The Runner In Me Lives!

I've come to realize that, while I love running, I'm less of a blogger than I had hoped. I am considering doing the daily blog thing again because I have talked to so many people who have started running because of my mission to be fit and healthy and all that jazz. I promise that if I can do this, you can too! Life is busy and out of control but being fit is a huge deal and prepares me in so many ways to deal with all of the stress life throws at me.

As for running, this is summer in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and there is no better time or place to surround yourself with the sound of your own footfall. I love it! I really need to get all of my mileages logged so I can update you all with my estimate of my progress. I have to admit that the couple of months I spent mostly unplugged from my Type A mileage tracking have been nice. I guess motherhood has left me with less patience for some things that once meant so much...

I will be back tomorrow with a race report for the Go Girl Trail Run. I haven't done much trail running as of late so I'm not expecting any miracles. Still, it should be a good time. Plus, I get to do it with my girl Aimee and I LOVE running with her! Prost to a good beer at the post race Widmer tent!

Peace, Love & Fitness,
Molly

Day 225

Yesterday was a busy day but I was able to fit in a couple of miles to and from My Buddy's baseball game. It was a total soccer mom (and dad) kind of day. First a soccer game for My Girl, then her end of season party. Then the baseball game and, finally, we went to a Timber's Reserve game and watched some semi-MLS soccer. I'm tired just thinking about it...

Today I got a 4.5 mile run in with a friend. It was my longest run in a couple of weeks and it felt pretty good. I'm pretty sure there's a good chance I have a cracked rib, but from what I've heard there really aren't any miracle cures so I'll just keep on truckin and it will eventually heal... Don't be too jealous. haha.

Day 225
473.61 Miles

Day 222

As for being sick? It sucks.

I have had a really bad running attitude for the past few weeks because I was so sick. Turns out it was a chest infection and cough that tore up some stuff in my ribs. That still hurts, but I can run and that's awesome. I also no longer cough up stuff that would put a smoker to shame (I am not a smoker...fyi). I stopped keeping close track of mileage and all that jazz for much of May.

I ran barely survived the first half marathon I was registered for. Instead of the sub 2 hour time I was hoping for I finished in over 2:30. I honestly don't even know what my time was. It sucked.

Then the hubs and I went to Vegas for a week. It was awesome and hot and dry and our hotel had a nice gym with lemon slices in the water cooler and fancy treadmills that overlooked the pool. It was heavenly.

Margaritas, sunshine and a week by the pool just can't be beat.

I did not, however, get better while on that lovely vacation. Too much alcohol, not enough sleep, and about 1 million chain smokers might have had something to do with that.

The half marathon I was supposed to run the day after we got back turned into a 4ish mile run with my Best Running Buddy. She ran the whole thing and I met up with her to keep her company for the last bit of the race. I have spent the last week or so just trying to get better. Thankfully, that's finally happening!

I can run at my regular pace again and my kids are so happy to be out putting in the miles with me or going to the kids club at the new fancy gym we joined while I run and sweat away on the treadmill. I'm so much happier now that I'm back in my groove! My ribs are still not quite up to par and I can't do much with my upper body yet, but I'm sure that will be better soon.

On a run home from school with my boys. This kid is punk rock!

As for my daily miles, I mostly stopped counting and there were days when I could barely walk, forget running. I'm back on track and I'm not going to say I failed. After all, the whole point of this blog was to motivate myself (and anyone else who might follow along) to stay active.

So anyway...Today is Day 222
I've run an estimated 465.62 miles

My new personal challenge to myself is I will not run less than 20 minutes on any given day unless I do other cardio. Even then, I will try to fit in a full 20 minutes of running/jogging/walking/crawling... You know movement and stuff. Gotta pack on those miles!

Sick

So...I'm sick, my kids are sick, my husband is sick and this has been a horrible week all around. Fevers, croup, viral respiratory infections, trips the the doctor, and even 4 hours in the ER. This is all since Tuesday.

Should I change the name of my blog to "one thousand days running...except the days when i couldn't run because i had a fever and couldn't breathe so i walked"?

It's not so catchy and I feel that I have really tried to keep with the spirit of the whole program I've put myself on by making time to get out and run walk even when it was the last thing I wanted to do. I'm realistic and I know that this won't be the only time in the 1000 days that some nasty bug gets passed around our house. I think what I will do is add the days I blatantly walked onto the end of my 1000 days. My extra day tally is now at 3.

Cheers to healthy children and many more days running! (804+3 to be exact)

Days: 191-196
Daily Miles: 1 (x6)
Total Miles: 411.83

Two Weeks Until Vegas!

We are still super busy with spring sports around here. This past weekend, we had back to back soccer and baseball. Both kiddos won their games and they both scored. Go team! I'm also super busy this time of year with consignment sales (I sell kid clothes and gear in my "spare" time).

That's my cutie scoring a run...

The Hubs and I are really looking forward to a sunny, Vegas vacation in 2 weeks. Really!

The Pool!

When I see my daily mileage, it looks kind of pitiful. Lots of solo mile runs, but I've been doing at least 3 classes a week at the gym on top of running. I'm really tired of treadmill time so the fact that the weather has been semi cooperative with short outside runs most days makes me very happy. I've got 3 loops mapped from my house that are exactly a mile. I should probably mix it up more and make them a bit longer.

My weekly long training runs have been going really well lately. I'm hoping that translates into a good 1/2 marathon experience at the Hippie Chick on May 12th. The course is updated for this year so that it's not two loops. That's good, but I looked at the map and part of the course is on a horribly ugly and boring stretch of road that I have promised myself I would never run again. Oh well. Guess I'll run it this one more time.

Yesterday's 11+ mile run was pretty awesome, despite what seemed to be allergies screwing with my lung function and snot production. As usual, Aimee (my BRB) was there to inspire. Plus, another friend joined us for our first 6 miles. I guess now I'm as ready as I'll be for my 2 half marathons in the next 3 weeks. Seriously? What was I thinking?

Days: 186-190
Daily Miles: 1, 1, 1, 1, 11.58
Total Miles: 405.83

I'll Save You The Trouble...

A potentially great run can be ruined by a pre-run dinner consisting of turkey chili dogs and beer. I learned that one so you can save yourself the hassle the next time you're considering it.



These weren't mine. But I can't say I wouldn't eat them...

