It has now been a month on my "fit back into my pants" plan. With tons of hard work and self control I have hit the 7lbs down mark! Hooray. I love seeing progress every week.
Myfitnesspal.com has really become my life line in it all. I am an organized/planner type of person and I LOVE being able to track everything I eat and all the exercise I do. It just works for me.
I am not going to lie, there have been some hard days and moments (ie.children melting down and wanting to just dive into the chocolate) but it is becoming so much easier every day. We are really spending more time thinking through our meal choices and portion sizes. Lots of lean protiens and wide varieties of veggies and fruits and minimal carbs. Quinoa even made it to our dinner table this week for the first time.....yum! Unhealthy/high calorie night time snacking is becoming a thing of the past.
My husband is doing great too. He is walking away from the tables of treats that always seem to be set out at work and dropping the pounds. Nice work T!
My body is starting to heal from surgery and each week I am able to move more. We are enjoying evening walks with the kids and long trips to the zoo and other local attractions this month are starting to leave me with less and less pain. This week I even hopped back on the elliptical. I am aiming for 3 mornings a week and just taking it slow and steady so that I don't over do it and reverse the healing process. It's hard but feels so good.
On a side note I have some new favorite pants to plug! One word, Jeggings. I bought a couple pairs (Calvin Klein at Costco of all places) and love love love them. As comfy as sweat pants and so easy going on my incision and their stretch sure does suck in all the extra rolls.
Stay tuned for next months update. Anyone else want to join in the fun?!?!? The more the merrier.
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
My "Fit back into my Pants" Plan
Baby W is now over 5 weeks old and I have decided I need to get my butt in gear so I can actually have some clothes to wear once the warm weather disapears! (Note to self: Don't get pregnant after spending a couple years at your skinniest because your clothes won't stand a chance of fitting afterwards)
Over the past couple years I was running on a very regular basis and burning calories like crazy, some runs saw 800-1000 calories burned. In turn I then ate whatever I wanted and didn't have any problems. Once I got pregnant I wasn't able to exercise at all due to past complications but I seemed to carry on eating the same way I had when I was. I gained a good 40 lbs with this little guy and joke that Baby W is half Slurpee ;)
I decided not to nurse this time around (a topic for a different post perhaps but lets just say my mental sanity is 100% stronger this time around because of it) so my weight loss post baby is not speeding along and pretty much hasn't budged since the first week and a half after giving birth. I still have a good 15-20lbs that I would love to say good bye to and quickly!
Since I am still recovering from my c-section I have been trying to focus most of my energy on creating a healthy balanced eating plan (a healthy 1-2 lb loss/week). I am allowed to resume exercise after 6 weeks but in my past experience I know it will be several months before running is even an option so I will just start with walking and then work up to other lower impact activities like aquafit and spin class.
I have just discovered the myfitnesspal.com to use as a guide and then I am just trying to become really aware and conscious of my calorie intake, portion sizes, snacking and water consumption.
I wouldn't want to do something like this without making it a little more fun so I have managed to convince my husband and my sister to join me is setting some weightloss goals and then rewards at various points in our journey! Once we get the details ironed out I will fill you in on the plan.
Wish me luck. Running has been the best thing for me as a parent (a huge stress reliever and patience builder)...............can't wait to get back at it because the colicky phase that Baby W is in would have me running miles on end if I could!
Good thing he is cute.
Over the past couple years I was running on a very regular basis and burning calories like crazy, some runs saw 800-1000 calories burned. In turn I then ate whatever I wanted and didn't have any problems. Once I got pregnant I wasn't able to exercise at all due to past complications but I seemed to carry on eating the same way I had when I was. I gained a good 40 lbs with this little guy and joke that Baby W is half Slurpee ;)
I decided not to nurse this time around (a topic for a different post perhaps but lets just say my mental sanity is 100% stronger this time around because of it) so my weight loss post baby is not speeding along and pretty much hasn't budged since the first week and a half after giving birth. I still have a good 15-20lbs that I would love to say good bye to and quickly!
Since I am still recovering from my c-section I have been trying to focus most of my energy on creating a healthy balanced eating plan (a healthy 1-2 lb loss/week). I am allowed to resume exercise after 6 weeks but in my past experience I know it will be several months before running is even an option so I will just start with walking and then work up to other lower impact activities like aquafit and spin class.
I have just discovered the myfitnesspal.com to use as a guide and then I am just trying to become really aware and conscious of my calorie intake, portion sizes, snacking and water consumption.
I wouldn't want to do something like this without making it a little more fun so I have managed to convince my husband and my sister to join me is setting some weightloss goals and then rewards at various points in our journey! Once we get the details ironed out I will fill you in on the plan.
Wish me luck. Running has been the best thing for me as a parent (a huge stress reliever and patience builder)...............can't wait to get back at it because the colicky phase that Baby W is in would have me running miles on end if I could!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Down But DEFINITELY Not Out
About 3 1/2 weeks ago I suffered a running injury. It started with a pretty intense pain in my knee that just wouldn't go away. I have had many an ache and pain over the course of my running journeys but this one just didn't seem to let up. I finally went to the doctor last week and was diagnosed with an injured IT Band. What is an IT Band, you ask???? Well here is a great pic (mostly I just posted in because I wish my behind looked like this one.......one can dream,lol)
Your IT band isn't a muscle so it can't be stretched and it runs from your hip to your ankle. If you have a muscle that is too tight in your hip or leg it can strain this band. Boo. I have always been good at stretching after every run but you can bet I will be working with a resistant band to strengthen my hips after this.
