Running Trouble

I need to have a stern talk with myself.

My long runs have not been great for a few weeks now. I don't know why but I am worn out when I am done. So worn out I can't get much done for hours afterward. This should be like old hat, right? I've been running 5, 6, 8miles for months now. But it's been tough. Because of this I dread my long runs. This is wrong. I should love it. It's time to myself, to think my own thoughts, and be outside in the sunshine (mostly).  All I could think on Friday was how much I didn't want to be doing this. I decided to give myself some slack and only ran 6 0f the 8mi. 

I guess I need to make a change. I guess I'll start with my route. It's the easiest and most obvious. By that I mean, it's all I can think of.  I've been running in my neighborhood exclusively for months. Maybe a change of scenery will help.


If you have any other ideas, please leave me a comment. I really need to pull it together. My training for the Mardi Gras half-marathon is going to kick into high gear in a few weeks.  

Running in the Cold

I've been meaning to blog since Friday. But my whole family has been sick. I mean really sick, for days.  Anyway...


Compression Tights Review 

Since I don't work Friday's, I usually do my long runs after I bring the girls to school. Well, all last week the weather man kept predicting snow on Friday. Snow! In New Orleans! In a previous post I mentioned how I like to wear as little as possible when I run. Because of that I didn't have any cold weather running gear and I was starting to get a little worried. Thursday, I drug a sick kid to the sporting goods store and bought compression tights, running gloves, and a headband/ear-cover.  I tried on every brand of tights the store had. I settled on the Reebok Cold Compression Tights.  

They felt the most comfortable and supportive in the store. The waistband is wide and doesn't cut in and the elastic around the ankles wasn't too tight. You can't really know how they're going to feel until you run in them.  The tights have a  little pocket in the back. I found it a little too small. But my fuel of choice is bigger than a pack of GU, which would fit nicely.  Plus, I wear a medium in these tights, which is nice. Believe me, I am not a medium.



Friday morning,  I got dressed in my tights and headed out for my run.  The tights were great. I forgot I was wearing them, which is ideal. The headband was a little tight and smooshed the earbuds into my ears. Granted, I have a big ole noggin. But if you have a suggestion for a more comfortable  headband, I'd appreciate the heads up.

Road ID Coupon

Now that the days are shorter, most of us have to run/bike in the dark. And I really worry about getting run over by a car and the paramedics not knowing who to call. 

I just ordered, as a present for a friend, one of the best products ever. It's called a Road ID - perhaps you've heard of it. If you haven't, go to their website and check it out. Road ID is a great product that could save your life someday.

When I ordered, they gave me a coupon that I could pass along to my friends. Here's the coupon number:

Coupon Number: ThanksMegan574533

The coupon is good for $1 off any Road ID order placed by 01/01/2010. To order, simply go to RoadID.com or click the link below:

http://www.RoadID.com/?CID=ThanksMegan574533

Bloggie friends: Pls feel free to post this on your site. I have a limited readership. I'd like for lots of people to have access to this coupon.

Turkey Day Race Ticket

If you received a parking ticket citation for parking on the Marconi Avenue median during the Turkey Day Race
(11-26-2009)
DO NOT PAY THE TICKET FINE.
An agreement between the NOAC, Spina Bifida and the NOTC with the City of New Orleans has resolved the ticket situation.
Please see statement posted on the NOTC website
www.runNOTC.org

NOLA Turkey Day Race 2009

Thursday morning, I woke the family up early, dressed everyone warmly, and headed off to get Nanny Goat (my sister).  I thought it would be fun if we all ran the Turkey Day Race.  By fun,  I meant we could all burn some calories before we pigged out. 

The Big Man agreed to push the girls in the jogging stroller in the 1mi race. Nanny Goat & I  could run the 5mi race at full speed.  By that I mean, Nanny Goat could run her pace and I could run mine. She's too fast for me to keep up.  But I'm happy with my finish time 59:56.

Since Li always wants to race like mommy, The Big Man got her out of the stroller to run the last 100m.  They gave her a ribbon at the finish line. She is so proud of the ribbon. She has told everyone about it.

Now for the race day photos:

Li and her ribbon

 MM showing off her running skills

Me almost to the finish line. I have got to work on keeping my head up. 

The Big Man with his running buddies

MM, Me, Nanny Goat and Li

Look at the difference in Nanny Goat & my running outfits. She's in tights, a long sleeve shirt and a jacket. I'm shorts and a technical tee. She likes to be hot when she runs and I hate to run in clothes. 