On a positive note, even with two chili and beer induced walk breaks, I was able to run 3.31 miles in 31:16. Not horrible.

Good night.

Days: 184, 185
Daily Miles: 1, 3.31
Total Miles: 390.25

Happy SPRING!

If you live in Oregon...you know what I'm talking about! Hello sunburn and good bye crappy rain (if only for a few days)! I have been enjoying this beautiful weather with my awesome little family and I hope you have too!

Yesterday was a day of sporting events. My Buddy had baseball, then My Girl had a soccer game (she scored one of their three goals and they won 3-0!) then we had baseball opening ceremonies and parade. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love watching my kids play sports. It's the best thing in the whole world to me. I...LOVE...IT!!!

I swear I feed this little soccer star.

How cool is this kid?

My mom was here to visit this week and my older kiddos didn't have school Thursday or Friday so running miles and miles didn't happen. That's ok. I more than made up for it with other activities and I think my IT Band is thanking me for the little respite from higher mileage.

We leave for Vegas 4 weeks from tomorrow so I will be a crazy workout machine from now until then. Gotta put my best foot forward at the pool and show 'em what this 30 something mom of three is made of!

Days: 177-183
Daily Miles: 1, 3.2, 1.8, 1, 1, 1, 1
Total Miles: 385.94

Good Running Mojo

Yesterday's run was awesome! It started out with me pushing snooze one too many times and texting my BRB to come 15 minutes late. We had planned on 11 miles, but by the time we drank some coffee and left my house, we had decided to just do half of our run.

At around mile one, we decided to switch up our route and do about six miles in a different direction. After that, we decided to head up the hill and add a bit more for about seven miles. At the top of the hill, we decided to keep going to the end of the road and ended up finishing with over nine miles! We only stopped at that point due to some time constraints. I love that we were both having a great running day at the same time. We so totally rock!

I still need to get in a 10+ miler before The Hippie Chick Half Marathon next month, but I know I could have totally knocked out 13.1 today. And that's a decent feeling.

That's a whole 1/2 mile difference. Come on Nike!

On a side note...Nike+ needs to come up with a way to recalibrate Sportwatch runs because mine has been off with it's GPS again lately. I can't begin to tell you how annoying it is to be shorted so badly on a run! I can use the FREE Nike+ app on my iPhone and it lets me recalibrate. Why can't I do that with my ridiculously expensive watch? Hmmm? I think Uncle Phil needs to make that happen for me...ASAP.

Days: 173-176
Daily Miles: 1,1,1.6,9.14
Total Miles: 375.94

A Week? ...What A Slacker!

I can't believe I haven't blogged in a whole week! I'm not good at remembering to do this sometimes. Maybe I should get back to the everyday thing so it's more of a habit.

I've been busy working out like crazy to reach my goal of weighing 135 lbs by June 24th. I joined a new gym that is closer to my house and has more activities for the whole family. The kids are loving the pool (plus the allure of the outdoor pool in the summer has me working even harder to get into swimsuit shape fast) and I have tried a bunch of new cardio classes. I'm loving BodyCombat more than I can tell you. It's awesome and I can feel my arms getting better looking by the minute! Today I discovered Cardio Sculpt and the instructor is WAY into squats of all shapes and sizes. Hello booty!

As for running, I'm getting ready for my 1/2 marathon season. Next up...The Hippie Chick Half on Mother's Day weekend. I only ran the quarter last year because I was having IT Band issues leading up to it.

On Easter Sunday, my girl Aimee (we'll call her my BRB--best running buddy) and I did a 9ish miler full of killer hills. This coming weekend, we have an 11 mile run planned. I'm getting pretty excited to run my first 1/2 since 2008! I can't believe I haven't run one since I was preggo with My Babe (who is now almost 3 years old) shame on me!

Days: 167-172
Daily Miles: 1,1,8.92,1,1,1
Total Miles: 363.2

It's On

In case you didn't know this, summer is on it's way. Even in Oregon. We will get a summer. Someday.

I've been putting in my due diligence and scouring Pinterest for the perfect body. Unfortunately, as you may have guessed, they all require a few more push ups and a few less cocktails than I am accustomed too. I used to be the girl with that body who drank little and worked out much. It seems my priorities have shifted over the years...

I've given myself a goal of weighing in at my wedding weight by our 12th anniversary in June. I'm not too far off, but I've got about 9ish lbs to lose and just less than 12 weeks to do it. If I'm going to get there, I know I will have to absolutely torture myself for the next 12 weeks (with little liquid gratification, which is the crappiest part). We were young when we got married. I had just graduated from college at the ripe old age of 21 and I never gained that freshman 15 (I waited until my early 20s to pack on that weight). Then I had three kids and that's never good for a girl's physique.

So far this week (since Monday), I've logged 11 miles and done Turbo Kick and BodyCombat classes at the gym. I have 2 (maybe 3) half marathons planned between now and then so I'll be running a bit here and there. Ha.

I don't expect a whole lot from myself. I'm pretty sure I'll only be as hot as this girl. That's all.

Image Credit

Days: 165 & 166
Daily Miles: 2 & 5.31
Total Miles: 349.28

I Will Continue To Rock

It's been a busy week since I last blogged. I've been running and Turbo Kicking and Zumbaing (is that a word?) as much as possible. I also got a handle on the whole potty training thing for The Babe. No more diapers in this house! WoooHooo!!!

Over this past week, I had a revelation. Ready for it? ...I'm actually in pretty darn good shape! I ran 6 miles (of hills) with a friend on Sunday but felt like I could have kept going and going. The next day, I ran 3 on the treadmill and felt the same way (but I stopped because it was after 10pm and I needed to go to bed). Yesterday I went to Turbo Kick (my favorite workout in the whole world) and did a round with some serious plyometrics. I kicked it's booty! I was doing sumo squat jumps and felt like I could have done them for days.

Here's my concern... I've been to this place before. I get fit, I kick ass, then I let it slide. My promise to myself this time? I WILL NOT STOP! I will keep kicking ass and getting stronger and I will treat my body as if it is the only one I have. My bones will get stronger with age, my body will have more lean mass and less fat. I will be healthy for my kids and their kids. This 1000 days is not a burden, it is a blessing and I will not forget that. I have a healthy body that is capable of so many amazing things and I will not take that for granted.

After all, I have to be able to keep up with these helmet wearing, playground kings! Why do I let my kids be so cool?

