Heavy and Light

Exercise: 5.25 miles running and 2.5 mile preschool walk

Music Man and I got to go on a date last night. Dinner and a concert, it was so great. We went to a restaurant we hadn't been to in a while because we have mixed feelings about it (Yelp feels the same way, http://m.yelp.com/biz/mexicali-cocina-cantina-studio-city) but I was craving a Margarita. We were pleasantly surprised that the margarita and dinner were both awesome and it was pretty inexpensive since we got 2 meals, drinks and tip for $40. Not bad for LA.

The concert was a charity benefit called Heavy and Light for To Write Love On Her Arms http://www.twloha.com/index.php
which is a non-profit that offers hope and help for those suffering from depression, and addiction. One of the bands that Music Man does a lot of work with was headlining the show so it was fun to see in person what I've been hearing for months. The headlining band was Fiction Family which consists of Jon Foreman from Switchfoot and Sean Watkins from Nickel Creek. It's super cute. But we got to see one other singer whom I'd never heard of but thought was great, Christina Perri. Very reminiscent of Regina Spektor, you know, girl with piano kinda vibe.

We stayed up later than I like, meaning past 9 pm 😀 but it was fun to get away from the valley. Then I got out early this morning to go for a run which was pretty slow but I got it done. And now I'm at school praying it's my last day.

Hope you're having a good week.

Free At Last

Exercise: 5 mile run, 2 mile walk during preschool

Rejoice! Celebrate! After 5 months of preschool today is my first spent completely out of the classroom! Tear free! I don't want to count my chickens but I am so so happy. I will miss seeing Hunter enjoying school but I will not miss sitting in uncomfortable chairs for 3 hours a day. Or the lonely back room...of dread ;)

Hopefully this will be one of my final back room self portraits ;)

This Post Brought to You by the Number 5

Exercise: 3.75 mile wet and dreary run around the neighborhood and 1.5 mile walk around preschool. At least I got 5 miles on my feet

Seriously, all I do at preschool is read and play with the camera on my phone. It's getting old after 5 months. At least I have a new iPhone 5 to play with.

New Year Changes

Exercise: planning a 3+ mile run during preschool

Only 10 days into the new year and things are already quite different than last year with the Little Man. The most surprising change is that he is now potty trained and it happened so quickly. We expected a long 2 weeks or more because he's always been so stubborn but by the third evening he was going on the potty on his own and hasn't stopped since. Kids are amazing at their ability to adapt.

Little Man's comfort in preschool is also showing great progress. After only one day back he's allowing me to run to my car, go to the restroom or just exit the room without any problems. He also seems so much more grown up and civilized in his interactions with other kids. It's pretty awesome. Don't get me wrong, he's still two and drives me nuts but it feels great to witness the positive progress.

This weekend also marks a big milestone: Our first family trip to an amusement park. Little Man is totally into Lego so he should find it exciting at least. Even if he can't go on a lot of the rides. Luckily he's a tall guy so he should be able to experience quite a lot. I've tried to explain the concept but he can't even grasp the awesomeness ;) I know I'm more excited than he is but I really hope he likes it.

And now art time is over so it's almost time to get ready to run. This is my only workout today so my fingers are crossed that separation goes well.

Happy almost Friday!

Back to School

Exercise: 30 minutes elliptical and hoping to get in a 30 minute run during preschool

Back at school! The start of the school day was a little rocky but Little Man acclimated quickly. Now he seems right at home. I'm feeling really positive about the start of this new year. Good things to come for sure!

Now that Little Man feels comfortable with me leaving for part of the school day I have about 45 minutes to myself. I had been going for coffee, taking a walk or getting gas...very quick errands. But that amount of time is perfect for a workout! So as long as I'm at preschool I plan to use that time for running. Perfect!

Group time is almost over so time to get ready to run! Have a great Tuesday.

Early Morning Monday

Exercise: 4.5 mile run yesterday

1 hour elliptical/ strength today

Today started with a 5am wake up call since Music Man needed to leave for work by 6. I am totally ok with rising early, except when I'm expected to be super productive. It hurt a little and everyone seemed a little out of sorts.

The dogs were the only ones lucky enough to go back to bed.

Little Man woke up and requested to take a bath, which he never does. And his bath time is always evening. But if he wants to be clean I'm not going to discourage that.

Then we finally got around to eating breakfast, grits with a tempered egg mixed in for Little Man and grits topped with an egg and Frank's Red Hot for me.

