Run or Dye

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Aimee

Last year Carlos and I did the Color Me Rad 5K in Boston. We had so much fun we signed up for another color run this year. This time we did Run or Dye in East Hartford, CT. The air was still steamy from the week long heat wave. Let’s just say we did more walking than running. We were a tie dyed mess before our wave even took off and sweat was pouring down our faces. Carlos and I made the most of it, throwing more color on each other then chasing each other. We both agreed that for some reason the race last year was more fun, but we still had a great time together.

I overheard lots of people as we waited for our wave to take off mentioning that it was their first race. I started to ponder the pros and cons of doing one of these color runs as first 5K.

Cons

As we were going through the course I felt kind of badly for some of the people who were really trying to give it their all. Almost everyone was walking because of the heat and the fact that the course was along thick grass and loose gravel. This made it challenging for anyone actually trying to run. Then you are periodically met with color stations where you get color bombed as you run through. If you’ve been training for a 5K and are trying to set a certain time goal this type of race might prove disappointing.

Pros

These are fun runs that new runners can do to try out the distance and the race experience. There is no pressure to run a certain time or pace. Color runs are even better to do with a group of people so if you’re apprehensive about running a race alone and don’t already have people to run with these are easy races to recruit friends to join in with you. Any age can participate so these races are fantastic for parents who might have difficulty finding child care in order to run a race.

Run or Dye East Hartford took place at Rentschler Field which is better known as home to the UConn Huskies football team. The parking lots were packed so pros and cons aside it was awesome to see so many people come out on a hot day to do something active and fun. There isn’t much else to say so I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

: Team Four Feet Fast

: Getting ready to color me orange

: Just the beginning

: Just before being bombed by the blue

: Colorful

: A sweaty tie dyed mess

: Can’t take the heat

: Hosed down

: Refreshing

: I swear I was there too!

Running: Friend or Foe

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Aimee

An article title caught my eye recently on Yahoo. It was entitled Your Cardio Routine is Making You Fat. I clicked on it although I knew what it was going to tell me. I’ve heard it before…the evils of cardio. I’m sure all the running haters are nodding their heads and saying yup I told you so. Oh how times and information has changed. The days of aerobics class as a primary means of exercise are long gone and in its place we now have Cross Fit, Body Pump and kettle bells. I’m not naive to the importance and benefits of strength training. I have actually amped up my strength training from 1-2 days a week to 2-3 days a week. I have created very obvious definition in my arms where it was once soft and loose. I love the way I feel after a good session of weight training. I worked with a trainer in the beginning of the year to learn more about how to incorporate strength training into my typically cardio heavy workouts. I watch You Tube videos for instruction and learn from some of my favorite bloggers. I am by no means an expert on strength training, but I will continue to learn and grow in this area. However, it has become a part of my fitness routine and I strongly suspect that it will become an even greater part once I have completed my fall marathon because I really like the results I am achieving with my strength training.

The article begins, “Are you interested in gaining weight? If you are, perform cardiovascular exercise, and a lot of it.” As a runner training for a marathon I run, A LOT! For some this statement would be extremely discouraging. If I hadn’t already trained for and completed two marathons while successfully losing and maintaining weight loss I would have a new reason to blame for my weight issues. Last year while training for the Philadelphia Marathon from July to November I successfully lost and maintained a 10 pound weight loss. I have surpassed that loss and continue to maintain my weight despite being mid marathon training once again. I’m not depriving myself or running on inadequate fuel. I’m actually eating healthier than ever and experimenting with more natural fuel sources before long runs. I’ve made a number of sustainable changes to my life while performing a great deal of cardiovascular exercise.

I am absolutely not disputing the information in the article. It touts interval based strength training as a more effective means of weight loss. While I know all about the benefits of interval training and I do incorporate it to some degree into my workouts, the majority of my exercise still comes from running.