So, now I'm done going on about that. I appreciate everyone in my life who tells me I have inspired them to do something when they were used to doing nothing. Tell me your story if you want to share, I really do love hearing them!

Days: 158-164
Daily Miles: 1, 1.26, 1, 1, 6.05, 3.01, 1
Total Miles: 341.97

Spring Breakin' It

The kiddos and I are visiting my parents for a rainy spring break. Yesterday we got some decent weather and took advantage with a trip to the local park for a bike ride and some hula hooping. Because we're that cool. If you look at this picture it actually looks like it could be spring here.

Truth be told, this March is almost twice as wet as an average March in Oregon. Nice.

I've been able to run outside by myself two days in a row (tomorrow will make three!) and even if it's been raining I'll take what I can get. As I've said in the past, I love running with my kids, but what I love most about it is how much it makes me enjoy running solo.

Days: 156, 157
Daily Miles: 3.25, 2.2
Total Miles: 327.65

I'm Green!

I hit Green (155 miles) with Nike+ today! I need to take my watch with me more often so I can actually reach Blue (620 miles) in this lifetime. Nike totally knows how to keep me hooked on using their stuff. This Nike+ thing is addictive!

This past week, the weather has been totally bipolar. We had snow (and the first 2 hour school delay of the year), some super cold rain, and two absolutely beautiful days with kids outside riding bikes and running around in shorts and t shirts.

I said back in this post that we weren't going to buy anything new for two months. Since then, we have run the the grocery store and Redbox more times than I can count. We've also decided to enroll My Babe at a preschool closer to our house for next fall so that I can run him in the stroller at least one way each day. We've only bought 4 things new (other than food) since the beginning of March as a family of five and I've only filled the tank on my sweet minivan 2 times since January if you can believe it!

My shoes needed to be replaced, can't really go used there. They're Brooks Ghost 4 and exactly the same as my last pair only blue. I love them!

My Bud got a new bike. His old one was the hand me down of all hand me downs. I don't even know how old it was (at least 15 years), but it's rusty and the tires only hold air for a day at a time. Plus it was too small for him. I did try to get this one used. I had been emailing people on craigslist for about a month with no luck finding the perfect bike (or something closely resembling perfection). So on Friday, with the beautiful sun shining, we gave up and headed to Target for his new wheels. He's already put in about 5 hours of riding time so I feel good about the purchase.

The Hubs got an iPad...because he "needed" one. Who can argue with that?

As for the fourth thing? Its a shiny new toilet!!! Exciting purchase, right?!

Today I went for an early run with a friend and it felt great. I am not a fan of getting up early. At all. But I do love the feeling of already having my run under my belt by 8am. Today is going to be a great day. We're getting a new toilet after all...

Days: 149-155
Daily Miles: 1, 2.48, 1, 1, 1, 3.14, 4
Total Miles: 322.2

Shamrock 15k Race Report

I can see why people do this race over and over. It's a fun Portland tradition...you get up early...stand around in the freezing cold with 33,000 other people...run...run uphill...run uphill some more...run downhill...drink...then drink some more.

After race. So cold!!! And looking freaking awesome? ;)

Overall, I enjoyed it. The route is pretty fun and really challenging. There were two things I disliked about the experience.

One. IT WAS COLD!!! As in, it was raining the whole time and started to snow around mile 6.5-7. Brr! It was so cold that I didn't even take two coats off the whole race. And I totally forgot to get a picture of what was supposed to be my race outfit (because it was covered up the whole time).

Two. It was full of people who don't train for the race. That's totally fine, but they need to start back farther in the pack. We figured we would run around a 9:40 pace, so we lined up behind the 9-10 minute mile pacer. Instead of being in the pack with other similarly paced runners, we passed people. The entire race. Thousands of people. If you look closely at my Nike+ route you can see that I ran back and forth around people the whole time.

It's hard to see, but the line is not straight. It squiggles all over the whole way up the hill (mile 2-6ish). According to my GPS we actually ran 9.48 miles. In 1:31:05 (that's a 9:36 pace and I'm happy with that)!

Here are our splits. Not bad... Not bad at all.

Mile one is fairly flat but you start making your way up the hill not long after that. Then it's pretty much a killer climb until mile 6.5 or so. It's Portland, so you're pretty much guaranteed to be entertained the whole time. There were guys on unicycles racing along with us the first couple of miles. Bagpipers along the course to cheer us on. A guy on a bike riding up the Terwilliger hill shouting race support and holding a huge box or Voodoo Doughnuts. People handing out cookies at mile 8 or so. And some seriously awesome race bling if you did the 15k.

After the race, you get a free beer (and some lukewarm salmon chowder if you want to wait in line for it). I've never been so cold in my life, so we chugged our beers and headed for the Paddy's tent to get some Irish Coffees and a Bloody Mary. The tent was huge and heated and like heaven.

I think I'll probably do the race again next year. Even though the whole time I was running it I was promising myself I would never do it again! I just need to remember to line myself up closer to the front of the pack and eat some food because that's a lot of early morning alcohol to consume on an empty stomach. Live and learn...

Day: 148
Today's Miles: 9.48
Total Miles: 308.58 (I broke 300 miles!)

Home Alone

I don't know what to do with myself. The Hubs took my little people to visit Gramma and Grampa for the weekend and I'm home alone. I think I'll work on perfecting tomorrow's Shamrock Run garb and call it a night. Well, I should probably have one green beer. I am a party animal, people!



I did take advantage of some alone time this afternoon and get in a quick(ish) run. It was actually sunny even if it was pretty cold. Tomorrow it is supposed to rain/snow for the race. Fun?

Day: 147
Today's Miles: 2.96
Total Miles: 299.1

I Am Momma...

Things on the homefront are pretty exciting for us right now. The littlest is (fairly hesitantly) learning how to use the potty! This is my third kiddo and so my  third time doing this, but somehow this time around it is proving to be much more difficult.

Bribery at it's finest...Ironman and Wii Sports Resort helping out.

So I was a little worried about heading out for a run with a diaper on his little tushie (just in case) because I didn't want to ruin our progress. Luckily, no "accidents" so far today. Score one for momma!

My (adult) running buddy just happened to have a day off today, so we loaded up the little man and headed out for a morning run after the big kids got on the bus. The best part? No rain so far today!

Last night I did my Wii Active 6 Week Challenge workout and then set myself up with an extra 12 minutes of Wii Active running. I'm sure I look super cool running in circles around my living room. At least I didn't have to drive to the gym.

