(Biking) While Mommy

I came up with the name Running While Mommy because I had realized that I loved running and needed to find the time to fit it in, while still taking care of my family.  It is so easy to put yourself last and that is where the challenge came in.  Today, because I still can't run, I biked for 12 miles and then walked a little.

I hope that you can read between the lines and put yourself in the title no matter what it is you do or who you are.  It is my goal to have all types of people to follow my blog and FB page.  This is what I would of loved to call this blog, but it was just too long.
Running, biking, swimming, rock climbing, sky diving, walking, skiing, diving, hula hooping, while, Mommy, daddy, grandparents, teacher, doctor, son of a preacher man.  You get the picture, right?  What name would you give yourself?

I have said before that it was crazy that most of my encouragement came from strangers on-line.  I thought that was great. There are so many of us who are just trying to get it done while still staying happy.  I hope when you read my blog you feel encouraged to do what makes you smile.  A few of you have shared those things with me and I love that.  Keep your stories coming!  It is what keeps me going and I hope you too.

My back is feeling really good.  Today is the first day I can say that.  Keeping my fingers crossed that this is the beginning of me getting better.  The bike ride was at the gym so it was a little boring, but I finally got my iPod up and running and had some great tunes to listen to.   Thanks husband!  I enjoyed my workout today.  I have not done anything except PT in more than a week.  I was feeling really bad about that.  I plan to hit the gym everyday this week, not matter what time I have to do it.  Easier said than done, but I know I can do it!

One last thing I would like to call your attention to.  I know you have all been following the disappearance of Sherry Arnold.  Her cousin Beth from Shut up and Run has put together a Virtual Run to honor her.  I am going to walk or bike with some friends and hope you can do it too.  I would love to see pics or hear stories if you do.  Remember you don't have to run to participate.

Run strong, think big!

Yeah, My Turn!

So, I am sure a bunch of you have seen the 11 things post going around.  I have been reading them and have found it kind of fun to learn about those of you that have participated.  I was surprised tonight when I saw that I got tagged to do it to.  Thank you, Larissa Milano Fitness.  She is a fellow Touch Chik!  I haven't really kept track of who has been tagged, so if I tag you and you don't want to participate, no worries.  It 's all just in good fun.

Here are the rules:

1. Post these rules.
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately      
    have to tag 11 people.


11 random things about me
1.  I drive a Nissan Xterra.  It is yellow and I call her Sunshine.
2. My favorite band is Bon Jovi.  I have seen them live 19 times and counting.
3. I wear something purple every day.  You might not see it but I know it's there.
4. I still sing into my hairbrush.
5.  I love my birthday!  I will be 40 on Thursday and I can't wait to celebrate.
6. I can't swim.
7. I talk to myself, all the time.
8. My guilty pleasure is eating a Slim Jim and drinking an orange soda.
9. I was a flight attendant for 10 years.
10. I hated school, every minute.
11. My favorite show is Sons of Anarchy.


Larissa's Questions For Me
1.  How long have you been running and why did you start?  I started running in July 2011.  I was bored and needed a new challenge in my life.  I chose running because it was something I said I would never do.  I thought I would be done after my first 5k, but I was hooked.


2. What is the farthest place that you have traveled to?  Japan


3. Favorite race that you have run?  The Newport Pell Bridge Run


4. Favorite thing to do on a rainy day?  Sleep in


5. If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and why?  Janis Joplin.  I love her music, her voice and her attitude.  I would love to sit with her and have a drink and solve the worlds problems.


6. Do you have any pets? What are they? No


7. Craziest thing you have ever done?  I ran with the bulls.  It was in the Azores, which are islands off of Portugual.  It is a smaller version of what they do in Spain, but the bulls were no different, just less people.  The bulls were big and scary and mad.  I am just happy to be able to tell the story.


8. Biggest fear and why?  Bulls, see above.


9. If you won the lotto would you still keep your current job? If not what would you do?  Well, my job is to raise my kids, so yes, I would keep my current job.  I would, however, hire a housekeeper.


10. What was your #1 New Years Resolution? Are you still on track?  My resolution is to run a half marathon.  Mentally I am on track, but I am going through a little PT for my back.  Should hopefully be running again in March and that is plenty of time to get ready for my half, which is in October.  


11. One bad habit you want to break?  I never eat breakfast.  I need to really make that the first thing I do in the morning.  I know I would feel better. 