Ironically a few days after reading the article on how my cardio routine is making me fat I stumbled upon what seemed to be the article’s counterpart, 4 Reasons Running is Best for Weight Loss. I laughed when I saw it because as you know for every bit of information on the internet there is another piece of information to dispute it. My mind spins sometimes. This second article is by no means a scientific argument for why you should run. It points to four positive aspects of running namely running burns more calories than walking, it is time-efficient and convenient, and lastly it stimulates endorphins which essentially keep you coming back for more running.

Running alone will not make you lose weight. Training for endurance races can and often do cause a slight to moderate weight gain in many runners. So why the heck do I run if weight loss has been an important goal for me?

On one hand the answer is simple…I love it! Of course there’s more to it though. Running challenges me and pushes me clear out of my comfort zone with almost every run. Training for races keeps me accountable and has been integral in maintaining a fitness routine for the last four years. While the running may not have been responsible for my weight loss it did jump start it initially and I’m certain that hasn’t hindered it. The more I run the more I want my body to be as healthy as it can be. Running motivated me to change my diet. Weighing less helps me to run easier, more efficiently and faster. Running has taken me to new places with my family. It has enabled me to keep up with my extremely active child. Rather than lag behind him I’m right there next to him.

Running changed me in so many ways. It has become my “me” time, my thinking time, my alone time. It is as much spiritual and emotional as it is physical for me. It’s no longer about weight loss for me. Running is a key factor in how I care for myself holistically.

The bottom line is that through running I went from inactive to active, obese to no longer obese, and from a negative person to a positive person. Running is not for everyone and that’s ok. If you are struggling to make healthy lifestyle changes do what works for you. You can spend all day researching the best way to lose weight, lift weights, run, etc., but eventually you simply have to get out there and do it. Find something that makes you happy or that you think might make you happy and get out there and do it!

“Just don’t give up trying what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” Ella Fitzgerald

Summer Fun

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Aimee

Slow down there summer! You had only just begun and now suddenly it’s the second week of July. The days go by so quickly. Home from work, change into running clothes, bring Carlos to soccer camp, run/work out, home, shower, change, pick up Carlos from camp, home, lunch, play outside or read with Carlos, swim lessons for Carlos in town, home, sleep, up, get ready and go to work. Phew I’m exhausted writing all of that and I didn’t even mention the play dates, strawberry picking, trip to Maine, a visit to Boston for a Peace Corps conference, long runs, walks to the library. These are the kind of days I don’t sit down because there is too much to do, too much fun to be had.

We spent the Fourth of July at my cousin’s lake house in Maine. It was a quick two night getaway, but much needed. This was the kind of vacation that made me remember how exciting summer was as a child. We went tubing, kayaking, I ran, the boys fished, we chatted, rested and most importantly we relaxed. I stayed on track with marathon training mostly because I was so excited to run in a new, beautiful locale. My training runs were challenging hilly jaunts along the lake, but I welcomed the change of scenery.

Lake view

Harbor view

Our meals were simply prepared with no fuss yet they tasted exceptionally delicious. The first night we had a cookout complete with hamburgers, hot dogs, a Mediterranean grain salad, and regular salad which was mostly for me. The second night was even more of a treat. My cousin has a “lobster guy” who supplies him with freshly caught $5 two-pound lobsters. Seafood is what keeps me from becoming a true vegetarian. We feasted on lobster, corn on the cob and my black bean salad at the picnic table on the shore of the lake.

At night fall on 4th of July we ventured into the quaint downtown of Damariscotta for the fireworks. For a small town they put on a great fireworks display.

Downtown Damariscotta

Damariscotta

My son soaked up every single moment of the weekend. He was in the water within minutes of arriving. He went tubing for the first time and roped me into it too. It was so much fun, but a little wild at times. His tubing mottos, “the faster the better,” and “falling off is the fun part!” Who is this child?! He hopped into a kayak and took off for the first time like he had been kayaking for his entire life. He finally gave me a try in the kayak and I fell in love. It is one of the most peaceful activities I have ever done. We went out on the motor boat, in the canoe, and the kayaks. My cousin’s teen sons were so kind to Carlos and made sure he explored as much of the lake as he could in the short time we were there.