2 more days until the Shamrock Run. I'm so excited to share my race day outfit with you all!

Days: 145 & 146
Daily Miles: 1 & 2.77
Total Miles: 296.14

I Still Run. Promise.

Wow, Nike + and I are having relationship issues. I forget the footpod. Or I forget the watch. Or I forget them both. I said something last week about Oregon being solar powered. Since then, we have had rain and snow. Just about every single day. YUCK! I want to live in one of the states where it is 80 and sunny right now. It's never nice here for spring break.

This is our 5 day Weather Channel forcast...

Barf!

Just for the sake of pointing out the obvious...It's St. Patrick's Day on Saturday. That means the Shamrock run (my 15k) is Sunday and that happens to be the coldest day on the horizon. Yay!

Oh, and just so you have this song stuck in your head, too. Enjoy...



Days: 140-144
Daily Miles: 2, 1, 1, 2.38, 1
Total Miles: 292.37

Oregon Is Solar Powered

Wow! What a difference a few days of beautiful weather makes for us water logged Oregonians! I know the 60 degree temps and lovely sunshine are scheduled to disappear tomorrow but it's been so fun to have a week like this in the middle of our dreary rain.

Here's me, happy to be in shorts at 7:30am (even if it was only like 30 degrees out at that time)!

The kids and I got up early on this no school day and ran to the store so they could get donuts and chocolate milk for breakfast. Mother of the Year, no?

Then we ran back home and had some neighbor kids join us for 2+ hours of bike/scooter riding. We have some serious racers working on qualifying for the Nascar Sprint Cup Series.

Now they are taking a break and watching Puss in Boots. My kids are finally at the age where it is easier to have more kids here than just my own. Yay! I hear the laughter of 5 happy kiddos coming from the family room as I type. Love this season of life!

My day 137 run was split up into two. The first half running My Buddy to a play date with My Babe in the stroller, the second half running back home. Just have to say...My run home was 1.41 miles with the stroller on hills and my pace was 8:49. WoooHooo!!! The other two days were both runs with all of my kids so they were painfully slow. Oh well, gave me more time to soak in the Vitamin D. :)

Days: 137-139
Daily Miles: 2.88, 1.34. 1.29
Total Miles: 284.99

Pit Stop

On Tuesdays, the babe and I usually volunteer to make copies and other such things for the girl's teacher. Today we were late getting out the door, but we would still have enough time for a little bit of productiveness. That was what I thought...Until I went out to start my van and realized that somebody had turned on all the lights (and left on all the lights) when I was vacuuming it out yesterday. That left me with a dead battery and no neighbors home. I would have just waited for my bud to get off the kindergarten bus and skip school altogether, but this is a beautiful day and that would be an opportunity wasted!

I threw the little man in his stroller (which he was not happy about because he wanted to ride his dang cooter) kicking and screaming and we took off for a run to school. The route there is about 1.2 miles uphill. With the stroller, I ran the first mile at a pace of 9:12. I'm cool with that. We picked up a very happy to see us buddy man and headed back out for our run home. After a (15:30 pace) mile, he stopped and asked, "Mom, I wonder why I'm so much faster than you?" To which my response was, of course, "Because you are awesome, bud." And off he ran before stopping for his 82nd walk break.

He also stopped for a little pit stop. On a semi busy road. Good thing he's a boy. This is a theme for my children and it's WAY easier (and slightly less obvious) when it's a boy. But I got a picture cuz it was funny...

Then of course the the little man had to get out of his stroller and run along behind his bro when we hit the path near our house. That made the last 1/4 mile of the run take just as long as the rest of it. Short legs. Then he fell and this his how we ended our run...

So, basically, I had a great 1.2 mile RUN and an equally great (yet totally different) 1.2 mile saunter.

Days: 134-136
Daily Miles: 1, 2, 2.38
Total Miles: 279.48

Portland's Little Red Book Of Stairs

Today was pretty much perfect.

First, I got up early and did an 8.5 mile run with Aimee...aka my favorite running buddy!

Then, we spent some quality time watching the gym rats play basketball. Both kids and their teams did an awesome job today. It's amazing how fast they get better at playing as a team with good coaching and great kids to play with!

Last, I took my girl to walk run some of the old stairs in the NW Portland Alphabet District. She can't walk on those stairs, she has to beat me up and down every one of them and I, of course, just couldn't let that happen. Well, she won most of our races, but who's counting?

If you're at all interested in the many, many stairs that Portland has to offer, there is an awesome book that is almost impossible to find. It's a floppy, spiral bound book called Portland's Little Red Book of Stairs by Stefana Young. I've been trying to find a copy of it for almost 10 years (it's hard to find an independently published, out of print book) and I just finally found it (used) at Powell's. I've checked it out many times from the library, but I'm so excited that I'm finally going to have my own copy!

Now for some pics of my girl from our adventure...

One of the coolest things about the stairways in NW Portland is the neighborhoods they're in. Many of the houses that line the staircases are HUGE and were built in the early 20th century (that's old for Portland). They are absolutely beautiful and did I mention HUGE?

Days: 132 & 133
Daily Miles: 1 & 8.49
Total Miles: 274.1

Running and ReUsing

I was reading this blog post today and decided that we're on the ReUseIt wagon for the months of March and April (she's ambitious and going for 6 months...we'll see how I'm feeling after the next two months, who knows?). I'm already pretty thrifty and crafty but this is a great way to push that even further. My kids are way into repurposing and recycling and we already try not to drive when we make short trips to the grocery store or the park. The hubs doesn't know about this whole thing yet, but I'm sure he'll be on board (it will save money after all and that's talking his language).

Here are our rules for March and April (and hopefully more months to follow, we'll have to wait and see)...

1. Nothing new-with the exception of food or medications.

2. No short trips to the grocery store in the car sweet minivan. If we need something we'll have to add the stop to an already planned trip or run there (two birds, one stone).

3. ABSOLUTELY NO TO PAPER AND PLASTIC! If I forget to take my bags in, everything goes back in the cart sans bag and rolls around in the back of the van until we get home.

4. If it breaks, we will live without or find a replacement at a thrift store, craigslist, freecycle (you catch my drift).

5. No household paper products-except toilet paper (I've been to places where people go without. It's gross).

Any rules you can think of we should add?

