Although I know it is the thing that everyone is talking about...I feel like I do need to discuss my take on the whole Boston Marathon thing. I have never been one to enjoy participating in things because 'everyone else is doing it,' but for some reason, Boston is one of those races that runners (especially marathon runners) seem to feel like they have to do. It might be the fact that non-runners know of this famous race, and assume that it is something that "any runner that is a real runner" has run.
The changes to the registration process mean that the qualifying time for each age/gender will be lowered inadvertently, as the lower your time, the sooner you can register. Perhaps they should just silk screen each runner's qualifying time on their bib, so we know just which runner is most deserving of a spot at the starting line on race day?
And so it is. A million years ago, when I worked at the Running Room, we had a little sign in the store that posted Boston Marathon Qualifying times. I remember looking at it, thinking the race would be one that I would qualify for someday if I tried. I also remember feeling really lucky that I was female, as the male qualifying times seemed waaay harder to attain. When I ran my second marathon while working there, one of the other runners in my training group qualified. She had run at least 5 marathons, and was so very proud of herself, and it was then that I thought more about making it a goal for myself in future races. Then, for one reason or another, (perhaps getting a 'real job' and not spending my days living the student life) I got out of marathon running. I had no real interest in that kind of training. I was content to run 5-10kms.
I keep thinking perhaps I missed that Boston boat. Now everyone wants to run it. Do I care enough? I think in my next marathon, I would like to push myself under that qualifying time, to know I can do it, (to be able to say I can do it) but I don't know if I want to join in on the crazy race to get a spot at the starting line.
There are so many other races out there that I would like to run. I haven't done many destination races, but I do know I want to do more. Boston is lovely, I hear. But so are many other places!
Happy Running...and qualifying.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Is it too early to wish for spring?
For Valentine's day my husband bought me a couple of running magazines. He is so romantic, and he really does know what kinds of things make me happy. Waay better than chocolate! As I read the magazines, (it takes a bit of time even to read magazines in this crazy busy household) I am getting more and more eager to get out there and run this spring :) I feel lucky that my closest running friend (who's baby is due in less than a week!!) will also be eager to get out on the road, so it will be nice to have a companion that is feeling the burn out there.
But enough about the spring...perhaps I am just excited, as we have had some temperatures above the freezing mark these days, and seeing all of the ice on the roads turning to puddles glistening in the sun makes me feel like it is time to get out there!
In other news...Our two-year-old is embarking on a milestone very soon...moving to a "big boy" bed. I have heard all sorts of miracle stories about children that are placed into that big bed the first night, and never even think about venturing out. Not my kids. Oh, how I wish they would stay in bed. Because little Milo takes it upon himself to escaping the crib from time to time, we expect him to follow his big brother's footsteps, which will have him (and us) up more than a few times throughout the evening/night. He has been asking for his big bed, so tomorrow night might just be the first night of my little squirt looking so teeny in that big bed. We'll see how it goes!
Happy Running :)
But enough about the spring...perhaps I am just excited, as we have had some temperatures above the freezing mark these days, and seeing all of the ice on the roads turning to puddles glistening in the sun makes me feel like it is time to get out there!
In other news...Our two-year-old is embarking on a milestone very soon...moving to a "big boy" bed. I have heard all sorts of miracle stories about children that are placed into that big bed the first night, and never even think about venturing out. Not my kids. Oh, how I wish they would stay in bed. Because little Milo takes it upon himself to escaping the crib from time to time, we expect him to follow his big brother's footsteps, which will have him (and us) up more than a few times throughout the evening/night. He has been asking for his big bed, so tomorrow night might just be the first night of my little squirt looking so teeny in that big bed. We'll see how it goes!
Happy Running :)
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Where have I been?!
I know, I can't believe it either. A new post! It has been a while, I know. Thank goodness I didn't make updating my blog regularly a New Year's resolution.