Summer Smile

Carlos in the kayak

At peace

On the way up to the lake we made a pit stop to Cabela’s to buy Carlos a fishing pole. Have you ever visited this store? It is an enormous mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. We could have spent hours in there, but we were so anxious to get to the lake we made our purchase and left. Carlos could not wait to go fishing. The first afternoon we were there he quickly learned how to cast his line, but had no success catching anything from the dock and was up at the crack of dawn the next day to try his luck out on the lake. I received this photo from my cousin via text at 6:20 a.m.

First catch of the day

Maine is one of those places that begs you to wind down, relax and smell the proverbial roses. Though we had WiFi at the lake and I brought my computer, I never opened it. I was content to just sit by the lake enjoying the company and my tranquil surroundings. On our last morning my husband and I went out on the lake in a canoe. We paddled to a small island where we met up with Carlos who was paddling around in a kayak. The three of us sat there for a bit trying to concoct a plan to never leave! We drove home on Friday afternoon feeling as though we recharged our batteries, reconnected with each other and really truly relaxed for the first time in ages. It was much needed.

How was your 4th of July? How is your summer going so far?

Race Plans

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Aimee

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, but I love goals and challenges. At the beginning of this year I set a goal to run one race a month. I enjoy training for races. It’s oddly exciting for me to have a race on the calendar and a training schedule. This motivates me to work out and gives me something to look forward to.

So here is a look at the first 6 months of races:

January – Sawmill River 10K

February – Snowstorm Classic 5K and the Jones 10 Miler

March – Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day 10K Road Race

April – Plattsburgh Half Marathon

May – Western Mass Mother’s Day Half Marathon

June – Zooma Annapolis Half Marathon and the Lake Wyola 4.8 Mile Road Race

It’s been a really fun 6 months of racing. I even exceeded my own expectations. I have made some major strides in my running this year and I’m really excited about the next few months of racing. Here’s a peek at my summer racing plans.

July – Carlos and I are doing the Run or Dye 5K color run in Hartford. Now this is a fun run and as of yet I’m not signed up for any other races, but I’m going to try to sneak in at least one more race for the month. It will probably be a local 5K since those are the most popular this time of year.

August – On the same day I will run one of my favorite local races, the Bridge of Flowers 10K in Shelburne Falls and later that night Carlos and I will be participating in the Electric Run, a glow in the dark 5K extravaganza. Since my birthday is at the end of August I might also try to find a birthday race.

As of right now my racing plans only go as far as September. While training for my spring half marathons I began to seek out another full marathon for the fall. I had been thinking about it and discussing it with my husband pretty much since I ran the Philadelphia Marathon last November, but with our travel plans this year I wasn’t sure how another full marathon would fit into our schedule. Then one night I got an email announcing a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on September 22, 2013 in Montreal. I quickly checked my schedule, yes I’m off that weekend. I called my husband as soon as I left work in the morning to tell him. Without taking even a second to think about it he said to register for the race. My husband loves all things Canada. We’ve only been to Montreal once for a brief one night stay in the middle of winter. He is thrilled to be able to return for a bit longer at a time when the weather is a little warmer. So without hesitation I registered for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Marathon.

I’m finishing up week 4 of training. It’s going really well though a little challenging with Carlos out of school for the summer. He was in half day soccer camp this week from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. While he played soccer I ran or cross trained. It doesn’t leave me much time for anything else but a quick shower before heading back to pick him up, but I have come to realize that this part of my life is not negotiable. Exercise has become a fixture in my days. I schedule it on the calendar just like any appointment. When I have to go without it I feel a huge difference in my mood and energy level.

I am beyond excited about this marathon. I have big goals. That’s right Oprah I’m coming for your time sister (Oprah ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 1994 and finished in 4:29:15)! I’m light years from ever qualifying for Boston so I need to shoot for something more attainable. Given the way my training runs are going I actually do have an even bigger goal in mind, but I’m going to keep it to myself for now.

