I love the town we live in - everything is close (schools, dance studios, sport fields, parks, library, farmer's market) and yet we are still close to the "big" city of Raleigh. (Yes, I think it is funny that people think Raleigh is big considering Ray and I came from just outside of Washington DC).
And last night was the perfect example of a benefit of living in a town like ours. Next week is National Girl Scout Week, and Ashley's troop wrote the mayor a letter asking him to declare this for our town. He not only accepted, but he invited us to the town meeting last night and made the proclamation in front of the girls. The girls thought it was cool, and they will be on tv (we have a tv station for our town) as well as in the local newspaper. My only regret was not bringing the mayor a box of Girl Scout cookies!
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Monday, March 01, 2010
Monday's Suck
We started off okay. I keep the girls on a pretty tight schedule in the mornings, meaning I get them up at 7:00am and we are out the door by 7:35am to get Ashley to the bus. They have to get dressed and do the bathroom duties before heading downstairs for breakfast.
Audrey was grumpy this morning. She didn't want to get dressed before coming downstairs. But if I let her get away with it one morning, then I am in big trouble. So I stood my ground, went downstairs with Ashley knowing eventually Audrey would either get dressed herself and come downstairs or call for me. Which she did. So crisis #1 averted.
Then as we were getting in the van, Ashley tried to tell me that today was March 2nd. An argument ensued in where I told her it was March 1 (her teacher had incorrectly told them it was going to be March 2 today and supposedly teachers trump parents on knowing stuff). I even showed her my phone with the date and time on it. Nope, still did not believe me.
So she got on the bus crying, I got back in the van to take Audrey to school and realized my travel mug of coffee had tipped over, in which I decided it was time for me to cry.
Not a good way to start the day.
I get to work, and incorrectly type my password to my computer in wrong and get locked out. A call to IT fixes it. And then I decided the only thing to make me feel better was to go see Ashley at lunch. So I leave work and get stuck in traffic due to construction work on the highway and get to Ashley's school with only 15 minutes left in her lunch time.
It can only get better, right?
She tells me I was right, we hug, apologize, talk about what we will do next time (note to self - DO NOT ARGUE WITH A 6 YEAR OLD). I leave feeling a million times better. I have been on a quest for the past few weeks to not go out for lunch at work and not stop at Starbucks. I decided today was a good idea to break that rule. I got me a much deserved Mocha. Now I am finally feeling better.
Audrey was grumpy this morning. She didn't want to get dressed before coming downstairs. But if I let her get away with it one morning, then I am in big trouble. So I stood my ground, went downstairs with Ashley knowing eventually Audrey would either get dressed herself and come downstairs or call for me. Which she did. So crisis #1 averted.
Then as we were getting in the van, Ashley tried to tell me that today was March 2nd. An argument ensued in where I told her it was March 1 (her teacher had incorrectly told them it was going to be March 2 today and supposedly teachers trump parents on knowing stuff). I even showed her my phone with the date and time on it. Nope, still did not believe me.
So she got on the bus crying, I got back in the van to take Audrey to school and realized my travel mug of coffee had tipped over, in which I decided it was time for me to cry.
Not a good way to start the day.
I get to work, and incorrectly type my password to my computer in wrong and get locked out. A call to IT fixes it. And then I decided the only thing to make me feel better was to go see Ashley at lunch. So I leave work and get stuck in traffic due to construction work on the highway and get to Ashley's school with only 15 minutes left in her lunch time.
It can only get better, right?
She tells me I was right, we hug, apologize, talk about what we will do next time (note to self - DO NOT ARGUE WITH A 6 YEAR OLD). I leave feeling a million times better. I have been on a quest for the past few weeks to not go out for lunch at work and not stop at Starbucks. I decided today was a good idea to break that rule. I got me a much deserved Mocha. Now I am finally feeling better.
Good run vs. bad run
I had some terrific runs last week. I did all three runs outside, and my 4 miler on Thursday was probably my fastest 4 miles ever (and yes, I realize I am still quite slow, but whatever, it's fast to me).
Mile 1: 9:13
Mile 2: 9:35
Mile 3: 9:26
Mile 4: 9:21
So I was looking forward to Sunday's long run of 7 miles. My running buddy and I headed to the Tobacco Trail early Sunday morning to get them in. We would just obviously do 3.5 miles out, 3.5 miles back. And after my fantastic 6 miles last weekend, I was fully expecting to do well this weekend.
