I have seen a few posts and pitches about what brands of running clothes others like to run in, but still have a few questions.
Generally speaking, I am not picky about brands and don't need to buy anything fancy to run in. Most of my bottoms are from Target (C9 brand), or more recently ShopKo (Energy Zone). I also have a favorite or two from Old Navy. My shirts are also a combination of C9, Old Navy, and tech shirts I have collected. I have a handful of race t-shirts that I won't run in, but most of them are cotton. As it has become more popular to give away the tech material, I have used more of them to actually work out in. A few of them are from the Get Fit challenge the YMCA hosts annually. Really, I feel like I haven't had to buy shirts in quite some time. Thinking about adding some tanks in for the summer though.
My real questions aren't about bottoms or tops. It is about sports bras and underwear. If you're not comfortable with this - stop reading! I have huge issues with these garments rubbing as I run. I will end a long run especially with really sore chaffing marks along my bra line and in the creases of my legs (you know, where the leg of the underwear sits).
I know I should invest in different, high quality sports bras. I currently use the Hanes or Fruit of the Loom cotton ones - usually I buy the two or three pack of white and black. They are cheap and usually get the job done. But on a long run? They just don't hold up. My biggest issue even with the C9 or EZ bras are the price. I can't fathom paying twice as much for just one bra! But, even it if it is just one for the weekly long run, I might have to give in. Are there other brands you would suggest that give support, maybe wick the moisture, and don't rub?
And underwear. Do you wear special ones when you are working out? I have just always worn my every day pairs. And since I don't spend a lot on clothes they are Hanes or Fruit of the Loom! I don't know if it is certain pair that rub, or which pants I have on with them. Again - the main concern is on long runs. I think it is just too much - over too much time - and the sweat causes the chaffing? Not sure!
I do also want to know who runs in shorts? I have always been a capri wearer. Though I am fine with wearing shorts, I just hate how they ride up! Few things make me feel fatter than my shorts riding up and my legs rubbing together. Is it possible to be of average size and build, and wear shorts when running without this happening?!?
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Please - share your workout clothes stories and plug your favorite brands! Can't wait to hear your tips on how to best dress for success!
Friday, May 30, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Needing to Re-Set
I have officially dubbed this the worst training cycle ever. I am not feeling confident in my ability to run 26.2 given the pattern of this training cycle. I have never been off of a training cycle - yes, I have missed runs here or there, but not long runs that have thrown me off my schedule. I am in uncharted territory in more ways than one right now, and it doesn't feel good.
I think the worse part is that it is not just my running. Lately I have just felt like nothing goes right, effort goes unnoticed, and constantly have this stressed and unsatisfied feeling. It makes me think of a book a friend once gave me called "The Good Enough Mother" and also an article I saw on facebook not too long ago. The article was geared towards working moms, and the gist of it was that as a working mom you just never feel like you give your all to any one thing. The problem is I don't like just being good enough, and want to give everything I do all I got. However, when things don't work out the way I intend and I don't meet my expectations, instead of giving everything I give nothing. It is a lot of all or nothing thinking and weak self-esteem.
Recently it has been related to: running - not running as fast as I would like as well as not being able to stick to my training schedule; work has been tough as we wind down the school year; the move hasn't been as organized as I would have liked and now I feel pressure to get everything in it's place; I've just recently lost my first three pounds since November, which is frustrating since overall consistency has been good going back that far; I am really nervous about committing to doing any fertility treatments this summer but can't imagine not trying one more time; and then just trying to be the best mom and wife I can be.
It's a lot and I just want it all fixed. I know it is okay to let it be a process, I just feel like I don't know what I want that process to look like or where to start. Feeling stuck sucks!
----
So, I know I just need to reset. I need to be okay with where I am right now. I need to just start running where I am right now, get a good long run in that will build some confidence and enjoy it instead of making it a chore.
I need to get through just 5 more school days.
Unpack what I can and let it be a process because I will be happier in the long run letting it take it's time instead of feeling among clutter I didn't do right the first time.
Remember weight isn't everything.
Be the wife and mom I know I can be; and lastly, trust what is meant to be with the fertility issues. Part of my issue there is not wanting to give up other goals to be pregnant. How dumb is that? I know what I want to do, I just don't feel strong enough for the what if. What if it's not meant to be and doesn't work again?
Ugh. What's that song from Frozen? Let it go!
----
Going back to what is comfortable. Making some lists. Adjusting some plans. Trying to mentally reset and start over. I just need to get rid of the negative mental energy. I can't make up a missed run. Or control student behavior - no matter how hard I try. I can get in today's workout. I can show up and try again. I can envision what the house will look like all unpacked, decorated, and clean. I can trust in Him and remember I don't have to understand!
Yup - it starts with PMA. Positive Mental Attitude. That is what I will remember today as I try to reset.
----
How do you reset? What do you remind yourself of? What do you let go of?
I think the worse part is that it is not just my running. Lately I have just felt like nothing goes right, effort goes unnoticed, and constantly have this stressed and unsatisfied feeling. It makes me think of a book a friend once gave me called "The Good Enough Mother" and also an article I saw on facebook not too long ago. The article was geared towards working moms, and the gist of it was that as a working mom you just never feel like you give your all to any one thing. The problem is I don't like just being good enough, and want to give everything I do all I got. However, when things don't work out the way I intend and I don't meet my expectations, instead of giving everything I give nothing. It is a lot of all or nothing thinking and weak self-esteem.
Recently it has been related to: running - not running as fast as I would like as well as not being able to stick to my training schedule; work has been tough as we wind down the school year; the move hasn't been as organized as I would have liked and now I feel pressure to get everything in it's place; I've just recently lost my first three pounds since November, which is frustrating since overall consistency has been good going back that far; I am really nervous about committing to doing any fertility treatments this summer but can't imagine not trying one more time; and then just trying to be the best mom and wife I can be.
It's a lot and I just want it all fixed. I know it is okay to let it be a process, I just feel like I don't know what I want that process to look like or where to start. Feeling stuck sucks!
----
So, I know I just need to reset. I need to be okay with where I am right now. I need to just start running where I am right now, get a good long run in that will build some confidence and enjoy it instead of making it a chore.
I need to get through just 5 more school days.
Unpack what I can and let it be a process because I will be happier in the long run letting it take it's time instead of feeling among clutter I didn't do right the first time.
Remember weight isn't everything.
Be the wife and mom I know I can be; and lastly, trust what is meant to be with the fertility issues. Part of my issue there is not wanting to give up other goals to be pregnant. How dumb is that? I know what I want to do, I just don't feel strong enough for the what if. What if it's not meant to be and doesn't work again?
Ugh. What's that song from Frozen? Let it go!