As Valentine's day approaches, I am longing for one of my great loves...so I thought I had better write about it. I have ended things with running for a little while, but it is just a "break," not a "break-up". It was time to give up trying to look like a normal runner in the neighbourhood with my big belly, ill-fitting clothing, and plain fear of slipping on this icy, snowy terrain we enjoy in these parts. I will enjoy building a new relationship with running in the spring, but until then, I will have to be satisfied with the dreams I have at night, in which I am plugging away in good form down the street, in a race or on trails. If only those dreams of running burned as many calories as the real deal ;)
Belly-wise, baby is growing and using my insides as a treadmill, which I see as a good sign that this little one will someday soon understand my need to get out and get some activity with them in tow. I have finished work now, so, although my plan was to sit around and eat bon-bons and catch up on my soaps, I am too preoccupied by all of the things on my to-do list. I don't remember having such a need to clean and nest through my other pregnancies, but my husband assures me that I was just as (irrational) obsessed. I think my boys enjoy having me around a bit more too, which is such a relief. My two year old has decided that he is going to be a big man and use that potty all the time now, which makes me one proud mama. Not having to wash loads of diapers is a nice break before the new baby comes and I have to begin the entire process of diapers on a little one again :)
We (and by 'we' I really mean my husband) are also up to our eyeballs in basement renovations these days. I desperately would love to have it all done before the new little one joins us, but I am cool with "mostly done" too. Stay tuned for updates...I promise not to show any signs of insanity :)
Happy Running...it is a great time of year to get early bird sign up prices for races later in the year ;)
As Valentine's day approaches, I am longing for one of my great loves...so I thought I had better write about it. I have ended things with running for a little while, but it is just a "break," not a "break-up". It was time to give up trying to look like a normal runner in the neighbourhood with my big belly, ill-fitting clothing, and plain fear of slipping on this icy, snowy terrain we enjoy in these parts. I will enjoy building a new relationship with running in the spring, but until then, I will have to be satisfied with the dreams I have at night, in which I am plugging away in good form down the street, in a race or on trails. If only those dreams of running burned as many calories as the real deal ;)
Belly-wise, baby is growing and using my insides as a treadmill, which I see as a good sign that this little one will someday soon understand my need to get out and get some activity with them in tow. I have finished work now, so, although my plan was to sit around and eat bon-bons and catch up on my soaps, I am too preoccupied by all of the things on my to-do list. I don't remember having such a need to clean and nest through my other pregnancies, but my husband assures me that I was just as (irrational) obsessed. I think my boys enjoy having me around a bit more too, which is such a relief. My two year old has decided that he is going to be a big man and use that potty all the time now, which makes me one proud mama. Not having to wash loads of diapers is a nice break before the new baby comes and I have to begin the entire process of diapers on a little one again :)
We (and by 'we' I really mean my husband) are also up to our eyeballs in basement renovations these days. I desperately would love to have it all done before the new little one joins us, but I am cool with "mostly done" too. Stay tuned for updates...I promise not to show any signs of insanity :)
Happy Running...it is a great time of year to get early bird sign up prices for races later in the year ;)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Goals!!
This year I am just not getting into the whole 'resolution' thing. It has a lot to do with my current state of mind as a pregnant person...
I know that I would like to make goals for 2011, (which I will list below) but I feel as though most of my goals will begin post-baby. So much of our focus as a family right now is preparation for the baby (ok, not so much the boys, but between myself and my husband, we have been staring down my due date with much thought)! With that in mind, I am going to write two lists of goals for 2011...
Pre-Baby Goals for 2011:
1. Stay Active. It is so important that I keep moving throughout these last 10 weeks of pregnancy. I am starting to feel some horrible back pain (too front heavy?) and it seems to be worse when I have been sitting all day. Luckily I am a teacher, and a mom, so sitting isn't much of an option throughout the day, but I am going to attempt to get out for some power walks once running gets to be too much (and let's not forget that toboggen hill).