The first 2 weeks my knee and upper band hurt 24/7, eventually this pain only flared up if I walked a couple blocks. On Friday night I went for massage therapy which must have worked wonders because I have been able to walk the neighborhood relatively pain free! I am going to physio this weekend but I couldn't resist trying the shortest run tonight. It was pretty pain free while running (hooray) so we will see what the next day brings. I have had to exercise HUGE control to not over do it and just run out my door, pain and all and run far away, releasing stress, the way I love to.
This "time out" has really shown me just how much I have loved the mental benefits that come from running (Give it a try if you haven't). What a world of difference it has made for my patience while parenting and my overall confidence in myself. LOVE IT!
I am really hoping that I can make a quick recovery and build back up to where I was before the snow flies and getting back up to the longer distances becomes almost impossible. Wish me luck.
Your IT band isn't a muscle so it can't be stretched and it runs from your hip to your ankle. If you have a muscle that is too tight in your hip or leg it can strain this band. Boo. I have always been good at stretching after every run but you can bet I will be working with a resistant band to strengthen my hips after this.
The first 2 weeks my knee and upper band hurt 24/7, eventually this pain only flared up if I walked a couple blocks. On Friday night I went for massage therapy which must have worked wonders because I have been able to walk the neighborhood relatively pain free! I am going to physio this weekend but I couldn't resist trying the shortest run tonight. It was pretty pain free while running (hooray) so we will see what the next day brings. I have had to exercise HUGE control to not over do it and just run out my door, pain and all and run far away, releasing stress, the way I love to.
This "time out" has really shown me just how much I have loved the mental benefits that come from running (Give it a try if you haven't). What a world of difference it has made for my patience while parenting and my overall confidence in myself. LOVE IT!
I am really hoping that I can make a quick recovery and build back up to where I was before the snow flies and getting back up to the longer distances becomes almost impossible. Wish me luck.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Energizer Night Run
I just had so much fun this weekend. I love how running a 10km race is really just the perfect excuse for a little girl's time away.
Yesterday my dear friend and I headed out of town and met up with my sister and a couple other great girls. We checked into our hotel and then went out for a delicious dinner. There is something that makes a meal extra tasty when you don't have to help feed anyone else at the same time!
After our dinner settled we headed over to a gorgeous park to embark on our first ever 10km night race. The race ran a 5km loop (x2)through the park and was set along a beautiful little lake and tree lined paths. Gorgeous.
The race was put on by Energizer battery and all racers were required to wear a head light. At first I thought it was kind of a silly idea in this land of the night skies but being just a little further south and having the race start at 9:30 pm I can tell you that I sure was grateful for that head light cause it was DARK (especially the second half).
The race took in about 1500 people running both the 5km or 10km. We couldn't have asked for a more surreal setting. Hundreds of head lights dancing in the dark, glow sticks galore, the pink glow of the sun setting over the lake as we started, the full moon and even a shooting star. Perfection.
I seriously LOVED this run and can't wait to sign up again next year. Thanks for the memories ladies.
A pic from the local paper
Trying on our lights at the hotel
The ladies
Just about race time
Yesterday my dear friend and I headed out of town and met up with my sister and a couple other great girls. We checked into our hotel and then went out for a delicious dinner. There is something that makes a meal extra tasty when you don't have to help feed anyone else at the same time!
After our dinner settled we headed over to a gorgeous park to embark on our first ever 10km night race. The race ran a 5km loop (x2)through the park and was set along a beautiful little lake and tree lined paths. Gorgeous.
The race was put on by Energizer battery and all racers were required to wear a head light. At first I thought it was kind of a silly idea in this land of the night skies but being just a little further south and having the race start at 9:30 pm I can tell you that I sure was grateful for that head light cause it was DARK (especially the second half).
The race took in about 1500 people running both the 5km or 10km. We couldn't have asked for a more surreal setting. Hundreds of head lights dancing in the dark, glow sticks galore, the pink glow of the sun setting over the lake as we started, the full moon and even a shooting star. Perfection.
I seriously LOVED this run and can't wait to sign up again next year. Thanks for the memories ladies.
A pic from the local paper
Trying on our lights at the hotel
The ladies
Just about race time
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
20 Minute Challenge
Today was the 27th anniversary of the Running Room. To celebrate they hold a 20 minute challenge. We signed up our little family (it's free and you get a great hat too)! The idea behind it is to get out and moving; there was everything from running groups at a variety of paces to walking groups (young and old). We got on the tail end of the fastest running group with the kids in the stroller. I will admit that it was a FAST pace but it was so fun to get out in a group and challenge myself a bit (I was just glad not to be pushing the stroller......thanks Honey). We had just the best time running with in a sea of bright orange hats. The kids loved it. AL always want to go running with me so she thought the whole thing was pretty great. We will be signing up next year for sure.
