Weekend in Pictures

Friday, Town Lake, Garmin, etc...

This morning I headed down to Austin to run with Jessica. We were set to meet up at 8am, but of course I was 20 minutes early. It gave me some time to observe the phenomena known as the coolest and best(uber trendy) place to run in Austin....Town Lake.

The deluge of different types of people who run here always amazes me! You have moms with strollers, the young college kids, the shirtless guys (There are way too many of these by the way! And I am not saying this jokingly. I really think more men should run with their shirts on.), the old ladies, the people running with dogs, people without dogs, a few homeless people (they weren't running), the list goes on and on....there is some people watching to be had here for sure!

Something I also noticed (because I was waiting in the area that is the starting/ending are for many people's runs) is how people look when they are running, either starting out or stopping. Nobody was smiling, everyone looked to be struggling. You could see people kind of sprinting at the end of their runs, really pushing it, faces beet red, dripping sweat, and the relief when they stopped! Well only a runner knows how good it feels to be DONE with a run. Perhaps this look of relief is even better than a smile for me, I guess because I can relate. I love when my run is over, not only the feel of accomplishment, but my body silently applauds because I have stopped torturing it!

Now the people starting out were a were a completely different story. Very lighthearted, stretching, smiling, joking with friends, clean clothes, no sweat....and than the game face comes on and they are off. Some start fast, some start walking, some start with a slow jog. Ipods are being adjusted, Watches are being set, all in preparation for the run ahead.

Ok enough about my observations!

Jessica and I had a good run and it was nice to chat and catch up! We decided to do the reverse loop which a little harder with a few more uphills. We had planned on going 5 miles but cut over a mile early and ended up only running 4.06. Which was ok with me as it was humid, my legs felt heavy, and it was hot! You know, the normal excuses :)

And........I got to use my new Garmin for the first time. I still need to figure it out but so far I really like the information it gives you. Stay tuned, because now this blog will be filled with all the information about my splits, elevation, heart rate, calories burned, etc... Well, maybe not...but I need to record this info somewhere, it's too cool to keep to myself.

Have a good weekend all!

My 2nd Favorite Place to Run So Far..Manhattan Beach, California....
Also I have to share my new guilty pleasure....no refined sugar so I don't feel too guilty!

I Run Because I Love It

I run because I love it.

Running has always suited me. I almost would say I was born to run, maybe I shouldn't take it that far though. Through hard times, through good times, running has got me through.

There have been a few years when I didn't run at all. But I would always come back to it.
I have been running consistently again for about 3 years now. Funny thing is that I started back when I was a few months pregnant. Ran through my pregnancy, all the way up to the day before I gave birth. I continued to run after to lose the baby weight. And now I run to keep sane.

Running helps me a better person. A better mother. A better wife. It centers me and calms me down. I am anxious by nature and running takes that anxiety and turns in to peace.

Today I am thankful for my ability to run. For my legs that propel me forward, for my lungs that help me breathe, and for my mind that pushes me through the pain and discomfort.

I run because I love it.

My most favorite running spot in the world so far. Lumahai, Kauai, Hawaii

Too lazy for complete sentences

* This morning was really beautiful and much cooler outside. I really wanted to run without my ipod and enjoy the sounds of the birds and of the thunder rolling in the distance. But I just couldn't! I needed my music this morning! It was cooler but SUPER humid, and my legs were so heavy the last mile! It was definitely a mind over matter run!

*I am trying to just let the chips fall....or be less controlling over certain situations in my life. It's so hard for me because I feel like things should be handled a certain way, and when they aren't it drives me crazy! I am a "doer" and I like when people do things instead of just avoiding or standing still. I have had to take quiet a few deep breaths lately.

*I am meeting up with my running partner Friday morning for a run at Town Lake. Can't wait to catch up with her!

*Contemplating Thursday morning training at Run Tex in Georgetown....or p90x yoga at home. Still undecided!

*Thinking that if someone says they are going to do something they do it!!

*Phene is doing this new thing where she dances and then bows saying "thank you, thank you". It just cracks me up and I don't know where she got it.
Here is the video....sorry about my loud over talking voice...she just likes a little encouragment! She's my little Shirley Temple :)

I Need Your Input.......

I want to get a Garmin running watch....which is better the 305 or 405? Would you buy used or is it good to get a warranty? Is there one that is easier to use than others??

I appreciate any input you can give me.....