2. Spend quality time every day with my boys. My goal is to give them the attention they deserve, even in the midst of preparing dinner, sweeping the floor, folding the laundry, etc. If the house isn't perfect, I need to remember I can ignore it to read that extra book or two while they snuggle beside me. It is so worth it.
Post-Baby Goals for 2011:
1. Races. The only way to get back into the game of fitness after this baby is born will be races. I am planning a couple of 10k races later in the spring (one in May and one in June) to kick-start my training. I would love to achieve another marathon in the fall of 2011. When I was in the midst of my most recent marathon at 4 months pregnant, I was already planning my next 'non-pregnant' marathon.
My goal is to make time for regular runs. My husband is very supportive of my need to run, so I will work my runs around his schedule. Thank goodness I can pull out the double/single BOB as well. (hmmm, do they make a triple?)
2. Get dressed every day. Even if it is yoga pants and running shoes, I am making this a goal, because it is sooo tempting just to stay inside in my jammies when it is just me, a baby and my boys at home all day. Not this maternity leave, folks. I am going to get dressed and look presentable regardless of whether I see any other adults during the day or not!
3. Drink water. This is so important for all of us, but especially women that are new moms and runners at the same time.
4. Take time to talk to/communicate with my husband. Dare I even suggest a semi-regular date-night? I love him dearly, and I am putting this goal down in black and white, to remember it, even when I am too tired to remember my own name or what day of the week it is.
I am excited to see what 2011 brings. Here's to a great year! Happy Running :)
I know that I would like to make goals for 2011, (which I will list below) but I feel as though most of my goals will begin post-baby. So much of our focus as a family right now is preparation for the baby (ok, not so much the boys, but between myself and my husband, we have been staring down my due date with much thought)! With that in mind, I am going to write two lists of goals for 2011...
Pre-Baby Goals for 2011:
1. Stay Active. It is so important that I keep moving throughout these last 10 weeks of pregnancy. I am starting to feel some horrible back pain (too front heavy?) and it seems to be worse when I have been sitting all day. Luckily I am a teacher, and a mom, so sitting isn't much of an option throughout the day, but I am going to attempt to get out for some power walks once running gets to be too much (and let's not forget that toboggen hill).
2. Spend quality time every day with my boys. My goal is to give them the attention they deserve, even in the midst of preparing dinner, sweeping the floor, folding the laundry, etc. If the house isn't perfect, I need to remember I can ignore it to read that extra book or two while they snuggle beside me. It is so worth it.
Post-Baby Goals for 2011:
1. Races. The only way to get back into the game of fitness after this baby is born will be races. I am planning a couple of 10k races later in the spring (one in May and one in June) to kick-start my training. I would love to achieve another marathon in the fall of 2011. When I was in the midst of my most recent marathon at 4 months pregnant, I was already planning my next 'non-pregnant' marathon.
My goal is to make time for regular runs. My husband is very supportive of my need to run, so I will work my runs around his schedule. Thank goodness I can pull out the double/single BOB as well. (hmmm, do they make a triple?)
2. Get dressed every day. Even if it is yoga pants and running shoes, I am making this a goal, because it is sooo tempting just to stay inside in my jammies when it is just me, a baby and my boys at home all day. Not this maternity leave, folks. I am going to get dressed and look presentable regardless of whether I see any other adults during the day or not!
3. Drink water. This is so important for all of us, but especially women that are new moms and runners at the same time.
4. Take time to talk to/communicate with my husband. Dare I even suggest a semi-regular date-night? I love him dearly, and I am putting this goal down in black and white, to remember it, even when I am too tired to remember my own name or what day of the week it is.
I am excited to see what 2011 brings. Here's to a great year! Happy Running :)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Lists
I am not quite ready to commit to a list of New Year's Resolutions yet...I know I only have a couple of days left to decide, but procrastinating will never be something I will get rid of, so I will leave my *goals* for 2011 for the big day on Saturday...