----
Going back to what is comfortable. Making some lists. Adjusting some plans. Trying to mentally reset and start over. I just need to get rid of the negative mental energy. I can't make up a missed run. Or control student behavior - no matter how hard I try. I can get in today's workout. I can show up and try again. I can envision what the house will look like all unpacked, decorated, and clean. I can trust in Him and remember I don't have to understand!
Yup - it starts with PMA. Positive Mental Attitude. That is what I will remember today as I try to reset.
----
How do you reset? What do you remind yourself of? What do you let go of?
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/19/14 - 5/25/14
Sorry for the hiatus in posting. It was a full week/weekend of moving, not having internet, and unpacking.
Last week was not good in the workout department! :(
Monday: 0. the threat of rain and Ava's 4th birthday made is a good night to hunker down at home and celebrate her. Did I regret skipping the run ... uh - yeah.
Tuesday: despite running a low-grade temp most of the afternoon, I headed out for Interval Conditioning/kettle bells. It wasn't easy, it wasn't easy and I held back a little, but I made it through. Not sure that was my best idea ever though.
Wednesday: it was a perfect evening for a run, but of course Chad had an appointment and didn't get home until late. I was so fricken frustrated. I am so sick of missing runs.
Thursday: I woke up with chills and a temperature over 101. I took three Tylenol and headed out to work, certain the Tylenol would reduce the fever and I'd be good to go. 6 hours later the chills were back and the afternoon was miserable. When I got home, my temperature was 102.3. I took three more Tylenol. Needless to say, I didn't run or go to class. In fact, I am pretty sure I was sleeping by 9:30.
Friday: Another day of running 100+ degree fevers. I honestly felt fine when I woke up and surprised to find I was still running a fever of 101. I never felt like I had to take more Tylenol, but I was exhausted after work. Yes, I know - I probably shouldn't have been at work! But other than the fever all I had was congestion and some coughing. It was bizarre.
Saturday: Still had a low grade fever in the morning. Thankfully once it went away, it never spiked again. Despite my intentions, I decided at least a day of recovery probably was the best idea. I tried to let my mom help me start unpacking. Overall, though I didn't do a lot and I probably limited what she was able to help me with her. Partly because I just needed to wrap my head around where I wanted things!
Sunday: Spent the morning visiting with my mom and dad before they left. It felt nice to sit and visit since the rest of the weekend was so busy. The rest of the afternoon included a trip to WalMart, a Dairy Queen treat, some rest and relaxation, and some unpacking. I didn't feel like I couldn't run or workout, but I was still feeling winded easily and sore (like the stiffness you get when sick). I figured my parents, who told me not to run this weekend, were probably right.
----
Yup - that puts my total at 1 interval conditioning class for 80 minutes.
----
Officially dubbing this the worst training cycle ever, and just praying for a little bit of luck on June 21.
One frustrated runner here. This is not how training for your first 26.2 is supposed to go.
Last week was not good in the workout department! :(
Monday: 0. the threat of rain and Ava's 4th birthday made is a good night to hunker down at home and celebrate her. Did I regret skipping the run ... uh - yeah.
Tuesday: despite running a low-grade temp most of the afternoon, I headed out for Interval Conditioning/kettle bells. It wasn't easy, it wasn't easy and I held back a little, but I made it through. Not sure that was my best idea ever though.
Wednesday: it was a perfect evening for a run, but of course Chad had an appointment and didn't get home until late. I was so fricken frustrated. I am so sick of missing runs.
Thursday: I woke up with chills and a temperature over 101. I took three Tylenol and headed out to work, certain the Tylenol would reduce the fever and I'd be good to go. 6 hours later the chills were back and the afternoon was miserable. When I got home, my temperature was 102.3. I took three more Tylenol. Needless to say, I didn't run or go to class. In fact, I am pretty sure I was sleeping by 9:30.
Friday: Another day of running 100+ degree fevers. I honestly felt fine when I woke up and surprised to find I was still running a fever of 101. I never felt like I had to take more Tylenol, but I was exhausted after work. Yes, I know - I probably shouldn't have been at work! But other than the fever all I had was congestion and some coughing. It was bizarre.
Saturday: Still had a low grade fever in the morning. Thankfully once it went away, it never spiked again. Despite my intentions, I decided at least a day of recovery probably was the best idea. I tried to let my mom help me start unpacking. Overall, though I didn't do a lot and I probably limited what she was able to help me with her. Partly because I just needed to wrap my head around where I wanted things!
Sunday: Spent the morning visiting with my mom and dad before they left. It felt nice to sit and visit since the rest of the weekend was so busy. The rest of the afternoon included a trip to WalMart, a Dairy Queen treat, some rest and relaxation, and some unpacking. I didn't feel like I couldn't run or workout, but I was still feeling winded easily and sore (like the stiffness you get when sick). I figured my parents, who told me not to run this weekend, were probably right.
----
Yup - that puts my total at 1 interval conditioning class for 80 minutes.
----
Officially dubbing this the worst training cycle ever, and just praying for a little bit of luck on June 21.
One frustrated runner here. This is not how training for your first 26.2 is supposed to go.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/12-5/18
Here's the run down of how last week went; still mediocre at best. I left out the negative venting that I included last week.
Monday: planned 8 miles; actual 0. In lieu of some threatening rain, I headed over to the new house to get some things done.
Tuesday: Interval Conditioning/kettle bells - planned and actual.
Wednesday: planned 5 miles; actual 5.25 miles. I intended to go 8, but I also needed a chat date with a friend. She agreed to meet up, so I did a quick 5 and then tried to vent some frustrations while working on the furniture in Ava's room. I didn't get far on the furniture, but I felt a little better after letting off some steam. The run went well, too. Well, it wasn't my most stellar run, but it wasn't a total loss either. My pace wasn't as fast as I would have liked (but I had to remind myself that it had been 7 days since I last ran). When I realized my pace was a tad slower, I took the opportunity to throw in some sprits over the course of about a mile. Final time was 1:00:40; an 11:33 average.
Thursday: planned 5 miles & Interval Conditioning/kettle bells; actual 0. I had one goal for tonight, and that was to get Ava's bed set up and made, so Nama and Papa Smith could see it when they came up for the weekend. Mission accomplished. It just took longer than anticipated, so I didn't squeeze in a workout. Ugh. Is this move over yet?
Friday: Rest - because it was Friday and that is how I roll on Fridays.
Saturday: Rest (moving, putting together furniture, and birthday dinner) - done and done. Spent some time with my mother-in-law, was able to get 90% of Ava's room at the old house packed and moved to the new house, and then had a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. All in all, a good day.