We had fun and it was nice to get some miles in. But I doubt we'll do it next year. It just made the day too hectic. 

Bad Bad Mom

Pls let me preface this story with this... MM has always thought that play bitting is funny. Nothing sets her off like pretending you are going to bite her belly. That being said, I do not excuse my bad judgement.


Friday, Corey and I dropped the girls at  my mom's house so we couldhave a rare date night. As usuall, we were being silly in the truck. By the time we pulled into the drive way, I told Li (jokingly) to bite MM's foot. She did bite her hard. Really hard. Poor MM was so shocked it took her a second to cry. And Li was so shocked when we fussed at her. After all, I told her to bite her sister. Of course, I felt guilty. I still feel guiltly.


Oh well. No real damage done. But I learned a valuable lesson 

Happy Thanksgiving

This year I have much to be thankful for. 

I'm thankful for

• My sweet, strong willed girls who make me laugh and regularly play nice together
• My husband who puts up with my running obsession, makes my life easier, and is always in a good mood
• My job that give me the freedom to work 30hrs wk (not 40)
• My husband's job that he enjoys and is glad to have
• My family who feed us dinner, entertain us, support us and sooo much more
• My little sister who will listen to me blather on about running and the girls and whatever else is on my mind 
  
• 
  
• A reliable babysitter
• My in-laws who's calmness is always nice to be around
  
• Running... the strength, the peace, self-acceptance and lots more that it gives me
• Bloggy friends who share their thoughts and lives with us strangers on the web
  

 

If, like me, you have a lot to be thankful for, please take a minute ans support my effort to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  

Random Toughts About Running

I have two random thoughts about running that have been rolling around in my head:



1. I do not understand how people run outside where it's cold and rainy.  I ran 6 mi on the street on Sunday. It was drizzling and chilly. Decided to wear a long sleeve shirt for the first time this season. The whole run I couldn't decide if I was hot or cold.  But then I guess people can't understand how I run in 95deg weather.



2. I have come to the conclusion that running is like an evangelical religion. Those of us true believers are compelled to recruit others. We talk about the peace and joy it brings us.  On that note, I want to congratulate and encourage my friend, LB, who is trying to convince herself that she is a runner.

Yea! - Runnig Buddy

Usually, I run by myself. I like it that way. I get time to myself and to think my own thoughts. When you have small children, you don't get a lot of that.

But the last few months, I've had a hard time convincing myself to run all the miles required by my training. Long runs are never an issue. It's the weekday 3-4mile runs that kill me. That sounds so silly that it's easier for me to run 7, 8, 10miles than 3miles. But its true.

I have found the solution. A running buddy.  Yes I know, it's not a new concept.

It's not that I didn't want someone to run with, I just never had anyone. See, I'm slower than everyone else. WAY slower. It's a streatch to call what I do running. Also, I don't have a lot of  time to run. And I live in a small town outside of NOLA where I don't know a lot of people.


But thanks to Team In Training, I now have a buddy! There's a girl in my town who runs a similar speed. It's tough for her to make it to the group training too. It's like we were fated to run together.

Our first running date was Sunday morning. She met me at my house at 6:30AM and we were off for our run. We only needed to run 3 for our training but we ended up running 3.5mi. We talked a little at first. But mostly we just tried to find a comfortable pace and get comfortable with each other.

As far as first dates go, I think it went well. I thought about getting a picture with her for my blog but I didn't want to come on too strong. :)

Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge

Over the last few months, I've been working really hard to loose weight and train for my first half-marathon. The training has been so intense that I've been looking forward to running because I felt like it not because it's required. Of course guilt kinked in and I started to worry that if I slacked off, the holidays would undo all of my efforts. Then all of my cyber-stalking of other running obsessed girls paid off.

Amanda, who writes Run to the Finish, is starting her 2nd annual Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge. I love this idea. Hopefully, it will keep me focused on my goals. If you're interested if playing along too, I'm sure she'd love to have you join.

Race Report: Inaugural Jazz Half-Marathon New Orleans

On Halloween morning, I ran my first half-marathon. This was the inaugural Jazz half-marathon (13.1mi). My sister, Erin, convinced me to run this as my first half.  I'm glad she did. When I started training in April, I could barely run a 5k (3.1mi). 