(And Yes, my kids are eating little bags of candy! Nothing like a "nutritious" bag of candy to keep kids entertained while running..........Mother of the Year right here)
(And Yes, my kids are eating little bags of candy! Nothing like a "nutritious" bag of candy to keep kids entertained while running..........Mother of the Year right here)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Rocky Mountain Running
To summarize this weekend's run:
1. Death by horrid chest cold
2. Death by 12km
3. Death by hills (aka steep mountain inclines - 5/12 kms were uphill)
4. Would I do it again???? In a heart beat.
Who wouldn't want to run in such an amazingly gorgeous place? It was the perfect place for a girl's night and a girl's only run.
*a morning snuggle*
The route was changed at the last minute due to lingering snow and the new terrain was a challenge and then some (at least I know my behind got a good workout).
The only real snag in the weekend was the terrible chest cold I got this past week; I just couldn't catch my breath while running. I am so grateful for the best and most encouraging running partners who encouraged me (and stayed by my side to catch me in case I collapsed!). Despite the hills, the illness and some hefty winds we still managed to beat our goal time and our previous times.
I can't wait to do it again next year!
1. Death by horrid chest cold
2. Death by 12km
3. Death by hills (aka steep mountain inclines - 5/12 kms were uphill)
4. Would I do it again???? In a heart beat.
Who wouldn't want to run in such an amazingly gorgeous place? It was the perfect place for a girl's night and a girl's only run.
*a morning snuggle*
The route was changed at the last minute due to lingering snow and the new terrain was a challenge and then some (at least I know my behind got a good workout).
The only real snag in the weekend was the terrible chest cold I got this past week; I just couldn't catch my breath while running. I am so grateful for the best and most encouraging running partners who encouraged me (and stayed by my side to catch me in case I collapsed!). Despite the hills, the illness and some hefty winds we still managed to beat our goal time and our previous times.
I can't wait to do it again next year!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Weekend
We have had such a great time celebrating Easter over the past week. AL got into the Easter spirit with an Easter party at Preschool this week. She came home with a dozen eggs filled with treats that she had collected on an egg hunt. She told me that she didn't want to share with her brother so we had a chat about how the eggs were hers and she did not have to share, but how nice it is to share what we have especially with her brother who she loves. I found the two of them on the stairs about ten minutes after we walked in the door. AL had opened every single egg and was in the process of stuffing each and every treat into her brothers mouth that was about to burst!! It gave me a good laugh.
We had some fun coloring and dyeing eggs on Thursday night.
JA wasn't too sure about it all at first but he really got into it (his poor eggs didn't stand a chance of remaining crack free!)
On Friday morning I set a new running record for myself and ran 11kms with my running partners!! That is the furthest I have run to date. We are excited for our 12km race in the mountains in the middle of May.
We had a fabulous Easter dinner with my family on Friday night. Sadly I had one grouchy little boy that evening and didn't get many pics. He did snap out of his bad mood the moment we went outside and went to the park with the cousins!
We had just too much fun on Saturday. We went to the local old Fort for the third year in a row and took in the Easter celebrations that they put on. It once again did not disappoint in the least.
There was face painting.
A petting Zoo
Eggs to hunt for
Tons of Family Fun
The best part really was just getting out and having endless space to run after such a long winter! I am sure we will be back again next year.
When we got home we made a delicious turkey dinner at our house for T's family and some fantastic friends.
After dinner the kids all had just the best time searching for eggs in our soggy backyard. I love a fun evening with family and friends.
The Easter Bunny of course made a stop at our house last night and the kids were more than excited to look through their baskets (even the tooth brushes that he left were met with excitement!).
I had the best intentions of making some Easter treats for my little munchkins in nursery but procrastinated until this morning (good thing for afternoon church). When 11:30am rolled around and I was still in my PJ's trying to ice dozens of bunny sugar cookies I enlisted T's help (the kids pulled up chairs to "help" as well).
It didn't take long before I found my "helpers" like this!
After some wonderful reminders, at church, of what we are really celebrating this Easter season it turned out to be just the perfect weekend.
Happy Easter Friends!
We had some fun coloring and dyeing eggs on Thursday night.
JA wasn't too sure about it all at first but he really got into it (his poor eggs didn't stand a chance of remaining crack free!)
On Friday morning I set a new running record for myself and ran 11kms with my running partners!! That is the furthest I have run to date. We are excited for our 12km race in the mountains in the middle of May.
We had a fabulous Easter dinner with my family on Friday night. Sadly I had one grouchy little boy that evening and didn't get many pics. He did snap out of his bad mood the moment we went outside and went to the park with the cousins!
We had just too much fun on Saturday. We went to the local old Fort for the third year in a row and took in the Easter celebrations that they put on. It once again did not disappoint in the least.
There was face painting.
A petting Zoo
Eggs to hunt for
Tons of Family Fun
The best part really was just getting out and having endless space to run after such a long winter! I am sure we will be back again next year.
When we got home we made a delicious turkey dinner at our house for T's family and some fantastic friends.
After dinner the kids all had just the best time searching for eggs in our soggy backyard. I love a fun evening with family and friends.
The Easter Bunny of course made a stop at our house last night and the kids were more than excited to look through their baskets (even the tooth brushes that he left were met with excitement!).
