Suzanne McGrath Photography

{Half} Marathon Monday...My Favorite Things

First things first...I managed to get in my 9 mile run this weekend.  It was a little touch and go, but I was able to get my a-s-s out of bed shortly after 6am Saturday morning.  After a cup of coffee (required), I was out the door.  I ran it in 1.27.20.  

I decided I do much better with a group of people.  I am not good at pacing myself.  I think I can run faster, but I don't have a Garmin so it's hard for me to tell what my pace is at any given point.  Oh well.  I logged the miles and that was the most important part.

I figured you are all sick of listening to my blathering so I thought I'd do a list of my favorite things.  I love that running is such a low-maintenance sport.  Just stick on a pair of shoes, and you're ready to go.  Regardless, I do have a few things that are required to get me out the door.  In random order, here they are:

1.  Let's start with my feet.  I guess that's probably the most important part in running, right?  If you have bad shoes, nothing else matters.  I also happen to think socks are a make-it-or-break-it item, too.  I LOVE these socks.  Seriously.  They are awesome!  They wick away moisture and they don't slip.  Ever.  No matter how hot and humid it gets.  Totally worth the price tag.  Feetures.

2.  I will admit it.  I totally wish I had Mizuno running shoes because they look cuter.  But my Saucony's are just as good and a little less pricey.  I got my feet evaluated at Elite Feet several years ago.  It turns out that I pronate (whatever that means).  So they recommended these shoes.  As long as I have a pair that are in good condition, my body approves.  However, if I use them too long, my knees will start to complain.  So I listen closely!  (These actually are cuter than mine.  Of course these are the newest in their line-up.  Maybe it's time for some new shoes!)

3.  What can I say?  I ABSOLUTELY ADORE this hat!!  (Mine is in pink - much cuter.)  This hat, from Athleta, is breathable which means my head doesn't get hot in it.  I also love that it's kind of small.  That works well for me because I guess my noggin isn't very large.  And, I can fit my sunglasses on easily at the same time - something that is not possible in my golf hat.  I just throw this in the wash when I'm done and it comes out just like new.     

4.  I wear sunglasses year round.  I wear them in the sun.  (duh)  I wear them in the shade.  I wear them on cloudy days.  I truly am very rarely without them.  However, my kids like them, too!  And I'm not good at keeping an "eye" on them - so I just buy whatever I can find.  My current sunglasses were purchased on the mountain at Breckenridge a few years ago when I realized I had lost my other pair.  

5.  I love wearing a watch.  Even with the proliferation of cell phones, I still wear a watch.  I wish it were a Rolex, but sadly, it's not.  It's Timex.  (Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin', right?)  Plus, it's missing a part on the face.  But I don't care.  It tells time and it times me on my runs.  Good enough.

6.  A few years ago I bought this blue, hoodie jacket somewhere.  I don't even remember where.  Dick's, maybe?  It was on clearance.  (I'm not a good shopper so I was proud I found something on sale!)  It turns out that it ended up being one of my smartest running purchases ever.  I think this jacket is awesome!  It's wicking material is required.  But it's great because when I get hot and take it off, it wraps around my waste and doesn't slip - no matter how long I go.  It stays in place.  Plus, it's light-weight-ness is the perfect thickness.  I just wish I bought more than one.  (Ignore the bad picture.  I had 30 seconds to shoot it while #2 and #3 were brushing their teeth.  Hence, the horrible lighting.)

7.  My iPod.  I could not run without it.  I am not a zen kind of person.  I can't just run in silence.  No way, Jose.  I HAVE to have tunes.  If my iPod is not charged, I don't run.  Period.  End of story.  And this running case is great because I can throw it in the wash.  That way it doesn't get all stinky.  Good thing.  

And there you have it.  My favorite things.  Until next week...

Six on Sunday...September 26th!

Man, where has the month gone?  Oh, wait.  I know!  I know!  Soccer, soccer, volleyball and swim!

1.  This weekend was CrAzY!!  My hubby took #3 and #4 to Omaha for a wedding.  I stayed here with #1 and #2 because they had so much stuff going on and didn't want to miss it.  What did we do, you ask?  Well, let me fill you in.