But for now, I am going to get into the list-writing spirit by adding a couple of top tens. Just for fun.
Top Ten Reasons I love Being Pregnant:
10: A chance for a new wardrobe?! Yah, that new wardrobe has to be maternity clothing, but it still is a good excuse to wear some new digs?!
9: Chocolate. I am not a fan of chocolate usually, but let it flow while I am pregnant! Especially the dark stuff. mmmm.
8. If I am feeling unaccomplished in a day, I can always remember that I am growing a baby...at least that has to account for something?!
7. Looking at my two boys, knowing that I am going to have another little one to get to know and love just as much as I love them.
6. Daydreaming. Allowing myself to day dream about this baby.
5. People telling me that I look "glowing". How cute is that?! (probably not true, but cute anyway)
2. Hearing my boys talk about the baby. My oldest, Elliott rubs my tummy from time to time when he is hugging me or even just walking past. I think he is excited to be a big brother again. I can't wait to see them hold the new baby.
1. Feeling lucky and blessed. How can you top that?!
on the other hand...
Top Ten things I don't love about being Pregnant...
10. People commenting on how "huge" I look. Really?
9. Heartburn. Ugh. The thing about heartburn that sucks more than the pain itself? Knowing the best way to beat it is to drink a teaspoon of vinegar, straight up. It totally works but it sucks.
8. Heavy Baby + Bladder = lots of pitstops throughout runs and life in general. In this two weeks off of school I am getting accustomed to taking pee breaks whenever I feel the need. I am not looking forward to being stuck in a classroom for more than an hour at a time :(
7. Maternity Clothes. Although elastic waist bands are very comfortable, it is not comfortable to constantly pull them up :( Pants wriggle their way down, and shirts wriggle their way up. I feel like I am always adjusting something!
6. Naps. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE naps. I just don't have time to take them, and some days, I need them.
5. Random people thinking it is ok to rub my tummy. Why does that seem like a good idea? I would recommend getting rid of this habit, if you are one of these people that feels the urge to rub pregnant bellies!
4. Knowing that it is only a matter of time before I can't see my feet, let alone tie my shoes. I am lucky to have a husband that is always willing to help me to get my shoes on or off! It is actually kind of hilarious sometimes, feeling stranded with my shoes on!
3. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the things left to do before my due date. Renovations, potty training my two-year-old, and the list continues...
2. Knowing that it will take months and months to get back to a place where 10 milers are easy runs. sigh.
1. Feeling like I will be pregnant forever...
I know that my due date will be here before I know it, so I am going to focus on the first top ten list (which was actually way easier to compile) to get through the next 10 weeks!
Happy Running!
But for now, I am going to get into the list-writing spirit by adding a couple of top tens. Just for fun.
Top Ten Reasons I love Being Pregnant:
10: A chance for a new wardrobe?! Yah, that new wardrobe has to be maternity clothing, but it still is a good excuse to wear some new digs?!
9: Chocolate. I am not a fan of chocolate usually, but let it flow while I am pregnant! Especially the dark stuff. mmmm.
8. If I am feeling unaccomplished in a day, I can always remember that I am growing a baby...at least that has to account for something?!
7. Looking at my two boys, knowing that I am going to have another little one to get to know and love just as much as I love them.
6. Daydreaming. Allowing myself to day dream about this baby.
5. People telling me that I look "glowing". How cute is that?! (probably not true, but cute anyway)
4. Nesting. I love that cleaning and preparing that comes along with babies! (really, I do!)
3. My sister and I have a 'tradition' of watching movies that have a great deal of baby footage while pregnant. It started when she was pregnant more than a decade ago with my nephew. She has three children, and this is my third pregnancy, so together we have watched "Baby Boom," and "Jack and Sarah" lots of times. There have been many many other movies, but those are the best for baby footage.
