were able to spend the day with the people you love. To all of you who may read this that I was lucky enough to see today, thanks for being a part of our family! We love you all!

Days: 63 & 64
Miles: 2.44
Total Miles: 123.04

Christmas Wishes

I have a friend with a sick little girl who has spent much of her Christmas break in the hospital. Please take a minute to send her your thoughts and prayers for Christmas. I thought about them every footfall of my short run today and tonight I'm thankful for three healthy kids (even if they are currently fighting while trying to fall asleep all in one bed on the floor at grandma's house).

Day: 62
Today's Miles: 1.67
Total Miles: 120.6

Enjoy 'Em While They're Little

Another beautiful day in Portland and my kids took advantage with a bike/scooter/stroller ride while I ran to the park. We actually were just planning on a run behind our house, but since it was so nice we just kept going until we got to the park. My oldest got to try out her new ride (I didn't realize how much faster she would be going with 20" wheels!) and I no longer have any hope of keeping up with her on foot. We have friends coming over this afternoon/evening for some holiday fun so this will have to count as my run for the day. Being outside with my kids is fun for it's own reasons, but I can really appreciate my solitary miles after a run like that!

Day: 61
Today's Miles: 1.78
Total Miles: 118.93

This Thrifty Momma

Oh my goodness! Have to share the awesome deal we scored at the Goodwill Outlet Store (aka "the bins") today for my daughter. I really wanted to get her a new bike and was looking at Target this past weekend for something nice that will hopefully work for the next couple of years. The one I wanted was $129.99 in the store so I figured we'd wait until her 8th birthday this summer since we've already done quite a bit of shopping and that was out of the budget. Well...we found that exact bike for $10!!! That's right, I said $10!!! She was with me, so no Christmas surprise, but we have one happy little girl who has decided that giving is good and she is going to pay it forward by donating a good amount of her own toys to Goodwill tomorrow. See? Score!

Her bike has white tires and no pink, but you get the idea.

As for my run, it was short again. My shoulder is feeling better but I don't want to push it. I'm thinking tomorrow it will be good to go. On the plus side, I've realized I like riding the bike so maybe a duathlon is in my future. Or even a triathlon. I was a lifeguard in college after all (and I think I remember how to swim...).

Day: 60

Today's Miles: 1

Total Miles: 117.15

I Forgot...Again!

Yesterday was a hectic day of Christmas card addressing, envelope stuffing, and post office dashing. Plus some Christmas cookies and house cleaning with all three kiddos. How in the world did I fall asleep before I typed my blog?

I took it easy on my neck (my New Year's resolution is to not get hurt with stupid little things anymore) and only ran for about 10 minutes. I rode my exercise bike a few miles after that and today I'm feeling much better. Still waiting to start that boot camp. It's going to be awesome!!!

Day: 59
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 116.15

On The First Day Of Christmas Break...

I am so excited about boot camp! I didn't actually participate today because of my neck. Stupid neck. But I did go and check the place out and it is going to be awesome (and kick my bootay!). Since I was already awake (two hours before the sun came up) I went to 24 and put in some treadmill miles. It was STILL dark when I left the gym. I need to move closer to the equator! Where the days are longer and the cocktails taste better. At least the days will start getting longer again in a couple of days. Hello Solstice!

Day: 58
Today's Miles: 3.38
Total Miles: 115.15

5am Will Come Early

I start boot camp at Fulcrum Fitness tomorrow! I'm so excited. Should have gone to bed earlier...

Day: 57
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 111.77

Mmmmmm, Cookies!

Christmas cookie season has arrived! We had our first visit from neighbors with a plate of cookies tonight and they were so so so good. I think tomorrow will be family cookie making day. I love the holidays!

Since my neck is still jacked up (I swear if it's not one thing, it's another), I can't really run without leaning to one side (I also can't turn my head) and something tells me that's not the best idea. I ran for ten minutes but that is just not cutting it. We have a small exercise bike that my parents gave the hubs for Christmas last year. He may not ride it much, but I gave it a whirl tonight and rode a couple miles. It's a good workout!

Day: 56
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 110.77
 

Love Actually

Love Actually tonight with the hubs! I love that movie (even though it requires tissues...lots of tissues) and everyone in it. I've been looking forward to it all day.