I had the best intentions of making some Easter treats for my little munchkins in nursery but procrastinated until this morning (good thing for afternoon church). When 11:30am rolled around and I was still in my PJ's trying to ice dozens of bunny sugar cookies I enlisted T's help (the kids pulled up chairs to "help" as well).
It didn't take long before I found my "helpers" like this!
After some wonderful reminders, at church, of what we are really celebrating this Easter season it turned out to be just the perfect weekend.
Happy Easter Friends!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
What Would You Do?
Have you ever watched the ABC show "What Would You Do?"? It comes on Friday night so if you haven't seen it, it is probably because you have a slightly more exciting life then I do!
Regardless, the show is based on setting up unsuspecting people into ethical dilemma type situations. Actors play out various scenarios like bullying, racism, abuse, intoxicated parents etc. and hidden cameras record how people passing by react.
This morning I had my own real life "What Would You Do?" moment (minus the cameras).
It had snowed close to 20cm in the past day and so my running partner wasn't able to come for our morning run. I was dressed and decided I might as well give it a try and run/wade through the snow. I had run a few blocks and came around the corner to find a women standing in the bus shelter across the street. A car had just pulled up and a man was standing by the car yelling at the women. At first I wasn't sure what was going on. The women looked so terrified and just kept looking straight ahead. I totally didn't know what to do and looked around to realize not a soul was out in the snow with us. I yelled across the street to the lady and asked if she was okay and if she needed help. She just shook her head. I realized that I didn't have my cell (lesson learned). The man was fuming mad and came out of the bus shelter and started yelling at me with some choice words and telling me to leave. I again asked if they were okay and if they needed help. He was super mad and intimidating but I couldn't just leave that poor women alone. I ran as fast as I could the block up the road to my neighbors. Luckily my neighbor had just shovelled and was heading into his house as I ran over and told him to call the police. He had his wife call the police and then ran back with me to the couple. By the time we approached the man had gotten back in his car and I was relieved that he was leaving. We called out to the lady to see if she needed help. Before I realized it she put her head down, walked slowly across the street and got into the car with the man. I called out that I could help her.
My stomach sank as I watched them drive away and thought about what her day and really her life had in store for her.
After thanking my neighbor for his quick help, I continued to run a bit further but started to feel uneasy about the fact that I stuck out like a sore thumb running in the snow and became worried that the man might just come back and that it might be safer if I just went home. I for sure would have been happier if a TV crew and host just popped out of the bushes and told me it was just a bunch of actors but no luck!
I have felt sick all day thinking about the life that others live (even my own neighbors) and wondering how I am so blessed.
So the question is "What Would You Do" in a situation like this?
Regardless, the show is based on setting up unsuspecting people into ethical dilemma type situations. Actors play out various scenarios like bullying, racism, abuse, intoxicated parents etc. and hidden cameras record how people passing by react.
This morning I had my own real life "What Would You Do?" moment (minus the cameras).
It had snowed close to 20cm in the past day and so my running partner wasn't able to come for our morning run. I was dressed and decided I might as well give it a try and run/wade through the snow. I had run a few blocks and came around the corner to find a women standing in the bus shelter across the street. A car had just pulled up and a man was standing by the car yelling at the women. At first I wasn't sure what was going on. The women looked so terrified and just kept looking straight ahead. I totally didn't know what to do and looked around to realize not a soul was out in the snow with us. I yelled across the street to the lady and asked if she was okay and if she needed help. She just shook her head. I realized that I didn't have my cell (lesson learned). The man was fuming mad and came out of the bus shelter and started yelling at me with some choice words and telling me to leave. I again asked if they were okay and if they needed help. He was super mad and intimidating but I couldn't just leave that poor women alone. I ran as fast as I could the block up the road to my neighbors. Luckily my neighbor had just shovelled and was heading into his house as I ran over and told him to call the police. He had his wife call the police and then ran back with me to the couple. By the time we approached the man had gotten back in his car and I was relieved that he was leaving. We called out to the lady to see if she needed help. Before I realized it she put her head down, walked slowly across the street and got into the car with the man. I called out that I could help her.
My stomach sank as I watched them drive away and thought about what her day and really her life had in store for her.
After thanking my neighbor for his quick help, I continued to run a bit further but started to feel uneasy about the fact that I stuck out like a sore thumb running in the snow and became worried that the man might just come back and that it might be safer if I just went home. I for sure would have been happier if a TV crew and host just popped out of the bushes and told me it was just a bunch of actors but no luck!
I have felt sick all day thinking about the life that others live (even my own neighbors) and wondering how I am so blessed.
So the question is "What Would You Do" in a situation like this?
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Resolution Run
We started off the New Year in the perfect way and ran the 5km Resolution Run. It is a fun run which is great for the ice and snow covered streets we ran on and the big crowds and we really did have so much fun!! We lucked out with great weather (-11 C ish) and the wind was pretty calm where we ran (-17 ish), I was actually peeling off some layers mid way. T ended up running with our friend's 11 year old son and ran it close to 10 mins faster than the rest of us. T said that it was a good reminder of how "old" he is getting when the 11 year old could have out run him if he had been allowed to just run ahead on his own!