Sunday: planned 20 miles; actual 12.01 miles. I shouldn't have been surprised. After missing my 13 the weekend prior, I am not sure how I expected to go out and get 20 just like that. It was the warmest, sunniest weather of the year thus far. I was not properly hydrated. The list could go on, but nothing changes the fact that this was a difficult run. Even when I felt okay, I just couldn't get the pace going. By mile 7, I was so frustrated with myself - the mental game really needs some work - and knew I wasn't going to accomplish 20. Was hoping to still get to around 15, though I hadn't figured the exact plan out yet. By the time I looped back around to 12 - I was just fed up. I stopped my watch and walked home. UGH. Final time was 2:34:05 - a 12:50 average. Yikes.
----
So totals for the week:
Just 2 runs for 17.26 miles in 3:34:45
1 Interval Conditioning class for 80 minutes
Total training time: 4:54:45
Monday: planned 8 miles; actual 0. In lieu of some threatening rain, I headed over to the new house to get some things done.
Tuesday: Interval Conditioning/kettle bells - planned and actual.
Wednesday: planned 5 miles; actual 5.25 miles. I intended to go 8, but I also needed a chat date with a friend. She agreed to meet up, so I did a quick 5 and then tried to vent some frustrations while working on the furniture in Ava's room. I didn't get far on the furniture, but I felt a little better after letting off some steam. The run went well, too. Well, it wasn't my most stellar run, but it wasn't a total loss either. My pace wasn't as fast as I would have liked (but I had to remind myself that it had been 7 days since I last ran). When I realized my pace was a tad slower, I took the opportunity to throw in some sprits over the course of about a mile. Final time was 1:00:40; an 11:33 average.
| Mile | Time | Change | Avg Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
1
| 11:36 | -- | 11'36"/mi |
2
| 23:56 | + 0:42 (-7%) | 12'19"/mi |
3
| 35:03 | - 1:11 (9%) | 11'07"/mi |
4
| 46:22 | + 0:11 (-2%) | 11'18"/mi |
5
| 57:48 | + 0:06 (-1%) | 11'25"/mi |
Thursday: planned 5 miles & Interval Conditioning/kettle bells; actual 0. I had one goal for tonight, and that was to get Ava's bed set up and made, so Nama and Papa Smith could see it when they came up for the weekend. Mission accomplished. It just took longer than anticipated, so I didn't squeeze in a workout. Ugh. Is this move over yet?
Friday: Rest - because it was Friday and that is how I roll on Fridays.
Saturday: Rest (moving, putting together furniture, and birthday dinner) - done and done. Spent some time with my mother-in-law, was able to get 90% of Ava's room at the old house packed and moved to the new house, and then had a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. All in all, a good day.
Sunday: planned 20 miles; actual 12.01 miles. I shouldn't have been surprised. After missing my 13 the weekend prior, I am not sure how I expected to go out and get 20 just like that. It was the warmest, sunniest weather of the year thus far. I was not properly hydrated. The list could go on, but nothing changes the fact that this was a difficult run. Even when I felt okay, I just couldn't get the pace going. By mile 7, I was so frustrated with myself - the mental game really needs some work - and knew I wasn't going to accomplish 20. Was hoping to still get to around 15, though I hadn't figured the exact plan out yet. By the time I looped back around to 12 - I was just fed up. I stopped my watch and walked home. UGH. Final time was 2:34:05 - a 12:50 average. Yikes.
Split
|
Time
|
Distance
|
Avg Pace
|
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| 1 | 12:13.1 | 1.00 | 12:13 |
| 2 | 11:48.1 | 1.00 | 11:48 |
| 3 | 13:10.5 | 1.00 | 13:11 |
| 4 | 11:34.4 | 1.00 | 11:35 |
| 5 | 11:54.4 | 1.00 | 11:55 |
| 6 | 12:40.7 | 1.00 | 12:41 |
| 7 | 13:11.9 | 1.00 | 13:12 |
| 8 | 13:18.4 | 1.00 | 13:19 |
| 9 | 14:08.4 | 1.00 | 14:08 |
| 10 | 12:36.5 | 1.00 | 12:37 |
| 11 | 14:12.7 | 1.00 | 14:13 |
| 12 | 13:09.5 | 1.00 | 13:10 |
| 13 | :06.8 | 0.01 | 18:11 |
----
So totals for the week:
Just 2 runs for 17.26 miles in 3:34:45
1 Interval Conditioning class for 80 minutes
Total training time: 4:54:45
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Three Things: 5.20.14
1. My twin sister ran her first marathon on Sunday. She finished in her goal time of 4:30. I am proud of her. And in my recent frustration, jealous. I don't feel like mine is going to go nearly as well as hers did!
2. Yesterday was Ava's 4th birthday! Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday we were in the hospital holding our sweet baby girl for the first time!
3. Just five nights left sleeping at the "green house" as Ava has been calling it. I cannot wait to be in one house, instead of surrounded by clutter and messes and being in a constant state of transition.
2. Yesterday was Ava's 4th birthday! Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday we were in the hospital holding our sweet baby girl for the first time!
3. Just five nights left sleeping at the "green house" as Ava has been calling it. I cannot wait to be in one house, instead of surrounded by clutter and messes and being in a constant state of transition.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Motivational Monday: 5.19.14
Quite the appropriate Motivational Monday poster/quote. My mental game could use some work.
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As for this week; the plan for Grandma's Marathon Training - Week 14 is:
Monday: 8 miles
Tuesday: Interval Conditioning/kettle bells
Wednesday: 8 miles
Thursday: Interval Conditioning/kettle bells
Friday: Rest
Saturday: MOVING! I cannot wait to have all of our furniture in the new house and to not be going between the two houses so much! Maybe life will feel a bit more normal.
Sunday: 20 miles
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Some notable thoughts/comments about this weeks plan:
-saving my long run for Sunday didn't work too well this week, so I may try to do it Saturday. I just feel bad making Chad and my parents do the majority of the moving. We'll see how it goes, I guess.
-going to try to do two mid-distance runs this week, instead of feeling bad about missing a planned 4th run.
-No, it shouldn't be a 20 mile run; but I only did 12 this weekend, as you will see when I post my recap.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/5/14 - 5/11/14
Same story; different order of events. I will apologize upfront for the negative tone at the end.
Monday: planned 5 miles; actual 4.02 miles on a beautiful evening with Miss Ava. I would have gone 5, but pushing the stroller really does bring the workout to a different level. I don't take her often, but from time to time - it is worth it to take her with. It does mess with my form and my endurance though. And obviously my pace. Still, overall, a great workout. And finally, a week that got off to a good start. Sadly - it wouldn't last.
Wednesday: planned 8 miles; actual rest. After a strong start to the week, I put a rest day in here. My left knee was bugging me all day. I figured better to rest it than risk injury. I don't know if it was running with the stroller, or just finally getting in some consecutive runs. Sad that I have to consider that.