Running this close to the holidays is proving itself difficult, but I'm still on it. My oldest is hoping for a mommy daughter run tomorrow so that's exciting. It really makes me happy that my kids and I can share a love of running and do it together. When I close my eyes and think of our future together, running is always there, I'm sure they'll have to slow down so I can keep up someday (but that works for me).

Day: 55
Today's Miles: 1.5
Total Miles: 109.77

Oops!

I forgot to update the blog yesterday. (Thanks for the reminder Marko)

To be honest, I had to walk/pathetic run because I did something to my neck while I was playing with my youngest. The hubs had to come home and make dinner because I was having a hard time lifting my arms. Didn't stop me though (and there is no way on earth I would have done anything but sit on the couch all day if it weren't for this blog). Thankfully I'm feeling better and I will be posting later today after the kids and I head to the gym. If any 24 Hour members are reading this, I'm planning to go at 4:30 or so and I'd love some company!

Day: 54
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 108.27

Here Comes Santa Claus

Today, my daughter told me that a lot of kids at school don't think Santa is real. She's 7. That's sad. What's cool is she just tells them they are wrong because she's met the man. So, thank you Grandma Sally for convincing Santa to visit your house on Christmas. You are the best, and as for us, we will keep on believing knowing that the magic is real!

This is a hard time of year for a momma to run outside around here. It's so cold for the stroller and it's pretty much always dark. I wish I could get to the gym earlier in the day, but kid schedules don't really allow for that most days. We've got 2.5 weeks of no school (and the hubs will be at the Rose Bowl and gone for a good portion of that) so I'm sure we will spend some extra time at the gym so I can keep my sanity!

Day: 53
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 107.27

12 Days 'Til Christmas!

I tried to spice things up today. Running, stairs, jumping jacks, wall sits. Now I just need to convince myself to do some push ups. My arms are too scrawny for push ups (hmmm... maybe there's a correlation).

Day: 52
Today's Miles: 2
Total Miles: 106.27

My Little Reader

This is going to be a kid post because I'm a proud momma today! Our 5 year-old started reading out of nowhere tonight. I guess he's been close but only books he already knows. Today he brought a book home from school he'd never read or seen before and read it cover to cover...twice! Then he ran upstairs and grabbed an armload of books and sat on the couch and read every one of them. When our oldest started reading it was the same way. Just all of the sudden it's like a flipped switch. Now the little man has two siblings to read him stories. Lucky guy (and lucky mom and dad)!

As for running, I went to the gym. I like Mondays because I usually get there to watch Mike & Molly. Melissa McCarthy cracks me up.

Day: 51
Today's Miles: 2.6
Total Miles: 104.27

There's An App For That

Did you know it's cold outside? It's like it hurts to even walk out the door! I ran around my house like a crazy woman because I didn't want to drive to the gym tonight.

Somebody suggested I check out the Runner's World Smart Coach app. I think I might give it a shot. You can set it with your preferences for race distance and length of training plan (up to 16 weeks). There are a few other questions to help the app customize your plan for you. It seems pretty cool.

Christmas is only two weeks away. Can you believe it!?!

Day: 50
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 101.67

100!!!

This is my first time blogging from my iPhone. Hopefully I don't have any funny autocorrects I don't catch! Today I ran with my favorite running partner and her four legged child. It was super frozen and slippery but it's alway fun to run with someone other than the smelly guy on the treadmill next to me at the gym. Now it's time to get my dance on at the hubs holiday party. Here's hoping no embarrassing photos show up on Facebook tomorrow! Oh, and I broke 100 miles today so that's cool.

Day: 49
Today's Miles: 2.38
Total Miles: 100.67

Another (Cold) Sunny Day

Oops! I fell asleep before I typed this... Today was an absolutely beautiful day in Portland and I wish I could have done an outside run. However, with another kiddo home sick today, that wasn't in the cards. Tomorrow morning, I'm running with a friend so I hope the weather is a repeat of today (or I could deal with warmer, tropical type weather...which is totally likely).

Day: 48
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 98.29

I Need A Weekend

Is it just me, or is this the longest week ever? TGI(almost)F!

Tonight I just ran close to home. I need to get my runs in earlier in the day, but it's been so darn cold outside, I can't bring myself to make my little man get in his stroller for an adventure. When does summer get here again?