Friday night #2 and I dropped off the carpool at swim practice.  Then we ran to Target for a birthday present and a compass (for #1's girl scout camp-out).  Birthday present?  Check.  Compass?  Negative.  To kill some time, we checked out the halloween decorations at Pier One.  I used massive amounts of restraint and only walked out with a big, fuzzy spider.

Saturday was a little more hectic.  I got up at the butt-crack of dawn (I'm not a morning person.  Can you tell?) to get my 9 mile run done.  As soon as I got home, I made the girls breakfast and hopped in the shower.  We then went to volleyball pictures for #1 at one location at 9am.  Immediately following pictures, she had the first of two matches at ANOTHER location.  But, #2 had a soccer game at 11am, so we only watched one match and headed over to soccer.  As soon as she was done with her soccer game, we picked up #1 at her friend's house.  I took the girls home for a pit stop lunch and back out to Heritage Park for #1's soccer game.  After that, we high-tailed it home for a pit stop before heading to Jumpin' Jax.  (#2 had a birthday party to attend.)  While she was at the birthday party, #1 and I headed to Walmart (my LEAST favorite store!) to find a compass.  Check.  We also made our weekly stop at Costco.  Since we had an hour left, I took #1 home to shower and put away groceries.  I sat down for 5 minutes.  I left to pick up #2 at her party.  We returned home for a third pit stop.  I fed the girls dinner and took #1 to her Girl Scout camping overnight.  And FINALLY, #2 and I headed for home.  Phew!  That was a long, ugly day!

Today wasn't nearly as bad.  #2 and I dropped #1 off at swim practice at 10am and then headed to the grocery store.  We didn't have to pick up #1 until 1pm, so we were able to hang around at home for a little while before heading out again.  Thankfully, that was it.  

I was so busy I didn't even have time to miss the littles.  But I was extremely happy to see them walk in the door this afternoon!    

2.  #1 decided she needed her own email address.  I was shocked.  9 year olds email each other?  Apparently, they do.  So, I helped her sign up on gmail.  So now she will tell me, "Mom, I need to gmail XXX."  Or, "Mom, I need to go check my gmail."  It cracks me up.  To her, it's not email, it's gmail.  So if she sends you a "gmail", please be sure to respond.  She's checking!

3.  #2 had three baby teeth pulled on Monday.  We had the oral surgeon do the deed so it would be a positive experience for her.  She was so excited; she could hardly wait.  It all went very well and she's $7 richer, thanks to the Tooth Fairy!

4.  We have been keeping up with the allowance system.  So far, so good.  I remember to get cash at the grocery store every week so I have money to pay #1 and #2.  I really like that they are earning some money and learning to budget - even if just a little.  I think now I need to start working with them to get some kind of system in place.  For instance, fun money, college money, charity.  Something along those lines.  But for now, I'm pleased we're still hanging in there.

5.  I mentioned #3 and #4 went to Omaha for a wedding with their dad.  You will get a kick out of #3's choice of evening wear.  She wore her Belle dress.  That's right, folks.  She wore her Halloween dress to the wedding.  In her mind, it's a perfectly acceptable dress and should be worn for such occasions.  I only wish my hubby had snapped a few pictures so I could show you all!

6.  Grandma Rori sent home some Halloween candy.  Of course it was a hit!  All the girls love it - even #2 who is more of a "chips" kind of girl.  Check out #4:

That's all for me.  It's time for a shower and bed!  Have a great week!  

{Half} Marathon Monday...8 Mile Edition

8 miles was great!  I ran it yesterday morning with 4 other women and really enjoyed it, despite the 100% humidity.

Running in a group is so wonderful.  It's motivating - especially early in the morning.  And together, the miles melt away.  We ran on the trails and did an out and back route.  I'm not typically a fan of out and back runs, but on the trails I didn't mind at all.  Plus, since I hadn't run on that section of trails before, it wasn't the least bit familiar to me.

We ran it in 1.16.22 which breaks down to less than 10 minute miles.  AND, I was able to kick it into gear the last quarter of a mile.  That makes me think that 9 miles this weekend will still be do-able.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to make the group run, though.  And that part makes me sad.  I will miss the chit-chat that takes my mind off what my body is actually doing.  We'll see if I can't make it work, but so far it doesn't look promising.  