Click the pic for some facts about plastic bags. Yuck!

I hope to check back in periodically and let you know how well we're doing. And I'll use the blog to let you know if we slip up. I hope that doesn't happen!

In the meantime, check out reuseit.com and use code rcm1gvg for $5 off your first order. Better yet, search my favorite source for reusable inspiration Pinterest for ways you can make your own reusable stash.

I'll be back with a running post later today.

Wii 30 Day Challenge

We had to get a new Wii (my little babe decided our old one was a great place for coins and playing cards...turns out those do more damage than one might think). Fortunately, there are some great deals on Ebay and we got one with a whole bunch of Wii Fit and EA Active games. They are so much fun!

I started a 30 Day Challenge on EA Active and it pretty much kicked my booty tonight. I seriously rocked it with the trick rollerblade jumping.

You basically squat to go down the hill really fast and then jump up in the air when you get to the ramps to do tricks. It's a killer quad and butt workout (not that I need work in either of those areas).

I ran a quick mile plus the running with the game. It's harder than you would think to run in place kicking your feet to your butt. I felt very Jane Fonda running around that fake track in my living room.

I need to get back into the habit of using my Nike+ Sportwatch. I've just been so frustrated with its lack of accuracy lately, I decided we needed a break. I'll use it tomorrow.

Days: 130 & 131
Daily Miles: 2
Total Miles: 264.61

Billy Blanks, Baby!

My Girl and I found some Tae Bo DVDs at Ross this past weekend. I was so excited (and so was she even though she had no idea why-gotta love that she still thinks I'm cool enough to do anything I do) because I used to work out with a Billy VHS back in my college days when I was super skinny and thought I was fat. Not much has changed, except for Billy wears some funny shorts now and I remember him in a skin tight unitard.



Yep, like that!

Two days and 90 minutes of Billy later, I'm pretty sure I'll soon look like his daughter and right hand workout woman, Shellie. Can't you see it?

I will do Tae Bo everyday forever if I can rock this bod!

Well, I've only run a mile a day the past two days, but I'm sore and I'm definitely not slacking on the workouts. Rediscover Tae Bo for yourself, it's not bad.

Days: 128 & 129
Daily Miles: 2
Total Miles: 262.61

Early Morning Running

I am not a morning person. At all.

This morning, however, I was planning to meet up with a friend for a 4 mile run. My plan for today originally called for 9 miles (but I decided I was happy with 6 because I have a chest cold). What does a girl do? I'll tell you!

I actually got up early and ran to our meeting place so I could add on some extra mileage there and back. I was home for the day with 6 miles in the books by 7:45. Nice!

The past two days I have just done short runs but I've done some more workout videos on Netflix with my little lady. Someday I see her as a Jazzercise instructor! She's totally got the moves like Jagger. ;)

image credit

Days: 125-127
Daily Miles: 1,1,6.19
Total Miles: 260.61

Bonding Time

My knee has been bothering me the past couple of days so my runs have been short and slow. Well, if I had been running on my own they would have been short and a bit faster (my boys have tagged along a couple of days and my two year old has some pretty dang short legs). Plus, yesterday in the middle of our "run" we ended up stopping at a pizza joint for lunch. That's how we roll.

The knee felt better today so I did some Netflix workout videos with my girly (yay for some awesome bonding time...I loved it!). I really hope the neighbors didn't see too much of our awesome kickboxing through the window!

Tonight I decided to run to the store to get a Redbox. I'm usually kind of scared to do that because we have a bit of a coyote problem in our neighborhood. Didn't see (or hear) any tonight though.

Days: 122-124
Daily Miles: 1, 1.45, 1.3
Total Miles: 252.42

Fitness Challenge Rules

So, I mentioned awhile back that I was starting a fitness challenge on Facebook and I wanted to share the rules of our challenge in case anyone who reads the blog might want to start something similar. I was introduced to this beast last year and I found that it was a great way to stay motivated. That challenge was for money and it was fairly complicated. I decided to start one this year that runs only on the assumption that a team type atmosphere will help motivate people to stay fit. It started today and I am seeing some amazing camaraderie already and it is just awesome!

Here are the rules I posted on Facebook...

Minimum

·         45 minutes of physical activity 5 days/week (5 points/week)

Extra points

·         Bonus for days 6 & 7 (only 30 minutes required on extra days-1 point/extra day)

·         Weekly challenge – I will post a video every Sunday of myself (or someone else) doing a challenge workout (usually core work) that you can do the coming week for bonus points

·         The challenge can earn you 1 point for each day you do it (up to 3 points/week)

The maximum number of points anyone can earn for each week is 10.

The challenge will last for 12 weeks starting Monday, February 20, 2012 and ending Sunday May 13, 2012

If you decide to do this challenge, it will change your life, your body, and your mind! This is all about you pushing yourself to be awesome and be fit. Do it for you, for your kids, for whatever motivates you!

I hope to see lots of people with over 100 points at the end of the challenge! J

No cash prizes this year.  Just a happy bodies and minds! Go out and be active!

I am so excited to see where this leads and where all these girls are at the end of this 12 weeks and beyond!

As for my run today, I went to the gym pretty late and ran 4 miles on the treadmill. Then, I came home and did some stretching and ab work so I could meet my minimum challenge minutes. I can't believe that I felt awesome running 4 miles so soon after yesterday's 8 miles. I think I could totally run Hood To Coast right now. I need a team (if anybody is looking for a member). *hint, hint*

Day: 121
Today's Miles: 4.02
Total Miles: 248.67

Only In Portland...

Only in Portland, do you head out for a run in the city and come home looking like this...

I can't even tell you how much I love running Leif. It's different every time I run it depending on the weather (although I swear there are always a lot more uphills on the way down than I remember as downhills on the way up...how is that?)

Today wasn't rainy but obviously, by the looks of my hobbit legs, it rained recently. My shoes aren't looking super awesome right about now but they were still looking way too new for having 200 miles on them. Gotta look on the bright side, right?

Days: 118-120
Daily Miles: 3.12, 1, 7.98
Total Miles: 244.65

It's Been Awhile...

I have so been slacking on the blog. I needed a break, but I'm back and I'm ready to type! I can't be the only person experiencing the winter blahs right now, can I? Weekends are ok (the hubs is awesome and he encourages me to get out and run) but the weekdays are no fun (rain and strollers are an overrated combo) and short days mean I can't run outside before or after he goes to work. Daylight Savings can't get here soon enough (I'm sorry to all the time change haters out there but this momma needs light into the night).

