Coast to Coast Million Dollar Marathon

Good morning!  

Ran a pretty lame 3 miles on the treadmill this morning, just wasn't into it.  The last mile I decided to act like I was trying so I put the incline to 1% and turned it all the way up to 5.5, slow down girl.  Not every run is going to be awesome, but it is the janky runs you push through so your good runs are that much sweeter.  

I received an email last week from Meredith who is participating in the Coast to Coast Million Dollar Marathon.  Meredith told me "Basically a team of 160 runners will run one marathon each, one right after the other, non-stop from the west coast to the east coast to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and support.  Each team member commits to raising at least $7500, with the team goal being to raise $1 million."  I thought this sounded like such a neat idea!  You can learn more about this event by clicking the link above or going to Meredith's Team Page where you can read her personal story.  The event starts June 21st on Mount Rainier in Washington and will cover 4000 miles by the time it finishes.  Take some time to check it out!  So many of us have been affected by cancer, it is a terrible disease and the more I learn about some of it causes the angrier I get.  So many of our illnesses can be traced to our food, we need to take a stand against what the food industry is selling us.  Please do me a favor and just check it out and pass it on to anyone who could be interested.  

Also if you are looking for a new running blog to read that is local to Portland you should check out my friend Patty's new blog, Running in Muck.  Patty is funny and has a great writing style.  I met Patty through a running group I run with most Saturday mornings.  She ran two marathons in two weeks last year!  Yep, she is officially a maniac.  Check her out!  

This Week's Set Up

Monday - 3 Miles, Burn 1 

Tuesday - CLX Burn It Off & Abs 

Wednesday - CLX Burn 2 

Thursday - CLX Burn 3 

Friday - 5 Mile Negative Split Run 

Saturday - LR 10 

Sunday - Barre  

*My running schedule is weird this week because of some scheduling conflicts and I'll probably only get in 3 run days so that is why I am making up for it with so much cross training*

Finally I leave you with this

 {Instagram Pic}

See that scar above her right eye, she got it in a fight with a pit bull over a ball, she is tougher than she looks.

What is your favorite type of dog?  

- I love Pugs (obvi), Chocolate Labs and one yellow lab in particular, Heelers,etc, ya I love dogs.     

Do you write a blog?  If so share it with me!  I am always on the lookout for new blogs to read!

Tall Drink of Water

Happy Sunday to you!  

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend, we got dumped on with snow Friday morning and have stayed cleared through the weekend.  Looks like most of the East Coast caught the storm, I was even able to run outside yesterday!  It felt so good to get out in the fresh air, I didn't worry about pace and just ran what felt comfortable.  This morning I went to Barre Boot Camp, which by the way all feel like boot camp to me...is there really a difference?  Is there an "easier" class I keep missing because that sucker is no joke.      

Yesterday was also the Virtual Run for Sherry and I thought about her most of my run.  It is so important in your life to be grateful because the more blessings you count the harder it is to give much attention to negativity.  I ran by myself but I felt connected to the community of runners out there all supporting Sherry.  It will stay in my memory as a favorite run for sure!

After my run and the marathon of getting 3 women ready to go out in the world I was ready for a drink!

Of water.  We went to the Box Bar in Old Town Plymouth and they brought everyone's drinks out in these pitchers.  At first when I sat down I thought the lady in the booth next to our was just really thirsty and a regular...nope.  Although I am not complaining because its nice to not have to have your water cup refilled 4 times, saves everyone a little embarrassment.  What?  I get thirsty.  Speaking of being thirsty, tomorrow I start "officially" training for a PR in the RnR Half.  That transition was suppose to be funny, like I am so thirsty to PR!  OK I'll drop it.  

This Week's Set Up 

Monday - Run easy 3, CLX Burn 1 

Tuesday - Tempo Run 

Wednesday - Burn 2 

Thursday - 5 mile Ladder Run (sounds scary!)

Friday - Run 3, Burn 3 

Saturday - Long Run

Sunday - Barre Bootcamp  

This first week isn't so bad, actually I don't think any of it will be terrible.  I am looking forward to having an actual plan with my running.  I am usually much more of a free spirit but that won't get me to a PR and I would be so happy with a PR at this half.  

I should probably do Jess a favor and get out of my workout clothes from this morning, but before I bid you farewell one more thing!  Tonight was our Sunday family movie night so I have to leave you with a dose of cuteness.  