Return to Wyola

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Aimee

A week after running a half marathon in Annapolis I returned to one of my favorite local races and places for the third year in a row. The Lake Wyola Road Race is in its 33rd year. It’s a small race with a challenging course that circles the lake. The route is pretty and peaceful. There are a handful of spectators along the way and two water stops on the 4.8 mile course. I recognized a number of faces this year though I actually know no one running.

The Lake Wyola 2012 race was not a great experience for me. My time was slower than my first race at Wyola in 2011. So I was determined to make this year better despite the fact that I was working the night before again. Since my husband was home on Saturday I was able to get to bed about an hour earlier than usual. This was huge for me. I felt rested and refreshed throughout the night at work. I made sure to drink lots of water at work and kept to only one cup of coffee at the beginning of the shift because I wanted to be well hydrated for the race. On the way to the race I drank an 8 oz. coconut water. This year I ate my typical pre-race meal of banana, peanut butter and some kind of bread which just so happened to be a whole grain sandwich thin.

My running has been going well. I have been doing more hill training, weight training and core work. I was determined to power up the hill that graces the first half of the course. I had a plan to run the whole hill at a steady pace, slow and steady wins the race right? My plan worked. I made it up the hill this year and actually thought, now that wasn’t as bad as I remember!” As soon as the hill lets up you hit a downhill series on the back end of the course. I just let myself cautiously glide down the descent. The front half of the course is in the sun which makes the shady back half a relief. There was a cool breeze hitting my face and I felt phenomenal.

From about halfway up the hill I locked my place behind a woman twice my height. Seriously her legs alone were almost as tall as me. She was far enough ahead that I was only able to surpass her once at a water stop. It wasn’t long before she passed me again. I figured she was running a faster pace than I was used to running so I continued to keep her as close as possible. As we rounded the last corner towards the finish line I sped up, but so did the woman. She crossed the finish line first, but I knew even without seeing my time that I had pushed myself to a PR.

Lake Wyola Finish Line

It was an awesome race. I wouldn’t do anything different. Soon after finishing I found Carlos and Orlando.

My little guy – he would rather be back swimming at the lake, but he was sweet to come see me finish.

Carlos was getting a little fidgety and this was the best we could get! Orlando swears he’s running Wyola next year. I hope so.

We hung around for a while enjoying the post-race refreshments. The watermelon was delicious and hit the spot. Carlos was all over the home baked cookies.

On our way home we did a little house hunting while checking out for sale properties along the lake. It was just for fun, but hey you never know. Most everything was out of our budget (if we were actually to have a budget), and the couple that were within our price range were pretty much dilapidated shacks with issues thus the price.

Oh you’re probably wondering how I did on the race. Here are my times over the last three years.

Lake Wyola Road Race – 46:35 (9:42 average pace)
Shutesbury, MA – June 18, 2011

Lake Wyola Road Race – 47:22 (9:52 average pace)
Shutesbury, MA – June 10, 2012

Lake Wyola Road Race – 43:43 (9:06 average pace)
Shutesbury, MA – June 9, 2013

How about that!

Zooma Annapolis

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Aimee

Two weekends ago we traveled to Annapolis, MD. We made great time thanks to an early wake up call and as a result and we had a little time to kill before arriving in Annapolis so we toured the historical ships and submarine docked at the Inner Harbor of Baltimore.

Orlando and Carlos Ready to Set Sail

Captain Carlos

My favorite Orlando pose

My friend, Irene, lives in the Annapolis area. We met in the Peace Corps and have been friends since. I haven’t seen her in over a year. She visited us last summer, but I hadn’t been down to Maryland since before Carlos was born. I received an email last winter from the Zooma race nation and spotted a half marathon on June 1, 2013 in Annapolis. My husband had never been to the area and I knew he would enjoy it too. Irene graciously extended an invitation for us to spend the weekend with her and even offered to shuttle me to the race early on Saturday morning.

After arriving to Irene’s we drove down to Annapolis so I could pick up my race packet at the Loew’s Hotel. The expo was small but had some interesting vendors. I picked up my bib, sampled some of the goodies on hand and bought a new T-shirt.