Day: 47
Today's Miles: 1.1
Total Miles: 97.29

Oh My Oh My Oh iPhone

Back to the gym today!!! I planned on at least three miles, but when I hit 2.82 I couldn't find my iPhone and almost had a heart attack (it's my 4th child...seriously) and I had to find it. Still, my run was fast and it felt pretty darn good. I'm happy my foot is mostly healed and my lungs seem to be functioning well. I'm still plugging away and happy with my daily constitutional (that word is proof I have watched my share of Masterpiece Theater).

Day: 46
Today's Miles: 2.82
Total Miles: 96.19

Brrrrrr!

I'm down to almost 2 miles a day on average. Time to step it up (that may be wishful thinking with the holidays quickly approaching) and get some miles in!

It was another Redbox night. I really should leave earlier so I can do more than just a there and back run but I'll be honest with myself (and you)...it's cold out there and that's probably not going to happen.

Day: 45
Today's Miles: 1.34
Total Miles: 93.37

Cheers

I had a sick kid home from school today ('tis the season) and then the hubs got rear ended on his way home from work (happy holidays) so my run was short. Again.

Cheers to a better tomorrow!!!

Day: 44
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 92.03

Movie Night

Tonight ended up being a run to get a Redbox kind of night. No long run, but it was outside and it felt pretty good. Now to watch Green Lantern Ryan Reynolds with the hubs.

Oh, and I'm over 90 miles. That's cool.

Day: 43
Today's Miles: 1.32
Total Miles: 91.03

Stairs Are Fun?

I decided to give my foot one more day to heal so I can do a long(ish) run outside tomorrow. Since I didn't want to wear shoes, I ran in my house again (not my favorite) but this time I added stairs. We have a set of ten I ran up and down 24 times on top of 10 minutes of running in place with high knees. I'm sweaty and I cannot wait for an outside run!

On the bright side, today is another day that I never would have even considered doing anything active. Thank you blog!

Day: 42
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 89.71

Roses

I Love My Ducks!

(btw...I cut my foot and I'm having a hard time running even the mile I've put in the past 3 days. Tomorrow I'm hoping for a long run in the December sunshine. Fingers crossed!!!)

Day: 41
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 88.71

Happy Lovely 40th Day!!!

Wow, today was beautiful! It seems so strange to decorate for Christmas outside on a sunny day (at least in Portland because it's usually raining here right now...and for the next 7 months). According to my iPhone, it's not supposed to rain until next week (and it's always right, right?). Enjoy people!!! I see lots of running outside this weekend (and that is awesome). Oh, and this is day 40 (and that is awesome, too).

Day: 40
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 87.71

Off Day...But Not A Day Off!

One of those days that I didn't really want to go to the gym. I'm thankful for my blog or I wouldn't have done anything. I'll take that mile (it beats sitting on the couch) and hope to find some more motivation tomorrow.

Day: 39
Today's Miles: 1.25
Total Miles: 86.71

Too Much

Wow. I worked out too much today! I couldn't make up my mind so I started with Turbo Kick (because tonight is Kristen's class and she rocks) then I had to run (because that's what I do) but the icing on the cake was Zumba (at my friend Holly's fancy club-I can't turn that down). Now I'm smelly and ready for bed. I really should shower first...

Day: 38
Today's Miles: 1.01
Total Miles: 85.46

Best Intentions...

Today was one of those "Mother of the Year" moments. Our district had a grading day (which made a no school day for the kiddos) so instead of sitting around all day being bored and fighting I decided to take them to IKEA for some shopping, lunch and Smaland. I forgot it was swimming lesson day so when I realized we were going to miss the pool and told the kids, my oldest started to cry (she's a fish stuck in a person's body). I felt bad, but what was I to do? Then I realized her friend's birthday party was today and we missed that too. Are you kidding me?!?!

I ran off some of today's frustrations at 24 Hour Fitness tonight. 5.07 miles in 46 minutes. I could have kept going but the show I was watching on my treadmill was over and my DVR was calling my name. Did I mention I like TV?

Day: 37
Today's Miles: 5.07
Total Miles: 84.45

I Need A Treadmill

Just finished my run...in my house. Lots of circles and high knees (and a whole lot of funny looks from the hubs). Instead of gym time today, I sat in a traffic jam on I-5 South for over an hour. Fun times! Today's mile is just an estimate but it's close and I'm counting it.

Day: 36
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 79.38

Civil War 2011

Ducks 49 - Beavers 21. Autzen is awesome. Nuff said.