I ran with my good running buddy LM and my sister and good friend LF ran just ahead of us (pinching my bum as they ran past me!). A couple other friends ran it as well making for just the best time. It was topped off with a pancake breakfast at the end.
What better way to start off the year motivated to keep on running! I will for sure make this a traditional event. I have loved having the drive to get out in the cold to run.
On my list of New Year's resolutions is to for sure run the 10km run again in the summer. I have my eye on a few other events as well but we will see how the training goes.
Happy New Year!!!
T, Me and LM
My sister, Me and LF (Thanks LF for the pics)
Love this guy
I ran with my good running buddy LM and my sister and good friend LF ran just ahead of us (pinching my bum as they ran past me!). A couple other friends ran it as well making for just the best time. It was topped off with a pancake breakfast at the end.
What better way to start off the year motivated to keep on running! I will for sure make this a traditional event. I have loved having the drive to get out in the cold to run.
On my list of New Year's resolutions is to for sure run the 10km run again in the summer. I have my eye on a few other events as well but we will see how the training goes.
Happy New Year!!!
T, Me and LM
My sister, Me and LF (Thanks LF for the pics)
Love this guy
Sunday, December 19, 2010
This and That
I was just clearing off my camera card and realized that I forgot to blog about AL's big dance recital last weekend. AL was so excited to put on her costume and get her hair and makeup done. I tried out some curlers on her hair for the first time and when she looked at herself in the mirror she said "I look just like a Princess; I have Cinderella hair!". Needless to say she was impressed.
The concert was adorable and I was so impressed with AL. Even though I had tried to tell her what she was about to do I am sure she didn't really have any idea. The recital was at a theater at the University. The little class was ushered onto the stage in the dark and then left standing there until the lights and music went on. I would have loved to know what was going through AL's head when the lights went on a huge theater full of people were watching them. She blew me away and did the dance perfectly. I sadly had a little technical difficulty so I didn't get her dance recorded.........oh well, I am sure at her spring recital her Daddy will record it and do it right!
At the end of the recital Santa came on stage and the girls were supposed to go see him and the parents were to come to the stage to pick up their child. AL had been in a back room with the other dancers for about an hour during the show doing crafts. AL HATES Santa with a passion (hence no photo with Santa this year) and I wasn't sure how she would react to this set up. When they brought her class out I could see her panicking and saying "Where's my Mom?" with tears in her eyes as she ran to the edge of the stage about to dive off! An older dancer grabbed her just in time until I could get to her.
AL did amazing and I was so proud of her but she did make sure to clarify that she didn't want to go back to the "Santa dancing class" as we drove to dance class this week!
This guy is turning into quite the little homebody and showing his terrible two's colors when we try to go out. Let's hope it is just a phase that passes quickly because temper tantrums are never fun (good thing he is cute)!
Last night T and I had the pleasure of going on a date to see Carrie Underwood in concert! My sweet husband isn't a huge fan but when the tickets went on sale almost a year ago he bought them for me. It was seriously just the best show. She is so talented and the show itself was so entertaining. I was blown away by the fact that she could barely speak because she was sick but man she could still belt it out when she sang. We are going to try to make a huge effort to get a babysitter once a month to be sure to get out on a date. Babysitters aren't the cheapest thing around but my friend pointed out that it is cheaper to pay a babysitter by the hour than it is to pay a marriage councillor by the hour!! Date night is for sure important so we will work hard on making it happen this year.
On a final note, it is just under 2 weeks until we run our 5km New Years day run. I have been running a couple times a week outside and then going on the elliptical inside on the other days. Winter running has been a challenge; it seriously is hard to breath when it is super cold and really exhausts the whole body but it has been a good experience to get out and do it. I think it has really helped me "embrace" winter and not feel trapped inside. Yesterday my running partner cancelled out on me so I went for a run on my own. It was 8am and only a nice -12C (-17 with the wind). I was determined to run 4kms and was finding it so much easier to run with the milder temperatures. As I ran I actually felt some runner's euphoria for the first time in months of running. I actually found myself sprinting the last 5 blocks home. (We used to always sprint the last 2 or 3 blocks in the summer). I wanted to collapse at the end but it felt so good! Here's to hoping for mild weather on New Year's Day!!
The concert was adorable and I was so impressed with AL. Even though I had tried to tell her what she was about to do I am sure she didn't really have any idea. The recital was at a theater at the University. The little class was ushered onto the stage in the dark and then left standing there until the lights and music went on. I would have loved to know what was going through AL's head when the lights went on a huge theater full of people were watching them. She blew me away and did the dance perfectly. I sadly had a little technical difficulty so I didn't get her dance recorded.........oh well, I am sure at her spring recital her Daddy will record it and do it right!
At the end of the recital Santa came on stage and the girls were supposed to go see him and the parents were to come to the stage to pick up their child. AL had been in a back room with the other dancers for about an hour during the show doing crafts. AL HATES Santa with a passion (hence no photo with Santa this year) and I wasn't sure how she would react to this set up. When they brought her class out I could see her panicking and saying "Where's my Mom?" with tears in her eyes as she ran to the edge of the stage about to dive off! An older dancer grabbed her just in time until I could get to her.
AL did amazing and I was so proud of her but she did make sure to clarify that she didn't want to go back to the "Santa dancing class" as we drove to dance class this week!