2. Hearing my boys talk about the baby. My oldest, Elliott rubs my tummy from time to time when he is hugging me or even just walking past. I think he is excited to be a big brother again. I can't wait to see them hold the new baby.
1. Feeling lucky and blessed. How can you top that?!
on the other hand...
Top Ten things I don't love about being Pregnant...
10. People commenting on how "huge" I look. Really?
9. Heartburn. Ugh. The thing about heartburn that sucks more than the pain itself? Knowing the best way to beat it is to drink a teaspoon of vinegar, straight up. It totally works but it sucks.
8. Heavy Baby + Bladder = lots of pitstops throughout runs and life in general. In this two weeks off of school I am getting accustomed to taking pee breaks whenever I feel the need. I am not looking forward to being stuck in a classroom for more than an hour at a time :(
7. Maternity Clothes. Although elastic waist bands are very comfortable, it is not comfortable to constantly pull them up :( Pants wriggle their way down, and shirts wriggle their way up. I feel like I am always adjusting something!
6. Naps. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE naps. I just don't have time to take them, and some days, I need them.
5. Random people thinking it is ok to rub my tummy. Why does that seem like a good idea? I would recommend getting rid of this habit, if you are one of these people that feels the urge to rub pregnant bellies!
4. Knowing that it is only a matter of time before I can't see my feet, let alone tie my shoes. I am lucky to have a husband that is always willing to help me to get my shoes on or off! It is actually kind of hilarious sometimes, feeling stranded with my shoes on!
3. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the things left to do before my due date. Renovations, potty training my two-year-old, and the list continues...
2. Knowing that it will take months and months to get back to a place where 10 milers are easy runs. sigh.
1. Feeling like I will be pregnant forever...
I know that my due date will be here before I know it, so I am going to focus on the first top ten list (which was actually way easier to compile) to get through the next 10 weeks!
Happy Running!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas Recap
What an amazing Christmas! It was nice to celebrate a low-key Christmas at our house, now that it is all said and done. I have to admit, I hate it when my husband's schedule dictates how and when we see our families, and this year I was sad not to see our families on the 'big day'. I did comment that we saved ourselves a lot of energy (and calories!) by staying home for Christmas day. Our boys enjoyed opening their stockings with just me Christmas morning, and managed quite well throughout the day leaving their Christmas gifts alone under the tree until Papa arrived home from work. The gift mayhem was unbelievable when he did finally arrive, but it was so cute and awesome to have Papa home to enjoy the magic of Santa gifts!
We enjoyed a fantastic Christmas dinner...a roasted chicken (mmmm, the house smelled turkey-ish?) sweet potatoes, green beans, gravy, etc. It was just festive enough for me :) It was nice to let the boys stay in their snowman jammies all day long (they pulled up to the table, still in them!). They asked about Grandma and Grandpa many, many times all day, but they will have a chance to celebrate the season with them next week, so we are 'spreading the love'!
I am excited to have another week of holiday time...
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job. I just happen to love spending time with my kids, not having to get out of yoga pants for days at a time :) The inevitable will happen...I will have to go in to school and teach some more in January, but I am hoping to go back all refreshed and relaxed!
On Christmas day, Milo came out of the living room with some interesting ornaments...
For some reason, he grabbed a bunch of my running medals from their hiding spot in a basket, and wore them around the house for a while. The novelty faded when more toys were opened, but still, it was kind of cute :) Way to make Mama feel proud, kid!
I hope to get out for some running this week...I have a neighbour that is home from college, (he is on a running scholarship in the States) that is really starting to make me feel guilty. He runs by my house every day, all fit and not-pregnant, running like he is barely breaking a sweat!! I know he is a totally different class of crazy-runner, but it still hurts the ego a little to be gazing out the window (in the least stalker-ish way, I assure you) with a sugar cookie in one hand, and tea in the other, when he runs by in perfect form ;)
Happy Boxing day!
 |
| The boys early Christmas morning, eager to dig into their stockings! |
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| It doesn't look fancy, but we did use the good china AND a table cloth!! |
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job. I just happen to love spending time with my kids, not having to get out of yoga pants for days at a time :) The inevitable will happen...I will have to go in to school and teach some more in January, but I am hoping to go back all refreshed and relaxed!