And I am going to blame the Tobacco trail this time. I had a few moments where I had a sudden sharp pain in my knee, and I think just running on the trail was the cause. Maybe it's wrong shoes, maybe I am just so used to running on pavement. My running friend had the same issue except with her hip. So we are giving up on the Tobacco trail for our long runs. I just think the terrain is too much.
Anyway, here are the stats. And yes, we stopped at 6.68 miles because I went to step behind my friend as we were passing people, and I stepped in a rut and twisted my knee. I am completely fine now, but it hurt like hell when I did it.
Mile 1: 9:58
Mile 2: 10:01
Mile 3: 9:37
Mile 4: 10:05
Mile 5: 10:18
Mile 6: 10:40
Mile .68: 9:54
My friend is unfortunately (or fortunately for her) getting faster than me. I can still hold a conversation at this pace, but I could tell she could go faster and still talk. Maybe someday I will get there, who knows.
Mile 1: 9:13
Mile 2: 9:35
Mile 3: 9:26
Mile 4: 9:21
So I was looking forward to Sunday's long run of 7 miles. My running buddy and I headed to the Tobacco Trail early Sunday morning to get them in. We would just obviously do 3.5 miles out, 3.5 miles back. And after my fantastic 6 miles last weekend, I was fully expecting to do well this weekend.
And I am going to blame the Tobacco trail this time. I had a few moments where I had a sudden sharp pain in my knee, and I think just running on the trail was the cause. Maybe it's wrong shoes, maybe I am just so used to running on pavement. My running friend had the same issue except with her hip. So we are giving up on the Tobacco trail for our long runs. I just think the terrain is too much.
Anyway, here are the stats. And yes, we stopped at 6.68 miles because I went to step behind my friend as we were passing people, and I stepped in a rut and twisted my knee. I am completely fine now, but it hurt like hell when I did it.
Mile 1: 9:58
Mile 2: 10:01
Mile 3: 9:37
Mile 4: 10:05
Mile 5: 10:18
Mile 6: 10:40
Mile .68: 9:54
My friend is unfortunately (or fortunately for her) getting faster than me. I can still hold a conversation at this pace, but I could tell she could go faster and still talk. Maybe someday I will get there, who knows.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Midweek review
I was glad to read earlier this week on some blogs of people who run at lunch time and don't shower. I ran Tuesday and today (2 miles Tuesday (had some issues) and 4 miles today). I can only do this when it's pretty cold outside. Today it was 39 degrees when I was running. Much warmer, and I will sweat too much to do it.
I have shower wipes (yes, they make those) and deodorant, so I am pretty sure I don't smell. I am thinking I will only be able to do this for a few more weeks, if that, before it gets too warm. But at least then it will be lighter outside in the evenings, and I can get some more of my shorter runs done then.
What motivated me today to run? We are going to The Pit in Raleigh for dinner. Ray's parents are in town, and Ray's Mom actually saw a thing about The Pit on The Price is Right last week. They were giving away a BBQ-tour type trip in the showcase showdown, and the trip ended at this restaurant. It has also been on the Throwdown with Bobby Flay. For my efforts today, I am getting dessert - deep fried vanilla cheesecake. I totally deserve it....
I have shower wipes (yes, they make those) and deodorant, so I am pretty sure I don't smell. I am thinking I will only be able to do this for a few more weeks, if that, before it gets too warm. But at least then it will be lighter outside in the evenings, and I can get some more of my shorter runs done then.
What motivated me today to run? We are going to The Pit in Raleigh for dinner. Ray's parents are in town, and Ray's Mom actually saw a thing about The Pit on The Price is Right last week. They were giving away a BBQ-tour type trip in the showcase showdown, and the trip ended at this restaurant. It has also been on the Throwdown with Bobby Flay. For my efforts today, I am getting dessert - deep fried vanilla cheesecake. I totally deserve it....
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Crap
Audrey does not have the best sleep habits, and yes, it is completely my fault. So I am not here to complain, just inform so that when she crawls into bed with you at 4:00am when you are staying at my house (this is noted to all the Grandparents), you won't be surprised.