Thursday: planned 5 miles & IC/kettle bells; actual IC/kettle bells. I didn't get the run in because we were in a bunch of thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches. After two months of running outside, I just didn't have it in me to go to the Y. Plus, we spent part of our evening buying paint and going out for supper - that time led right into when I would have had to head out.
Friday: Rest day - plus we closed on our house!
Saturday: planned 13 miles; actual rest (from working out), painting, and running around. There were a couple of issues that contributed to this missed long run. First, we had help with the painting; I had to accept it, but I also had to work around when they were available. Early in the week, I thought they were going to come over for the first coat on Friday. I then didn't expect help on the second coat, and I had planned to do it later in the day. My hope was to squeeze my run in when Ava was at circus camp - a dance camp that was rescheduled after crappy weather when it was originally planned for. Dropping her off, running to Target and the bank, back to the house to help paint, realizing it was already time to go get her, planning out the afternoon - the day just got away from me. But at least both coats, in both rooms we wanted painted before moving in - DONE!
Sunday: planned rest (moving, paining, etc.); actual rest. :( This is my failure for the week. The painting was done, so I wanted terribly to get my run in. There is no good reason when I didn't head out - but just some personal issues and mental challenges that left me feeling defeated, unwilling to go, and like I had to do other things instead. While I can say it was something Chad did or said, it was really me making myself feel guilty and putting pressure on.
----
After such a strong start to the week and month, it was a really, really, reeealllly frustrating end. I need to get over the frustration of not getting in all of my runs and not hitting my mileage goals. The frustration it causes me has a total reverse effect in making me feel like giving up - because if you can't meet goals, why try? (not true - just how it makes me feel) - making me feel like a failure - making me feel like it doesn't pay to keep trying.
I hate the feeling of having so many things on my plate, and only being able to give so much to each one. (wife, mom, house(s), running, etc.) It is an on going battle of always just being mediocre and never feeling like I do anything as well as I want to.
Once again - trying to move forward.
----
Totals for the week:
2 runs for 11.15 miles in 2:08:28
1 Interval Conditioning class for 80 minutes
Total Training Time: 3:28:28
Nowhere close to where I should be for marathon training mileage ... but pressing onward.
Monday: planned 5 miles; actual 4.02 miles on a beautiful evening with Miss Ava. I would have gone 5, but pushing the stroller really does bring the workout to a different level. I don't take her often, but from time to time - it is worth it to take her with. It does mess with my form and my endurance though. And obviously my pace. Still, overall, a great workout. And finally, a week that got off to a good start. Sadly - it wouldn't last.
 |
| we were waving to our shadows the whole run! |
Tuesday: planned 5 & Interval Conditioning/kettle bells; actual 7.13 miles. My intention was to run to the Y, do class, and run home. All fine and dandy - until I got to where I was going to cut over and cross to the Y and realized the new construction went all the way down to that street! I thought it stopped on the other side of the Y! :( I didn't have time to get around in either directions, so I shed a few tears (not really, but I was disappointed) and continued on my run. Final stats were 7.13 miles in 1:20:56 - an 11:20 average. Not bad.
| Mile | Time | Change | Avg Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
1
| 11:37 | -- | 11'37"/mi |
2
| 22:32 | - 0:43 (6%) | 10'54"/mi |
3
| 33:43 | + 0:17 (-3%) | 11'11"/mi |
4
| 44:52 | - 0:02 (0%) | 11'08"/mi |
5
| 56:28 | + 0:27 (-5%) | 11'35"/mi |
6
| 1:07:51 | - 0:13 (1%) | 11'22"/mi |
7
| 1:19:26 | + 0:13 (-2%) | 11'35"/mi |
Wednesday: planned 8 miles; actual rest. After a strong start to the week, I put a rest day in here. My left knee was bugging me all day. I figured better to rest it than risk injury. I don't know if it was running with the stroller, or just finally getting in some consecutive runs. Sad that I have to consider that.
Thursday: planned 5 miles & IC/kettle bells; actual IC/kettle bells. I didn't get the run in because we were in a bunch of thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches. After two months of running outside, I just didn't have it in me to go to the Y. Plus, we spent part of our evening buying paint and going out for supper - that time led right into when I would have had to head out.
Friday: Rest day - plus we closed on our house!
Saturday: planned 13 miles; actual rest (from working out), painting, and running around. There were a couple of issues that contributed to this missed long run. First, we had help with the painting; I had to accept it, but I also had to work around when they were available. Early in the week, I thought they were going to come over for the first coat on Friday. I then didn't expect help on the second coat, and I had planned to do it later in the day. My hope was to squeeze my run in when Ava was at circus camp - a dance camp that was rescheduled after crappy weather when it was originally planned for. Dropping her off, running to Target and the bank, back to the house to help paint, realizing it was already time to go get her, planning out the afternoon - the day just got away from me. But at least both coats, in both rooms we wanted painted before moving in - DONE!
Sunday: planned rest (moving, paining, etc.); actual rest. :( This is my failure for the week. The painting was done, so I wanted terribly to get my run in. There is no good reason when I didn't head out - but just some personal issues and mental challenges that left me feeling defeated, unwilling to go, and like I had to do other things instead. While I can say it was something Chad did or said, it was really me making myself feel guilty and putting pressure on.
----
After such a strong start to the week and month, it was a really, really, reeealllly frustrating end. I need to get over the frustration of not getting in all of my runs and not hitting my mileage goals. The frustration it causes me has a total reverse effect in making me feel like giving up - because if you can't meet goals, why try? (not true - just how it makes me feel) - making me feel like a failure - making me feel like it doesn't pay to keep trying.
I hate the feeling of having so many things on my plate, and only being able to give so much to each one. (wife, mom, house(s), running, etc.) It is an on going battle of always just being mediocre and never feeling like I do anything as well as I want to.
Once again - trying to move forward.
----
Totals for the week:
2 runs for 11.15 miles in 2:08:28
1 Interval Conditioning class for 80 minutes
Total Training Time: 3:28:28
Nowhere close to where I should be for marathon training mileage ... but pressing onward.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Wordless Wednesday: Purple Room
 |
| Paint - check. Furniture - in progress.
|
Last week's update coming tomorrow.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Monday Motivataion: 5.12.14
 |
| personally, still not doing so great at hitting those hundreds of miles; but trying to stay optimistic. |
Plan for Week 13 of Grandma's Training - 5/12-5/18
Monday: 8 miles
Tuesday: Interval Conditioning/kettle bells
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 5 miles & Interval Conditioning/kettle bells
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Rest (moving, putting together furniture, and birthday dinner)
Sunday: 20 miles (hoping it will be easier to fit in the day after my in-laws are in town)
----
Last weeks update forthcoming.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Throwback Thursday: Where We've Lived
In honor of our closing date tomorrow, I thought it would be fun to reminisce about the houses we have lived in. Let me preface by saying that never, in a million years, did I think we would be moving for a 3rd (really 4th - because we lived in an apartment together for a year first) time. It is very surreal, but it is the path we ended up on, and is one of the few things I don't sit and question very often. It feels okay!