11 Questions For You


1. What is your favorite band?
2.  Who is your biggest inspiration?
3.  Can you remember your last dream? Was it good?
4. What is your favorite book?
5. What is your best childhood memory?
6.  Do you have any regrets?
7. What is your most prized possession?
8. What were you doing the last time you really had a good laugh?
9. What movie can you watch over and over again?
10.  Do you go to church?
11.  How is your day so far?


Who I Am Tagging


Running My Ass Off


Mommy Run Fast


Running To Health

Tun Can Treader

Fight Hard, Finish the Race

This Spartan Will

Being More Than Mommy

My Dirt Road Anthem

The Average Women's Running Blog

Slowly Growing Old Together

You Can Do This Mommy

Run strong, think big!

My Sunshine

Today is kind of a blah day.  Woke up fine, let the kids sleep a little longer, and drank my coffee without any interruptions.  Ahh, nice.  After I got my son on the bus, I got dressed and ready to head out to Beach Bounce with my daughter.  We were supposed to meet some friends there, but one by one they cancelled on us.  No big deal really, except I wanted to stay home and my little girl was dressed and ready, with her coat and shoes on, holding her lunch box.  How could I tell her we weren't going?

The sun is not out, and it is warm so all the snow is melting and it is just wet and gross.  I haven't been feeling to hot, my back is really killing me and I am at the end of a "single mommy" week.  Perfect day to stay in and watch movies and do nothing.  But no, out we went.

When we got there the place was empty and the bounce houses weren't  even blown up yet.  By the time we paid and got our shoes off they were up and running and so was my daughter.  She had the place to herself and loved it!  She went from bounce house to bounce house yelling Yaa Whoooo!  It was really cute and it made it all worth while.

We were there a hour before anyone else showed up and she quickly made friends with another little girl.  I sat and watched her and she smiled the whole time.  Laughed and giggled, without a care in the world.  It was beautiful to watch.  Every so often she would come over and hug me, she is just so sweet.

I can't really say I was bored the whole time, because she made it exciting to just sit there.  I feel lucky to have been able to do this with her today.  We are home now and we are watching movies in front of the fire.  Yes, it is a blah day, there is still no sun shining and it is a little cold,  but when I look at her all I see is sunshine.

Run strong, think big!

Team In Training

So today, my dear friend S called and asked me to be part of her Team in Training team.  She and some friends and family will be running in the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco in October.  I can chose the half or the full.

See, my friend lost her daughter to leukemia at a very young age.  This has got to be the worst thing a parent can go through and I think it would be easy to just break down and give up.  S has a wonderful husband and 3 sons and she did not give up.  She has chosen to live her life, not just for her, but for her daughter.  This has amazed me and inspired me and I am excited to be part of this team.

I, of course, will be doing the half.  I was planning on a half for October anyway and this is a perfect first for me.  I will be running with friends in a city, I have never visited yet and it is for the best reason that I can think of.  I will have to raise money and work hard and I can't wait to get started.

I have said before that I love to run and there are so many reasons.  For this race, I will be raising money to help families, so that maybe, they may not have to go through what S and her family did.

I will be writing about my training and keeping you all updated on my progress.  I would love to hear from anyone who has done this race or has been involved with Team in Training.  I know that it will be hilly, but I have plenty of time to get ready for it.

Run strong, think big!

Hard Work Paying Off

Happy Tuesday!  It was a very nice three day weekend and I am sorry to see it end.  I didn't work out much, just Saturday.  I rode 10 miles on the bike and then walked 1 mile.  I felt good doing it and my knee didn't bother me at all.  I was a little worried about my back but it was fine.  Didn't feel better or worse, so I thought that was a good thing.

I don't usually ride bikes.  It is usually with the whole family and not really a work out because the kids are small and we have to slow down so they can keep up.  So not being able to run yet, I headed to the gym to see how I would feel.  I started out, without a goal in mind, just get on and ride, stop if your back hurts.  After a couple miles I was bored.  Riding a stationary bike is more boring than running on the treadmill.  At about 7 miles, I was still feeling good and decided to round it out to 10.  I was happy with that and then walked on the treadmill.  I left with my knee feeling ok and my back the same but happy to have moved my body and worked up a sweat.

On Sunday, the University of Rhode Island's Girls Track and Field team hosted a free event for kids 5 to 12.  I headed there with my son to see what it was all about.  First, let me tell you the indoor track was really nice.  My son ran around it twice while we were waiting for the activites to start and then I walked with him while he drank out of his cool water bottle that all the kids got.