Day: 35
Today's Miles: 1.08
Total Miles: 78.38

Rock My Run

What a beautiful day today was! Instead of tv/decorating day, the kids and I visited the hubs at work then went for a bike ride and played at the park...in the sunshine! I didn't count running around chasing them at the park as my official run today but I think if I wasn't keeping track of my mileage, it would totally qualify. Instead, I hit the treadmill at my favorite local hangout - the Tanasbourne 24 Hour Fitness!

I figure I should share some actual running info for today-Rock My Run is a website with playlists that are pre mixed and ready to go. All you do is download them and drag them to your iTunes. Pretty simple (even for me)! I went with Rock to the Beat tonight and I have to say that although there were some songs I wouldn't choose, the DJ seamlessly went from P!nk to Nirvana so I will look past Nicki Minaj mistake (sorry if you're a fan, but I find it more than annoying that she talks about herself in the third person during her song). The only drawback is you have to listen to the playlist as one long song but the website tells you how long each will be and the bpm so you could plan your run accordingly. Give it a try!

Day: 34
Today's Miles: 3.29
Total Miles: 77.3

It's Time For Ralphie!

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving! I had my pie and now I'm good to go until at least Christmas.

Any of you retail enthusiasts who plan on shopping in the morning (or tonight) enjoy! The kids and I will be cozy in our house fancying the place up for the holidays. Thanks to my Pinterest hobby obsession we may go a little overboard! And...we will be watching one of the greatest movies of all time.

I can't even look at this picture without every line in the movie running through my head. I love A Christmas Story!!!

Day: 33
Today's Miles: 1.13
Total Miles: 74.01

Pumpkin...Apple...Berry...?

Dreaming of pie...

Day: 32
Today's Miles: 1.72
Total Miles: 72.88

Welcome To Round 48

Apparently we had record rainfall in Portland today. Fabulous. Another day on the treadmill... This time I added my favorite class in the whole world to my work out. Turbo Kick! If you haven't tried, you should (and you'll get my post title). It's kind of hard at first, but it's semi-repetetive and you will eventually get the hang of it. Best workout ever (but only if you do it right and work your butt off-kind of like running-you get back what you put in).

Day: 31
Today's Miles: 2
Total Miles: 71.16

The Forgotten Holiday

One of my facebook friends said that the bird has been given the bird. It's so true! Why in the world are the hubs and I done with most of our Christmas shopping already (not to say that it's a bad feeling at all)?! Thank you Amazon.com and kids who were chomping at the bit to get their wish lists written more than a month early.

Knowing that we have very little to do to get ready for the holidays aside from all the exterior illumination and watching of holiday movies (Griswolds anyone? ...we've already made our kids sit through it once this year) I think we will make this week a time to chill out and enjoy each other. After all, Thanksgiving is about family and food, right? Bring it!

Day: 30
Today's Miles: 2.02
Total Miles: 69.16

Train I Will

It seems like every race training plan I have ever read calls for off days (with no running and they mean it!) but I don't plan on any of those for 971 days or some crazy thing like that so I guess Sundays will be a low mileage day for me.

I decided on a half marathon training plan (even though I don't have a race to train for except for the Shamrock Run Portland 15k in March). I figure I should start increasing my mileage so I can run whatever, whenever the opportunity arises. Hopefully I have time to do it. Three kids and all, you know...

Now I just need to win the lottery so I can afford to enter more than a couple of races a year. What the heck is with the crazy price increases on these things lately??? If anyone knows of some sort of hookup to get a streaker such as myself into some races at a huge discount, let me in on it!

Day: 29
Today's Miles: 1.1
Total Miles: 67.14

Sick

Pretty sure I have bronchitis (because I'm not a smoker and it sounds like I've been smoking for 35 years) but that hasn't stopped me. Went to the gym tonight because my lungs won't allow an outdoor run (even though it's the weekend and the hubs is home...so kind of a bummer). I got to watch a Pac 12 women's volleyball match while I was on the treadmill so that made the time pass relatively quickly. Score.

Day: 28
Today's Miles: 3.3
Total Miles: 66.04

TGIF

I am so happy for my blog right now. There is no way I would have run every day this week if I wasn't holding myself accountable. Maybe if I start a healthy eating blog, I'd stop eating the stupid Halloween candy in the cupboard (or I could just throw all that crap away-but I don't have that kind of will power)!

Day: 27
Today's Miles: 2.11
Total Miles: 62.74

Ghost Town

I've been going to the gym around the same time most nights. I'll try not to take this personally...