'Till next week...

Six on Sunday

I had this math teacher in junior high.  He was basically a dork.  But a nice dork.  I can't remember his name, but I remember his "bucket" theory like it was yesterday.  It was the first time I had heard about my "bucket".  You know, how good deeds fill up your bucket or someone else's bucket.  Conversely, your bucket can be emptied by others who use up your good will.

Well, as I sit here writing this, I feel like my bucket needs some serious replenishing.  My youngest didn't feel very good this weekend - teeth, I think - and she MAJORLY sucked my bucket dry.  She just wasn't her happy-go-lucky self.  She was very clingly and fussy.  If she didn't get exactly WHAT she wanted WHEN she wanted, watch OUT!  #3 also needed a little more TLC than she usually requires - due to the beginning of a cold.  So I am sitting here on empty.  I'm hoping I get a good night's sleep to help fill up my bucket again.

That said, here are my Six:

1.  WORDS:  Overheard this past week, "Kennedy, chiw!"  (Decoded:  Kennedy, chill.  #3 doesn't always say her "R"s and I love it.)

Wa = short for water.  maybe?  I'm grasping at straws here.  

Ma = mom.  I hope.

Up = Up. 

I think we're on our way.  Fingers crossed.  It only took 17 months:)

2.  Halloween update.  We have officially decorated.  I will try to snap a few pictures this week.  I just love decorating for Halloween.  It's right up there with Christmas for me.  

3.  Last Friday #1 and #2 had Field Day at their school.  The weather couldn't have been more gorgeous and all the kids had so much fun.  I love that I was able to walk around snapping pictures and I also got to work the obstacle course for the afternoon shift.  It was such a wonderful, fun day!

4.  I have always wanted to use my crockpot to cook.  However, I've not been able to find recipes that I really like.  Everything always seems to use cream of this or cream of that.  I don't like to cook/eat those types of heavy foods.  So I was ecstatic when I found this blog.  This woman vowed to use her crockpot every day of the year back in 2008.  She did it and founded a blog around her efforts.  Her recipes are awesome and I can't wait to try them.  

Our nights are so busy that it's really hard to be able to make a decent dinner so I'm delighted that I can put something in the crockpot in the morning and have most of dinner ready to go after the night's activities.  I grew up eating dinner together as a family and it is definitely something I strive to do with my own family.  It does get harder as the kids get older, but so far we're doing well.  I just hope we can keep it up!  

5.  How are we doing on our Punch List?  Actually, every weekend we make just a little progress.  I am very proud of us.  

• Last weekend I managed to caulk the woodwork on the stairs down to the basement.  It looks so much better!  (I'm sure no one else will notice but I sure do!)  
• My hubby has managed to kill off most of the backyard so he can overseed next month.  I just hope it works.
• We have been able to put a few more big ticket items out on craigslist to free up room in our garage and basement.
• I took my small items to my friend's garage sale last week which freed up even more space in my storage areas.
• I bought some awesome curtains at Target for my front room.  We've been in our house for nearly 7 years and never had curtains in the front room.  Well, after paying my crazy AC bill, I thought they might actually help with our electric bill and look good at the same time.  Check mark.

6.  We visited the Balloon Festival this past Friday night.  It was the first year it's been done and since it was so close to our house we thought, why not?  We ended up parking a lot further away than necessary because we weren't sure if there was parking up close.  We also failed to bring lawn chairs or a blanket.  All in all, I'm not sure if we'll do it again next year or not.  We were able to walk right up to the balloons but all the girls wanted to get IN to the balloons, so it was a lot like showing an alcoholic a beer and not letting them drink.  It was HARD.  Thankfully, the girls did tell us they had fun and #3 enjoyed the fact that it was late and much past her bedtime by the time we got to the car!  

  

So that's it for now.  Have a great week, everyone!

(Half) Marathon Monday

I did it.  I ran farther than I've ever ran in my entire life.  7 miles.  Some might scoff at me - That's it?  For me, it was an accomplishment.  (Well, technically it was 6.85 miles in 1.07.11 - but it rounds up to 7, right?  Right.)