Sleeping kids are so sweet.  Even though this short little 20 minute nap during the movie is going to keep her up till 10 I am sure of it :) 

Do you have any races on the calendar?  Race season is gearing up!  

Do you set up a workout schedule for the upcoming week?

Do you order soda when you go to a restaurant?  

Sometimes I'll get a diet, but paying almost $3 for a fountain drink is tough to swallow! 

Weekly Set Up

Good morning!  

It was an early one for me I was up by 5 and in the gym by 5:30, I never thought those word would come out of my mouth.  I always figured 5:30 would be the earliest I could ever get up.  I did 3 miles and Burn 2 and I can really tell how much I need my strength training.  I like to think to myself I don't need it and I can just run and be fine, but logically I know how important it really is.  Now if I can just get mind around the fact I need to foam roll.  

Saturday I went into the gym to get in some miles and do my Chalean.  It was really cold in there and I thought about just wearing my Uggs to work out. 

I decided to go with my Mizunos instead, better foot support.  

Helloooo Thighs! 

I finally got a chance to sit and read through my Runners World magazine and was so excited to find this little piece of information.  

I have always wondered how Miles Per Hour and Miles Per Minute calculated on the treadmill.  I have been running 5.0-5.5 most mornings so that explains my continual ride in 12 minute pace land.  I am ready to work into the 6.0 territory, we'll see if I can get there or not.  I've been doing my last half mile or so at a 6.0 so that is a start.  I had originally thought I would work towards getting fast in 2013 but life happened so while I still want to work on my pacing I am focusing mainly on maintaining a good level of overall fitness.

    

That is where my personal trainer Chalean comes into play!  I felt I had some of my best runs and was in my best physical shape while I was doing Chalean.  For me it was a good investment because I know I will continue to come back to it for my base strength training for a long time.  At home I have a set of weights that work great and I am grateful I can bring my laptop to the gym here and use their weights.  I would recommend to any fellow travelers to bring a set (or even just 1) of resistance bands.  Those bands create a lot of resistance and you can get a great workout with those suckers.  There are a lot of excuses for why you can't workout and get healthy, but its up to you to rise above them and work towards your goals.  

Remember 23 years ago when I would share my weekly set up with all of you?  I decided it was time to get back to that because having a schedule for anything in life is key to creating success.  I am all about getting the most out of my days and I always jot down my week either Sunday night or Monday morning.  For me personally it is a great way to keep your life organized and make long term goals attainable.

This Week's Set Up 

Monday - Run 3 Miles, CLX Burn 2 - DONE 

Tuesday - Run, Goal is working up to 5 mi on the mill' *Barre* 

Wednesday - Run, Burn 3   

Thursday - Run, CLX Abs *Barre*

Friday - Run, Burn 1 (Week 2) 

Saturday/Sunday right now are up in the air.  With Jesse's current job situation I have to be flexible because he is my only childcare.  If I don't get into the gym it'll be CLX Burn it Off and/or Recharge.  The same goes with when I can get to my Barre class, my plan is do Barre at least once a week but it will depend on Jesse's situation at work that decides which night I go.  Be flexible, seriously, being flexible is key to keeping sane.  For myself with small children and a husband whose job is very important to him and our livelihood I try to be as flexible as I can be.  I didn't always use to be this way, I can tell you it didn't make me a very happy person.  I always write everything in my planner in pencil because I know how easily life changes and I need to be able to erase and readjust for our current situation   

I hope you all have a really great week, it is up to you how much or how you little you do this week.   How do you want to feel come Friday?

- Do you keep an old school pen and paper planner like me or are you much more tech savvy?

- What is your goal this week?  

Mine is getting to 5 miles on the treadmill 

- Do you consider yourself flexible?  

I am constantly working on it, its not fun for me to be a control freak   

Back on Track!

Hi!  

Time for another week to start and its time for me to get myself back on track with an actual schedule.  I am going to start up another 90 days of Chalean tomorrow morning and I'll just start right from the beginning.  I think between the 4 days of cross training and 4 days of running I'll be on track for my 2013 marathon goals.  Plus I just really like Chalean and the way it makes me feel so why not just keep the cycle going?!  