This guy is turning into quite the little homebody and showing his terrible two's colors when we try to go out. Let's hope it is just a phase that passes quickly because temper tantrums are never fun (good thing he is cute)!
Last night T and I had the pleasure of going on a date to see Carrie Underwood in concert! My sweet husband isn't a huge fan but when the tickets went on sale almost a year ago he bought them for me. It was seriously just the best show. She is so talented and the show itself was so entertaining. I was blown away by the fact that she could barely speak because she was sick but man she could still belt it out when she sang. We are going to try to make a huge effort to get a babysitter once a month to be sure to get out on a date. Babysitters aren't the cheapest thing around but my friend pointed out that it is cheaper to pay a babysitter by the hour than it is to pay a marriage councillor by the hour!! Date night is for sure important so we will work hard on making it happen this year.
On a final note, it is just under 2 weeks until we run our 5km New Years day run. I have been running a couple times a week outside and then going on the elliptical inside on the other days. Winter running has been a challenge; it seriously is hard to breath when it is super cold and really exhausts the whole body but it has been a good experience to get out and do it. I think it has really helped me "embrace" winter and not feel trapped inside. Yesterday my running partner cancelled out on me so I went for a run on my own. It was 8am and only a nice -12C (-17 with the wind). I was determined to run 4kms and was finding it so much easier to run with the milder temperatures. As I ran I actually felt some runner's euphoria for the first time in months of running. I actually found myself sprinting the last 5 blocks home. (We used to always sprint the last 2 or 3 blocks in the summer). I wanted to collapse at the end but it felt so good! Here's to hoping for mild weather on New Year's Day!!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
What was I thinking?!?!
Tonight I entered over into the dark side of insanity and I even took an innocent by standard with me. Before I go into that let me back up a bit to the end of summer.
At the end of August I was in a euphoric state after running my first ever 10km race. I didn't want the fun to stop and so I went on a search for the next run to register for. Well, on a warm August day I decided that running a 5km race on New Years Day would be tons of fun which begs the question.........What was I thinking?!?! (I even managed to convince a handful of people to register for it too)
I have been running ever since the big race but nothing like the intense training I was doing leading up to it. I ran into a HUGE snag when my dear sister in law and running partner moved away. Suddenly the evenings became dark by 5pm and then two days ago the snow began to fly.
A few weeks ago I met this fantastic girl at church that just moved into my neighborhood and so on the off chance I asked if she might like to run with me.....and she said yes! (Although she has only run indoors up until this point).
This brings me back to the insanity of tonight.
With the windchill hovering at a balmy -21 C I strapped on my new running grips complete with spikes, bundled up and headed out for the first run with my new "Friend" (she may not be my friend after tonight).
We headed out on a nice 2km run just to ease into it. As we finished the first few blocks I was thinking to myself that this was actually pretty nice and enjoyable. Beautiful snow falling and not another soul around. The wind picked up here and there as we ran.
AND then we headed east on the final stretch and ran right smack into the full force of that wind chill and could barely run. Painful.
When we got back to my place I bid my new friend farewell and began the process of thawing out my fingers. I am guessing that my new friend is at her house right now recounting the tale of her first encounter with my crazy self and is in the process of deleting me from her Facebook friend list.
Can't wait for the next winter run in a few days! (Despite the cold temps I still have to admit that I love literally running away from my kids even for a few minutes :)
At the end of August I was in a euphoric state after running my first ever 10km race. I didn't want the fun to stop and so I went on a search for the next run to register for. Well, on a warm August day I decided that running a 5km race on New Years Day would be tons of fun which begs the question.........What was I thinking?!?! (I even managed to convince a handful of people to register for it too)
I have been running ever since the big race but nothing like the intense training I was doing leading up to it. I ran into a HUGE snag when my dear sister in law and running partner moved away. Suddenly the evenings became dark by 5pm and then two days ago the snow began to fly.
A few weeks ago I met this fantastic girl at church that just moved into my neighborhood and so on the off chance I asked if she might like to run with me.....and she said yes! (Although she has only run indoors up until this point).
This brings me back to the insanity of tonight.
With the windchill hovering at a balmy -21 C I strapped on my new running grips complete with spikes, bundled up and headed out for the first run with my new "Friend" (she may not be my friend after tonight).
We headed out on a nice 2km run just to ease into it. As we finished the first few blocks I was thinking to myself that this was actually pretty nice and enjoyable. Beautiful snow falling and not another soul around. The wind picked up here and there as we ran.
AND then we headed east on the final stretch and ran right smack into the full force of that wind chill and could barely run. Painful.
When we got back to my place I bid my new friend farewell and began the process of thawing out my fingers. I am guessing that my new friend is at her house right now recounting the tale of her first encounter with my crazy self and is in the process of deleting me from her Facebook friend list.
Can't wait for the next winter run in a few days! (Despite the cold temps I still have to admit that I love literally running away from my kids even for a few minutes :)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
I did it!!!
Last night I ran my first ever 10 km race! What a great experience it was. As someone who could barely run a few blocks just a few short months ago, I was pretty pleased with myself for tackling this run.