After breakfast Little Man colored and did puzzles with the iPad while I did my workout. I was a little apprehensive about getting him the iPad but there are so many educational games and interactive activities. It's been a really great tool, especially while I'm working out. He also runs around and plays with blocks, trains, cars and his myriad of other toys but the iPad allows us to be together and both entertained while I get my workout in.

Then there was floor mopping, laundry washing and folding, and some potty sitting. And that was all before 9am!

Now it's time for lunch and my first episode of West Wing. Can't wait!

Hope you have a wonderful and productive Monday!

Pee for Progress

Exercise: 5.5 mile run, 7.25 mile bike ride, 1 mile walk with fam

Today was the third day of our intensive potty training regimen and the first day of real progress. I'll post about it when we're through the thick of it but I don't have any real knowledge on the subject so I'm keepin' my mouth closed til I do. What I can say is that the last 3 days have been beyond exhausting and this is the hardest battle we've faced to date. And I feel like I deserve a prize. Ha.

So now it's hang time with the hubs. Celebrating our successes with chocolate chip cookies, cheap champagne and Looper. Perfect end to an insane week.

Have a great weekend!

Crushing Mileage

Exercise: hoping for 6 easy miles

It was great to wake up this morning feeling rested and hangover free. I did have a few glasses of wine last night but stopped early, had a yummy meal prepared by good friends and was asleep before the clock turned midnight. And it wasn't boring, it was great relaxing in the warmth of my home. Oh dear, I'm getting old ;)

Today should be a great morning to start this year off with a run; slightly cloudy with cool temps and no hangover is perfection. I actually looked at my year in review of workouts when I first woke up and it helped me solidify my exercise resolutions for the year. According to Strava my yearly mileage was 705 but it was imported from Sportstracker so I know some runs are missing, some months were completely blank, and some mileage might be from cycling. Because I've been very consistent with my running this year I believe my actual running mileage is closer to 800. So my first resolution this year is to up it to 1000. And crush this year ;)

So here are my resolutions, I'm keeping it nice and simple (achievable):

1. Run/ walk 1000 miles
2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
3. Finish a painting

I do have a few other goals for the year but I like the idea of keeping the list short, sweet and easy to accomplish.

Have a wonderful new year!!!!

What are 3 of your goals for the year?

Bonus Mile

Exercise: 7.85 mile run. Planned for 7 miles but took a different route and ended up close to 8. Bonus!

Running and exercise have really been on the back burner with all the holidays. Seasonal fun and tons of baking have been occupying all my time. My pants finally took notice. It's no good :) I'm definitely looking forward to training for some small race... and not baking nearly as much. Although I haven't gone off the deep end I could definitely use fewer cookies in my life.

And now I'm going to negate my exercise for today and go eat some tasty barbecue with the parental units! That's the perfect balance ;) Right?!

I wasn't going to run tomorrow because I've been running everyday but then it occurred to me that I'd feel weird not running the last or first day of the year. So I guess I'm on a streak. Sweet, dude.

Hope you're having a relaxing Sunday!

Rainy Day Play

Exercise: Hoping for 30-40 minutes of elliptical and strength but won't freak out if it doesn't happen. I ran a great 8 miler yesterday so a little rest on this rainy day won't hurt.

I'm sitting in the car on this drizzly Saturday while Little Man naps in the back. He passed out cold on our way to an indoor play area and it really worked out for the best. I got to finish reading my 3rd book this month! Nuts.

I started reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn at the end of November and enjoyed the writing so much I decided to read all her books. I give Gone Girl an A-, Sharp Objects a B and Dark Places a B+. I don't read many crime/ mysteries anymore so it was refreshing to read fiction with creepy twists and turns...although some were a bit contrived. All the books were dark,  but great. I would recommend them all.

Little dude is awake so now it's his turn to play and read. Have a great weekend!

Winter

Exercise: 3.1 easy miles

December has been so much fun. It's the first year that little man actually gets Christmas so we've been having a great time enjoying winter festivities and creating new traditions. We had a tree trimming party, have taken numerous walks and drives to see Christmas lights, Little Man got to see Santa and recited his list including: trains, caboose, pizza and chocolate ;). I am pleased to report all his Christmas wishes came true.

I hope you are having a lovely season and end to the year. I'm starting to feel like next year is going to be awesome!!!