 |
| Our first house; in the town we met in, where all of our college friends are. Moved-in in September 2005. Where we brought our baby girl home to in May 2010. Where I really didn't think we would ever leave - at least not so soon. Unforeseen circumstances and a somewhat unexpected job opportunity changed all that. But it just seemed right. So off we went. And when I say I rarely question our moves; this one I sometimes do. Because I miss where I considered home for over 10 years - from my college days in 1999 to when we moved in 2011. (although "home" will always be WI!) |
 |
| Our home from June 2011-May 2012. Older two story; on a lake! :) Liked it, but we were renting it, and it wasn't cheap. By the end of that year, we had each settled into our new jobs and we were each commuting. It just didn't make sense. Although the lake and the town were hard to give up! It was our own little oasis at times. Side note: Ava learned to walk in this house! |
 |
| Where we've been since May 2012. This was another rental for us, but it did come with a purchase option. The problem was the purchase price, and how, we later learned, that compared to other houses in the area. This is a really cute house with a lot of character, it is just too small, even for the three of us. (yeah, top the purchase price with what we would need to do for more space and it was just too much to take on!) We will miss the huge backyard, the memories of bringing Max home, watching Ava ride a bike for the first time, etc. But we are ready for our next adventure, too! |
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Wordless Wednesday: 30 Day Arm Challenge
Okay, so this is not really going to be a wordless Wednesday post, as this picture needs some explanation.
You may remember I started the month of April with a goal to follow a 30 day arm challenge. I did really well - with the exception of a day or two - until we were out of town the weekend of April 19. After I missed those days, I never started back up. Still, I wanted to make a few comments about my progress.
- looking at the pictures, I don't see a huge difference. I can be self-critical, so if you see something I don't let me know! ;) If I had to pick where I do see a noticeable difference, I would say it is through the forearm (above the elbow in the middle pictures) and in the shoulder/upper back area on the third picture.
- I will say I rarely do push-ups the regular way. I keep my knees down because I just always thought I couldn't do them. When the challenge started, I did 5 push-ups! At months end, I did 10! Could I do more? Maybe. I will keep working on it and trying. I just need to keep working on form and getting rid of the feeling that at any moment I could fall on my face. Ha.
-Of course, I don't really know what made the bigger difference ... the 30 day arm challenge or the consistency with my twice a week Interval Conditioning/kettle bell class. Those kettle bells bring out the beast mode!
----
What progress have you noticed in yourself lately?
 |
| top row: March 30 bottom row: May 6 |
You may remember I started the month of April with a goal to follow a 30 day arm challenge. I did really well - with the exception of a day or two - until we were out of town the weekend of April 19. After I missed those days, I never started back up. Still, I wanted to make a few comments about my progress.
- looking at the pictures, I don't see a huge difference. I can be self-critical, so if you see something I don't let me know! ;) If I had to pick where I do see a noticeable difference, I would say it is through the forearm (above the elbow in the middle pictures) and in the shoulder/upper back area on the third picture.
- I will say I rarely do push-ups the regular way. I keep my knees down because I just always thought I couldn't do them. When the challenge started, I did 5 push-ups! At months end, I did 10! Could I do more? Maybe. I will keep working on it and trying. I just need to keep working on form and getting rid of the feeling that at any moment I could fall on my face. Ha.
-Of course, I don't really know what made the bigger difference ... the 30 day arm challenge or the consistency with my twice a week Interval Conditioning/kettle bell class. Those kettle bells bring out the beast mode!
----
What progress have you noticed in yourself lately?
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/28/14-5/4/14
A little late, but last week's wrap-up none-the-less. It was another mediocre week, at best. I don't know ... It's just the rut I am in. Here's what was accomplished in Week 11 of Grandma's Marathon training:
Monday: planned 5 miles; actual 0. I would have tried to plan this run elsewhere in the week had I remembered Chad and I needed to take an online class for the house loan. And the certificate of completion needed to be included in the paperwork our lender sent to the underwriter. The class started at 6:30 and went until just before 9. Not my idea of a fantastic Monday night; but good to have that task off the to-do list.
Tuesday: planned and Interval Conditioning/kettle bells. She did three rounds of cardio, swings, some ab work, and some targeted arm/upper body moves. Each round the reps increased. It felt a lot harder than it probably should have, although I think that had a little something to do with the fact that with the running round to dance on Tuesday nights, I don't ever eat a real good supper. So I get to class feeling just a little sluggish. Still sporting the 14 as my moderate and the 12 as my light, so appreciating the progress there!
Wednesday: planned 8 miles; actual 0. Ugh. No real good excuse minus this:
Monday: planned 5 miles; actual 0. I would have tried to plan this run elsewhere in the week had I remembered Chad and I needed to take an online class for the house loan. And the certificate of completion needed to be included in the paperwork our lender sent to the underwriter. The class started at 6:30 and went until just before 9. Not my idea of a fantastic Monday night; but good to have that task off the to-do list.
Tuesday: planned and Interval Conditioning/kettle bells. She did three rounds of cardio, swings, some ab work, and some targeted arm/upper body moves. Each round the reps increased. It felt a lot harder than it probably should have, although I think that had a little something to do with the fact that with the running round to dance on Tuesday nights, I don't ever eat a real good supper. So I get to class feeling just a little sluggish. Still sporting the 14 as my moderate and the 12 as my light, so appreciating the progress there!
Wednesday: planned 8 miles; actual 0. Ugh. No real good excuse minus this:
And as though I needed any more help feeding my excuse train; it really has been a tough two weeks weather-wise. All this in addition to the week I was sick, moving craziness, and life getting in the way. I just keep reminding myself it will get better, it will get better, it will get better!
Thursday: planned 5 miles and Interval Conditioning/kettle bells. Actual was 3.00 miles (because I can never get out of the house fast enough after getting home from work to fit in more) in 33:48, for an 11:15 average. Not a bad run, but typically feel like I should be able to maintain faster for just 3 miles. Once again, I had gone from Saturday to Thursday without running though, and it wasn't very warm out! Splits are below. I also made it to class, and I am finding I am running out of new and interesting things to say about class in my wrap-up posts. What I remember from this one ... jump roping was our cardio intervals - which always amuses me since I spend more time tripping over the damn rope. Our time increased with interval from 30 seconds up to 1:30. We held some planks for the same duration afterwards ... everything else must have been business as usual.
Friday: my usual rest day. Not that I needed another rest day.
