2016 Milwaukee Running Festival Ambassador & Discount Code

I was supposed to run an event at the inaugural Milwaukee Running Festival last fall, but the end of my pregnancy had different plans for me.  I knew early on last summer that I wouldn't be able to run the marathon in the fall.  But, I heard from friends, clients and social media posts that the event was great, well-organized and overall a must-participate-in event.  Every participant I interacted with raved about the inaugural event.

I'm looking forward to serving as an ambassador again in 2016, and I can't wait to share my experience with you.  I am still waiting to see what my post-partum body allows me to do before I commit to the half or full marathon.

The Milwaukee Marathon course is a beautiful combination of city streets and parkways, and includes several of Milwaukee’s known landmarks as well as a diverse mix of neighborhoods. The entire 26.2-mile course stays in the City of Milwaukee. The race finishes at Veteran's Park in downtown Milwaukee.

November 5-6, 2016

 

Right now, registration is really affordable, and if you are on the fence, I would suggest committing to a distance before the new year.  The marathon is only $65 ($120 on race day) through December 31 and the half marathon is $55 ($110 on race day). 

Combine the above savings with the Running Diva Mom discount code:  RUNDIVA2016 for $10 off and you will have a really affordable event on your calendar for next fall.

There are also 5K and one mile events that you can register for that weekend.

Milwaukee Running Festival
November 5-6, 2016
Milwaukee, WI
http://www.milwaukeerunningfestival.com/

Birthing Playlist

Recently, I read this funny article from Women's Running Magazine, which listed twenty ways running a marathon is like giving birth.  It was funny, it was familiar, it was true.  Even though I am being induced again, it makes me realize that I really can have a third "medication-free" birthing experience.  No epidural needed, because I have done it before and I can do it again.  Just like every 26.2 mile journey I run - and all of the training miles leading up to that point.  My body has prepared me for this.  I have great breathing techniques.  I know where to put my mindset and get in my zone.  I can do this.

I also recently have been watching The Business of Being Born and More Business of Being Born on Netflix.   Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein's documentaries have been pretty eye-opening.  They document the journey of women as they attempt medication-free births, home births, work without "medical professionals" to achieve their desired birthing experience.  The documentaries also show how things don't always go as planned, and sometimes mothers just need to adjust their expectations to get the same positive end-result.  It has been a very interesting series to watch.

The documentary touched on marathon runners several times and compared giving birth to that finish line.  Further, I saw that some women in the documentary were using ipods and calming music to get them through the experience without medication.  I thought - I make playlists all of the time for my long runs.  I run for hours (and hours!) at times to my favorite tunes that motivate me.  Sometimes my playlists are filled with pop music, sometimes rap and hip hop, other times singer/songwriters and rock fill my ears with the most moving and beautiful music that keeps me moving.  It's the emotion of the music that gets me through some of the toughest points of my runs.  Since Mumford and Sons always moves me to tears at miles 20-25 of a marathon, I opted to make a birth playlist that features them frequently.  "Lover's Eyes" and "Below my Feet" are two of my favorite songs that move me.  My emotional playlist includes many songs that strike my emotions and push me beyond my limits.  This includes many from Mumford & Sons, Ron Pope (songs from our wedding), Avett brothers, Adele, Hozier and more singer/songwriter types.  I look forward to seeing what these tunes can do for me and if I can go to "that place", as I do during a marathon.

Fleet Feet Sports Madison/Sun Prairie - The Power of Running: To Inspire Contest

Earlier this fall, one of my closest clients,  Nicky, asked me if she could nominate me for Fleet Feet and Mizuno's The Power of Running:  To Inspire contest.  This award recognizes individuals in the running community who have overcome their own obstacles through running, have inspired communities of runners or who have raised funds for charities through the sport.   I was truly honored to be nominated by my client and friend who has grown tremendously this past year through running - even completing her first half marathon.  She submitted my nomination to Fleet Feet Sports Madison/Sun Prairie this September.  Around Thanksgiving, I learned that I didn't win the grand prize, but that the Sun Prairie store would be sending me a pretty new pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire 12's.  I am so excited to try this pretty new pair of kicks after the new year.