She is in this vicious cycle of napping at school, then not being tired until 10pm, then calling for me any time between 4 and 5am. At that point I pull her into bed with me. I do this because I only have so many more years (actually probably months) before she is too big to actually fall back asleep on me, as she does every single night. And I am lazy. I want to go back to my bed since at this point in the night, Ray's alarm is going off within minutes sometimes and mine is close behind at 5:55am.
On the weekends, she goes to bed much easier without a nap, but she still will wake up and call for me. Saturday morning, I noticed when I went into her room at 4am, that her door was open. It was not open when I went to bed. So that morning when we were all coherent, I asked her why her door was open.
She explained that she came down to our room to see if we were asleep, then went back to bed to call for me.
Yea, seems pretty crazy to me, so I asked her why she didn't just come to our bed and climb in and wake us up.
Her answer?
"Because crap would come out of you."
Seriously, I can't make this up.
I guess one night she did do that and I told her she scared the crap out of me, hence why she is afraid of doing that again.
She is in this vicious cycle of napping at school, then not being tired until 10pm, then calling for me any time between 4 and 5am. At that point I pull her into bed with me. I do this because I only have so many more years (actually probably months) before she is too big to actually fall back asleep on me, as she does every single night. And I am lazy. I want to go back to my bed since at this point in the night, Ray's alarm is going off within minutes sometimes and mine is close behind at 5:55am.
On the weekends, she goes to bed much easier without a nap, but she still will wake up and call for me. Saturday morning, I noticed when I went into her room at 4am, that her door was open. It was not open when I went to bed. So that morning when we were all coherent, I asked her why her door was open.
She explained that she came down to our room to see if we were asleep, then went back to bed to call for me.
Yea, seems pretty crazy to me, so I asked her why she didn't just come to our bed and climb in and wake us up.
Her answer?
"Because crap would come out of you."
Seriously, I can't make this up.
I guess one night she did do that and I told her she scared the crap out of me, hence why she is afraid of doing that again.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Ashley's words, not mine
Sunday, on the way to church:
"Mommy, do these sunglasses make my butt look big?"
I think she has watched a few too many episodes of Jonas...
"Mommy, do these sunglasses make my butt look big?"
I think she has watched a few too many episodes of Jonas...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Funk
Well, I know I said in my last post that I couldn't do any of the races in Raleigh (and I actually had the date wrong for one of them).
I am now signed up for Raleigh Rocks on March 27 as my friend can run that one now.
So my plan is to do both that one and the one in Virginia. Just don't tell Ray.
I think this planning (I love putting together spreadsheets) and getting excited about actually having some time to train for these races is getting me a little out of the winter funk. My run at lunch the other day had the following splits:
Mile 1 - 9:54
Mile 2 - 9:54
Mile 3 - 9:57
Mile .62 - 9:44
Not bad and I was pain free the whole time. That was a first since last November. Let's see if I can run pain free on the treadmill tonight. And I need to workout tonight as this weekend is going to be slightly c-r-a-z-y. It wasn't originally like this as my parents were going to come visit, but now it seems everything is landing on this weekend. Tomorrow night Ashley and Audrey have friends spending the night (Audrey's friend is a boy). To clarify, we swap with friends of ours (the friend I am running with currently) to watch our kids. One night with us, the next time with them. This is the second round of this, and it has worked out great so far.
Saturday? Ashley and I have a World Thinking Day event for Girl Scouts at 9:00am, then we leave that to get to her basketball game at 11:00am. I leave that at 11:30 to take Audrey to a birthday party (it was rescheduled from the snow a few weekends ago) at the third circle of hell, I mean Chuck E Cheese. Ray and Ashley have a polar bear swim at 1:45pm with Y Princesses (Ashley thinks she has to swim outside, they are actually going to be at a pool). Then at 6:00pm Ray is taking the girls to a Daddy/Daughter dance at the gym.
Confused yet? I think I need to make a spreadsheet of our events....
Oh, and if it wasn't enough that the Myrtle Beach Marathon was cancelled, the founder of the race passed away this morning. I am thinking that the 13th Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon should have skipped right over 13....
I am now signed up for Raleigh Rocks on March 27 as my friend can run that one now.