I really enjoyed the training. The long runs give me time to myself every week to think. And I've been amazed at how far/long I can run if I push myself. There have been times when the training felt like a burden and I don't enjoy getting up at 3:45AM 2-3 times a week to run. But I'm happy with the results. 

The morning of the race started off cold and drizzly. I was worried because I trained in the hot muggy New Orleans summer weather. Cold muscles behave differently than warm ones. But once I started running, I was fine. I took my jacket off with in the first 20mins.

Luckily, I met up with my friend Scott right as the race started. I really wanted to get a pre-race picture of us. But I couldn't figure out where to stash it for the race. 

The race started in the Warehouse district, then down St. Charles to Audubon Park and back to the Casino.  

I had a good race. It was some of the best running I've ever done. I has hoping for to complete in 2hrs 45mins. I finished in 2:45:33.8. 

Corey, Mel and the girls were at the finish line waiting for me

For a minute there, I did feel like I might pass out

But I didn't and I've already signed up for the Mardi Gras half-marathon. But this time, I am doing it for a cause. Please help me raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween. The weather was perfect and the girls had fun Trick or Treating. 


Cutie Girl Witches 

I couldn't convince MM to stand for  me to get a good picture. And I thought Lilly was stubborn. 

Their faces in this one cracks me up.

Happy Anniversary, Baby!!!

Five years ago today Corey and I got married. I cannot believe how fast five year went by. But it feels like we've always been together. I can't imagine my life with out him. Our life together is great. I can't ask for more.

In case you haven't heard the story of our first date, here it is:
I don't remember the first time Corey and I met. It was at my brother Petie's graduation party. There were a lot of people and I was drinking. He says I was mean to him. (Guess I was setting precedence) After that, he had a mutual friend re-introduce us.

Our first date was a double date. (Bad Idea.) Both Corey and I spent most of the time talk to the other couple instead of each other. Again, I wasn't nice to him and he wasn't going to call me. But, me being the pushy girl I am. I called him. And the rest is history.

As my memory is notoriously faulty, I'm sure I've gotten some of the details wrong. I'm sure Corey will correct me.


We were set up by a friend of Corey's and my brother's.

Time Out

At our house when you misbehave, you have to sit on stairs. MM had to sit in her first time out this weekend. 

 But then, this is probably why she was being bad.  
 

She was so tired. She would just lay down on the ground.

Team In Training

This weekend I am running the Middendorf's Manchac 10 Mile Race. I am running this race as part of my training for the Jazz Half- Marathon on Halloween. That's right. I said half-marathon. A year ago I couldn't run a mile without stopping.

As I get closer to my goal, I have decide to continue to run long-distances and to raise money while doing it. This time I decided to run the Mardi Gras Half-Marathon with Team In Training. Team in Training takes athletes and non-athletes and trains them for challenges of endurance.

Over the next few months, I will be training with the running and collecting donations to raise at least $2100 to support the Leukemia Society.

My official Team In Training donation page.

I know I can run the distance. It's just a matter of training. But what worries me is the fund raising. I've never done anything like this before and it is WAY outside of my comfort zone. I will greatly appreciate any tips or ideas if you have done this before. Also, if you have a blog, I would really appreciate if you would share my progress with your readers.

Please come back frequently as I blog about my progress.

Emily's Party

This past Saturday we headed to Lafayette our niece Emily's birthday party. They had a big blow up slide for the kids.  

Li did not get a nap on the way. She was cranky.  At first all she wanted to do was stand in the pool and pout.


I love this picture. She's making one of my faces. 

After a few mins, she warmed up . This is her jumping from the top landing on to the slide, like the big kids.

 

MM enjoyed her self too. She thought the slide was hilarious.

She's definitely a Granny's girl.

  

Here she is begging cake from the birthday girl.

Florida Vacation

I know, I know... It's been a long time since I updated this blog.

We didn't have time for a long vacation this year. But we were able to squeeze in a trip to Panama City Beach for Labor Day weekend.

My friend Laurin told me about this kid-centric condo, Splash. If Li has told you about the big bucket. This is what she meant.


There's a large bucket on top of the play structure that fills up and dumps water on everything.


At first, Li was a little intimidated. But she got over that FAST.




MM was amazed by this frog turtle.





I wanted to get a picture of the girls together in their bathing suits. But Li wouldn't cooperate. (Don't know where she gets that from.) These are the best I got.

But I was able to get them to sit nicely together and take a picture as we were leaving.