 

I am so blessed to have so many wonderful clients who I am now fortunate to call friends.  I love running into people just like Nicky at Target or the grocery store or at a local park (or even better yet ...!) out running on a local trail.  I love catching up with them.  Hearing about their accomplishments since we last ran together, their struggles with schedules and family and time for themselves and just getting an update on what exciting things are going on their busy lives. 

 

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to nominate me, Nicky!

 

And ... my water didn't break on the bus ...

After a busy couple of weeks at the office, yesterday was my final day wrapping things up for a three month leave.  Very happy to report that my big fear of my water breaking on the city bus did NOT happen.  It was such a relief getting to the marathon mommy minivan after yesterday's bus ride.  After all of this counting down and waiting, the time has finally arrived.  I can't believe it.  I still don't think it has sunk in that I'm going to be off for twelve weeks with this sweet, little girl in my arms.  I am really going to cherish every single moment with this one.  I don't want one moment to pass by unappreciated.  I'm going to continue to try to slow down life a little bit and just enjoy all of the little blessings that come with having a newborn.  I'm also looking forward to having more time with the older two children and picking them up from school and having a lot of quality time at home this winter.

 

 

Yesterday was my final day of work.  Today was my final doctor's appointment.  We are all set to meet her next Wednesday.  Wow.  My doctor said that she will be making rounds on Christmas Day and will come visit our baby girl and I on Christmas morning before we depart. 

 

The other kids' birthdays are this week as well.  In a few days, I will have a twelve year old, an eight year old and a newborn.  Wow.  (again)  Throw in coming home from the hospital on Christmas Day (hopefully) and it's going to be a pretty exciting way to wrap up 2015. 

Runner's Word Search

I have been busy making word searches for upcoming family and holiday time.  So, I decided to make one for runners, too.  (Of course!?)  The next time you have some (rare) downtime, sit down with a hot cup of coffee and complete this runner's word search.



Directions:  Right Click | Save Image As | Print Image

Gestational Diabetes Update

Well, I am a little over two months into my third round of gestational diabetes.  It hasn't been that bad.  I admit, it was much easier until I stopped running at 34 weeks.  I was able to consumer more carbs at lunch and in the evenings, because I was much (much!) more active.  Even a two or three mile run at night lowered my blood sugars tremendously.  I was walking with the dog a couple of times a day and taking walks after I ate lunch at my desk.  That little bit of movement really helped me keep my numbers in check.   I am still taking my blood sugars four times daily.  A fasting a number in the morning and then two hours after each meal.  This requires me to time everything during the day - so I set a timer at work and at home.  My kids are the "blood sugar patrol".  Whenever the kitchen timer goes off, they come find in the house to let me know that it's time to take my blood sugar count.  They care about me and their little sister. 

 

A couple of weeks ago, after the time change and the cooler weather arrived, I became a bit of a couch potato.  We started watching a lot of tv (something I never ever EVER do) and I got a lot of projects done around the house.  My numbers around Thanksgiving were significantly higher, because I didn't adjust my carbohydrates accordingly.  With a little push from my doctor, I was encouraged to walk a little more after meals and keep moving.  The push helped and I was able to keep my numbers lower than the weeks prior. 

 

 

I get sick of eating meat, cheese and vegetables with a few carbs scattered here and there.  I love fruit and yogurt and everything I enjoy is filled with carbohydrates.  Some of my go-to staples have included cottage cheese, sharp cheddar cheese or swiss cheese with a some crackers, turkey sausage links for breakfast, maple turkey bacon, eggs, peanut butter sandwiches with low-carb bread, olives, pickles, sugar-free jello, light vanilla almond milk.

I haven't gained much weight at all the past month or so.  I keep going up and down with the same pound and a half on the scale.  Baby is growing, but my weight isn't showing it.  So, I'm doing something right I guess with my portion control.  I am still around 23-24 pounds gained during this pregnancy.  Almost half of what I gained each previous pregnancy.

This upcoming Tuesday marks 38 weeks and we will be induced at the hospital on December 23.  We look forward to meeting our little girl NEXT WEEK and hopefully bringing her home on Christmas Day.  What a wonderful gift we are receiving this year!!