They broke the kids up into their age group and off they went with 3-4 girls from the team. Each group did a long jump, hurdles, shot put, a relay race, javelin throw and a very low, high jump.  It was really well run and you can see all the kids had a great time.  I love that this was available for our kids.  I like the idea of promoting fitness and having fun.  My son loved the javelin throw the best but he did the best at the hurdles.  At the end they all got a certificate of completion and then the team did a demonstration for us.

First up was a demo of shop put.  Twenty pounds thrown through the air, pretty cool.  Then a very fast girl demoed the hurdles and lastly we got to see the pole vault.  I have never seen any of these things in person before and I was impressed by all of it, especially the pole vault.  I really wanted to try it.  These talented ladies made it look easy, which I know it was not.  A lot of hard work and time has been put into learning how to do these things.  And they were great at it!

Anything worth doing is worth doing well.  Sometimes it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but you never give up if you want something bad enough.  The URI Girls Track and Field team want to be champions and the flags hanging from the ceiling show that they are.

Do you sometimes feel you are running and running but not getting anywhere?  I do.  And now with not being able to run for a few weeks makes me feel like I am going backwards.  I know I am not.  I am doing things to keep in shape so that when I do run again it won't feel like the first time.

The first time makes me laugh.  I literally ran for 1 minute and then walked for 1 1/2 minutes, 8 different times and thought it was hard.  Eight minutes total!  So see, the hard work and time that I put into it paid off.  I think about that a lot.  I want to run 13.1 miles in one day and there is a lot of work ahead of me.  I am looking forward to running again and train for real.  I am definitely a better person when I get to do what I like and for me that is RUN!

So for now, my hard work will go into my PT.   I am seeing improvement in my knee, Yeah!  I am learning how to stretch, I wasn't really doing all the right stretches before and after my run.  I won't be making that mistake again.  I was never an athlete so this really is all new to me, and there is so much to learn!  Thank you for all the great advice you have given me so far.

We are all working towards something and no matter what it is, we should all be proud of how far we have come.

So what is your biggest goal right now?  Have you had any setbacks?  How did you handle it?

The last couple posts I have talked about Sherry Arnold.  I am still praying that they find her body so that her family can lay her to rest the proper way.  The Run Like a Mother ladies posted today a few great ways we can all stay safe.  You can read that here.

Run strong, think big!

Sad News

Well, it is a very sad day for the Arnold family.  It appears they have one man in custody but there was a second one involved.  Not one, but two monsters took away this beautiful women's life and broke her family.  Why?  No matter what they tell police, it just doesn't matter because it makes no sense.  I am thankful they were caught and will hopefully rot in jail.

I will continue to pray for the Arnold family so that maybe, one day they will find some peace.  I thank God that at least he brought her body home to them and they will be able to celebrate her life the proper way.

Life is way to short and I am sure there were many things she still wanted to do and see.  I am trying to focus my anger into being strong, to get out there and enjoy my life and live it to the fullest.  I will run strong for Sherry and her family.  I will never forget her.

I was originally going to talk about my workout today, but it just isn't that important right now.  I am going to enjoy this weekend with my family and connect with all of you on Monday.  I hope you all have a fun filled weekend.

Run strong, think big and never give up hope!

Be Positive!

I am still so sad about Sherry Arnold, the Montana runner who went missing 6 days ago.  I keep praying for her and her family and friends.  I cannot imagine what they are going through and I hope they can find some peace soon.  There is now a Help Find Sherry Arnold Face Book page.  I hope you can like it to show your support for Sherry and her family.

Does this make you think twice about running outside or the time of day you run?  I am sidelined for about 4 weeks, maybe more, but I prefer to run outside.  I live in a pretty safe place and I always see other runners, bikers and walkers where I usually run and that makes me feel better.  I do think I am going to find a few friends to run with, which I wanted to do before this horrible incident anyway.

So today I had PT.  She wanted to talk about my back a little more, as that is not the reason I started to see her, it was for my knee.  After bending back, forth and side to side she shook her head.  This was not good.  We headed over to the bike and while I was riding she told me what she thought was going on.  She thinks that I may have a bulging disk.  What!? Are you kidding me!? Great!