Day: 26
Today's Miles: 3.24
Total Miles: 60.63

Road ID

I pretty much never go anywhere without my Road ID. In case you don't already have one, you can get 20% off with the code pcSanta220 until November 28th. I have the Wrist ID Slim because I can be pretty sweaty (it's true, I'm gross) and in some of the reviews I read, people said the Wrist ID Sport can get a little soggy (ew!). They'd make great gifts for any runners on your list at Christmas, too!

Day: 25
Today's Miles: 3.35
Total Miles: 57.39

A Purpose

I've been thinking more and more about why I'm doing what I'm doing. The number one reason is me. Number two is my kids. Number three is that sweet pair of Hudson's with the big ol' hole in the booty - see post. But aside from my own goals, I want to help others find time in life for physical activity. I'm working on a plan for that...

In the meantime, here's a killer blog by a gal who is surfing every single day for a year to help raise awareness for breast cancer.

Day: 24
Today's Miles: 4
Total Miles: 54.04

50!

Today I hit the 50 mile mark. I didn't realize how fast the miles would add up running such short distances. Running every day really makes a difference. I know some uber runners who throw back 50 every week or so (I, my friends, am not one of those people...I sometimes even cheat on my miles when I'm training for marathons and go out there hoping not to bonk horribly at mile 7) but this blog accountability has been huge for me. Thanks to those of you who are reading! If I inspire even one other person to get out and add a physical activity to their daily routine, I've accomplished what I set out to do.

I hope you stick around for the next 50...or 1000...or 2000 (I'll be running quite a bit these next few years), and invite your friends to do the same.

This is SOOOOOO not me, but the quote fits...

Day: 23
Today's Miles: 2
Total Miles: 50.04

I'm No Trekkie, But...

I'm watching Star Trek (the newest one) with the hubs and I'm trying my hardest to not be interested. Of course it's not working because I'm a huge nerd at heart, but whatever.

Tonight's run was on the treadmill. I hope to get my daily average back up to around three, but that will take awhile after a week of one a day.

I'm surprised, James T. Kirk was promoted to Captain and Spock is his 1st Officer. Who knew?

Day: 22
Today's Miles: 3.13
Total Miles: 48.04

It Feels Good To Be A Duck Today!

The University of Oregon Ducks (my lovely Alma Mater) were awesome today and we took down the number 3 (or 2 or whatever these polls are too much to follow) Stanford Cardinals Trees and it felt great. For those who may not know, the Duck does a push up for every point scored every time the ducks score so our tradition is to do the push ups right along with him. Tonight with 53 points, I couldn't do all the push ups! After 153 push ups (my friend Jenn did way more than me), I had to move on to sit ups, then jumping jacks. It's a good day to be a Duck!

I ran before we went to watch the game at a friend's house. I left 20 minutes before we had to leave the house so obviously it was a short one. It's been three weeks and I'm still loving this whole deal. Can't say that's a bad feeling.

Day: 21
Today's Miles:1.01
Total Miles: 44.91

11-11-11

I have to say...It feels good to throw on my shoes (and lots of layers of clothes) and run the 1.5 miles to get a Redbox instead of driving.

Happy 11-11-11 to all. Hope your day was fabulous!

Day: 20
Today's Miles: 1.56
Total Miles: 43.9

Mahalo

It was my last day running in Hawaii (who wants to run in such a beautiful place all the time anyway?) and it was my first day running there in the hot sun. It actually felt pretty awesome and if I'd had more time, I would have run farther. Plus, I found out that running in only a sports bra on top (after having three kids) is pretty much the best core exercise of all time (gotta suck it all in)!

Mahalo for running with me!

Day: 19
Today's Miles: 1.07
Total Miles: 42.34

I've Figured Out Speed

So I know what it takes to run 8 minute miles...FEAR! The hubs dropped me off for my run tonight at a spot we thought was really close to the same spot he's dropped me off the past couple of nights. WRONG! I ran in the dark with no sidewalks and no streetlights on a busy road in what appears to be a not so fabulous neighborhood. I ran 1.1 miles (not far, I know) in 8:09. I don't run that fast.

Tomorrow we leave this lovely paradise. Part of me is ready, but most of me wants to park my butt on the beach for the next 8 months and head home in July when Oregon gets some sunshine (hopefully).