 

I'm hoping that my blood sugars return back to normal at the hospital, that our little one has normal counts and that my post-partum check up reflects nothing by normalcy.

Spring 2016 Running Diva Mom Couch to 5K Classes Announced

The next round of couch to 5K classes will resume March 2016.  Check out page 20 of your Winter/Spring 2016 Sun Prairie Rec Connection Guide.

Registration opens December 15 through the Sun Prairie Recreation & Aquatics Department.  Registration opens at 9:00 am.

Register:http://www.cityofsunprairie.com/226/Online-Registration

Couch to 5K in 9 Weeks:  Ladies Only
$39 resident / $59 non-resident
Includes technical shirt and pasta party donated by Market Street Diner
Class locations vary.  First and last class will be held at the West Side Community Building

Wednesday evenings at 6:30-7:15 pm for nine weeks
March 30 - May 25

or
Friday mornings at 6:00-6:45 am for nine weeks
April 1 - May 27

Are you interested in running your first 5K or getting back into running?  Join Jamie Adcock, Madison's Running Diva Mom, for this gentle introduction to running with other women.  Jamie's program slowly and painlessly prepares your  mind and body to run a 5K race in a supportive community environment.  We'll start off alternating between walking and running small distances and slowly build up endurance over the course of nine weeks, so that you're ready to run 5 kilometers - or 30-45 minutes non-stop for the Maureen Mengelt Memorial 5K on May 30.  Program participants will also receive a team shirt to wear on race day and we will have a post-program celebration after the last class. Race registration is not included in the cost of the program.

2016 Races / Coaching Schedule :: Running Diva Mom

April 16 - Parkinson's Half Marathon, Cottage Grove, WI
May 29 - Madison Half Marathon, Madison, WI
May 30 - Maureen Mengelt Memorial 5K, Sun Prairie, WI (coaching)
June 26 - Her Madison Half Marathon, Madison, WI (ambassador)
July 17 - Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, Chicago, IL (Got Chocolate Milk ambassador)
July 30 - Waunafest 10 Miler, Waunakee, WI
August 6 - Book'n It Run 5K, Sun Prairie, Wi  (coaching)
October 22 - Haunted Hustle 5K, Middleton, WI (coaching)
November 5 - Tyranena Half Marathon, Lake Mills, WI
November 6 - Milwaukee Running Festival Half or Full Marathon, Milwaukee, WI (ambassador)

2016 Her Madison Half Marathon Ambassador - June 24-26, 2016

 

I'm looking forward to serving as a 2016 ambassador for the Her Madison Half Marathon in June! Whether you are interested in the 5K event or the half marathon .... ladies, you aren't going to want to miss out on this unique victory lap on foot around Madison with other like-minded women!! What a fun, non-competitive and encouraging atmosphere!!!

 

 

2nd Annual DreamBank Her Madison Half Marathon & 5K! Madison's FIRST half marathon & 5K walk/run dedicated to women! Register for the Weekend Experience and enjoy a Friday night cocktail party, Saturday morning yoga & shake out run! Bib Registration includes Race Expo & Packet Pick-up, beautiful finishers medal, gender specific tech t-shirt, and amazing post-race party! Official charity partner: Girls On The Run of Dane County!

 

 

Books 18-19 of 2015

I've been really busy with my reading this past month.  I've really enjoyed going to bed early and cuddling up with my flannel sheets and a good book.  I flew through the 400-odd pages in Nicholas Sparks', The Longest Ride last month.  I watched the movie with hubby earlier this fall and we both (yes both!) really enjoyed the storylines in the movie.  I quickly added this book to my Christmas wish list.  However, I found the book at Goodwill for $2 and gladly picked it up.  The book and the movie were slightly different, but I enjoyed them both equally.  They both followed the love story of a young couple on a ranch, experiencing early love and struggles during their relationship.  They both also follow an older couple that experience a lifetime of happiness and challenges during their marriage.  The book drew my right in ad I read chapter after chapter by the light on my beside table.