I have a secret weapon.  Do you wanna know what it is?  It's running with friends!  Kristen Armstrong calls them her sweat sisters.  While that term is a little cheesy for my taste, it really does sum it up.  I met up with my old friend, Stacey, and one of her new friends, Stephanie.  After that, the 7 miles just melted away.  I felt great at the end; like I could have run farther.  

Running with a group of people is so awesome.  I never would have believed until I experienced it myself.  Our core group has been through a lot together - weddings, births, new jobs, etc.  But at the center of it all, we have each other and we can talk about ANYTHING.  I love that. 

It's also very motivating.  We run year round - sometimes inside and sometimes outside.  But we are there for each other and we encourage and challenge each other.  

We've already got plans to run 8 miles next Sunday.  I can't wait!

Six on Sunday...in September!

Can you believe it's already September?  I cannot.  As such, our regularly scheduled programming of soccer, volleyball, and swimming has invaded our weekends.  Therefore, I am simply EXHAUSTED tonight.  So rather than bore you with details of my life, I'm going to post the links SIX of my favorite blogs!  In random order, these are blogs I check on a regular basis.  Are there more, you ask?  Oh yes, I could do another couple Six on Sundays just about my favorite blogs!  (Thank goodness for Google Reader.)

1.  The Pioneer Woman.  I love her sense of humor.  She has four kids which is a little familiar:)  I have learned a ton about photography from her tutorials.  And lastly, she has some wonderful - albeit NOT lowfat - recipes on there!

2.  Smitten Kitchen.  The name says it all.  She also has a great sense of humor.  And she whips out some fantastic things in the kitchen - from brisket to caramel cheesecake.  Delish.

3.  Runner's World - Kristen Armstrong's blog.  She has a gift.  She is a wonderful writer.  And she writes about a subject I am intimately familiar with - being a mom and a runner.  She always seems to sum up her entries with a great sentence or two at the end.  She is also self-deprecating which I adore.  

4.  The Simple Dollar.  This ties in with my quest to live a more simple lifestyle with a lot more intention.  Not for the faint of heart!

5.  Jasmine Star Photography Blog.  I have learned a ton from Jasmine, too, in regards to photography.  She shoots weddings and I NEVER want to shoot weddings!  But, she is so giving of herself and her knowledge.  And, she has a great sense of humor, too!  (Are you sensing a theme here?)

6.  Bits & Pieces.  This is a blog that I started reading primarily because Cathy is a great scrapbooker.  Yes, I used to love to scrapbook.  However, now that I'm busier than ever before, something had to give.  And this was it.  I would still love to do it someday but for now it will have to sit on the back burner.  So why do I still read her blog?  She cracks me up!  She has a wicked sense of humor that just make her stuff fun to read.  

And because I cannot end this post without a picture, here is #2.  I owed her a portrait session to celebrate her 7th birthday (in June).  This is so her.  The smile, the "pose", everything.  Love it.  Love her.

 

(Half) Marathon Monday

First things first.  Six on Sunday will resume at it's normally scheduled time next week.  I apologize for the disruption.

How'd I do this week?  Better.  I took my usual spin class last Monday and noticed my legs were much more tired than usual.  I guess it's because I don't usually run more than 4 miles on the weekend.  

I went out Tuesday ready to enjoy the day.  I didn't realize it was going to feel like a hundred degrees out there!  Yikes.  It was NOT an enjoyable run.  How I managed to finish without walking the whole way is beyond me.

Thursday was a great run - beautiful weather.  It's my usual 4.5 miles with my running buddy, Laura, and my hubby.  Good times.

I took Friday off so I could really get in my 6 miles this weekend.  And you know what?  I did it!  I was proud of myself because I felt really good at the end.  I still had some gas left in the tank which is nice since I will have to more than double that in less than two months.  And the weather just PERFECT!  I didn't go out until 1pm and it was still nice out.  There was no humidity which I haven't been able to say in months!  My times was 58.06 so it was about a minute slower than I had hoped, but I am happy with it.  I hope 7 miles goes that well next weekend!

P.S.  If anyone has any good running mixes, I'd love to hear it!