Sunday in Pictures

Boo Hoo Me

The humidity was brutal this morning. I was going to run 5 miles but had a bad side cramp from the first 1/2 mile on so I ran 4 miles instead. I am telling you that this humidity wears you out!!!

My running partner can't run with me this weekend, so I might try to go to the Georgetown running Group at 630a and do a few miles with them. I think I might need to find some more running friends, as I am feeling like my running partner is not really up to running lately and has a lot going on in her life...boo hoo me!! I feel a little let down. I love her dearly though and I hope she is back running with me again soon!

I am going to start my 12 week 1/2 marathon training on July 1st. About a month early but I really want to start increasing my mileage so sooner rather then later is better. PLUS, I have also found a local trail running group that I would love to join, but I need to be up to running more miles physically.

That's about all I have for today. Have a good weekend all!
(sorry for short crappy post, work is BUSY!)

Sunscreen

For those of you with children, or perhaps just fair skin, I just saw this list and thought I would share!

I am always looking for non-toxic safe sunscreen that actually works!

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/

I have tried so many and just haven't found one I really like yet.

Here are my reviews of the one's I have tried on myself and on the kids.

Johnson's Baby Sunscreen SPF 40
This one is natural and got good ratings for being non-toxic. But it goes on very white, which I don't care for. Coverage seems to be ok, but needs to be re-applied often, especially in water. It's cheap though and they carry it at Target.


ThinkSport or ThinkBaby SPF 30
WAY too white, and not as sweat proof as they claimed. Unless you really cake it on, it doesn't protect you from the sun that well if you are doing ANYTHING active. And if you cake it on it's like Halloween white make up...that thick and that white!! And if you keep trying to rub it in not only is your face red from rubbing, but it starts caking up and balling up :( Sorry but I can't stress enough how much I don't like this sunscreen!

California Baby SPF 30 Stick
White also, but very easy to apply. We carry this one everywhere. I would love to find this coverage without the white look though. They carry this one at Target also.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Spray
I also just recently grabbed some of this from Walmart the other day before we went swimming. I love the spray feature! It's not natural or all that safe but for ease of use I give this one two thumbs up! I did need to re-apply it after a short swim though.


Here are some I would like to try next:
Green Beaver SPF 30
Supposedly non-whitening which I would LOVE! $19.99 for SMALL tube though!
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30
Always good reviews on this one.
BabyGanics Cover Up Sunscreen SPF 50
Good reviews on this one too!
Own Invisible SPF 30
Again like the word invisible, it's chemical free also! $13.60


Do any of you have a sunscreen that you love? For your kids? For running? Would love some suggestions!!

I want, I need, ok maybe I just want..........

Zensah Calf Sleeves
Garmin Forerunner
Lululemon Running Skirt
A Billion DollarsA Beach House in KauaiAn Old School Jeep Wagoneer
A Personal Chef
A pair of ballet flats to wear with every outfit


A KTM Dirt Bike



And above all...I want more time with Phene

Monday

First off I would like to thank the guy running in front of me at Town Lake on Saturday. Thank you for running so fast and keeping such a steady pace. You pushed me to run faster and set a personal record on a 5 mile run! I am not sure how I ran a 6:30 pace for 5 miles but somehow it happened and it was one of those easier runs that I didn't struggle with. Second I want to note that Town Lake is almost way too busy on Saturday mornings! It was a constant weave in and out of people that I didn't really care for. Though I did enjoy being pushed to run a little faster I am not too much for crowds or crowded places.

The weekend went well but went by way too fast! I miss Phene so much during the week, and I really felt like I didn't get enough time with her this weekend. Saturday we went swimming in Lampasas which was fun. Phene was wearing her floats and was actually learning to pick her feet up off the ground and actually float. Her little smile when she realized she was actually floating was just priceless. One of those truly genuine smiles that just melts your heart!

Sean and I cleaned the house and tried to pull all the furniture away from walls, clear clutter, etc.. We are having the pest guy come and spray the house again this week and we are hoping it will be more effective if he can get behind all the furniture. I am so tired of worrying about these scorpions!

No new pictures to share as our camera is being fixed and we haven't had it for the last two weeks.

Have a good week all!

Ode to a Scorpion

Thank you scorpion for not biting me while you were crawling on my leg under the covers this morning. Sorry I had to smash you over and over with my slipper.