For some reason, he grabbed a bunch of my running medals from their hiding spot in a basket, and wore them around the house for a while. The novelty faded when more toys were opened, but still, it was kind of cute :) Way to make Mama feel proud, kid!
I hope to get out for some running this week...I have a neighbour that is home from college, (he is on a running scholarship in the States) that is really starting to make me feel guilty. He runs by my house every day, all fit and not-pregnant, running like he is barely breaking a sweat!! I know he is a totally different class of crazy-runner, but it still hurts the ego a little to be gazing out the window (in the least stalker-ish way, I assure you) with a sugar cookie in one hand, and tea in the other, when he runs by in perfect form ;)
Happy Boxing day!
Friday, December 24, 2010
My belly looks like Santa's!
It's been a crazy couple of weeks around here...hence the lack of updated blog posts on my part. Oops! It has been a mix of that nasty cold (super-nasty when you can't take anything for it!) and spending time with my boys throughout this fun week off. What feels nice about this week off is that there is still another week to come before heading back into work to enjoy the January blahs...
So I haven't run in terms of lacing up my running shoes, but I feel like I have been running trying to prepare for this holiday season! I know that things will taper off over the next couple of days, and I will enjoy getting out there in this lovely weather for some quicker steps than walking! I do hope my running clothes still fit after the holiday food, and the growing baby thing!!
This holiday is going to be a bit different around our house, as my husband will be working through most of it. I am gearing up to convince my kids that Santa prefers it when we wait until Papa returns from work to open those oh-so-tempting presents. I have promised my husband that I will try my best to wait until he gets home, but if he comes home to a big mess of wrapping paper and very happy children, well, at least I tried!
We are going to extend our holiday celebrating into New Year's this year, as we will be visiting Grandma and Grandpa at that time. It will be nice to have a bit of time to relax next week before getting back into Christmas mode again :)
So, Merry Running Christmas, everyone!!
I doubt I will get out for a Christmas day run this year, but if you are thinking about going out for one, I highly recommend it. Running down the streets on holidays is one of my favourite things. It seems more calm, and even a little bit heroic. I mean, most of the rest of the Western world is sitting in their living rooms eating the Christmas-day diet of chocolate and egg-nog before sitting down to a big turkey dinner! Going out for a run makes it all that much better :)
So I haven't run in terms of lacing up my running shoes, but I feel like I have been running trying to prepare for this holiday season! I know that things will taper off over the next couple of days, and I will enjoy getting out there in this lovely weather for some quicker steps than walking! I do hope my running clothes still fit after the holiday food, and the growing baby thing!!
This holiday is going to be a bit different around our house, as my husband will be working through most of it. I am gearing up to convince my kids that Santa prefers it when we wait until Papa returns from work to open those oh-so-tempting presents. I have promised my husband that I will try my best to wait until he gets home, but if he comes home to a big mess of wrapping paper and very happy children, well, at least I tried!
We are going to extend our holiday celebrating into New Year's this year, as we will be visiting Grandma and Grandpa at that time. It will be nice to have a bit of time to relax next week before getting back into Christmas mode again :)
So, Merry Running Christmas, everyone!!
I doubt I will get out for a Christmas day run this year, but if you are thinking about going out for one, I highly recommend it. Running down the streets on holidays is one of my favourite things. It seems more calm, and even a little bit heroic. I mean, most of the rest of the Western world is sitting in their living rooms eating the Christmas-day diet of chocolate and egg-nog before sitting down to a big turkey dinner! Going out for a run makes it all that much better :)
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