Best Laid Plans for Next Week 

Monday- Burn 1 

Tuesday - Run Day 

Wednesday - Burn 2 

Thursday - Run Day & Intervals 

Friday - Burn 3 & 1st Friday Holiday Run 

Saturday - Long Run Day 

Sunday - Rest Day      

Tonight we are catching up with Son's of Anarchy, love me some Jax Teller!  We had a weekend full of Christmas fun and we finally were able to see Wreck it Ralph.  It was a cute movie and Jess loved all of the old video game references...I of course was lost on all of it.  

I guess if I plan on waking up early tomorrow to get back on track I should head to bed.  Good Night! 

Do you think it helps you to take a break from your regular workout schedule?  

- I take a break from time to time because it helps me recharge, it keeps me motivated when I start up again 

Do you see many movies in the theater?  

- We do if they are kid movies, adult movies we don't go and see...called being a parent I guess! 

Week Set Up

Good morning!  

Last week seemed busy, I don't know but the week flew by and I felt like there was a lot going on.  This week will probably be the same way.  I am bummed that last week wasn't a better running week for me nothing seemed to worked in my favor.  That is okay though because I get a chance to do better this week!  I wonder how many times I said week in the last paragraph?  6.

So its time for a change.  I've been doing Chalean since July and I still really love the whole program but it is time for me to change it up a little bit.  If I start getting bored with my cross training then I won't do it and last week wasn't a great cross training week.  So I am going to put Chalean away till December and for the next month use my 30 Day Shred and 6 Week Six Pack with Jillian Michaels.  

I'll post my 90 day results some time this week.  I am not expecting anything that great honestly, between tapering and then recovering from the marathon I feel like I've lost some progress.  Its been hard to get back into it and my eating...oh man.  It would be so much easier if I had self control or just didn't have it in the house but that isn't fair to Jess.  So I am going to change up my routine and hopefully get over my burn out.  I'll miss you Chalean!  But its only good-bye for a short time! 

I need some rain gear besides my Portland Running Company Hat.  Seriously in need of something to keep me dry, we have had so much rain already this fall.  The biggest thing is just a water-proof running jacket.  PRC had the new Brooks Women's Nightlife jacket that has lots of reflective strips and built in lights.  The drawback is that it costs $85, ouch.  

I also need some light so I can see, it is pretty dark out there at 5:30 so I need headlamp or something to help light my way. 

I just ordered one that looks like this so we'll see how it works when it arrives!  

At the run last Thursday they had some reflective lights for everyone to borrow and Katie tried this reflective vest that I thought would be a great piece to have.  

So besides a new pair of shoes that I am due for those are my 3 must haves for my running in the rain and cold this fall and winter.  My headlamp is on its way and I am on the hunt for a jacket that will keep my dry and out of the soup kitchen.  

Do you have any must-have gear for your runs?  

Anyone else out there use a headlamp of some sort when running in the dark? 

What did you do this weekend?!  

Did you run any Halloween races?!

Halloween Hill Climb 5k

Good morning!  

Yesterday was full of running!  It didn't start off with a run for me but it was the Halloween Hill Climb and I was excited for my first volunteer experience.  The race was put on by the Hungry Raccoon and took place at one of the local elementary schools in Sherwood.  It started at 10:30 and I was in charge of stopping traffic at one of the intersections, luckily they sent reinforcements to help, it was a big intersection! 

There were a lot of local sponsors helping with the event and a bunch of the Sherwood Cross Country Team kids volunteering as well. 

The overall winner of the 5k finished in like 18 minutes and some change, I still cannot fathom how people can run that fast.  They had a special category called King/Queen of the Zombie Summit which was a race to the top of the Sunset Hill.  They had zombies on that part of the course which made it pretty fun!    

It was a lot of fun volunteering for a race and I'll definitely do it again.  Probably 85% of the runners passing by thanked us for volunteering which was really nice.  I know I always try and thank the volunteers at aid stations and along the road as much as I can even though I am sure that I miss people.  I hope they continue on with this race I think its a great Halloween community event that everyone can enjoy.  

After the race once I got home I was itching to get out for a run myself.  I headed out later in the afternoon and did a hilly 7 miles.  Its time I start conquering the hills in Sherwood instead of avoiding them.  I actually was able to shave about 20 seconds off of my regular training pace which of course was the boost I was looking for.  I did just over 7 miles in the pouring down rain and realized I am going to need some rain gear this season.  Other than the downpour I felt pretty good and was even more motivated when a guy ran by with a simple pair of shorts and t shirt and no shoes...yep I am good I can keep going too!  