On Friday evening we had dinner at Paladar Latin Kitchen in Annapolis. The food was insanely delicious. We started with an order of their traditional guacamole served with different kinds of roasted chips like plantains and yucca. I really adore guacamole and this one did not disappoint. Irene and I were both eyeing the same dish so we decided to order two different meals and share. She had recommended the fish tacos, but I am always a little weary of eating fish the night before a race. We ordered Grilled Sweet Potato Soft Tacos. The description in the menu reads grilled sweet potatoes and hearts of palm with tomatillo salsa, pinto beans, scallions, cabbage and roasted garlic pasilla aioli. Irene was leaning towards this dish and though it sounded good I really wanted one of the specials of the night, a kale mushroom wrap with a side of pan seared spinach with raisins and pepitas. Both of us have a healthy addiction to kale, but honestly the tacos stole the show. We were doing all sorts of mmm, yum, oh my god, amazing…but it really was one of the best dishes I’ve ever tasted.

I was up the next morning at 4:28 just two minutes before my alarm went off. I hopped up and started my pre-race preparations. I scored some Justin’s honey almond butter packets on sale at Target for fifty cents so I had one of those with a banana and a toasted English muffin. Irene drove me to Navy Stadium where we were going to start and finish the race. We got into town early so we didn’t have to sit in traffic and she was able to drop me off right next to the starting area. She returned home and I walked around the stadium to explore a little since I had about an hour’s time before the 7a.m. race start.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

I am so used to running these races alone, but I have to admit seeing so many people taking photos of each other, laughing, talking and stretching together made me a bit envious. I had made an executive decision the night before that I didn’t want anyone at the finish line. I am still a bit apprehensive about having Carlos, in particular, at my races even though my logical brain tells me I’m being slightly irrational. It’s sad to think that in light of what happened in Boston road races are now experiencing heightened security just like airports after 9/11, but it is necessary. I would never want to feel that painstaking burden of regret for something terrible happening to my friends and family. We had received an email from the race organizers informing runners that there would be no bag check for safety reasons. It’s such an unfortunate world we live in today.

The race started promptly at 7a.m.

The starting area outside the stadium

We set out around the stadium in a pack. It took about 5 minutes to break free. As we hit the streets of Annapolis the heat began to rise. With no shade cover I was sweating in no time. I was really excited about this race. I thought the course would be beautiful. I felt well trained for it and 13.1 is my favorite race distance. Well then came a seven night stretch at work, a week off from food journaling and weighing myself, lack of sleep and a list full of errands to do before our trip. I’m not making excuses for myself. I made the choice to work extra. I gave myself permission to take a week off from food journaling and weighing myself. Lack of sleep often comes with the territory of having a night shift job and raising a child. I am not recommending it though 99% of the time I am well rested, but on occasion it is a problem. My “to do” list was growing with end of school year tasks that cannot be put off.

A quick note about my diet. I gave myself a short break from the rigidity of food journaling, constant weighing and calorie counting. This does not mean I gave myself permission to eat crap. I ate healthily but also enjoyed a few treats on my trip this weekend.

I always go into a race with goals. This would be my third half marathon in 6 weeks. I set a PR with my first half marathon of 2013 in Plattsburgh, NY. My second half marathon on Mother’s Day was fantastic considering I had worked all night, but it was not a PR. I went through a mental dilemma following that race. What to do? I’m so close to a sub-2 hour half marathon time, but in running shaving off four minutes is not as easy as it might sound. After looking at the weather, appreciating the busyness of the week before the race and doing a serious reality check with myself I decided to just do my best as always, but not be too concerned with setting a PR.

This was a mental race for me from the start. I don’t know why I sometimes still get very negative with myself. I started running and felt good, but within the first mile I was actually telling myself things like “I’m just not feeling it today; it’s too hot to push myself; I screwed up this week by not food journaling; I feel so huge…” Oh wow the negative thoughts just started pouring into my brain. Somehow I shook myself out of it and managed to run a smooth race. The course was pretty in some parts, really dull in other parts, challenging with its up and down hills and repetitive turn arounds throughout.