28 Days Later

Is one of my favorite movies and also about how long it's been since I've blogged. I've thought about ending this little blog because I just haven't had time to post and I feel guilty to have let down the 4 people that regularly follow it ;) But I will be keeping it because it's fun to have a record of past thoughts and endeavors. So I'll just be posting when I have time or something exciting enough to tell the world.

So here's what I've been up to:

1. Training for the Malibu Marathon November 11. I've managed to complete a few long runs including 18, 20 & 22 milers. I feel nervous but pretty prepared. I have a few goals but my main objective is to finish happy under 5 hours. If that could be closer to 4:30, that would be cool.

2. Family trip to Lake Havasu. So much fun and pretty relaxing. 3 solid days boating and open water swimming while staying in a house right on the water. So great.

3. Halloween Festivities. It's the first year Little Man really understands it and it has been so much fun. Since October 21st we've had a party or some Halloween oriented event. Now I'm getting really excited for Christmas.

4. Preschool update: I'm still there, it's annoying and I'm getting frustrated. We're giving it until the end of the semester and at that point we'll decide whether we stay at this school, find another, or postpone until Little Man is a little older.

And here are some crappy photos from the past month :)

Five for Friday

1.18 miles! Boom!
2. Get to spend the rest of the day in yoga pants while Little Man feeds me grapes... or throws them at my head
3. Homemade pizza for dinner
4. Thinking about switching to WordPress since Music Man has a host and created a page for me
5. Dude, it's Friday!

Date with Music Man

Exercise: 6.5 mile run. 9:57 avg pace

 

 

Yesterday's mommy workout killed me. I didn't realize how tough all those squats, lunges and leg raises would be on me but now I can't walk down stairs. Sign of a good workout :) Needless to say my run this morning was a little slow and painful.

Music Man and I got to go on a date on Sunday to see one of our favorite bands, Wilco. We saw them at the Hollywood bowl which is always a fun outing. We had decent seats, a bottle of Pinot and some tasty picnic food complete with homemade banana cupcakes w/ cream cheese frosting. So good.

One of the fun things about going to the bowl is getting there from the valley. Multiple freeways, Hollywood traffic and stacked parking can make for an annoying night so we've started taking alternative transit. We drove to the subway next to Universal Studios, hopped the train to Hollywood/ Highland and then walked the mile to the bowl. It was funny because the last time I was on the stretch from Hollywood/ highland to the bowl was when I ran the Hollywood half marathon. It made me nostalgic and want to run it again.

I didn't take any photos of our outing but MM did. He was downloading a new blogging ap to my ipad and did a test photo upload with a few of the pics and a random one. I love what he chose so I just left them below as is. Cute.

Have a great rest of your week!

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Parks and Rec

Exercise: 50 mins elliptical, arms and back

Just a quick drop in. If you're at all interested in seeing the park I run through, when I get to run :(, watch this last episode of Parks and Recreation. Or older episodes of My Name is Earl, Modern Family, The League, Arrested Development and pretty much any other show...ha. Sometimes I'm so proud of my little corner of the ghetto. But beware, I hear there are man eating coyotes there stalking cute couples ;)

Gradual Separation

Exercise: 84 boring minutes on the elliptical

Right now I'm blogging from Little Man's preschool (and eating what's left of his lunch) where I've been spending my Tuesday's and Thursdays the last 3 weeks. The preschool requires a gradual separation, meaning the parents don't just drop the kids off and go, we stay until the children are ready for us to leave. The school administrators think it makes the kids more confident. I think it's great but sometimes I wish I could just leave him and he'd butch up. ;)

The process takes longer for some children and I'm pretty sure I'll be one of the last parents to leave. Little Man is a little clingy. I do have faith he'll let me leave soon. He loves school and constantly asks to "Go school Now? Go paint, play doh, trucks!"

Today I'm doing my second trial separation; I just told little man I was going to the car and would be right back, but I'm just sitting in a separate room. If he gets upset I can get to him quickly. If things go well the next separation will be a bit longer until I eventually leave him on his own and can run errands or workout independently for the first time in 2 1/2 years! I don't want to rush him but the idea of free time gets me super excited.

Music Man has been out of town all week so I've been very busy with the Little Man, hence my excitement for getting some free time. My workouts have been all over the place since I can't run and can only use the elliptical when the Little dude is sleeping, otherwise he gets too intrigued by it and wants to play on it too. So I've been working out some early mornings and some late nights depending on schedule. I can't wait to have MM back and to be able to run again!!!