Day: 18
Today's Miles: 1.1
Total Miles: 41.27

Rhyme Time

I am too tired to be witty. I ran and I swam and I also ate spam. That's all I got.

Day: 17
Today's Miles: 1.02
Total Miles: 40.17

Aloha!

Yesterday right as we got to our rental house on Ewa Beach, a Monk Seal flopped out of the surf and climbed up into what is basically our back yard. He stayed overnight and while we were out playing in the ocean this morning, he decided it was getting a little toasty (I have to agree, it's warm here!) and flopped back down to the water. It was so cool! It is amazing (and also sad) to witness such a huge, critically endangered animal in it's everyday surroundings. I can't imagine what kind of strength it takes to move a body that size on dry land with no arms or legs. CRAZY! Someone official came to check on him while he was here and told us his name is Kermit. You can read more about Kermit and his friends here.

My run this morning didn't happen. There's too much to do here! I rode with the hubs up the street to the store and had him drop me off about a mile before we got there so I could get my daily run in. I'm actually missing my extra mile or two a day, but I can make up for it (and add some more) when we get back to Oregon.

Until tomorrow, aloha!

Day: 16
Today's Miles: 1.09
Total Miles: 39.15

If I Can Do This Here, I Can Do This Anywhere!

I sit here typing this on the lanai (I like that word, it's like a fancy word for patio you hear in old movies, right?) at our beautiful rental house in Hawaii. I learned today that running in paradise is a lot like running at home (especially since I did it on a treadmill at the local 24 Hour Fitness...) It gets dark early and fast! I have to say I'm jealous of the clubs here, they have outdoor lap pools and hot tubs! I would totally train for a triathlon if I could workout like that every day.

I promised my daughter I would take her for a Hawaiian run tomorrow so we can see some palm trees. 85 degrees feels pretty hot when you're used to upper 40s for a high. I guess we'll have to go early.

Day: 15
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 38.06

Go Ducks!

So apparently spray tans get darker overnight. Way darker. Hands and feet more so than other places. I ran this morning in the rain with shorts and a tank top hoping that some of it would wear off. Nope. Now we're off to Seattle watch the Ducks beat the Huskies!

Day: 14
Today's Miles: 1.03
Total Miles: 37.06

Is It Sunday, Yet?

We (the whole fam) leave for Hawaii on Sunday, but before that the hubs and I are headed to Seattle tomorrow to watch the Ducks win. Yell-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Tomorrow also happens to be his birthday! The big 3-3 (I'm already there so I will happily not be the older woman anymore). This game is unfortunately scheduled for 7:30 pm AND it's on TV so it will be longer than it should be (which also means we will likely not be home until 3am or so) and then we have to leave for the airport with the kidlets at 8am the next same day. Nuts I tell you!

Well, the reason I wasted your time with this story is I don't know what kind of running I will be doing the next few days. Today was a crazy day getting everyone packed and ready to go so I didn't run until tonight. I thought I would only do one mile, but decided (while running) that I'm not ready to do just one mile yet. So I did two. Then I took a fast shower and got my spray tan on. A girl must have a tan in Hawaii! I've been the whitey on the beach before and let me tell you, that will not happen again! Here's to waking up sunkissed tomorrow. One more cold, rainy run until I get to run on Oahu for a few days!

Day: 13
Today's Miles: 2
Total Miles: 36.03

It May Be Interesting...But Is It Pinteresting?

I like to waste my time. There's facebook...and twitter (which I don't understand)...and Etsy...and blogs. But my new love is Pinterest. I think I need to have a Pintervention (or interPintion?). I like to just look and look at all the pretty things other people have (why are their houses always so uncluttered, it's unnatural) when really I should just spend some more time working on my own pretty. Oh well. Today I started looking for inspirational running quotes and pictures and of course Pinterest has a whole bunch! New way to waste time do research! Yay!

I like this one...

Mostly because I'm sweaty, not because I look like that when I'm running.

Then I remembered I better spend some time in the real world and I got down to scrubbing toilets and other such fun things around the house.

And the run? It was short and sweet. But it still felt good. I like to run.

Day: 12
Today's Miles: 2.11
Total Miles: 34.03

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

The hubs was out of town for the day and got home late. I should have taken the littlest out in the gorgeous sunshine this morning... Alas, I did not. I'm really regretting selling my B.O.B. Duallie last summer. I might actually use it now that I run and all except for the two boys together weigh well over 80 lbs (so scratch that!).