When we got to the race I must admit that I was a bit overwhelmed by all the athletic looking people. I'm not sure what I had expected but I was pretty in awe of many of the runners. The race was a 5km and 10km all at once and it was a loop. Basically you ran 5km out and then turned around and ran back. It was unbelievable to see the elite runners that sprinted the whole thing. So inspiring!
I unfortunately was unable to locate my sister in law and her sisters before the race as they got there right before it started and with a good 1000 runners and walkers all lined up to race I couldn't find her. I was however soooooo thankful that my sweet husband had decided to run with me. He was such a great support. He stayed by my side the whole race (even though I know it killed him to be passes by some of the runners at the start) and he was an awesome voice of encouragement. We even sprinted across the finish line hand in hand (so fun).
I managed to run the 10km in 1 hour and 2 mins which was pretty amazing for me. The week before the ran we ran the 9km in 1 hour and 5 mins. The pace of the race was hard to keep up to but I am glad I pushed myself to do it! I placed right in the middle of my age group (age 20-29) which is pretty decent for being right at the 29 (old lady age) of the group!
We lucked out with perfect cool weather (17C) for running) and the smoke from all of the surrounding Forrest fires had cleared enough that we could still breath!
I can't wait for the next race!
I love T's face in this picture....he looks like he was just out for a stroll while I worked my buns off!
At least he looks like he ran a race in this one!
With my lovely sister in law (we didn't run together but we got the same time according to our electronic chips ) Note the smokey sky in the background.
Love this guy!
When we got to the race I must admit that I was a bit overwhelmed by all the athletic looking people. I'm not sure what I had expected but I was pretty in awe of many of the runners. The race was a 5km and 10km all at once and it was a loop. Basically you ran 5km out and then turned around and ran back. It was unbelievable to see the elite runners that sprinted the whole thing. So inspiring!
I unfortunately was unable to locate my sister in law and her sisters before the race as they got there right before it started and with a good 1000 runners and walkers all lined up to race I couldn't find her. I was however soooooo thankful that my sweet husband had decided to run with me. He was such a great support. He stayed by my side the whole race (even though I know it killed him to be passes by some of the runners at the start) and he was an awesome voice of encouragement. We even sprinted across the finish line hand in hand (so fun).
I managed to run the 10km in 1 hour and 2 mins which was pretty amazing for me. The week before the ran we ran the 9km in 1 hour and 5 mins. The pace of the race was hard to keep up to but I am glad I pushed myself to do it! I placed right in the middle of my age group (age 20-29) which is pretty decent for being right at the 29 (old lady age) of the group!
We lucked out with perfect cool weather (17C) for running) and the smoke from all of the surrounding Forrest fires had cleared enough that we could still breath!
I can't wait for the next race!
I love T's face in this picture....he looks like he was just out for a stroll while I worked my buns off!
At least he looks like he ran a race in this one!
With my lovely sister in law (we didn't run together but we got the same time according to our electronic chips ) Note the smokey sky in the background.
Love this guy!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Lately
Summer is in full swing (although I could handle some slightly warmer weather) and we are loving it! I feel like I have so many things to blog about but never can find the time so I will just do a quick recap.
Just over a week ago we packed up and headed to the mountains and stayed here (there is a link attached to the word "here" but is doesn't seem to want to highlight it)in Canmore. I could seriously gush at length about the place we stayed in but I will just make it quick so others can get in on the good deal. It was an amazing 2 bedroom (2 double beds, 1 king bed, a double bed pull out couch, 2 full baths, full kitchen) 2 storey unit. It was in beautiful/new condition and all the units surrounded a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and BBQs and we got it for a grand total of $95/night on Expedia! May and June are their down time so look into it next year if you are interested, we are even going to check to see if they have a similar deal during their down time this fall. We couldn't have been happier!
We spent time touring the adorable town of Canmore, took several trips into Banff to ride the Gondola, see the falls, the town and spend time at Lake Minnewaka. The kids loved all the wildlife; the mountain goats were way too friendly! We seriously loved it. It is so amazing to be surrounded by so much beauty.
On the way home we hit the Calgary Zoo and the kids had a blast.
I went to see Eclipse opening night which kinda made me feel like I was actually 29 going on 14 years old when I was camped out with the rest of the teen girls waiting in line BUT it was worth it!!! The movie did not disappoint in the least and all I have to say is TEAM JACOB!
We have a fantastic Canada Day. We spent the first half of the day in my parent's town attending their amazing festivities. The kids had way too much fun on the astro jumps, at the petting zoo, pony rides, play dough, bubbles, painting, face painting and hair painting too plus sooooo much more. I feel so incredibly blessed to call myself a Canadian and it was a fantastic day to reflect on all that we have.
I have been busy training to run the 10km in August so I have been out with my fabulous running partners 3 times a week. I have to admit that I am kinda loving it! Some moments are of course painful and I wonder what I got myself into but I think it has just been so good for the soul. Having amazing partners to run with sure helps too! Just under 7 weeks of training to go.
Things are about to change around here this week. My 18 year old SIL is moving from a super small town (500 people) to live with us until she finds a job and a place to live. I am not really a person that loves change and I kinda love my own space but I am really hoping for the best. I hope that we can help get her life on a great successful track. I know that my own sister helped me in the exact same way when I moved here almost 10 years ago so I hope that I can do the same for her.