Week Set-Up 

Monday - Lean 1 & Run 

Tuesday - Tempo Tuesday! Original eh? +abs  

Wednesday - Lean 2 

Thursday - Track Work Out, Lean 3

Friday - Rest Day 

Saturday - Long'ish Run (8+ miles) 

Sunday - Run Now Wine Later 5k 

My weeks always look so clean and organized when I lay them out on Sunday...then Monday rolls with in reality.  Thought I would share what my week actually looked like last week:

Actual Week 

Monday - Lean 1 

Tuesday - TM Run 2.8 Miles 

Wednesday - Nothing 

Thursday - Lean 2 and 7 Miles 

Friday - Nothing, Sick Sarah Bear 

Saturday - 7.18 Miles 

Sunday - I WILL DO Lean 3...at some point.  If I am REALLY lucky a run... 

So as you see life gets in the way, kids get sick, husbands are out of town and work way to late for any sort of normalcy.  You have to get in what you can and be grateful to find the time at all.  Make it a priority and it'll happen.  I need to start working on my "treats" and "snacks".  Those are becoming my downfall, I am getting "hungry" at night and not making good choices.  Then morning comes I promise to myself I won't do it again and come night time I am in the kitchen looking for something...no one to be mad at but myself.  Hopefully I can make better food choices next week.  

What does your workout week tend to look like?  

Do you schedule your workouts or just do whatever whenever?  

Week Set Up

Good morning! 

It has been a low mileage week with recovery and all of that.  Plus I had a lot to catch up on from being gone most of last weekend and everything that had accumulated over training.  I can say now that I am caught up! And I made really good friends with him again.  

Of course with the little sweetie pie in the background, even when she throws up on my carpet while I am out for a run...that was a fun little surprise!  She was very sorry though.  

I haven't done a weekly set-up for a while so I feel ready to take on next week with everything all laid out.  Last week was a low mileage week, only 7 miles, 2 runs.  It took me till Thursday to feel good enough to head out and it wasn't bad.  My knees were a little sore, but I expected that.  

Yesterday I did 5 miles in the morning and while the scenery was great and the weather was perfect running weather my body was not into it.  I think those 5 miles were harder than the marathon, but it got done.  Next week we are back to it!  Having a schedule and knowing what lies ahead makes it so much easier to get done in the morning.  

Week Set-Up 

Sunday - Lean 1 and Abs 

Monday - TM (treadmill) Run 

Tuesday - Lean 2/Run 

Wednesday - Intervals & Abs 

Thursday - Lean 3/Run 

Friday - Run 

Saturday - Long Run 

I scheduled 5 runs because I know one of them won't happen.  I figure if I put down 5 I am guaranteed to get in 4.  Plus I want to start running on my treadmill at least once a week so I designated a day for that.  Its time to get back into my cross-training since the 2 week break I took for taper and recovery.  I have 2 weeks left in the 90 day program and I am going to put my best foot forward for the best results.  Then it'll be the Lean for Life Phase which I'll incorporate into my schedule.  I would like to use my Jillian Michael's DVDs again which will be good for my days when I am short on time, her workouts are never very long but super intense!  So there you have it!  I'll be back to my 5 AM wake up call to get everything in, but its always worth it.  Just like with everyone else there is a lot in a day that needs to get done so I need to get as many waking hours as I can.  

My next race on the calendar is the Run Now Wine Later, its a 3 mile Girlfriends run that I'll run with Katie and it'll be a nice and easy run.  There is a breakfast afterwards and Sarah Bowen Shea will be giving a talk which I am really looking forward to.  I am half way through Run Like A Mother and I am hooked!  I want to read it every chance I get, I feel like she is writing about my life.

  

Have you read Run Like A Mother? 

Watching any football today?

- We have the Cowboys game on now! 

Do you have any big races coming up?