Now I actually stayed calm there and just kept riding and listening.  Since my paperwork is not for my back, I have a new appointment to see my doctor and figure out what it is and then hopefully be able to do PT for both, my back and knee.  This is very disappointing news as I think it will take me a little longer to get back to running.  I did tell her I had a race scheduled for the first weekend in April.  First she said, "Don't cancel it yet."  But then she asked how long is it?  10k, I replied and the look on her face was not promising.  Not gonna worry about it now.  Just gonna work hard and do everything they tell me to and most of all stay positive!

I am going to stay positive for Sherry Arnold and her family.  I am going to stay positive for me and my family.  I am going to run again, and I will run for Sherry since she can't.  Never give up hope!

As always, my friends, run strong, think big.

Derailed!

So in last nights blog, I said things happen for a reason.  Today I learned I was absolutely right!  I had my first physical therapy session to work on my knee today.  What you may not know, is starting on New Year's Eve, my back started to really hurt.  It is my low back, middle and to the right.  Same side as my knee.

After doing some tests, pushing and pulling.  Watching me walk and stretch.  Asking and answering a bunch of questions, my therapist told me no running for at least 4 weeks!!!  What?!  I have a race on February 5th! Well, I guess I don't now.  Boo Hoo.  She said the pounding that happens when you run will make my back worse.  So we are going to fix it before I start up again.  She said my pain is all running related.  I, however, feel it is because I will be 40 in less than a month.

Let me first say, I liked her a lot.  We will be a good match the next several weeks.  The facility was very nice and the machines all looked new.  I have all the confidence in the world that I will come out of this a better runner.  I am just bummed that I can't run for 4 weeks, maybe more. Will I be ready for the 10k in April?  I sure hope so.  Really glad now I didn't win an entry into the Cox Providence Half Marathon.

There are plenty of things that I can still do, so I will continue to work out at the gym.  I do love spin class and will plan on that twice a week.  But what else?  What classes can you recommend that will keep me going and still have fun.  Keep in mind, no bouncing.

Last night, I went to bed feeling pretty good.  I had a plan in place and I was happy with it.  Now, right off the bat, my first race on the list is not gonna happen.  I know I was a maybe, but the way the weather has been, I bet it would of been a nice day.  Can't dwell on it, just need to get better.

So here is what I am thankful for.  I am thankful that I am able to see good doctors and get this taken care of.  I am thankful that I will get better and continue running.  I am thankful that there are plenty of very nice races this year and I should be able to do most of the ones I want.  I am thankful that I have support from family and friends.  And I am thankful for all of you.  Thank you for reading, but most of all, thank you for you kind comments and advice.  Thank you for the motivation, which I really need now.

I suppose my posts over the next several weeks will mostly be about my PT, but I am sure I can come up with a few more things that may be more interesting.  Please let me know how your training is going and if you run a race, let me know how it goes.  I can live vicariously through you.

Run strong, think big!

Disappointed, Then Relieved and Then Excited

Not too long ago, I entered a contest to win a slot for the Cox Providence Rhode Race.  They were looking for runner/bloggers who wanted to run the half or full marathon.  To enter, you had to blog about why you wanted to run the race.  You can see my entry here.

I have to admit, that I was a little nervous about getting enough miles in before May.  Most people assured me it was plenty of time.  But one of the Run Like A Mother ladies thought that my goal was a little too hefty.  This freaked me out.  They are experts when it comes to this kind of thing.  They have been running for many years.  Between the two of them, they probably ran more miles than I ever will, not to mention the many, many races under their belt.

I decided to leave it up to God and what happens, happens for a reason.  Today, in an email, I got the disappointing news that I would not be one of their winners.  First, I was bummed, but not for long.  This I think is a blessing.  Although I think I could of finished the race,  it would have been a struggle.  I wish nothing but the best for the chosen Rhode Scholars and all the Cox runners.  Go get 'em guys!

So having said that, I have a plan for the year and this one I am sure is doable.

February 5th, The Super 5K.  (Not sure if I want to run in the snow, so not signed up yet)

April 7th, The Jamestown Bridge 10k.  (already signed up)

May 19th, The Narrow River 10K.  (still need to register)

TBA, The Blessing 10 mile.  (not open yet but it is usually in July)

And drum roll please!  October 14th, The Amica Half Marathon!  (will be signing up after this is posted)

There are plenty of great races in this area and I am sure I will add to this as the year goes on.  For those of you in the area, I would love to run with you.  Let me know if you can make any of these races.