We finished back at the stadium. I silently cursed as I ran up the last hill just before the finish line. That’s just cruel! I pushed with all I had left in me. I was pleasantly surprised to see the time clock reading 2:04. Not a PR, but not bad. Instead of medals we received necklaces. We also got yoga mats, water bottles and race shirts. Nice swag!

I walked around a bit to stretch and then set off in search of something to eat. In the meantime I got a text announcing my official race time, 2:02:43. My half marathon PR was 2:03:52 so this was fantastic. I felt like hugging someone. Instead I asked a woman nearby if she knew where I could get some water. We started chatting and she asked if I had heard the news the race organizer posted on Facebook. Um no?!

“Runners we are aware that due to misdirection on the course both the half marathon and 10K are about .25 miles short today. We know this is frustrating and we are so sorry this happened.”

Well this would explain my awesome time! While waiting for my friend to pick me up I vacillated between frustrated to feeling silly about being frustrated over something so insignificant to most of the world. In the end I brushed it off and chalked it up to a rather expensive long run.

I never pay much attention to my stats, but check this out.

Overall 241/1107

Female 217/1043

F35-39 37/196

I may not have set a PR, but this is pretty awesome!

After the race we went to Miss Shirley’s Cafe in Annapolis for breakfast. It was jammin’ with runners and tourists alike, but it was well worth the wait. While waiting for our table I made sure to get some race photos.

My biggest supporter

My littlest fan
I have 4 photos of us and he is being goofy in all of them so I chose the best one.

The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying time with my friend Irene, another Peace Corps friend, Irene’s family and my family. It was relaxing and full of wonderful conversation. It was sad to leave so soon.

If you’ve made it this far thank you for sticking around. Also thank you for the encouraging comments lately. I appreciate them very much.

Stepping Up

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Aimee

On Tuesday night my little guy became a Kindergarten graduate. He officially “stepped up” up to first grade on Monday when he went for a visit to the primary school building and got to spend time in first grade.

The children have been practicing for their graduation for months. They are no strangers to performing for an audience. This was their 4th show of the year. They sing, dance, speak and recite poems. Not one of them seems to be nervous which is so impressive. I would be a wreck!

I had asked Carlos earlier in the day if I would cry and he said, “I think you will Mommy especially during the last song so you better bring your tissues.” The teachers sure know how to tug at your heart strings. The last song definitely made me tear up with its message to hang onto your child now for it won’t be long before they are all grown up.

I do try to savor every moment with Carlos, but it does seem like he is growing up all too quickly. For now I’ll take every hug that’s offered, every hand to hold and every moment he wants to spend with me.

Kindergarten Graduation

Carlos receiving his Kindergarten Medal

My family

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Aimee

This is what I typed into my workout calendar entry for today’s exercise.

3.25 mile run in 31:42

My usual route around home

A few words about this run:

-My Garmin was acting funny and my pace was all over the place despite a steady normal pace for most of the run. This is a very familiar route and at one point on a flat bit my pace was around 15 min/mile. That is impossible. I will note that the weather is overcast and very cloudy so I’m not sure if that was interfering with the satellite signal to my Garmin.
-I binged on cereal before my run and boy could I feel it in my stomach. I am ashamed of this. I haven’t done this in ages, but I started on it and couldn’t stop. The fact that it was flavorless millet puffs doesn’t matter. What’s important is that I recognized the behavior and learn from it. It’s really hard not to be disgusted by my actions. I thought I was over this behavior.
-I am an emotional wreck for some reason. I couldn’t stop thinking about this issue with Laura and the gift card which led to all sorts of thoughts about things with my Dad. I was literally about to burst into tears and if anyone had seen my face they would have thought I was crazy or constipated!
-On a positive note I ran…I ran even though I didn’t feel like it. I went out and got fresh air. I moved my body for 3.25 miles. In doing so I stopped my binge and now I’m going to move on for the day. This will not break me. I didn’t get fat from three bowls of millet puffs. I will not beat myself up over this.