I'm still getting in quite a few miles (for me) each week in preparation for the Shamrock Run 15k next month. This week I'll have over 20. The best part of the whole extra mileage thing is... Are you ready for this? I've lost 5 lbs! That's right, my jeans aren't so dang tight! If I keep this up, I think I'm in the clear as far as another denim booty blow out goes.

My scale no longer says this when I step on it. It's become my friend again. Woohoo for running blogs!

Mileage since I last blogged...
Day 113 Sunday: 1.01
Day 114 Monday: 3.04
Day 115 Tuesday: 1
Day 116 Wednesday: 3.95
Day 117 Thursday: 2.18
Daily Miles: 11.18
Total Miles: 232.55

A Special Day For Running

Today was the day that women (and men) from all over the country (maybe even world) joined together to dedicate their miles to mother runner Sherry Arnold. My friend Aimee and I (and Aimee's four legged girlfriend Faith) ran 7 miles in her honor.

I have changed my outlook on running since hearing the terrible news of Sherry's disappearance. This mission of mine to run every day is now a privilege that I will never take for granted.

Courage. Strength. Grace. It felt good to run for a woman who may no longer be running on earth, but who was surely running every mile with the rest of us in spirit today!

Days: 111 & 112
Daily Miles: 1 & 7
Total Miles: 221.37

Fitness Challenge

So, today I decided to do a 12 week fitness challenge for friends on facebook. I was thinking a few people would want to join me. Turns out there are A LOT of ladies looking for a reason to move it! You know I love a girl who likes to show the world what she has to offer. Bring it on ladies!

Tomorrow I'll share the basics of the challenge for any of you who may not follow me on facebook. You could start a challenge of your own with friends from work or neighbors or anyone really. Just Do It, right?

I forgot to take my Nike+ watch to the gym today so no update on that site, but I did a short speed training session. Reminder to myself...don't eat pizza immediately before a run, it feels bad.

Day: 110
Today's Miles: 2.68
Total Miles: 213.37

Run For Sherry

On a Saturday morning in January, Sherry Arnold (mother of 5), left for a run in her small hometown in Montana. She hasn't been seen since and it is suspected she was abducted and killed. Sherry's cousin is a runner and she has organized a virtual run to pay respect to Sherry and raise awareness of her abduction. You can read more about it here.

If you plan on running this weekend, please consider printing a race bib and running in Sherry's honor. And please remember to always be safe when you're out there pounding the pavement. Be aware of your surroundings and run with a buddy whenever you can.

Days: 107-109
Daily Miles: 2.55, 2.05, 1
Total Miles: 210.69

I Did What I Said!

Got my 10 miles in for the weekend. Yay me!

Yesterday I stayed close to home and ran 4 miles of hills (no other option in my neighborhood) with a pace of 9:16. I needed to add a bit more at the end so I ran a neighborhood over and hit our path via some cool stairs (I never get to do stairs with my kids because of strollers and bikes and my son's irrational fear of falling off the edge).

Today I trekked up Leif Erickson Trail in Forest Park for a 6 mile run with one of my favorite gals. We used to train for marathons together and be in good shape and all that jazz. Time to get back to that place!

I also broke 200 miles since starting my blog today. Whoop!

Days: 105 & 106
Daily Miles: 4.01 & 6.08
Total Miles: 205.09

You Gotta Charge The Batteries

What happens when you decide to leave your daily run until after 11pm? Nothing goes as planned, of course.

My iPhone is dead.

My Nike+ Sportwatch is dead.

My legs still hurt like someone beat me with a baseball bat from my bootcamp on Wednesday.

But I ran (in my house) for 15 minutes. We'll call that a mile. I also chased my littlest up and down the street for an hour and cleaned out my garage today. Two things that burned quite a few calories and I guess should count for something (if not running).

Yesterday I did my best to bring down that 7:30 average Nike+ mile with the slowest mile. EVER. I took my kids on a bike ride to the grocery store and the little man just HAD to ride his scooter (or cooter as he likes to call it) for much of it. Life was much easier when he didn't fight the stroller... He's so slow the big kids rode to the end of the bike path and back multiple times before we caught up. Oh well, It was fun (even if it was sloooow) and my legs didn't like the part I pushed them to run anyway.

This weekend is supposed to be beautiful in Portland, so I'll be outside soaking up the sun (and windchill) with a goal of 10 miles over the next two days. I typed it so now it's real!

Days:  103 & 104
Daily Miles: 1.17 & 1
Total Miles: 195

Air Squats?

More like crazy awful torture nuts and some other stuff! Bootcamp today was crazy circuits of...

air squats,
air lunges,
jump squats,
jump lunges.

We followed that up with crazy circuits of...

kettle bell figure 8 squats,
medicine ball slam down squats (those are crazy hard),
TRX mountain climbers,
running laps in the parking lot between each.

I am so sore (and it's still the same day)!

Then I took my boys for a bike/scooter ride this afternoon so I could get a little "run" in with my shaky legs.

Of course I forgot to take my Nike+ with me (it's down for maintenance today anyway...), but I mapped my run old school on mapmyrun.com. Ha!

Days: 101 & 102
Daily Miles: 1.09 & 1.54
Total Miles: 192.83

100 Days!

I'm loving this milestone!

Here's to longer days and more miles in the next 100 days!

I think I'll be blogging less often (unless I have some fun runs to report...these treadmill runs and super short runs don't leave me much to get excited about) for awhile but you can still follow me on Nike+ (mollygail) every day if you want. Fingers crossed we have a good spring and I can run outside more often!

Thanks for running with me!

Day: 100
Today's Miles: 2.34
Total Miles: 190.2 

I ♥ Pinterest...

It's true. I do.

Today was more of a decluttering my life kind of day than a rockin' workout kinda day. But, thanks to Pinterest, I am now more knowledgeable about both.

First thing this morning I came across this super bad a** woman and her amazing workout.

Then later in the day I was inspired by this super organized woman and her amazing shoe basket.

So I got rid of about 20 pairs of shoes and now mine looks like that too! If you need some inspiration for organizing, check her out. Wow!

Day: 99
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 187.86

What A Day

Today pretty much rocked...

My mom was here for a visit.

My 5 year old scored two baskets in his bball game.