Now I am really excited!  This will be my first full year of running and I think it is looking good.

The one other thing I would like to do is volunteer at a race.  Set up, clean up, handing out water, whatever is needed.  I have a message into the Rock and Roll Half Providence organizers to see if they are looking for volunteers.  This is a race on my radar, but not for this year.  Have you ever helped at a race?  What did you think?

If you haven't shared your goals with me yet, I would love to hear them.  It will nice to be able to keep each other motivated and on track.

Run strong, think big!

Worst Postal Service Ever

Most of you know I have been waiting patiently for my Lousy Medal to come in the mail.  This was the Virtual 5k I signed up for in December.  Today I went to the mailbox and this was what was in it.

I am heartbroken.  The envelope was completely empty, but what really got me was the fact that it was put in the mailbox just like that, no explanation.

After, some yelling and tears, no really, there were tears, I headed to the post office.  I wasn't sure what I expected them to do for me, but surely this could not be proper procedure.

The man working I have seen many times and he is very nice.  I handed him the envelope and told him what should of been in it.  He said by the looks of it, it got caught up in the sorting machine.  (I hate you stupid machine).  He then asked if it was in an "I'm Sorry" envelope.  He was shocked when I told him no, just the ripped envelope.

The main post office is in the next town and that is where he said I needed to call.  He doubted the my medal would be found.  He said to call in the morning and ask for a supervisor and tell them what happened.

So, before you think I am complaining about a one time incident let me tell you that this is not the first time we have had a problem.  Our mail lady does not like to close the mailbox after she puts mail in it.  She likes to leave stuff in the rain, even though we have spot to leave it to keep it dry.  She does not deliver mail in the snow.  Isn't the postal service the one that says, in snow, sleet, hail, rain etc.?  And, after, living at this address for more than 3 years, we still get the mail from the previous owners.  And it is not just their junk mail.  Is this how your mailmen are where you are?

I have a message into the person who mailed it to me and I am hoping she has extras.  I think she did the Disney marathon this past weekend, so I don't expect to hear from her real soon.

So I signing off as a very disappointed person.  Can't let it get me down, just need to do more races with medals at the end.

So do you display your medals or put them in a drawer?  I am hoping to be able to display them, if I ever get one.  What about your race bibs?  Mine currently are put away, but I think I would like to find a way to display them too.

Run strong, think big!

Unhealthy Food Day and A Sad Story

Today was the worst food day I have had in a very, very long while.  I woke up and without breakfast left for Church.  On the way home, I got a large coffee.  About an hour later, my brother-in-law walked in with doughnuts.  Oh, boston cream, why do you have to be so good?  Later for lunch, we had chicken nuggets and strawberries.  Thank God for the strawberries!  For a snack we had pretzels.  Lastly, for the game we had chips and scallops wrapped in bacon.

I am sitting here now with the worst pains in my stomach and a giant glass of water.  There is no good reason for this and to top it off, these were not even my favorite "bad" foods.  I spent a good part of the afternoon taking down Christmas decorations.  I did walk up and down the steps about 50 times, but that is not real exercise.  I didn't break a sweat or anything.

Please don't judge, this is not common and I like to think we all fall off the wagon sometime.  I just never did it for a whole day before.  I am heading to the gym in the morning for a run and some weights.

On a sad note, today I saw this.  I am saddened and outraged.  I cannot imagine what this poor family is going through right now.  This women woke up early and went for a run.  Something most of us that are reading this has done.  Why are people so sick?  They have no right to hurt another person and I hope they find the person who did this and I hope he goes straight to you know where.

I hope you are all running safe.  I always have my phone and I just got a Road ID.  Be familiar with where you are running and change the route and time of day when you can.  I know sometimes this is hard but just be aware of your surroundings.  This is another good reason to have a running buddy.

So what is your favorite "bad" food?

Tell my how you keep yourself safe when you run outside?

Run strong, think big and always run safe!

Boring and Fun Rolled Into One

Today was a beautiful, 60 degree day and I wanted to run.  I had both kids and no hubby, so a friend and I brought the kids to the high school track so they could play and we could run.  This is a great idea if you want to run outside but have no one to stay with the kids.  You can see them the whole time and they can run, bike, snack, whatever they want.