 

 

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

 

When I was browsing the aisles of Barnes and Noble for Christmas gifts, I came across Maternity Leave by Julie Halpern.  I also wanted to add this one to my Christmas wish list, but found that this new novel was available at my local public library.  And, it didn't have a long wait list.  A week later, the book arrived.  After I finished The Longest Ride, I started flipping through the pages of Maternity Leave and laughed hysterically with each page.  It was so funny and I related to her experiences so much, regarding child-bearing, childbirth and post-partum experiences while on maternity leave.  The book reminded me of some experiences from my time with Little Diva and Little Dude as infants, that I forgot I will experiencing all over again in a couple of weeks.  I had to recite several of the paragraphs aloud to hubby, because I found them so hilarious.  I loved that instead of chapters, this book divided each section into day-by-date occurrences with each day of the infant's new life with his mother.  I also loved her random, hysterical Facebook statuses scattered throughout the book.  I would highly recommend this book to any mother, expecting mother, or new mother.  You will relate to the experience and feelings so much and I loved how she said things that I may have thought, but wouldn't dare vocalize or share with anyone.

 

 

Maternity Leave by Julie Halpern

 

Finishing 2015 with 935.85 miles

Well, well, well .... I feel like I'm in confession!!  I decided about a week ago that I am DONE RUNNING for the duration of this pregnancy.  I am now at 36 weeks pregnant and haven't ran for a little over two weeks.  The pressure, the need for potty breaks and how my body (mostly hips) felt after my last five mile run just made me throw in the towel.  It feels kind of strange.  Pretty outside of my element actually.  Like I'm missing something off of my daily to do list.  I miss it.  Running is a part of me. 

 

Despite that, I'm currently enjoying short walks with my husband and the dog.  I'm enjoying family holiday movie time on the couch.  I'm also enjoying working on projects around the house, organizing, writing and planning in my journals, and flipping pages of a book.  And yes, I'm planning my race schedule for 2016 after my post-partum body is ready to log miles again.

 

2015 was a pretty amazing year.  I typically log 1,000-1,200 per year and this year I came awfully close.  I am always pretty happy if I log around 100 miles per month.  Fortunately, this year I frontloaded a lot on the year!!  Finding out we were finally pregnant in April, while I was training for a marathon, didn't slow me down too much immediately.  But by fall, my mileage was starting to dwindle.

 

January - 109.9 miles
(Icebreaker Indoor Marathon)
February - 72.5 miles

March - 119.05 miles
April - 163.35 miles
(Parkinson's Half Marathon - didn't know we were pregnant yet!)
May - 120.5
(Door County Half Marathon)
June - 102.25
(Grandma's Marathon)
July - 81.9 miles
August - 60.1 miles
September - 53.05 miles
October - 29.25 miles
November - 24 miles
December - 0 miles

Total for 2015 - 935.85 miles

 

Door County Half Marathon around 6 weeks

 

Shortly after I got the positive pregnancy test, we were set to run the Door County Half Marathon.  Something that was on my bucket list.  We had friends running the events and/or in the area and it was difficult not to tell them our news.  I played a lot of mind games with myself that day, not knowing how much to push myself through the expected hills and the unexpected sun and heat.  But, I finished.

 



After 20 miles around 7 weeks



I also completed a couple 18-20 milers in the spring.  I wasn't feeling any different than normal and the doctor encouraged me to keep moving, to avoid a third pregnancy with gestational diabetes.

I started my second trimester with Grandma's Marathon

In June, Hubby and I crossed another race off our bucket list.  Despite criticism from some and encouragement from my doctor, we ran a full marathon together, Grandma's Marathon.  It was my slowest marathon ever, but definitely my proudest.  I ended up with several potty breaks (something that I never do during a race), but I never stopped to walk.  And we still finished well under five hours - together.

Around 26 weeks

I continued running and coaching throughout the summer.  A few miles here, a lot of miles there.  But most of my runs were 3-5 miles.  I didn't put many long runs under my belt for the remainder of the year.  Still, I remained pretty consistent with lacing up my running shoes and staying fit.  My belly wasn't a problem.  However, I often struggled with tight, painful calves while I ran in the heat.  Maybe a side effect from those charlie horses I encountered in my sleep.