- Right now I don't have anything, I would like to do one more half before the end of the year though 

Weekly Set Up & A Treadmill

Where did the weekend go?  2 days just flies by, don't you think?  It was a pretty productive weekend for me since I was finally able to find a treadmill!  Yay me!  Its nothing fancy, but it does incline a little bit and it is in good shape.  I feel like I totally scored and feel a lot less stressed now if Jess has any upcoming business trips etc.  Whew, check that off the list!  Saturday morning was my long run with Katie and it was a great one.  We did 16 miles and it was awesome!  Actually the first 13-14 were pretty good, it was the last 2 that took a lot of mental determination, but we got it done.  We ran along the water front for a lot of it and it was such a beautiful morning.  

    

Afterwards we went to Shari's for a very healthy breakfast...or a sugared down yogurt parfait, whatever, potato/tomato.  Katie edited me to look less shiny, but could do nothing about my smile...this is what happens after 16 miles, even smiling becomes a challenge.  

I do feel better about my training since nailing down my first 16.  We are going to do another 16 next weekend before we hit my first 20...then I'll become the big baby you've all grown accustomed to, promise.  

OK last week was a good week for the most part.  I only ran 3 days which I am not thrilled about but I am going to move on from it.  This week will be better!  

Weekly Set-Up 

Monday - CLX Push 1, Run Day 

Tuesday - CLX Intervals & Abs  

Wednesday - CLX Push 2 & Run Day 

Thursday - CLX Extreme Abs

Friday - CLX Push 3 & Run Day 

Saturday - Training Run 

Sunday - Rest Day 

What do you have planned for this week for your runs?

Did anyone participate in the Hood To Coast?  I would love to hear about it!

  

Weekly Set-Up & Measurements

Hello!  I just wrapped up the final phase in the Burn Phase of Chalean!  Feels really great to accomplish something you've set out to do.  I'm not done yet, I still have 2 more 30 day phases to complete but at least now I know I can get it done!  The key to success for me was writing it down in my planner and knowing exactly what runs and workouts I had scheduled on what day.  Having everything laid out and written down made it a lot harder to ignore.  The next phase is called the Push Phase and instead of completing 10-12 reps of a certain muscle group, she wants you to "fail" at 6-8 reps which means a lot heavier weights!  I think I'll need to pick up a set of 10 lb dumbbells today so I am ready to go tomorrow morning.  I can't tell you exactly what it is about this particular program that has me so motivated, its probably a number of things, but I don't want to quit.  I am ready mentally and physically to finally push myself towards something I've been wanting for a long time.  I know that since I've stopped making excuses nothing is standing in my way anymore.  If you want something go for it, don't make excuses!

OK here are my measurements on Day 1:    

Waist - 29.5

Hips - 36.25

Abductors - 24.5

Chest - 37.5

Arm/Bicep - 10.5

Thigh - 20.75

Weight - 138 

Current Day 30 Measurements: 

Waist - 27.25 

Hips - 35

Abductors - 23.5

Chest - 35.25

Arm/Bicep - 10.25

Thigh - 20.25

Weight - 135 

Total Inches Lost = 7.5 Inches Lost! 

So as I am typing this up I am thinking I must have done my measurements wrong at some point!  Then I remembered how careful I was and how I double checked all of my measurements on Day 1 so these have to be accurate.  After writing all of my numbers down I took my pictures and there the proof was in the pudding, I actually can see the changes.  The Day 1 pictures are the pink unflattering shorts and the Day 30 Shots are my self portraits in the bathroom, nice right?!

I am pretty nervous to share these shots because I really do not like my Day 1 photos, but the real results are really seen in the pictures so I thought to get my point across I would share.  I am so ready to hit the next 30 days with even more determination and motivation!  I still need to really work on my diet, I am not going to go on a diet but work on making healthier choices more consistently.  

Here is what next week looks like!  

Monday - CLX Push 1, Run 6-8 Miles 

Tuesday - CLX Intervals & Ab Burner 

Wednesday - CLX Push 2, Run 6-8 Miles 

Thursday - Track/Speed Workout 

Friday - Push 3 

Saturday - Marathon Training Run

Sunday - CLX Extreme Abs 

These workouts always seem to get a little modified and moved around as the week progresses and life gets in the way, but my Weekly Set Up is always my goal and I am usually pretty close.  Now I am off to make my grocery list and get some food in this house!  Seriously, can't live off of goldfish and packets of applesauce forever...well maybe Katherine could.  