At 11, I met my friend M and her husband J and their two kids.  Four times around the track is one mile, ok, so I want to go around at least 12 times.  This is where the boring comes in.  Its a circle that never ends and the scenery is the same.  I also was not a fan of having to keep track of which lap I was on.  I am sure this sounds silly to most, so go ahead and laugh.

The fun though, outweighed the boring.  If you recall my post, Today's Run and My Daughter, you know how she really wanted to run with me.  Today was the day!  She was so excited and she was able to wear her Girls Run....giggling all the way shirt for the first time.  This alone, made the repetition of the track bearable.

When she was done with running, she got on her bike.   Future tri-athlete maybe?

I also, usually run alone, but today I had company and I liked it!  I was slower than M and J, but just knowing they were there was very enjoyable.  I think I may need to make this a regular part of my routine.
When I wrote Partners, it started out to be about running partners, but I didn't really have much experience on that so I changed it.  I read constantly about women and their running buddies and I can see why they enjoy it.  Get regular running buddy is now on my list.

Me and my friend M

Getting back to the run, we all did 12 laps but I can't really say what the time was.  I had to take a few pics, my son couldn't find the pretzels and my daughter got her bike stuck in the mud.  So there were a few pauses that messed with our time.  No worries though, I liked not having to keep track and just go with the flow.  This added to the fun.

When we were done and I started to stretch, J played baseball with my son and the girls got on the bike and went around the track again until my daughter fell.

She cried until I said I would take a pic and put it in the blog, so here it is, her skinned knee.  Boo Hoo

I have to say, this was really a fun day.  I got to spend time with my kids and friends while doing what makes me feel good and we were all happy.  Three more miles in the history books and I am sure, record breaking temps in January.  I love this weather and I hope it last a little longer.  Snow is not my friend.

Four of the best kids in the world!

On a side note, the yankee sway was a blast!  I did not do so good on the gifts though.  I left with the movie The Family Stone.  I have heard good things about it, but I am sure I didn't need to own it.  It's all good fun and I wouldn't change anything.

Next run will be Monday or Tuesday.  Weather is still looking good, so they will, for sure, be outside runs.

So do you have a running buddy?  Do you want to be mine?

Run strong, think big!

Outside vs. Inside

So I have realize today that I run better outside.  Now, I think, to most of you, this is no surprise.  When I am outside, the scenery changes, there are other runners, walkers and bikers.  They all smile and say hello.
I like that.  When I am inside on the 'mill, I am easily distracted.  There are all kinds of people walking around, working out and socializing.  There are 5 TV's in front of me and I can't read the CC because I will surely fall off, but it it still distracting.

Here is the thing, the coldest I have run in is 30 degrees.  The next week here will be beautiful, in fact on Saturday it is expected to be 50.  This, of course, is awesome running weather but it will change before we know it.  I mean it is January.  So how do you handle the cold?  I got a new hat and gloves so I think I am good there but how many layers do you wear?  Do you have different running shoes for the cold?  I am sure it it mostly mental for me when it comes to the cold temps, and that is something I have to work on.  Tell me how you conquer the cold and is there a temp you won't run in?

By the way, this is the new hat I got from Gone For a Run.  It has a ponytail holder built in that actually fits my thick ponytail.  Those of you who have seen my hair in person, understand what I mean.  LOL

My run today, despite being on the treadmill, was good.  I ran a 5k in 38:25.  Not my best time, but I will take it.  I have big goals this week for the nice weather.  I want to get to 5 miles by the end of next week.  I think I can do it.  I hope I can anyway.  I said earlier today, that my body can go further than my mind thinks it can.  Getting these two things on the same page is going to be my other goal.  I would love to hear any words of motivation that you can offer.

I am lucky tonight to be going to a friends house for an after Christmas, Christmas party.  I look forward to this party every year.  We take our unwanted or ridiculous gifts that we received and wrap them up and do a Yankee Swap with them.  Some the gifts make you laugh out loud and I hope I don't leave with one of those.  Last year I got boring earrings and the year before an ugly purse.  I plan to wear the earrings and use the purse tonight.  I think everyone will get a kick out of that.  I can't tell you what I am bring tonight because of few of the attendees read my blog.  He He, you will just have to wait and see.

Run strong, think big!

I'm A Tough Chik!

Yesterday I signed up to be part of Team Tough Chik.  This company represents everything I love.  Getting out there and getting it done while having fun.  Taking care of yourself, giving back all while supporting and motivating each other.  Their clothes are designed by women for women and they are cute.  They have styles for running, biking and for those brave tri-athletes.