 

Running for Two

In October, I found out that I unfortunately was diagnosed with gestational diabetes again.  I was further encouraged to keep moving and keep running.  But, I was slowing down.  At the end of October, I coached my last race of the year.  And my momentum started to get lost.   The pressure from my bladder and my four-five pound baby were starting take a toll.



Halloween Running

I ran a few times in November, but after an awesome, outdoor five miler that left me feeling rejuvenated and high in spirit, I could barely walk for two days.  I also walked/hiked 10 miles with hubby and the dog that day.  We really took advantage of the beautiful 60 degree weather we were having.  But,  I just overdid it.  That was a sign to me that I needed to slow things down and that I had to listen to my body.  Which I did.

 

Done running at 34 weeks

Today was my 36 week appointment.  My evening blood sugars have been high because I am no longer moving like I use to.  I'm also finding it difficult to get the dog out for walks in the evening because of the lack of daylight and cold temperatures.  But, Hubby and I have been trying to take advantage of bundling-up on the weekends while the sun is out and taking the pup for long walks.  My doctor encouraged me today to keep walking a lot - and keep my blood sugars under control for the next few weeks.  I really want to avoid medicine.

I lost another pound+ this week, which has me back to a 22 pound weight gain.  I am absolutely ecstatic about this, because I more than doubled my weight gain with the other two pregnancies.  For this, I am proud.

Our due date is December 29.  But, it sounds like I will be induced sometime later this month (before the holidays) and am looking forward to having a date on the calendar to meet our little girl.


Three Pregnancies - One Timeline

Every moment of this pregnancy has been like experience the arrival of the other two all over again.  The first two shared a due date.  And they both arrived during the week of Christmas.  This third baby is due December 29.  So, it has been a very similar timeline the entire way. 

 

I've been busy trying to wrap up all of our holiday preparation so that we are ready when she arrives and so that the next month can just be enjoyed as a family of four.  As much as I didn't want to have another "Christmas Baby", with all of the chaos that goes with it.  I have a feeling that she will fit right in with our crew and the craziness that the month of December is around our household. 

 

Just as my body is slowing me down, the Wisconsin weather gets cool and the daylight hours get short.  I find myself sitting on the couch much more and enjoying Dateline NBC, guessing puzzles on Wheel of Fortune and renting DVDs with the family.   I'm also reading a lot more.  Like with the other two, the last couple of months have been spent relaxing indoors in my sweatpants and my hair in a messy bun.  During the warmer months, I opt to spend every free moment outside or being active.  And the change in weather seems to come at the perfect time of my pregnancy, when my body is telling me to slow down.

 

 

I was 23 years old when I had Little Diva and pretty much clueless.  I was sifting through photos of my first pregnancy and of Little Diva's birth.  I was so young.  Mature, but young.  I was also a completely differently person than I am right now.  I know that motherhood changes you tremendously - that is a given.  But I also wasn't very social at the time, didn't hang out with friends and didn't have any special activities to call me own.

 

 

When I had Little Dude, I was 27 and a little wiser.  I was in full-force "mommy mode" and loved every minute of it.  I had discovered running a couple of years prior and had run a lot of 5Ks and one half marathon.  I was discovering myself and who I wanted to be.  I was meeting a lot of new people through running and I was reconnecting with old friends via Facebook. 

 

 

With number three, another eight years has passed.  I am now 35 and a completely different person.  I've struggled through difficult times, found love, become an entrepreneur, gained leadership skills through coaching, ran dozens of half marathons and ten full marathons.  I've learned how to push myself and how to push others.  This can only help me through childbirth, right?  I've met so many people in my community through running and through my children.  Having to move a few times over the past five years, I've also experienced new neighborhoods and met new families and it has only further expanded my circle.  As a mother, I've learned to set limits and boundaries.  The kids thrive on that.  Having them part-time, it's hard not to try to always be their "best friend" when they are with me.  I'm really learning to find a balance as a part-time parent.  I've also found balance in my professional life and family life and it feels amazing.  I made a leap of faith two years, then stepped back a bit and then eventually found some balance in all areas of my life.  And I honestly am the happiest I have been regarding my balance of time and energy in a really long time.  I learned a lot about myself and what I want and what I need through all of that.