I did make it to the gym again and I managed to remember to get a treadmill that is not in front of TV #9 (the FOX News TV) because despite my father's best efforts to groom me in that direction, I'm much more of a Jon Stewart fan. At first I thought about running one mile, then two, then three, and finally decided to run for a full 30 minutes and did 3.37. Not bad, I say!

Day: 11
Today's Miles: 3.37
Total Miles: 31.92

Girls Can Run

Another treadmill day... Not so bad. It was way cold here this morning. And foggy. Which (in my book) is no bueno. Yet another way to get hit by a car (cuz that would happen to me if it would happen to anybody) and end up in the hospital.

I saw an article today that I found interesting. Did you know that in semi-recent history women were banned from all American road races (for instance, Boston didn't allow women until 1972)? Apparently, our uteruses can fall out and other such things. Crazy, right?! I've had three kids in the midst of my running career hobby and I still have my uterus (at least as far as I know).

Day: 10
Today's Miles: 3.15
Total Miles: 28.55

Boo!

Got the run done this morning by way of a kindergarten pick up. I love the look on the little dude's face when he realizes his bro and I are waiting for him in the lobby for a run home instead of a bus ride. Can't say we made it home seamlessly...as a construction worker must have misplaced a caulking gun on the sidewalk and it was hidden under leaves that of course my son tripped on running full speed (if you knew him you would be shaking your head laughing right now-he does that). Luckily I had Halloween to bribe him with and he stopped crying.

Now we're just waiting for dad to get home so Bumblebee, Yoda, and the Home Depot Worker Girl can get their candy on (and I can later steal said candy and stuff my face with reckless abandon and say it's for the greater good because I don't want their precious little teeth to rot). You know you do it too!

Happy Halloween!!!

Day: 9
Today's Miles: 2.32
Total Miles: 25.4



 

Day Eight And Feeling Great!

I finally got to run with a friend today! It wasn't a long run, but it was a good one. I just love running therapy (as it saves me so much money on actual therapy) and what a good run with a girlfriend does for the soul. Unfortunately, we realized that with my kids' crazy schedules and her enviable social life, our next run together won't be until after I get back from Hawaii in two weeks. Poor me, right? Don't worry, I'll be running and blogging from paradise (because I know you were worried).

Day: 8
Today's Miles: 2.88
Total Miles: 23.08

20, Baby!

I was supposed to run with my super awesome running buddy this morning...but that didn't happen. Instead I started the day watching a nail-biting U8 girls soccer game (last one of the season-Yay!...just don't tell my daughter I said that). Then we went to a birthday party and ate cake. Then we went to a wedding and ate cake. Do you see a trend here? I run to inspire, but I also run because weighing 300 lbs. is not ideal and because I like cake...and beer (I had a couple of those, too).

And (thanks to the best bro-in-law in the world) we managed to end up with only one kiddo for the evening and he's two so there was no fight about a 7:20 bedtime because he can't tell time. Of course by that time it was dark and I had to head to the gym for a treadmill run (I have to stop this trend). I decided on my way there that I was going to run at least 4 miles so I would hit 20 miles for my first week. So here it is, one week down and many, many more to come. Thanks for your support so far!

Day: 7
Today's Miles: 4.17
Total Miles: 20.2

I'm Loving This!

I ordered my new shoes! Brooks Ghost 4. Aren't they pretty (and very Go Ducks)?

These are actually replacing a pair that Mr. UPS brought me today. I apparently had a brain lapse when I ordered them a couple of days ago and forgot my feet grew when I was pregnant (8 years ago). Thank goodness for free shipping both ways!

As for today's run...I knew all along it was most likely going to be on the treadmill. It was a busy day and then it started to rain (I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to running by myself in the dark and the rain, I want to have someone with me at least to call 911 when I get hit by a car). I planned to just go and run one mile, but I decided when I hit a mile to go two. I don't do that! I ran more! Only one mile, but still...Monumental!

Day: 6
Today's Miles: 2
Total Miles: 16.03

Do You Zumba?

I think I'm totally done procrastinating on non-rainy days. Did my run tonight on a treadmill at the gym. It's a really nice gym, but that didn't help. At all. Plus all the treadmills had their own TVs and mine wouldn't change channels so I had to keep looking at the TV of the guy next to me to watch the World Series and I think he thought I was trying to race him or something. Awkward. The only good thing about treadmill running is I'm less likely to get hit by a car when I'm blasting P!nk in my headphones.