My Inner Masochist

First and foremost let me start by saying that I have never sweat so much in my entire life. The humidity brought me to a new level of pain and sweat spillage! It kicked my butt today. Mentally and physically. But did I quit? You bet I didn't...I kept going even though my legs/feet felt like dead weights. Figuratively I had to b&&#@ slap myself every couple of steps. Rain!! Keep going don't you dare slow down! It hurts!? Well good! Go faster!

I guess I like the pain. Honestly the more I push, the more it hurts, and the harder it gets, the better I feel after wards. Sick? Masochism? Perhaps, but I am not ashamed to admit it.


'Cause sometimes you feel tired,
feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
and just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
and not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse' -Eminem Til I collapse (On my ipod this morning)


Here is me sweating to death this morning.And by the way...this is amazing and super inspiring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a26xp28jm0

I think in my heart I am a trail runner...

A Note on Cross Training

So as I run more, and plan on longer runs and longer races I am reading that I need to start cross training.

I consider myself to be in pretty good shape...I can run pretty fast and a pretty good distance without getting out of breath, I run regularly each week, I eat good (90% of the time), etc, etc...I feel pretty confident in myself...until I try to do anything else physically.

For example...The other day we went to the Lampasas Free Flow Swimming Pool (Which is my favorite place to swim by the way! It's a spring fed COLD swimming pool that is so refreshing and uncrowded!) and I had this brilliant idea that I should swim 2 laps back and forth without stopping. I will say that this pool isn't a standard size and 2 laps was a pretty long distance, but 1/2 way in to the 1st lap my arms are BURNING and I am already breathing hard! Made me realize that I really need to 1) Start working my arms more 2) Start doing some other form of cardio exercise that works other parts of my body not just my legs.

I am not usually in to working out at home in front of the TV or going to the gym. I like being outside and breathing fresh air...but all I am reading lately is about how great this P90x program is. And how many different workouts they have, how they really push you, blah blah, but it for $120, blah blah, insert annoying promotion here ________.

Now one thing I will say is I am cheap...and I am not going to spend $120 on some workout DVD's! But I had a way around this and got them all for $15. So.....next week I will begin my cross training! Wish me luck, because 10 push ups push me to the limit and 2 laps in the pool made me sore the next day! I have a feeling these workouts are going to kick my a$$!

But if that's what I need to do to run a littler faster, and run a little farther I will do it because running is keeping me sane, it wakes me up in the morning, and makes me sleep better at night. And if I am going to attempt to race more races, and race longer distances, I might as well not only do it to the best of my ability, but I might as well give myself every advantage possible.

Blanco Lavender 10K & Other Happenings.....

This last week Grandma Alice and Jess were in town from California. It is always nice to spend some time with my grandma! We played a lot of cribbage, ate out and I ate WAY too much, had some great conversations, and best of all grandma got to spend a lot of time with Phene! I love my grandma and Jess!

Here is Phene at the swimming pool with grandma...



Saturday was 10K race day in Blanco. The weather was warm and the course was HILLY but it went really well! I ran the race in 48.30 something and was 2nd in my age group and 3rd overall. (Out of almost 200 10 k racers!!) Just happy I made it to be honest as this was my first time running more then 6 miles!

Isn't the scenery beautiful?

Here is a video of the finish line:

And one more thing... Lampasas Free Flow Pool is open for the summer! Our first of hopefully many times of swimming there this summer!

Running Playlist

I am FINALLY updating my ipod with a new running playlist. I have been running to the same songs for the past year, and it's time to change it up!

Here is what I have so far:

• Kesha-Tik Tok (You know when I first heard her I couldn't stand her music, but it's grown on me!)

• Vampire Weekend-A Punk

• Led Zepplin-Immigrant Song

• Coldplay-Vida la Vida (One of my favorite running songs ever!)

• Black Eyed Peas-Boom Boom Pow (I don't really like this group, but the song has a good beat so I am going to try it)

• Edward Maya-Stereo Love

• Eminem-Till I Collapse (LOVE Eminem!!)

• Kesha-Who We Are

• Gwen Stefani-Hollaback Girl

• White Stripes-Seven Nation Army

• Black Keys-Howling For You

• Foster the People-Pumped Up Kicks (Who doesn't love this song??)

• Pitbull-Give me Everything (Another one with a good beat that I am going to try)

• Eminem-Not Afraid

• Eminem-Lose Yourself (BEST running song ever!!)

• Pitbull-Hey Baby

• Golden Earring-Radar Love

I still need to add some more, but this is what I have so far. Any suggestions??