 

So, as another busy December approaches and the countdown continues to delivery day .... I'm so thankful to add this little girl to my lineup of December babies.  After many discussions last year, I am grateful that we chose to add her to our family and embrace even further changes, growth and love that should surround us.  As a family of five.

Books 14-17 of 2015

This fall I have been very busy reading.  I tend to dive into stories about women that I can relate to - mothers, wives, entrepreneurs, runners, women who have overcome obstacles.  Some of the books I read this fall were great, random finds at our public library.  Others were gifted to me.

 

"Big Girl Panties" was a great story and I paged through it quicker than most books that I pick up.  The main character develops a strong relationship with her personal trainer, while she transforms both physically and mentally.  This book hooked me right in from the first chapter.

 

I love Jim Gaffigan's stand-up comedy.  He always has me laughing to tears.  And also I enjoyed reading his book, "Dad is Fat", about his daily life, raising several small children in a tiny apartment in New York City.  It was a super-easy and fast read for me.

 

 

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough
by Ruth Pennebaker

 

 

Motherhood Made a Man Out of Me
by Karen Carbo

 

 

Dad is Fat
by Jim Gaffigan

 

 

Big Girl Panties
by Stephanie Evanovich

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deal for Sun Prairie Library's Book'n It Run 2016

It's never too early to start planning your 2016 race schedule!!

 

The Sun Prairie Public Library's Book'n It Run is set for 8/6/2016 and Black Friday and Cyber Monday you can SAVE ON REGISTRATION! Register for the 5K or 10K for only $20!!!

 

http://bit.ly/BooknIt-Active

 

New Year's Eve Printable for 2016

For the past several years, my family has sat around the kitchen table on New Year's Eve (or whenever we are celebrating with the kids) and completed this worksheet together.  This has been a fun tradition, that has allowed us each to reflect and share on the past year.  We also set some goals for ourselves and our family for the upcoming year.  Overtime, it is fun to flip through the worksheets of year's past and see how we have changed and grown as a family and how some common themes have remained the same.  It is such a special time for each of us.

Please enjoy the updated printable for ringing in 2016.

34 Weeks ... and counting down!

Well, the countdown is on.  I'm getting eager to meet our little girl!  With each day that passes, things get a little more real.  However, like with my other two, I don't think it will really hit me until I see her face and she's in my arms.  34 weeks and 6 or less weeks to go. 

 

We've been busy getting things done around the house.  Both of us are nesting!  Hubby assembled the stroller and put the pack and play together in our bedroom.  He also installed the car seats in our vehicles this past weekend.  Those are the only new pieces we requested, other than a booster high chair.  Everything else has been purchased second hand at garage sales or are being borrowed from friends and family.  I'm really trying to be realistic and simplify with this one.  After the other two, I realize just how little they use that stuff and how much time and money goes into it.

 

 

 

 Hubby painted a second-hand crib from friends and we finished the nursery a couple of months ago.  I let him pick out the bedding, which he found online.  Neither of us really wanted to go with cutesy animal themes and I'm really happy with what he picked out.  The kids painted canvases that matched the nursery and I purchased a few decorative items off of Etsy and at places like Hobby Lobby and Marshall's.  We also purchased a glider second hand.

 

Hospital bags have been packed for awhile now.  The breast pump and supplies have been purchased.  Bottles have been washed.  The drawers have been filled with burp cloths and bibs.  I washed four loads of second-hand clothing that I purchased at garage sales and thrift stores over the summer.  We are ready for whatever life throws at us.  The rest of the furniture was reused from other areas of our house.

 

 

 

I've still been feeling great.  Other than a five week cold/cough, I've generally been feeling much better than my other pregnancies.  I've had a lot of energy.  I've still been running (inconsistently) through the past month throughout this darn sickness.   I just wish it would go away.

 

 

After Sunday's walk/run escapade of fifteen miles throughout the day, my legs were restless at night, I couldn't sleep and it literally felt like I had ran a marathon that day.  All of the same aches and pains and restlessness.  Except I had this big belly controlling how I could contort my body in bed with three different pillows to fall asleep comfortably.  I could hardly walk the next day.  I had so much lower back and ligament pain, that I could barely get to my bus stop yesterday afternoon.  Not sure if I should hang up my running shoes until six weeks postpartum, if I should just be happy with a couple of miles here and there, or if I should just enjoy some time walking on the treadmill.  Colder weather is now unfortunately upon us.  We will see what the next few weeks bring us.