On a happy note...I was at the nice gym (that I could never afford) because my good friend teaches Zumba there and she gets me in for free to go to her classes. She rocks! Zumba is awesome and even if you have no rhythm, you should try it at least once. It's really fun (and most of the people who take the class are just as bad as you think you are) and it's a great workout. Promise!

Day: 5
Today's Miles: 2.74
Total Miles: 14.03

It's No Hit Playlist...But It Works!

My oldest is 7 years old and she's always begging me to take her running. Her obsession started with a one mile road race I entered her in about a year ago. She finished dead last but she had the best time of her life. The funny thing about it...she's actually pretty fast, as her time is usually less than 10 minutes/mile. She just started that race at a dead sprint and fizzled about 1/2 mile into it so she had to walk the last 1/2 mile (except of course for the chute at the end, she killed that part!).

Anyway, I put off the run today and had to go when the hubs got home so I figured the least I could do was take one of the kids with me... We intended to go just a mile, but once we got started, she was excited and I couldn't get her to turn around. We stopped to wait for a light and got this blurry pic. She's such poser and I'm obviously an awesome self portraiteur (is that a word?).

The last bit of our run was a pretty steep hill and she was ready to walk. I convinced her running was the better option and coaxed her up the hill with an awesome rendition of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and some Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to make it to the front door.

We were sure to give daddy a couple of big sweaty girl kisses when we got home. :)

Day: 4
Today's Miles: 1.97
Total Miles: 11.29

Ugh.

Three things I learned today...

1. I need new running shoes.

2. Running with a stroller isn't ideal (but it still beats running with a stroller and having extras tag along on bikes).

3. I'm glad I read this blog post recently. She's just funny.

Day: 3
Today's Miles: 2.88
Total Miles: 9.32

Procrastination Pays Off?

I had intended to run after putting my two oldest on the bus this morning but (being the procrastinator I am) I forgot found something else to do. As I sat here wasting time in blogland while the littlest played with his cars I realized my kindergartener would be getting off the bus in about 45 minutes. I had wasted the whole morning!

It just happens to be a beautiful fall day here in Portland and I knew if I HURRIED I could run up to school and actually pick him up on foot for a nice walk/run home. That meant getting the jogging stroller out (which of course was burried in the garage with one wheel off and three wheels flat) and getting it all ready to go. I also had to get dressed and throw snacks/drinks in the bottom of the stroller for both boys just in case. I threw the little man in the stroller and off we went!

Of course the elementary school is over a mile away and pretty much straight up hill AND they've been working on some sort of construction project between here and there forever so there are no sidewalks on the quickest route. So we headed out on a little bit longer route through a neighborhood and made it to school with time to spare. Yay us!

My son was so excited to get to run home with us it made the whole ordeal worthwhile. I think we'll try to do that more often on lovely days like today (there likely won't be many...this is Oregon and all).

It took me about ten minutes to run the 1.15 miles to get there and about another 25 minutes for us to "run" back home. All in all, the most fun I've had on a run in a long time. :)

Day:  2
Today's Distance: 2.32 miles
Total Distance: 6.44 miles

It Starts With A Promise

Well...I did it! Laced up the shoes and headed out the door for a run. 4.12 miles in 40 minutes. Took my iPhone and forgot my headphones, but it was a nice run all the same. Lots of hills and a perfect way to start this adventure. I even came home to some yummy burritos the hubs made while I was gone! Tomorrow's adventure will include a jogging stroller and a 2 year old. I better pack some snacks. Can't wait!


Day: 1
Total Miles: 4.12

i can be a runner...

In the last 7 years I have run 3 marathons and a bunch of half marathons (I'm sure I could figure out how many if I really tried), but I don't consider myself a runner. I have three kids ages 7 and under (my youngest is 2) and I haven't run much in the last 3 years. I occasionally get bit by the proverbial running bug, but then it flies away and I forget what it feels like to lace up my shoes.

I need motivation! My behind has become too big for it's britches. Literally! I actually bent over and ripped the butt out of my favorite Hudson Jeans. Can you say BAD DAY?!

Tomorrow will be the first day of 1000 days running. I will run at least one mile every single day and check in with this blog to let you all know what that feels like. I anticipate great things...and not so great things. But mostly great things!

I hope I can entertain you along the way...