Easter Pictures...Finally

I know, I know... I've been blog slacking. I've been doing a lot of writing at work and the last thing I feel like doing with my free time is more writing. Even the minimal effort this takes.

Li dying eggs for us to Pock

MM enjoying the Easter egg hunt at the KC Eggtravaganza

Li hunting eggs in our back yard on Easter

Look what the Easter Bunny brought




The girls look more and more alike every day




Not only does MM look like Corey,
she make the same faces he does

Girls Say, Girls Say...

I don't know why this is cracking me up so much. Yesterday, Li was telling me a story and she said "underpants." It's not like she heard it from us. In our girl dominated house, we call them panties or maybe undies. Underpants is just a funny word. It's what your grandma would say. I've been laughing about this to myself for a day.

For weeks, Corey has sworn that MM says "dada." I've heard her say it but it's just part of the general baby bable. But last night while Corey was fixing dinner, MM looked at me and said "Momma". I swear. But I guess since I'm the only one who heard it it doesn't count.There seems to be a lot of this going around lately

MM nine month stats: 17.3lbs; 24.25in
She's in the 25% on the growth charts.

100k

I LOVE my car. It has treated me well. It's rarely in the shop and drives fast when I want it to. It fits my personality to a tee. You can't ignore it but not too outlandish. My only real complaint is the thing I love the most. It's too small.

We hit a mile stone together today, 100,000 miles.

I can't believe it's already been 100k. I've loved every mile.

How Does Your Garden Grow

Certainly no silver bells nor cockle shells for us. The past few weekends we've been working in the yard, getting our garden ready for Easter. I've been learning to garden since we bought our house. And despite my inherent black thumb, I've successfully grown many plants.

But this year, I decide to try vegetable gardening. Li loves tomatoes. So I put in four tomato plants, two cucumber, two yellow squash, and two eggplants. I also move my bell pepper, tabasco, and other pepper plants to this garden. We are also growing rosemary. And I'm happy to say my satsuma trees are flowering for the first time since we put them in the ground three years ago.

Hopefully, we'll have a nice crop of late spring veggies. When these plants are finished, I'll grow MM's favorite food, sweet potatoes

tomato and eggplant

One satsuma tree and rosemary
My day lilies look a little sad but they'll perk up


Peppers and cucumber

Li is very proud of her garden
We're teaching her to grow her own food like all good Cajun girls should

She's Crafty

After a long day of gardening, Li decided she wanted to paint.

Bath Time Fun

My girls, like most kids, LOVE taking baths. It's one of my most favorite things to do with them.

Li likes to "swim" in the tub. She has this ritual of putting all her toys in the tub one by one while the tub is filling. When bath time is over, she won't get out until she puts each toy back on the side of the tub.

MM gets so excited. She bounces, squirms, and fusses until I get her in the tub. When I take her out of the tub, she like to stand next to it and stretches to she what her big sis is doing.

It's almost warm enough to break out the inflatable pool. I'm sure we'll spend many Saturday afternoons hanging out.

New Phone

Now I can blog on the go. I got my birthday present early. An iPhone. I'm super excited.

Land Owner

We are now the proud owner of a strip (20' x 100') of land behind our house. The golf course we live adjacent to needs to liquidate some cash. So they are selling small plots of land to each homeowner. All this means is that we have a larger back yard. We can't build anything on it. I wonder if this means if we forclose on the house, can we pitch tents and live on it.

To Parade or Not to Parade?

That was the question. With the forecast not not looking too favorable, we headed down to the parade anyway. I figured, we're tough. A little rain won't keep us from having a good time. It was more than a little rain. It was a torrential down pour. I can't remember the last time it rained this hard for an Irish Channel Parade.

I was trying to get a family photo before the rain started
but Lilly was having none of it.

Lilly holding her umbrella. She's already soaked to the bone and freezing.

MM and I hiding under our umbrella trying to stay a little dry.

When's the last time you saw this many umbreallas at a parade?

Run on the Bayou

This morning I participated in the Run on the Bayou in Bayou Segnette State Park. I usually run races without the girls. But Lilly and MM woke up before I left for the race. The weather was nice and this was a short race, I decided to bring the girls. You can see my awesome jogging stroller in this picture.

I had a good run, finished faster than I expected. Guess the treadmill/elliptical training at an incline has been paying off. This is my last race in March hopefully St. Patrick's Day Parades and birthday celebrations won't slow me down too much.

MM, Li, and I after the race