I may have over-done it today?!?! Maybe.

I'm not sure what was crazier today ... that I ran five miles at 34 weeks pregnant, logged 15+ miles and 32,000+ steps on my Garmin Vivofit ... or that I ran in a tank top!?!?  It was 62 degrees when I checked today.  November 15 in Wisconsin.  Absolutely amazing!!!! And, absolutely beautiful!!!!  I can't say it enough ... I am so thankful that we have been blessed with a beautiful fall.  It has allowed us to enjoy the outdoors and continue to be active through each week and month that passes.

 

 

Today started with a coffee day with a client that I've been blessed to cross paths with many times over the past couple of years.  Sara made Little Diva #2 this beautiful blanket.  I can't wait to have her in my arms next month and wrap her up in this.  I have the most amazing clients and can't thank Sara enough for her thoughtfulness and the time that went into this creation.

 

 

The day followed with a trip to one of my favorite places in the area - Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton.  There are miles and miles of paved and gravel trail in Middleton.  The trail varies with hills, streams, mini waterfalls, bridges, forest and prairie.  It's absolutely amazing.  We took our dog out with us today for a slow hike and logged about five miles through the Conservancy.  It was so peaceful and there were so many people out today.  We loved it so much, and we didn't want to leave .... but I had to pee .... a few times.  This baby is really doing a number on my bladder these days!

 

I'm approaching 34 weeks this week and still can't believe I'm moving as much as I am right now.  I realized last night that with Little Diva, that I was put on bed rest two weeks from now and gave birth to her a week later.  Things are right around the corner!!!

 

There was about another hour of daylight left when we returned home.  Since I had my running clothes on all day, I decided to head out for a quick run for an undetermined amount of miles.  I immediately lost my lightweight jacket and enjoyed my comfortable maternity tank top.  I can't believe I was running outside in a tank top mid-November.  It's insane, really.  I loved it.  I felt pretty great today while I ran.  My bladder continued to be full and I occasionally felt some pressure.  A few knots in my calves, but nothing terrible like I've felt previously.  I ended up winding around my neighborhood a couple of times and finished with about five miles in just over one hour.  It was gorgeous and I arrived home just as the sun was setting.

 

 

After, dinner we opted to take the dog for another long walk.  The sky was clear, it was pitch black out (so sad so early!!), but it was still pretty comfortable outside.  We logged a few more miles and I ended the day with over 15 miles on my Garmin Vivofit.  I was sore and waddling the entire time.  I even had to stop and stretch out a few times.  I swear it felt like I ran a marathon today.  The same muscles are strained and sore.  It was a reallllllllly slow walk, but it felt good to keep moving.

 

I hope we finally tired the dog out today.  I know that I am wiped ... and sore.  I may have over-done it today?!?!  Maybe.

 

Congratulations on your Half Marathon, Nicky!

I met Nicky and her daughter earlier this year, as they both participated in a nine-week Running Diva Mom mom-and-me couch to 5K class in Sun Prairie.  Sometimes you just bond with people; and I connected with both of them.  Nicky was outgoing and very personable; her daughter was outgoing and always made me laugh - especially her excitement when she showed me all of her new running gear.  Nicky and I kept in touch and she reached out to me earlier this summer regarding training for her first half marathon.  She had tried to train for a half marathon on her own previously, but had gotten injured, and was unable to run her race. 

 

 

I worked with Nicky to develop a custom training program around her schedule as a busy mom (with a busy girl!) who also had other interests and activities on her agenda.  So we worked running into her routine, including some long runs.  Nicky ran her first 5K in August and she was a natural.  She ramped up her mileage and completed her first 10K in September.  And, then the grand finale was the Haunted Hustle Half Marathon at the end of October.  I checked in with her weekly this summer and fall to see how her training was going, answer her questions and to make suggestions/modifications.  And, Nicky stayed injury free!