That pretty much sums up life in the past few weeks. We are loving summer and loving all the fun memories that are being made!
Just over a week ago we packed up and headed to the mountains and stayed here (there is a link attached to the word "here" but is doesn't seem to want to highlight it)in Canmore. I could seriously gush at length about the place we stayed in but I will just make it quick so others can get in on the good deal. It was an amazing 2 bedroom (2 double beds, 1 king bed, a double bed pull out couch, 2 full baths, full kitchen) 2 storey unit. It was in beautiful/new condition and all the units surrounded a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and BBQs and we got it for a grand total of $95/night on Expedia! May and June are their down time so look into it next year if you are interested, we are even going to check to see if they have a similar deal during their down time this fall. We couldn't have been happier!
We spent time touring the adorable town of Canmore, took several trips into Banff to ride the Gondola, see the falls, the town and spend time at Lake Minnewaka. The kids loved all the wildlife; the mountain goats were way too friendly! We seriously loved it. It is so amazing to be surrounded by so much beauty.
On the way home we hit the Calgary Zoo and the kids had a blast.
I went to see Eclipse opening night which kinda made me feel like I was actually 29 going on 14 years old when I was camped out with the rest of the teen girls waiting in line BUT it was worth it!!! The movie did not disappoint in the least and all I have to say is TEAM JACOB!
We have a fantastic Canada Day. We spent the first half of the day in my parent's town attending their amazing festivities. The kids had way too much fun on the astro jumps, at the petting zoo, pony rides, play dough, bubbles, painting, face painting and hair painting too plus sooooo much more. I feel so incredibly blessed to call myself a Canadian and it was a fantastic day to reflect on all that we have.
I have been busy training to run the 10km in August so I have been out with my fabulous running partners 3 times a week. I have to admit that I am kinda loving it! Some moments are of course painful and I wonder what I got myself into but I think it has just been so good for the soul. Having amazing partners to run with sure helps too! Just under 7 weeks of training to go.
Things are about to change around here this week. My 18 year old SIL is moving from a super small town (500 people) to live with us until she finds a job and a place to live. I am not really a person that loves change and I kinda love my own space but I am really hoping for the best. I hope that we can help get her life on a great successful track. I know that my own sister helped me in the exact same way when I moved here almost 10 years ago so I hope that I can do the same for her.
That pretty much sums up life in the past few weeks. We are loving summer and loving all the fun memories that are being made!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Too Much Fun!!!
We just had one busy and action packed weekend. We really had just so much fun. The weather was amazing so on Friday we finally got out the bubble sprinkler that AL got for her birthday back in October. It was seriously too cute and the kids loved it.
JA loved stepping on all the bubbles that covered the lawn.
Saturday morning started off bright an early with a 5km run at 7am with some amazing ladies. All I have to say is that it is amazing what you can convince yourself to roll out of bed to go do when you are motivated! It was a great start to the day.
The union that T is a part of (AUPE) hosted a fantastic family BBQ that was seriously the highlight of the weekend. The kids loved every minute of it. They had pony rides, wagon rides, a petting zoo, cotton candy, snow cones, airbrush tattoos, balloon animals, magicians, a tent with coloring and play dough, bubbles, amazing food, etc. It was really hard to believe we paid $3 each for all the great fun.
Eating the first snow cone.
Getting a bit too cozy with a horse in the petting zoo (JA has no fear!).
Hay Ride
Horse ride all by herself
We spent the rest of the afternoon at home playing in the kiddie pool and then we lucked out and got invited to the private beach in our friend's community and had a blast playing until a storm rolled in.
We spent Father's Day trying to spoil our favorite Daddy. The kids made him some great finger painting pictures that I mounted for him to hang in his office at work. We gave Daddy a wrapped up hot wheels race car and then we thought he would like it even more if he knew that we also got him tics to the Indy car race! We had a fun filled family BBQ and really just the perfect weekend!
JA loved stepping on all the bubbles that covered the lawn.
Saturday morning started off bright an early with a 5km run at 7am with some amazing ladies. All I have to say is that it is amazing what you can convince yourself to roll out of bed to go do when you are motivated! It was a great start to the day.
The union that T is a part of (AUPE) hosted a fantastic family BBQ that was seriously the highlight of the weekend. The kids loved every minute of it. They had pony rides, wagon rides, a petting zoo, cotton candy, snow cones, airbrush tattoos, balloon animals, magicians, a tent with coloring and play dough, bubbles, amazing food, etc. It was really hard to believe we paid $3 each for all the great fun.
Eating the first snow cone.
Getting a bit too cozy with a horse in the petting zoo (JA has no fear!).
Hay Ride
Horse ride all by herself
We spent the rest of the afternoon at home playing in the kiddie pool and then we lucked out and got invited to the private beach in our friend's community and had a blast playing until a storm rolled in.
We spent Father's Day trying to spoil our favorite Daddy. The kids made him some great finger painting pictures that I mounted for him to hang in his office at work. We gave Daddy a wrapped up hot wheels race car and then we thought he would like it even more if he knew that we also got him tics to the Indy car race! We had a fun filled family BBQ and really just the perfect weekend!
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