Weekly Set-Up

Good morning!  CLX Burn 3 is completed for the day and that wraps up week 3 for me!  I am technically in week 4 but I need to do 2 more of the Burn DVDs to officially hit the 30 day mark.  Since we are leaving for camping this week I won't complete week 4 till later this week but once I get there I'll share my measurements with all of you!  

Its going to be a busy day getting ready and trying to remember everything we are going to need.  Somehow I need consolidate this mess.  

Since next week we are camping for a few days my workout set up won't be normal but I will be keeping busy and getting right back to it when I get home.  I plan on doing some hiking and lots of swimming in the lake.  Plus Katie and I were thinking we might be able to get a run in depending on how her knee is feeling.  This is our first camping trip with the girls and its going to be so much fun!  Its also the first time we've gone a family vacation with Katie and Bryan, lots of firsts!  Katie and Bryan are Sarah and Katherine's God Parents so everyone is really looking forward to having some fun times and memories together.  

This is Katie and Bryan at the Girl's baptism in November 2009

Now I have to show you Katie and Bryan last summer, this is one of my favorite pictures of them.  Katie has lost over 80 lbs and is currently doing Chalean.  She completely changed her life and made a lifelong commitment to get healthy.  You can probably tell Bryan has lost some weight too!  Always proud that I chose these two to be my children's God Parents, love you guys!  

Have a great week everyone!  I am going to be on her sporadically but I'll be here!  

Monday's Weekly Set Up

Good morning!  Yesterday I ran my first trail run up in Forest Park.  It was a 12 mile out and back and it was surprisingly a lot of fun!  I wasn't sure about it at first but thought I should at least give it a try and I am glad I did.  It was challenging which I needed!  This morning I did a 3.5 mile recovery run and it felt good to get my legs loosened up and I don't feel nearly as stiff.  Going to ice my knees a bit today they're feeling a little neglected!  

I thought I could get a nap after the run...but I should know better than that.  When I got home it was mom time so I made everyone lunch and then we started to get ready for our upcoming camping trip.  We wanted to get the tents set up so that we could make sure everything was kosher and clean, it was like a tent city in our tiny backyard yesterday. 

Off to Bi-Mart for some necessary items, like a camping coffee pot for me, I have a feeling they won't have a  Starbucks nearby.  Jess was trying out some cots and Katherine was making sure they were comfy enough.  She didn't really approve of this one.  

Wish I could share more from the weekend but I've got to run so that we can get ready for our day and I can clean up the hurricane that went through the house yesterday.  Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!  You have three different ways you can enter and I am going to pick a winner tomorrow (Tuesday) and announce it in my afternoon post, good luck!   

This Week's Work Out Set-Up: 

Monday - Recovery Run, CLX Recharge (Yoga'ish)

Tuesday - 4/5 Mile Run, CLX Burn 1 

Wednesday - Tempo Run, CLX Burn 2 

Thursday - CLX Interval & Abs 

Friday - Long Run, Burn 3 

Saturday - CLX Burn it Off 

Sunday - Rest Day

Do you camp?  Tent or Camper? 

Have you done any trail runs?  How do you like them?  Any trails you'd recommend?

This Week's Set-Up

Its been a long time since I've been on here, sorry about that.  Just a disclaimer, this post has no pics, I know WAY lame.  I'll just briefly share that last Saturday morning I found out that my God Mother passed away, its been a rough go of it.  Last week I tried to keep it all together and was able to do that till about Wednesday night and then I finally just gave into the grief.  I won't say I feel 'better' but since I gave myself those days to just be a blob and be completely sad I feel like I can take next week on with more normalcy.

So I sat down today and did my weekly set up for both my dinners and also my workouts.  A couple posts ago I told you that I ordered ChaLean and it came last Tuesday, YAY!  Last week should have been my first week of the program, but I only did it one time so I don't even consider that.  Next week will be my first official week with the ChaLean workout and I am really excited!