Saturday: planned 18 miles; actual 10.69 miles. After missing the early registration date, I was going to pass on the YMCA 10k race. It was the 14th annual 5k, but the first year they also offered the 10k. Yet, I couldn't get it out of my head that it was going on, and Friday night determined I was just going to do it. They had race day registration until 8:30, so I got my first 2 miles in by running to the Y in 23:10, an 11:14 average. It was a tough 2 miles, but a nice warm-up. At 9:00, the race started. I didn't want to necessarily race it, but I didn't want to go super slow either. I knew if I went too hard, the rest of my long run would be tough. I also knew if I took it too easy, I would regret it. I was actually fairly happy with my time; according to my Nike app, it was my fastest 10k time - by roughly a minute. But hey - faster is faster. Nike told me I ran the 10k in 1:05:50. My official race results were 1:07:52; however, my GPS also said I ran 6.42 miles. Someone else said their watch said 6.45 miles. Either way it is a 10k race PR, since I have never raced that distance before! While the 5k had roughly 55 runners, the 10k had just 22. What can I say, small, local race! (they do get bigger turnouts for some of their other races.) I placed 17 overall, and 4/6 in my age group.
| Mile | Time | Change | Avg Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
1
| 10:05 | -- | 10'05"/mi |
2
| 20:29 | + 0:18 (-4%) | 10'23"/mi |
3
| 31:05 | + 0:11 (-2%) | 10'35"/mi |
4
| 41:54 | + 0:14 (-3%) | 10'49"/mi |
5
| 52:51 | + 0:06 (-2%) | 10'56"/mi |
6
| 1:03:43 | - 0:04 (0%) | 10'52"/mi |
I stuck around for the awards, which maybe I shouldn't have done. It made it really hard to try to even attempt the 10 miles I had left to get to 18 for the day. Still, I had it in my head I was going to (though I doubted I would even before I started the 10k - dumb, I know). So, I took the Gu I had shoved in my water bottle carrier, and took off ... on the long route home! Well - turned out I should have just ran the 2 miles home. I got 2 miles out and just wasn't feeling it. I was frustrated with my Garmin being dead, my phone was half dead and I knew wouldn't stay charged for the 10 miles, my legs were could decide between feeling good and being tight, and my head won. So, knowing Chad and Ava were our at garage sales, I called and told him to come pick me up. I was really frustrated with myself afterwards. I totally felt like I could've had that run. It totally made my all or none thinking habits start to wonder what my mental game is going to be like on race day. At any rate, my last stretch before throwing in the towel for the day was 2.21 miles in 27:46, a 12:34 average - mainly due to messing my electronics and doubting myself.
Sunday: planned Rest, and despite intentions to make up some of the missed miles from Saturday, I followed through. Mainly because packing and cleaning took over my day. And it took until about an hour after I had made up my mind that they were going to accept that this is just where I am right now. Some things (running and work outs, along with some other things I would like to be more on top of) are just not going to get all the attention and time I want to give them until we are through this transitional phase. I will keep getting the important things in, but I also need to get through this move with some sanity. What will be, will be and this too shall pass! I need to believe that right now, and still trust and believe in myself.
----
So totals for the week:
just 13.69 miles of running in 2:32:33
2 interval conditioning classes for 80 minutes
Total Training: 3:52:33
----
Moving on! How do you best get yourself out of a rut? Do you trust in the natural ebb and flow of the cycle? Or get down and hard on yourself? Maybe it is situational in determining what it legit and what it excuses?
Monday, May 5, 2014
Motivational Monday: 5.5.14
---
Plan for 5/5 - 5/11: Grandma's Marathon Training - Week 12/18
Monday: 5 miles and P90x - I borrowed a set of P90x videos, and really want to try it. Haven't decided yet what I am going to start with, and need to figure a plan out - but just itching to get my feet wet at this point! :)
Tuesday: 5 miles and Interval Conditioning/kettle bells
Wednesday: 8 miles
Thursday: 5 miles and Interval Conditioning/kettle bells
Friday: Rest (and close on our house!)
Saturday: 13 miles (and start painting two rooms!)
Sunday: I'd like to say cross train; but at this point and after the last couple of weeks I have had, I am going to go out on a limb and say I will be doing house stuff! Second coat of paint anyone?
So that is a really, really, ambitious plan given the rut I have been in. My thinking is with it being a cut-back week in terms of my long run, it is a good week to push myself to finally get some good weekday runs in. Here's to hoping and trying to finally move forward.
----
I will post my wrap-up from last week soon. Just didn't get it finished Sunday night! Don't you hate when things are out of order?
Thursday, May 1, 2014
"30"
Apparently I have liked lists for a long time. I was looking for old pictures on my other blog (that I don't keep up anymore). I was blogging pretty regularly when Ava was just itty bitty, so it was quite the trip down memory lane. In addition, I found a list I posted in October 2010 of 30 things I wanted to do in my thirties. It was absolutely interesting to read it, to see what I have done, what I am working on, what I still want to do, and what is maybe not as important anymore.
Take a look.
----
1. Go to Disney World. Tentatively planned for 2016; when Chad turns 40, Ava turns 6, and we celebrate 10 years of wedded bliss.
I would say the plan is still for 2016; or at least we still talk about doing it then!
2. Run a marathon. All 26.2 miles.
Training!
3. Buy a bike.
I have a bike! We brought them in 2011, and I would say we have put them to good use. The best memory since we've had them was probably last summer when we took them on vacation with us and biked the road around Itasca State Park. Yeah! The only thing I think about from time to time is if I'd rather have a road bike in case I ever decide I'd like to try a tri!
4. Travelsomewhere to places I've never been.
Still need to work on this one; I am not a huge traveler, but exploring new places always sounds fun.
5. Photograph a baby. a family. a wedding. Any volunteers?
I still love photography, but have done less of it over the last year. In 2012, I did photograph my sister's family; and I actually love how her pictures turned out. Ava is getting harder and harder to photograph myself!
6. Teach... as in get my own classroom, with my own caseload.
In September 2010, I took a job as a behavior interventionist. At the end of the school year, I again started applying for teaching jobs (I got my teaching license in December 2009). In June of 2011, we moved for my previous job as a teacher in a residential treatment facility; and I started my current job in the local district just this school year. What an adventure it has been.
7. Plant a garden.
I still think it would be an experience to plant a garden (flower or vegetable), but it is probably less of a priority. Would landscaping the front yard at our new house count?
8. Go on a missions trip. I've experienced being surrounded by others who are in one place to serve the Lord and serve others before. I miss that kind of stuff. I want to do it again.
Yeah - before I can do this, I really need to find a church here that I feel fits us. Miss it. Need it. Must get back on track.
9. Visit my friend Heidi. She is currently in Singapore, but I want to visit her wherever she ends up. Every summer when she gets home, she makes it a point to come see me. I want to return the favor.