My little lady scored three baskets in her bball game.

My littlest man is cute.

...and I got a (almost) 5 mile run in!

Yep, good day.

Days: 97 & 98
Daily Miles: 1.01 & 4.82
Total Miles: 186.86

Hello Mr. Sunshine, Where Are You?

My kindergarten kiddo had a playdate after school today so instead of driving we decided to "run" there. I loaded up the little one in his stroller and the bigger one decided it was a good day for the maiden ride on his new Lightning McQueen scooter. It was absolutely beautiful when we left the house. Seriously. The little man and I ran to the grocery store to pick up some stuff, then headed out for the rest of our run. Of course it started to get windy, then the sun disappeared, then it started pouring. Did I have the rain cover for the stroller? No I did not. I had a blanket stuffed in the bottom so I wrapped him up and I ran home as fast as I could pushing a 60 lb umbrella on wheels on a blustery, windy, rainy day. Now, as I look out the window, the sun is shining. Oh, Oregon...

 Oh, and I didn't post last night because I had to get to happy hour with one of my favorite ladies. Priorities, people!

Days: 95 & 96
Daily Miles: 1.01 & 2.65
Total Miles: 181.03

Feeling Good

Well, my pants aren't much looser (in fact, they may be tighter in some places), but I am getting some serious muscles that I didn't have a few months ago and that is awesome. I also did some super funky, cross-legged push-ups at bootcamp yesterday...ON MY TOES! Sore, but oh so worth the pain!

Not much to choose from TV-wise at the gym today. Total bummer, but I made myself keep running to finally get that 4 miler in. Tomorrow is another bright and early (more like dark and early) bootcamp kind of day. Wahooo!

Day: 94
Today's Miles: 4.06
Total Miles: 177.37

Holy Legs Batman!

Bootcamp was pretty heavy cardio this morning. We did lunge circuits and then finished up with 24 minutes of jumprope intervals. These tired legs decided to wait for tomorrow to do a long run. That, and I don't feel awesome. It's supposed to be really rainy tomorrow so the little man might need to have a windshield wiper on his stroller (I'm honestly surprised that hasn't been mass produced for use in the Pac NW, yet).

If you're on Nike+, be my friend! My username is mollygail. Thanks!

Day: 93
Today's Miles: 1.01
Total Miles: 173.31

Step It Up, Lady!

I totally forgot to do my long(ish) run today! I guess that means tomorrow I will do bootcamp and a 4 miler. Nice.

I'm hoping that bootcamp rocks and we break out the TRX equipment. It's a killer workout and I could really use some of that right now. I don't want to split any pants or anything like that.

This week's (proposed) running schedule (which I forgot to post on Friday and I've already blown)...

Saturday 1/21 - 3 Miles
Sunday 1/22 - 4 Miles
Monday 1/23 - Bootcamp + 1 Mile
Tuesday 1/24 - Turbo Kick + 1 Mile
Wednesday 1/25 - Bootcamp + 1 Mile
Thursday 1/26 - 4 Miles (speed training)
Friday 1/27 - 2 Miles

By the way... Last week my training plan called for 16 miles and I ran 15.63. Not too shabby!

Day: 92
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 172.3

Make It Fit

Running every day is changing my life. I used to make excuses for myself to skip a run and I'd listen to them and never get it done. Now I make it fit in my day no matter what. Today I rode to my daughter's basketball game with the fam and ran home. It wasn't a long run, but it was fast (and I never used to be fast so that's exciting for me) and it felt good. My Nike+ Sportwatch congratulated me when I finished because it's awesome and we've become good friends since I started running with it last month. Really, when I stopped it after my run it flashed a message...

You Crushed It! Fastest Mile 7:58!

If you don't have a watch that will tell you how cool you are, I really suggest you get one.

Day: 91
Today's Miles: 1.35
Total Miles: 171.3

Portlandia

Portlandia is on Netflix and I got sucked in. I almost forgot to post about my run today!

I met up with two other mother runners for a wet and semi-hilly loop. Not too rainy (thank goodness for stroller rain covers) and my little man was happy for some time out of the house, too.

Day: 90
Today's Miles: 3.04
Total Miles: 169.95

You Spin Me Right Round

I tried spinning this morning (at 5:30...that's early). I've tried it before but it was over a year ago. I can't say I'm in love, but I think I'll keep doing it because it seems to be a really good workout and it's not horrible. Honestly, I'm hoping it gets better as I figure it out. After all, I've been riding a bike for almost 30 years, I should be able to do it, right?

My run was short and slow. But I did it and I didn't want to. Score one for the blog!

Day: 89
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 166.91

Ouch

I feel old.

Day: 88
Today's Miles: 1.03
Total Miles: 165.91

Nike+ Redemption

I feel it's only fair to let you know (after yesterday's blog) that the good folks at Nike+ totally rock. I posted a question about my missing miles last night on their facebook help app and they got back to me today with some suggestions as to why it was jacked up.

I also did some investigating of my own and since I don't wear Nike shoes I found that it is best to have the footpod somehow attached to the top of my laces on my left foot. Turns out the things they sell for that purpose can be pretty pricey. My solution is rather awesome and tacky...

An old t shirt cut up and wrapped around the pod then tied to my laces. I'm a thrifty, green genius! If you want one, I'll sell it to you for $20...just like Nike! ...or you could make your own. ;)

Nike also logged yesterday's miles manually. That made my day! I was really happy about it because today I got to level up to Orange (I've run over 31 miles with Nike+). I guess technically if I had been using it the whole time I would be Green now (which is a much better color). Oh well.

Day: 87
Today's Miles: 2.12
Total Miles: 164.88

Nike+ Fail

Well, I knew it was coming... The day my Nike+ Sportwatch wouldn't sync my run, I just didn't expect it to happen so soon. I guess this is a good day since I ran at the gym and it seemed to be confusing me with some Olympian that must have been on a treadmill nearby. Or maybe it was crossing signals and getting my footpod and someone else's at the same time. It was off by over a mile after I finished my 4+ mile run and the whole time it was saying I was holding pace around 7:11. Ha! I wish...

I checked the treadmill when I was finished and it was 4.24 miles and just over 38 minutes. I'm waiting to hear from the folks at Nike about updating my account with today's miles. Anyone have any experience with that? I just want the miles to show up for my challenges (and it would put me less than a mile from advancing to the next color level!).