 

 

We met for coffee on a Friday afternoon before the race and talked about her training up until that point.  "I feel ready!", she said.  And with that, I knew that this natural runner had all of the experience and training necessary to have a good race - and enjoy herself.  She had run the practice course with a group of runners, which was a little outside of her comfort zone.  Other than our couch to 5K group, Nicky enjoyed all of her solo runs on her own.  But she was very happy to have stepped outside of her comfort zone, met some other runners and familiarized herself with the course (and the hills!).

 

Later that weekend, Nicky had beautiful weather for her first half marathon.  And she completed her first 13.1 mile journey in style and with a smile on her face.  I had no doubt that she would.  I love that her husband spectated along the course by bike and that her parents pitched in to help out with their busy daughter's schedule, to get her to practice on one side of town, and then rushed to the finish line to cheer her mom on.  It just proves that anything is possible and that if you really want to commit to doing something, that you will find a way.  It's good to have goals.  And it's good to have a plan to help you get there.

 

Fabletics by Kate Hudson - Salar and Tuberose Running Capri Review

I was ecstatic to hear from Fabletics by Kate Hudson at the end of the summer.  I am contacted daily by companies wanting me to review their products on Running Diva Mom.  After years of testing out products and running gear, I really enjoy it, but can't always take companies up on their offer these days.  Either I am not interested in their products, their gear is not my style or I just am too backlogged on products to review.  At one point I was working with close to fifty companies at once.  With a lot on our plate this year, I've really tried to be selective with which companies I work with and make sure that the product and the timing is right.  

 

When Fabletics contacted me, I jumped on it.  I had been curious about their running gear.  I had noticed their advertisements and deals on Facebook, other blogs and on Pandora.  I hoped that if I selected a few pairs of running capris that they would be able to grow with me during the last part of my pregnancy.  And that I would be able to enjoy them post-partum.

 

Let me just say ... these bottoms are fabulous!  I love, love, love them!  I've struggled with a lot of running capris - even before I had a baby belly.  It was very difficult to find the right pair that stayed snug on my waist and didn't slide down.  I struggled with finding the right size ... Were they too small?  Did I purchase too large of a size? 

 

I ordered two pairs of Fabletics capris in my standard size medium and they fit perfect.  Even through pregnancy.

 

 

The first pair that I tried a few times is the Salar Capri (HERE).   These are a nice neutral capri that you can wear for working out or just on the go.  They are available in dozens of colors and fun patterns and soooo many sizes.  Sizes range from XXS to XXL.  I think that the range of sizes is absolutely amazing!!!  Seriously amazing.  You can't always find such a range of sizes in such high quality running gear and in such fun patterns, cuts and detailing.  These capris feature maximum compression, they are moisture-wicking and feature four-way stretch (heck yeah!), a pleasant mid-rise, 20 inch inseam, 88% polyester and 12% spandex.  They are chafe-resistant and I agree.  I can't wait to try them out on some of my longer runs next spring.  They have a hidden pocket for a key or nutrition. 

 

 

The comfort band is absolutely the best comfort I've found in running bottoms and my pants aren't moving anywhere.  No tugging or pulling while I walk or run.  The four-way stretch is the best thing ever. 

 

I also am adoring the Tuberose Capri (HERE).  These are FUN!  These are great for running or yoga.  I love the detail and can't wait to sport these when I'm a little smaller next year.  The black pair that I tried have unique lace detailing on the leg.  They also come in a black/grey combination (without the lace) and the fun, pink/black peak pattern.  These also come in sizes XXS to XXL.  These washed up great - no problems with the lace.  They are fitted through the leg and are slightly looser and the leg.  Fabletics says that they run true to size and I agree.  They are comfortable and not restrictive.  Mid rise.  21 inch inseam.  88% polyester.  Sweat-wicking (great for running or  hot yoga!), all-way stretch, UPF 50+, smooth/soft fabric, internal waistband pocket.  These are also chafe-resistant for your long runs.  The lace didn't annoy me while I ran.  I really would like to get these in the pink/black combination to go with some of my hot pink running tops.  The black pair with lace detail is perfect for running around town in an oversized sweatshirt and messy bun.  Little Diva adored them and wants a pair, too!