She is still loving Singapore; and I would love to have the time and money to travel and see her. Future spring break trip?
10. Build a deck. Put in a fire pit. Make the outside fun :)
This was related specifically to the house we were living in when I wrote the list. Our new house has a huge deck! The yard probably doesn't have room for a fire pit. We will be lucky to keep it fun and get creative with Ava's swing set fitting comfortably. Still - who doesn't want outside to be fun!
11. Put MONEY away. Enough said.
This is never easy. We have gotten into a fairly good habit of putting some money into savings; which is huge compared to where we have been in the past. Buying a new house has us feeling tight - the little things we need and things like new bedroom furniture for Ava add up quick. In the past, it would be one step forward, two steps back. Over the last six months? Two steps forward, one step back. Progress.
12. Give Ava a sibling. With any luck a brother. Maybe it will be twins.
I've referenced this before and linked to a post sharing our story. Still a desire; not sure where we are going with this. If we embark down that road again; I would prefer another girl. I would still welcome twins, but with a little more stress! LOL
13. camp...camp...camp! And east s'mores. Cause what's camping without s'mores.
I still love to camp! We have done one family camping trip back in 2012. Chad will not tent without a whole lot of convincing. If we can get settled into the new house without draining too much of our savings, the plan is to buy a used pop-up camper yet this spring and do some camping. Can't wait.
14.Take a photography class. I wouldn't mind doing a littel photography on the side.
A class would still be fun. I will have to watch the mailbox for the summer community ed. booklet.
15. Do some YOGA. Maybe even some PILATES.
The class I go to regularly at the Y was initially called Pilates Mix; does that count? I have tried yoga classes, but probably never give it the chance it deserves.
16. Run & Play & Skip & Jump with Ava.
She is at an age now that this one applies. It is tough some nights to come home from work and balance my time between mom, wife, runner, homemaker, etc. Real hard. Need to keep making this a priority, because those are the moments that are going to count. Last summer I took a Sunday afternoon and we just biked around and stopped at four different parks! Last Friday, we went to Target, the park, and out for supper. So simple, but so memorable.
17. Reconnect with Chad.
Thinking back to those months right after we had Ava, I can see why this was on the list. A new baby, health concerns, job changes, losses (we each had a grandma pass away that summer/fall) ... it has been up and down since then, and like many couples, we need to continue to work on just us as well as our family, our communication, and finding ways each and every day to show our love!
18. Organize the CluTTer.
I am such a combination to Type A and Type B personalities. Hate the clutter but don't always have the energy or organization or whatever to take care of it. Maybe setting up house again will help ;)
19. Keep making the HOUSE a HOME.
I would have never guessed we were going to leave where we were. The possibility of moving for the right job came up and happened quickly. We have rented since that first move in 2011, and this goal will apply even more as we re-enter home ownership!
20. Plana several girls weekendS!
Most of my girl "weekends" - usually only a day - involve friends and our kids. Now that I have friends where we live now that aren't work friends (since I switched jobs!), there is the occasional happy hour with the gang from the treatment center. I did have one overnight away with my twin sister last summer when we ran Women Rock 2013 together. It was a blast, and nice to get away. Need to do this more often.
21. Swim. I grew up loving water. And I am comfortable in water. I wouldn't mind doing a little swimming.
I've talked about this one on here before. Would love to step out of my comfort zone and swim some laps. We'll have to see what happens.
22. Running. (#2) Biking. (#3) Swimming. (#21) Maybe I should try a TRIatholon?
Still a back of the mind sort of thought. Need to try some swimming. Figure out the mountain vs road bike. I wouldn't say it is a top priority, but one never knows.
23.Volunteer. Give of myself to others. Sounds like a nice idea.
This has actually been on my mind a few times in the last few weeks. Probably a sign. I should look into some options around here.
24. ALWAYS KISS THEM GOOD NIGHT.
Always. Rarely do I miss a night giving Ava good night kiss. Chad and I could do better!
25. SHOW them I LOVE them. TELL them I LOVE them.
I hate that I put some of these ambiguous, hard to measure ones on the list. What was I thinking over three years ago when I wrote this? I don't know very many people that don't want their friends and family to know they love them by their words and actions. I would do anything for those closest to me; but I could probably do more to show it. I think it is assumed and known, but that's not to say I shouldn't be more purposeful.
26. PAY IT FORWARD. Over the last few months, as we have experienced our share of ups and downs, we have had family and friends step up to help us through. I want to be able to pay the generosity forward.
See above?
27. I kinda like the warm fuzzies that hosting a party or a dinner can give you. I think I want to host some more. Maybe I should make it a dinner party.
What's funny about this, is I just got done over the last day or so packing all of our fancy dishes and wine glasses. Most of my thoughts were, "why do we keep these? we never use them!" A few of the thoughts did go more like, "maybe I'll have to host a girl's night at the new house!"
28. Find my CONFIDENCE. GROW. LET GO of perfection. Live for the MOMENT. ENJOY LIFE.
I almost always feel like I only have so much to give to everything and so I never feel like I reach my full potential. So clearly, even at 33+ - this is something I need to work on. Any tips?
29. Get out ofDEBT. Is it even possible in today's world?
Well, for the time being we have no car payment. Our credit card balance has been minimal compared to where we have previously been - although there is a lot of history there that I would do differently if given the chance of a do-over. I will be really happy when I have my student loans paid off, but that might not be until Ava is ready to be in college. It is a process!
30.DOCUMENT THE JOURNEY!
I need to do better. I love documenting things. Keep scrapbooks and journals. But I have been very inconsistent over the last three years, and am very far behind on my pictures and scrapbooks. At least I am blogging on a regular basis again, even if it is mostly about running. I have been purposeful about mixing in other stories rather then keeping two blogs. This summer, I would love to take the time to get some pictures in order!
----
Coming up on 4 years into accomplishing this list. Will be interesting to keep track from this point forward ...
Are you a list maker? Goal setter?
What do you do when you find something like this you wrote over three years ago? :)
Take a look.
----
I would say the plan is still for 2016; or at least we still talk about doing it then!
2. Run a marathon. All 26.2 miles.
Training!
3. Buy a bike.
I have a bike! We brought them in 2011, and I would say we have put them to good use. The best memory since we've had them was probably last summer when we took them on vacation with us and biked the road around Itasca State Park. Yeah! The only thing I think about from time to time is if I'd rather have a road bike in case I ever decide I'd like to try a tri!
4. Travel
Still need to work on this one; I am not a huge traveler, but exploring new places always sounds fun.
5. Photograph a baby. a family. a wedding. Any volunteers?
I still love photography, but have done less of it over the last year. In 2012, I did photograph my sister's family; and I actually love how her pictures turned out. Ava is getting harder and harder to photograph myself!