Hope you all are well and I leave you with some fuzzy pics of Little Man enjoying school.

Toe Up

Exercise: active rest, walk, bike, etc.

Yesterday I opted to run 8 miles instead of tackling a long run. You always hear it's better to under train than over train and my training has been pretty spot on thus far so a shorter run was just fine. And I'm so glad I only did 8 because it was effing torture.

I don't want to get too graphic, but by mile 4 I thought my insides were going to explode. I kept having to stop and walk until I got to the nearest restroom over a mile away. It didn't offer any relief so I jog/ walked the rest of the way home. Longest 8 miler ever, took me almost 90 minutes to complete. Ughhh.

Today I planned to run but I've been running with a painful big toe the last few days that has now become grossly infected. Yay. I'm hoping to get into a podiatrist today but am so nervous to get diagnosed because I'm pretty sure I won't be running for awhile. Never good to hear during Marathon training. Or ever really.

This So Cal cloudy, gloomy day perfectly reflects my attitude. I'm feeling very sorry for myself at the moment. Time to turn my focus to being grateful for all the awesomeness in my life.

I'll let you know how it goes...

Tying Knots

Exercise: hoping to get in a midday nap elliptical and weight session

While I was in Vegas I had a 16 mile run on the schedule but abandoned it to do more important things like swimming, eating at buffets, drinking margaritas and watching two of my favorite people tie the knot. I did run 10 miles and probably walked a few miles but it's not the same. Music man will be out of town next weekend and throughout the following week so I plan to do my long run of 17 miles Friday or Saturday. I'm wondering if I should try to do another longish run tomorrow; like 12? Or is that mileage too much too close?

By the way, I found a discount for the Malibu Marathon and decided to go for it. It's November 11th so I know I have enough time to train, it's just getting the long runs in that is difficult. Training for the Bulldog built up my base so I just need to expand on that. We don't have any other big trips, events or awesome Vegas weddings planned for the near future so I should be able to remain consistent up until the race.

And speaking of awesome Vegas weddings; here are a few photos from the night. I have some other faves to post when I get a chance

Have an awesome week!

Not Quite Clandestine

Exercise: 10 super slow miles in North Las Vegas

Sleep was non-existent last night due to a toddler and husband that are very particular to sleeping in their own beds. I'm sure the few beers and glass of wine I had didn't help either :) But I was pretty exhausted this morning. I was mentally done with my run before I even started but I powered through for 10 miles. Slow but done!

I'm loosely following a training plan that had me running 16 miles today and there was just no way. Music Man and I are staying on the strip tonight so I told him we had to walk 6 miles to make up the difference. 6 miles in fancy shoes, not sure how that will go down... see ya tomorrow blisters.

Tonight's festivities include a very hush-hush wedding!!! Makes the occasion so much more fun that it's an intimate affair. I offered to prepare the bouquet and the bride allowed me to do it. So much fun having a small hand in the preparation.

That's all for now. Have an awesome Saturday!

Every Little Bit

Exercise: in the middle of a 4.5 mile run. Park play intermission

Last night was another rough, sleepless night. Little Man woke up at midnight and when I got out of bed I realized Music Man was still at work. It's always a little disconcerting to wake up that way and although Little Man went back to sleep immediately, I could not. I was up until Music Man got home and didn't get back to sleep until nearly 2. Early workout plans were shot.

Over two years now I've been a mom and I still find planning workouts and training difficult. I rarely skip a session because I enjoy working out but every day is a lesson in adapting and accepting :) But like yesterday, I've learned that some days 15 minutes is all I can get in and at least I tried. I also try to add in some extra activity like walks or family bike rides on those days. Every little bit counts.

Interestingly, I think the days of not being able to plan a workout may be coming to an end soon; or will become fewer and far between. No, I don't anticipate Little Man to suddenly sleep better (he's never slept) or that we'll win the lottery and get a maid and nanny :). No, Little Man starts preschool a week from today! Only 2 days a week to start, but that is 3 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays to get things done!

With those 2 days I really hope to maximize my alone time. I hope to get a workout in, work on some home projects and maybe get a pedicure or a haircut every now and then. And it will be great for him too! Hopefully all the playing and stimulation will wear him out and maybe he'll sleep better after all!

OK. Back to park time. Have a great Tuesday!