Oddly enough just as I finished cutting and pasting this here my Mom called. I’m not going to get into the whole saga regarding my Dad, but my Mom managed to coax me into unloading onto her. I sobbed and sniffled my way through my feelings. My Mom demanded that I stop letting my Dad (they are divorced) make me feel badly. My aunt got on the phone (my Mom and her sister work together) and she joined in on lecturing me not to let anyone make me unhappy. They are right and by the end of the conversation I felt so much better. So now I’m going shopping in my new size 6 khaki capris. I am going to buy a nice dress for Carlos’ Kindergarten graduation tomorrow. I’m going to get a manicure, my eyebrows waxed and a makeover at Bare Escentuals. I would love a pedicure, but my feet are in need of a podiatrist before they can look pretty again. Ugghhh they’re feet who am I kidding?! More on that another day! Then I will finish putting together the Kindergarten class gift for the teacher. Eventually I will go to bed because I have two more nights to go of my 6 night stretch.

Life has been busy lately, in a good way. I keep up with blogs in the middle of the night from my phone when I’m on break and sometimes in the morning when I’m eating breakfast. I miss commenting and I miss writing here. I have some fun news to share and with any luck I’ll be back before the end of the week. Now time to hit the mall.

Brain drain

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Aimee

I wrote an awesome post yesterday with my race plans and more. It disappeared. I’ll rewrite again soon.

I have worked the last 5 nights in a row and I have 2 more to go. This is self imposed torture because I picked up Sunday night as an extra shift. The weekend was great at work, but all hell broke loose last night and when the shit hits the fan on a psych unit it hits hard.

Most of the nurses I have worked with suck at team work and many of them are martyrs.

People in “charge” have a very hard time accepting help even if it means lightening their work load to free them up to do more important tasks.

I’m soul searching today.

I am still uncertain of what I want to be when I grow up. I am certain that it’s not what I’m currently doing.

I refuse to eat my feelings today. I want to because that’s what I’ve always done and still continue to do so at times, but I will not do it today! I’d like to not do it ever again.

I ran the most wonderfully refreshing 9.5 miles yesterday morning after work. I took off from the parking lot of the hospital and ran around the town I work in. It was not a pretty route at all, but the sun was shining and the temperature was so perfect for a run. I smiled a lot and I made incredibly impressive time considering the stops and starts for traffic.

Carlos and I played tennis yesterday afternoon. We suck at it, but we are getting a little better each time. We laugh at ourselves, run around after the tennis balls, get fresh air and spend time together. It makes us happy.

The other day Carlos and I ran a mile together. He only took a few breaks and didn’t complain. I was impressed. We are running a couple of races together this summer and we are super psyched about them.

Carlos is losing teeth like crazy. He has lost 4 bottom teeth and finally lost his first top tooth. He looks like a jack-o-lantern. He is my pumpkin after all.

My baby boy is graduating from Kindergarten in a few weeks. I’m wondering where the last six and a half years went. I feel like I savor my time with him, but just thinking about how quickly time has flown by makes me want to freeze each and every moment.

One of my dearest friends is courageously fighting breast cancer. She starts chemo this week. Please keep her in your prayers. She’s in mine.

Since my post didn’t go up as planned yesterday I want to send out a belated thank you to all those who serve or have served our country in the armed forces. Also to the families of our soldiers my heartfelt thanks goes out to you as well for the sacrifices you make each and every day.

I have so much to be thankful for in my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t feel blessed.

What makes you smile these days?

Running Tidbits

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Aimee

Carina did a post featuring these running questions yesterday. I thought I would do the same. I still feel like I am new to running so I love learning about how other runners train. Here is a little bit about my running life.
1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?

I generally do not fuel during any runs under 10 miles. I might not even eat anything before. I listen to my body and always have some raisins or Shot Bloks in my running bag. On my double digit training runs I pack my Camelbak with a few dates and some Shot Blocks. During half marathons I carry one Gu packet to eat around mile 7 or so. During my two marathons I had a couple of Gu packets on me and I grabbed one or two offered along the course. However, I am currently looking for a replacement for Gu because I just cannot tolerate the sweetness. I am planning to try Vega Sport Endurance Gel during my next race. It may be just as sweet, but I like the ingredient list.

2. Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?

The 1/2 Marathon is my absolute favorite. After my first 1/2 I have consistently stayed trained for any 1/2 that might come my way. I have been known to sign up for them on a whim. 5Ks suck the life out of me. I run the same two local 10Ks every year and my goal is always to improve my time. This year it was all about breaking an hour which I did immediately on New Year’s Day in a new to me 10K. Running a marathon was an accomplishment I never imagined achieving. I ran two in one year just to prove to myself that I had it in me. Now if I could only beat Oprah’s time! Ultra marathoners are fascinating and crazy all at the same time. I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about it, but now is not the time. Maybe some day.

3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?

I just bought two new pairs of running capris in a size smaller because my others were getting two big…hurray! I absolutely love the Kirkland brand running pants from Costco. They fit perfectly and they are so comfortable. I love the little hidden pocket which comfortably fits my iPhone or my car key.

I cannot wear shorts, ever, thanks to my chubby legs. I have never had shapely legs and shorts have always been a source of stress and embarrassment on me. They look horrible because they show my non-knee. Yup that’s right I don’t really have a knee, just a bit of pudge where the knee should be located. Shorts ride up in an unflattering manner especially if I were to run in them. Chafe alert! Then there is the issue of the in fashion short shorts. Trust me when I say that I am doing everyone a favor by steering clear of this style.

4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?

I pretty much stick to water. For long runs I might drop a Nuun tablet into my Camelbak. During races I usually grab a water and whatever electrolyte drink is offered and mix the two. I get a few sips in before moving on.

5. Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?

I’m a New England girl so I’m going with cold. I ran outdoors through the entire winter. I have learned to dress properly and I always always carry gloves in my running bag. Cold hands make for a miserable run. Layers are a must because you can always remove them as you warm up.

Ideal running temperature is 50-60 degrees, slightly overcast, no sun and no wind.

6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brooks, Asics or Other?

I just took this picture this morning with a post in mind, but instead I’ll use it here. I have been wearing Nike Air Pegasus since my first half marathon. These are probably my 5th pair. I’m not sure. I bring them to the running store every now and then to see if there is anything more suitable to my feet, but the staff seems to think if it’s not broken don’t fix it. My only issue is that on every single pair a hole forms in the right big toe area.

You’ll notice I did not include my non-knees only my kankles!

7. Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?

I am a creature of habit. I have eaten a Joseph’s whole grain tortilla, 1 packet of Justin’s almond butter and a small banana before just about every race when I am away from home. If I’m home I might have a piece of toast with peanut butter and banana depending on what I have on hand. It works for me and I’ll do pretty much anything for nut butter.

8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or Other?

I plan a workout for everyday of the week with the understanding that something may interfere with one workout. The other days are as nonnegotiable as possible. If nothing comes up and I’m feeling good I workout the full seven days. I do not run everyday. I have a couple of gym days for strength training. I’ve been doing some major hill work and I also do P90X Plyometrics once a week.

9. Music: Have to have it or go without it?

I’m so sorry but I have to have it. I generally run off road so I’m not concerned about traffic. If I’m running on the road I keep the volume low. I run alone and the music helps me stay motivated. I have no desire to run with others because even though I’m listening to music it is also my “me” time. I think about things, make plans or clear my mind.

10. #1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or Other?

I started running as a means to help me lose weight. I never in a million years could have imagined the positive effects of running on my life personally, emotionally and physically. Sadly not even training for a marathon gives me the ability to eat all the cupcakes I would like.

The other unexpected bonus reason for running races is an excuse to travel to new places or visit friends who live out of town. I usually stick to the half marathons when traveling. Running a half marathon is a great way to see a new place. On the flip side 13 miles is too long to constantly see the same sights so I tend not to want to repeat a half marathon no matter how great the race. I’m getting very excited about my race plans for the second half of this year. I’ll share them soon.