6. Teach... as in get my own classroom, with my own caseload.
In September 2010, I took a job as a behavior interventionist. At the end of the school year, I again started applying for teaching jobs (I got my teaching license in December 2009). In June of 2011, we moved for my previous job as a teacher in a residential treatment facility; and I started my current job in the local district just this school year. What an adventure it has been.
7. Plant a garden.
I still think it would be an experience to plant a garden (flower or vegetable), but it is probably less of a priority. Would landscaping the front yard at our new house count?
8. Go on a missions trip. I've experienced being surrounded by others who are in one place to serve the Lord and serve others before. I miss that kind of stuff. I want to do it again.
Yeah - before I can do this, I really need to find a church here that I feel fits us. Miss it. Need it. Must get back on track.
9. Visit my friend Heidi. She is currently in Singapore, but I want to visit her wherever she ends up. Every summer when she gets home, she makes it a point to come see me. I want to return the favor.
She is still loving Singapore; and I would love to have the time and money to travel and see her. Future spring break trip?
10. Build a deck. Put in a fire pit. Make the outside fun :)
This was related specifically to the house we were living in when I wrote the list. Our new house has a huge deck! The yard probably doesn't have room for a fire pit. We will be lucky to keep it fun and get creative with Ava's swing set fitting comfortably. Still - who doesn't want outside to be fun!
11. Put MONEY away. Enough said.
This is never easy. We have gotten into a fairly good habit of putting some money into savings; which is huge compared to where we have been in the past. Buying a new house has us feeling tight - the little things we need and things like new bedroom furniture for Ava add up quick. In the past, it would be one step forward, two steps back. Over the last six months? Two steps forward, one step back. Progress.
12. Give Ava a sibling. With any luck a brother. Maybe it will be twins.
I've referenced this before and linked to a post sharing our story. Still a desire; not sure where we are going with this. If we embark down that road again; I would prefer another girl. I would still welcome twins, but with a little more stress! LOL
13. camp...camp...camp! And east s'mores. Cause what's camping without s'mores.
I still love to camp! We have done one family camping trip back in 2012. Chad will not tent without a whole lot of convincing. If we can get settled into the new house without draining too much of our savings, the plan is to buy a used pop-up camper yet this spring and do some camping. Can't wait.
14.Take a photography class. I wouldn't mind doing a littel photography on the side.
A class would still be fun. I will have to watch the mailbox for the summer community ed. booklet.
15. Do some YOGA. Maybe even some PILATES.
The class I go to regularly at the Y was initially called Pilates Mix; does that count? I have tried yoga classes, but probably never give it the chance it deserves.
16. Run & Play & Skip & Jump with Ava.
She is at an age now that this one applies. It is tough some nights to come home from work and balance my time between mom, wife, runner, homemaker, etc. Real hard. Need to keep making this a priority, because those are the moments that are going to count. Last summer I took a Sunday afternoon and we just biked around and stopped at four different parks! Last Friday, we went to Target, the park, and out for supper. So simple, but so memorable.
17. Reconnect with Chad.
Thinking back to those months right after we had Ava, I can see why this was on the list. A new baby, health concerns, job changes, losses (we each had a grandma pass away that summer/fall) ... it has been up and down since then, and like many couples, we need to continue to work on just us as well as our family, our communication, and finding ways each and every day to show our love!
18. Organize the CluTTer.
I am such a combination to Type A and Type B personalities. Hate the clutter but don't always have the energy or organization or whatever to take care of it. Maybe setting up house again will help ;)
19. Keep making the HOUSE a HOME.
I would have never guessed we were going to leave where we were. The possibility of moving for the right job came up and happened quickly. We have rented since that first move in 2011, and this goal will apply even more as we re-enter home ownership!
20. Plan
Most of my girl "weekends" - usually only a day - involve friends and our kids. Now that I have friends where we live now that aren't work friends (since I switched jobs!), there is the occasional happy hour with the gang from the treatment center. I did have one overnight away with my twin sister last summer when we ran Women Rock 2013 together. It was a blast, and nice to get away. Need to do this more often.
21. Swim. I grew up loving water. And I am comfortable in water. I wouldn't mind doing a little swimming.
I've talked about this one on here before. Would love to step out of my comfort zone and swim some laps. We'll have to see what happens.
22. Running. (#2) Biking. (#3) Swimming. (#21) Maybe I should try a TRIatholon?
Still a back of the mind sort of thought. Need to try some swimming. Figure out the mountain vs road bike. I wouldn't say it is a top priority, but one never knows.
23.Volunteer. Give of myself to others. Sounds like a nice idea.
This has actually been on my mind a few times in the last few weeks. Probably a sign. I should look into some options around here.
24. ALWAYS KISS THEM GOOD NIGHT.
Always. Rarely do I miss a night giving Ava good night kiss. Chad and I could do better!
25. SHOW them I LOVE them. TELL them I LOVE them.
I hate that I put some of these ambiguous, hard to measure ones on the list. What was I thinking over three years ago when I wrote this? I don't know very many people that don't want their friends and family to know they love them by their words and actions. I would do anything for those closest to me; but I could probably do more to show it. I think it is assumed and known, but that's not to say I shouldn't be more purposeful.
26. PAY IT FORWARD. Over the last few months, as we have experienced our share of ups and downs, we have had family and friends step up to help us through. I want to be able to pay the generosity forward.
See above?
27. I kinda like the warm fuzzies that hosting a party or a dinner can give you. I think I want to host some more. Maybe I should make it a dinner party.
What's funny about this, is I just got done over the last day or so packing all of our fancy dishes and wine glasses. Most of my thoughts were, "why do we keep these? we never use them!" A few of the thoughts did go more like, "maybe I'll have to host a girl's night at the new house!"
28. Find my CONFIDENCE. GROW. LET GO of perfection. Live for the MOMENT. ENJOY LIFE.
I almost always feel like I only have so much to give to everything and so I never feel like I reach my full potential. So clearly, even at 33+ - this is something I need to work on. Any tips?
29. Get out of
Well, for the time being we have no car payment. Our credit card balance has been minimal compared to where we have previously been - although there is a lot of history there that I would do differently if given the chance of a do-over. I will be really happy when I have my student loans paid off, but that might not be until Ava is ready to be in college. It is a process!
30.DOCUMENT THE JOURNEY!
I need to do better. I love documenting things. Keep scrapbooks and journals. But I have been very inconsistent over the last three years, and am very far behind on my pictures and scrapbooks. At least I am blogging on a regular basis again, even if it is mostly about running. I have been purposeful about mixing in other stories rather then keeping two blogs. This summer, I would love to take the time to get some pictures in order!
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Coming up on 4 years into accomplishing this list. Will be interesting to keep track from this point forward ...
Are you a list maker? Goal setter?
What do you do when you find something like this you wrote over three years ago? :)
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