So my plan is to do both that one and the one in Virginia. Just don't tell Ray.
I think this planning (I love putting together spreadsheets) and getting excited about actually having some time to train for these races is getting me a little out of the winter funk. My run at lunch the other day had the following splits:
Mile 1 - 9:54
Mile 2 - 9:54
Mile 3 - 9:57
Mile .62 - 9:44
Not bad and I was pain free the whole time. That was a first since last November. Let's see if I can run pain free on the treadmill tonight. And I need to workout tonight as this weekend is going to be slightly c-r-a-z-y. It wasn't originally like this as my parents were going to come visit, but now it seems everything is landing on this weekend. Tomorrow night Ashley and Audrey have friends spending the night (Audrey's friend is a boy). To clarify, we swap with friends of ours (the friend I am running with currently) to watch our kids. One night with us, the next time with them. This is the second round of this, and it has worked out great so far.
Saturday? Ashley and I have a World Thinking Day event for Girl Scouts at 9:00am, then we leave that to get to her basketball game at 11:00am. I leave that at 11:30 to take Audrey to a birthday party (it was rescheduled from the snow a few weekends ago) at the third circle of hell, I mean Chuck E Cheese. Ray and Ashley have a polar bear swim at 1:45pm with Y Princesses (Ashley thinks she has to swim outside, they are actually going to be at a pool). Then at 6:00pm Ray is taking the girls to a Daddy/Daughter dance at the gym.
Confused yet? I think I need to make a spreadsheet of our events....
Oh, and if it wasn't enough that the Myrtle Beach Marathon was cancelled, the founder of the race passed away this morning. I am thinking that the 13th Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon should have skipped right over 13....
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sweaty
I have over the last few weeks run over my lunch hour at a trail close to my office. I only do it on days where the temps are in the low 40s (or colder) so I don't sweat too much since I don't have the ability to shower before returning to work (I do have these cool Nathan Power Shower wipes though). This has worked well until today.
I have this weird sweaty thing that happens to me sometimes. I workout (run or whatever) and about 30-45 minutes after my workout, I break out in a huge sweat. As in clothes drenching sweat. As in I am sitting at my desk, back in my Mizuno long sleeve shirt I ran in (awesome, awesome shirt by the way) because the shirt I changed back into when I got back to my office is soaked. Luckily my boss isn't here today. And luckily my Mizuno shirt wicks away the sweat because I am still sweating.
Gross.
But I think my friend and I have found a new half marathon to run - the Marine Corp Historic Half on May 16th in Fredericksburg, VA. There are actually three half marathons in March in Raleigh, but one is sold out, one my friend is busy that weekend, and the other is a trail race with only about 400 participants (meaning I would surely come in last). So Fredericksburg it is! And why am I excited about this? Ray and I were born there, and our parents live there or close by. That means a big cheering section!
So yes, Dad and Diane, I will be coming that weekend....
This also gives me time to actually do a 12 week training program unlike the random 5 week training program I did for the Myrtle Beach 1/2 Marathon. I actually get to build my miles back up and get an aerobic base again. And hopefully add a little bit of speed.
I have this weird sweaty thing that happens to me sometimes. I workout (run or whatever) and about 30-45 minutes after my workout, I break out in a huge sweat. As in clothes drenching sweat. As in I am sitting at my desk, back in my Mizuno long sleeve shirt I ran in (awesome, awesome shirt by the way) because the shirt I changed back into when I got back to my office is soaked. Luckily my boss isn't here today. And luckily my Mizuno shirt wicks away the sweat because I am still sweating.
Gross.
But I think my friend and I have found a new half marathon to run - the Marine Corp Historic Half on May 16th in Fredericksburg, VA. There are actually three half marathons in March in Raleigh, but one is sold out, one my friend is busy that weekend, and the other is a trail race with only about 400 participants (meaning I would surely come in last). So Fredericksburg it is! And why am I excited about this? Ray and I were born there, and our parents live there or close by. That means a big cheering section!
So yes, Dad and Diane, I will be coming that weekend....
This also gives me time to actually do a 12 week training program unlike the random 5 week training program I did for the Myrtle Beach 1/2 Marathon. I actually get to build my miles back up and get an aerobic base again. And hopefully add a little bit of speed.
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