Click here if you want to see how to become part of the team.  You have until January 7th to do it.  I hope some of you will join me.  I am really getting excited to represent this great company and I am hoping to meet and run with some tough chiks!

The stories of the members I have read so far have all been inspiring and different.  They are not all marathoners and as a runner with a steady 12 mile pace, I feel comfortable in this group.

Running, so far, has been fun and this is just one more thing that makes me smile.  I hope you feel the same way.

Run strong, think big!

Hello 2012

Well what can I say.  So far this year has kicked off with a great start!  After my not so great run on New Year's eve, I got everything I needed done and was ready in plenty of time for my company.  We had four wonderful families come over to help us bring in the New Year.  This has been a tradition for us since my son was born and each year it gets better and better.  Adults and kids had so much fun and my two little ones made it to midnight!  I think my son thought it would be more exciting when midnight came.  He seemed a little disappointed and went up to bed.  My daughter on the other hand would of kept going if we let her.  We had to drag her to bed at 12:15.  I went to bed shortly after that because I had made a definite decision to do the Polar Bear plunge.

I was out of the house at 9:30 to register by 10.  I wanted to be there early enough to guarantee that I would get a commemorative beach towel.  I was the second one there.  It was a beautiful morning.  The sun was shining and the temp was 50!  OK, this may not be so bad.  I drove home to have breakfast and get the family.  As we approached the beach there were cars everywhere. After finding parking and getting onto the beach I couldn't believe how many people were there.  I don't know if it was the nice weather that brought the crowd or if that is how many people do this every year.  Whatever it was the excitement was awesome.  There were even kids doing this, kids my sons age which is 6.  I couldn't believe it but I was loving it.  

I was very lucky to be doing this with my girlfriend Jen.  As the clock said 2 minutes to go, we got in line.  It was here that I had a second thought.  I can't swim.  I am afraid of drowning and I really don't like being cold.  What am I doing here?!  At that point, people started the count down.  They were loud and jumping and happy to be there.  That is it, I am doing it!  Then we ran to the ocean.  

When my feet first touched the water, I thought it wasn't so bad, but as the water got higher my legs started to freeze.  People were already starting to make their way out of the water and at that point I realized I lost site of Jen.  I went a little further in and started to find that it was really hard to breath.  This I didn't expect and I started to panic.  I was still only in up to my waist and I started to turn around and get out.  I made one last look for Jen and I saw her coming up out of the water.  She dove in!  I don't know where the courage came from or why, but I ran further into the ocean and got down covering my whole body but I just could not put my face in.  This I know for some means I am not a true Polar Bear, but for me to even have put one foot in is a huge accomplishment.  

I got up and hurried out of the ocean as fast as I could.  It was even harder to breath and my legs were getting worse.  I found my family and friends and got dried off as fast as I could.  We made our way to where they were giving out hot chocolate and that made me and the kids happy.  The only shoes I had were flip flops and on the way to the car my feet hurt.   I was so happy to feel the heat on them as we drove home.  As you can imagine, I took a very long, hot shower and when I came downstairs, DH had champagne open and waiting for me to celebrate my accomplishment.  Thanks babe!  One of the crazy things is my knee does not hurt.  I can see why people do ice baths to help with some pain and soreness.  Going to have to keep that in mind.

Now, on to my first run of the year.  For starters, this was the first time I ran in a temperature of 30 degrees.  It was very sunny, but cold.  As I headed up the hill I was thinking that this is crazy, who runs in this weather?  After about 10 minutes, I realized I was dressed to warm and I actually laughed out loud for being so silly.  This was a beautiful day and I felt good and my run was awesome.  I ran 3.44 miles in 43:06.  I also signed up for my first race of the year.  It is the Jamestown Bridge Race, Easter weekend and it is a 10k.  This race has hills that don't thrill me, but I have heard that it is a really nice and fun race.  Wish me luck.

On last thing.  The women who writes Running to Health asked for some guest bloggers while she is on vacation.  I volunteered to help out and this post will appear on her blog sometime next week.  Please check out her blog, you won't be disappointed.

Well I hope you all had an exciting start to the New Year.  May it be filled with much love and excitement.

Me and the kids.

Jen and me before the plunge!

This is me coming out of the water.  I cannot believe I am smiling.

DH and I.

Run strong, think big!