Day: 86
Today's Miles: 4.24
Total Miles: 162.76

Snow Day

Already fell off my training wagon. Yikes. I'm headed to the gym in the morning for my 4 mile run I skipped out on today. My bootcamp is actually in the morning, but I won't be going because it's pretty frozen out there (I checked out my street and it's slippery). When is summer going to be here? I hate cold weather!!!

I did put off running for a good reason. After the kids played in the snow, we spent all day working on projects around the house and we got a ton done. Yay!

My favorite people enjoying our "snow" day

Day: 85
Today's Miles: 1.06
Total Miles: 18.52

Get Creative

For those of you who want to workout but can't seem to find the time, you could follow in the footsteps of Anna over at My Life and Kids and do it in your underwear. Saves time and you won't have to worry about the extra laundry. Win, win! I totally remember my mom doing the same thing when I was a kid. That's the thing with moms, we're great at being creative, just not always great at using our creativity to benefit ourselves.

So, go workout in your underwear...or run in circles in your house. Whatever it takes to get you moving!

Day: 84
Today's Miles: 3.14
Total Miles: 157.46

Shamrock Run 2012

I'm all signed up for the Shamrock Run 15k in March. It's my first time doing a Shamrock and from what I hear it's a pretty crowded (and hilly) race so I'm not expecting super speed or anything crazy. I made myself a training plan that starts tomorrow. I'm realistic and I know I won't always get all of the miles in but at least it's something to shoot for.

I'll share my plan for the week ahead every Friday so you can run along with me if you want.

Saturday 1/14 - 3 Miles
Sunday 1/15 -  4 Miles
Monday 1/16 - Bootcamp + 1 Mile
Tuesday 1/17 - Turbo Kick + 1 Mile
Wednesday 1/18 - Bootcamp + 1 Mile
Thursday 1/19 - 4 Miles (speed training)
Friday 1/20 - 2 Miles

It's time I start looking like I'm in shape!

Day: 83
Today's Miles: 1.02
Total Miles: 154.32

My Love, My Life

I'm married to a rock star (seriously, you should see him play drums on Rock Band). He's the best husband a girl could ever ask for and the world's best dad (I really should get him a mug).



Like this one?


Without his support, I wouldn't have run 153 miles in the last 82 days. So I just wanted to say...Thanks, Babe!

Day: 82
Today's Miles: 1.01
Total Miles: 153.3

Love The Sunshine...Not The Temp

Bootcamp today was hard cardio circuits and I'm sore in really weird places after Monday's TRX fun. Like under my armpits (that's a first).

Tomorrow I'm really hoping for a longer run with the babe in his stroller. I just hope it's not as cold as it was today. Wow...COLD!

Don't forget to be my friend on Nike+ if you're into that. My name is mollygail. Thanks!

Day: 81
Today's Miles: 1.01
Total Miles: 152.29

Sick Day

Sick kid home from school = another short slow run for me. It's ok, I'm still SORE! Tomorrow is another (not so bright and) early bootcamp morning. I can only assume that we will kill our lower bodies (since I still can barely move my upper body).

Day: 80
Today's Miles: 1.01
Total Miles: 151.28

TRX Training

I finally started bootcamp at Fulcrum Fitness this morning! They use TRX Suspension Training and it kicked my butt (or I kicked my own butt because it's pretty much all about using your own body as a workout). I absolutely loved it! Almost every square inch of my body is already sore, so it's got to be a good workout, right?

Day: 79
Today's Miles: 1.01
Total Miles: 150.27 

Movie Night!

I ran with other adults.

Outside.

Two days in a row.

What an awesome weekend! Now for some Cowboys and Aliens with the hubs.

Day: 78
Today's Miles: 2.96
Total Miles: 149.26

Buddy Run

I was pleasantly surprised to have a friend ask me to run with her this morning. Thank goodness for a late night facebook chat that led to an early 3 miles (it says 2.79 but I think my watch was a bit off in it's calculations). Tomorrow I get to run with my bff (who I haven't seen in over a month) so this is a weekend of fun runs for this mother runner!

Day: 77
Today's Miles: 2.79
Total Miles: 146.3

There Will Be Pain

I thought I was going to start my boot camp tomorrow (now that my neck is mostly good) but both of my kids have basketball practices that overlap. Monday it is. I'm sure I will be sore. And sore makes me moody. I should apologize to my family and friends in advance.

Day: 76
Today's Miles: 1.02
Total Miles: 143.51

Three Things I Know

1. I love to run.

2. I love to run with my kids.

3. I really love to run by myself after a week of running with my kids.

Day: 75
Today's Miles: 3.0
Total Miles: 142.49

Join Me On Nike+

I'm so happy the hubs is home! So Happy! So Happy! He brought the kids some Rose Bowl souvenir pompoms (which I'm sure the cat will try to eat). Here's my attempt at some art.

If you use nike+ and you're looking for some friends on the site (I am), please look me up. My username is mollygail. So far I've clocked six short and slow runs with my watch. I'm hoping that by the end of the month I'm well into level orange. At least without my kids in tow I will be faster.

Breakdown of nike+ levels...

Yellow (0-49km, 0-30mi)
Orange (50-249km, 31-154mi)
Green (250-999km, 155-620mi)
Blue (1,000-2,499km, 621-1,552mi)
Purple (2,500-4,999km, 1553-3,106mi)
Black (over 5,000km or 3,107mi).

Wouldn't it be cool to run over 3,107 miles?!

Day: 74
Today's Miles: 1
Total Miles: 139.44

Home Stretch

I honestly almost couldn't convince myself to do this run today. Seriously. Had to have a fight with myself to drag my butt off the couch and run. I am sore from yesterday's game (I did 192 push ups with my friend Puddles the Duck) and the ab workout. Plus today I went to Turbo Kick and I worked it! I'm tired. Thank you blog (and readers) for keeping me honest.

Oh, and the hubs gets home tomorrow!!!

Day: 73
Today's Miles: 1.03
Total Miles: 138.44

Ducks Win!

Told you they would win!

Kids and I "ran" to the store again today. I found out that I can fit a box of 12 Widmer bottles in the bottom of my stroller (along with some other more kid friendly, healthy groceries...I promise). After my little friends went to bed, I did a Crunch workout from Netflix. My abs could use some extra crunching.

Day: 72
Today's Miles: 1.24
Total Miles: 137.41