This week's workouts will hopefully go like this:
Monday - No Run, CLX Burn Circuit 1
Tuesday - 4 miles, No CLX
Wednesday - Track Workout, CLX Burn 2
Thursday - 5 miles, CLX Burn Interval & Ab Burner
Friday - Tempo Run, CLX Burn 3
Saturday - No Run, CLX Ab Workout
Sunday - Long Group Run

I also sat down and made our menu for the week, if I have a dinner plan I feel like I won't make spaghetti every night of the week, just once.
Monday - Quinoa Egg Salad
Tuesday - Stuffed Roasted Peppers
Wednesday - Music on the Green, have a picnic dinner 
Thursday - Artichoke & Broccoli Quiche 
Friday - Pesto & Sun-dried Tomato Penne 


Thank you for bearing with me and sticking around, I am really hoping that all major life changes will start slowing down.  We found out on May 7th that my God Mother's medical issue was more serious than previously thought.  She was given the 6 month speech, well we made it just a week over 2 months.  There is  never enough time and trying to stay positive and motivated during all of this has been a challenge to say the least.  The last two months have been a lot of ups and downs, but we are about as low as we can get with all of it ( I hope!).  So I am back for good and will be working hard towards my goals!  I will live in her memory and try to not dwell on her passing, no matter how challenging that can be right now.

Mommy Mondays & This Week's Schedule

Good morning!  Weather update, 77 is the high today, woop woop!  Today is a full off day, I ran a quick and easy (slow) recovery run last night and today will just be some stretching and resting.  I was still on cloud 9 all day yesterday from the half.  Jess wanted to see the course so we loaded up in the Jeep and took the scenic route to the Helvetia Tavern.  I think the actual reason he wanted to go see the course was because he was really jealous I got a Helvetia burger on Saturday and he didn't.  :)  Showing him this picture over and over again probably didn't help matters...

Yuummmmm Soooooo Goooooood! 

Remember last week when I mentioned that potty training would be anything but easy and fun?  Well we accomplished what we thought would be impossible!  Sarah is potty trained!  YES!  Score one for Team Mom.  If I can give one piece of advice for potty training your kids, it is to stay home for a full week, yes a full 7 days.  This will show the kids you are committed and it will give you the chance to be completely focused on them.  Trust me, those 7 days will be a drop in the bucket compared to becoming diaper free FOREVER!  

So proud of my girl! 

So this week is suppose to be a pretty easy week in the running department according to Portland Fit.  I had thought about starting to run with the Tualatin location of Portland Fit this weekend since its only 5 miles from my house as opposed to 20, but they meet on Sundays and this Sunday is Dad's Day!  So I'll start meeting with them next Sunday, hello gas prices, I surrender.  So this week's schedule will just have 4 days of running, I know I had thought about doing 5 as a June goal but I am realizing that may not be entirely realistic.  Going to shoot for 4 because I feel that is a number I could accomplish and we shouldn't set ourselves up for failure.  

M - Off 

T - 35/e 

W - Date with Jilian and my Abs 

Th - 30/Tempo

F - 8 (30x30)

Sa - 9 Miles (PF) 

Su - Off, Dad's Day! 

What are some of your favorite cross training activities?

Mommy Mondays

Good morning!  Weather update: 60's and wet all week, boo.  Although if we are going to have a week like that this is a good one for it because I am fInAlLy going to get Sarah potty trained, even if it kills me.  Which to be honest with all of you, very likely will give me a few gray hairs.  Yesterday was our first day at it and she didn't use the potty once, she would sit on it after MUCH persuasion, but just sit.  I bought her a new Elmo book with sounds and buttons and a chart and so far she seems interested in the book...c'mon Elmo!

Katherine is potty trained, has been for quite a while now, and its so nice to have at least one of the girls completely out of diapers.  Although she has moved on to other things she is now into, like her favorite pair of high heels.

Jess went camping this weekend with some of his buddies from work on Saturday so I got to have the girls to myself Saturday night and most of Sunday.  Granted I get the girls to myself 5 days a week, there was something different about it being a weekend, it was much less scheduled and we just did whatever we felt like doing.  It also gave me a chance to sit and look at the calendar and realize this would be a fantastic week for shooting myself in the foot potty training.

This morning was a wet and rainy run but it wasn't cold so it actually wasn't so bad, I did a 3.58 easy run.  My June goal was to run 5 days a week with a cross training day fit in the week some where, right now my week schedule looks like this:

M - Easy
T - Track Work/Speed Work
W - My date with Jillian
Th- Easy
F - Off
S- Half Marathon!
Su - Easy 1 mile Recovery

Anyone else have a plan for the week or do you just wake up and wing it?  

***Update***
Sarah has gone #1 in the potty twice since this morning, woo hoo!