Disney and Running Finds @ Thrift Store

I forgot to share the cute ... and appropriate ... Valentine's Day card the I got from my hubby this year! Our trip ... and my race ... are right around the corner!!

I took Little Dude to the thrift store the yesterday. When I have cooperating children with me, it sure is fun to dig and look for (affordable!) treasures! I ended up coming out with two huge bags of things (a lot still new with tags!!) for only $23.00!! My favorite items that I wanted to share were this cute mug that says "I went the extra mile" (only 49 cents!) ...



... and two awesome women's hats from Walt Disney World that I will be sporting on our trip (only $2.99 each). I had seen these blingy caps (lots or sequins and rhinestones) at Disney World the last three times we've been there and never splurged on them for the $20+ they were charging. Afterall, it's not like I'm probably going to wear it back at home! So, I was thrilled to find these.

I won Suzy's giveaway recently and was so excited to get my HEED in the mail yesterday! I can't wait to try all of the yummy flavors. Thanks, Suzy!!

Running Laundry

I realize more and more how involved our kids our in our active lifestyle ... and I love it!! Little Dude (2 yrs) was helping me fold laundry this morning. As any other two year old, he has to comment on everything. Every item I fold, he has to state who's it is and what kind of article of clothing it is.

I giggled this morning when he didn't just say "mommy's shorts", but "mommys running shorts" (of course mine are the pink and girly ones vs daddy's!!). My favorite is that my two year old is smart enough to say "mommy's Bondi Band"!!

Pretty Princess Project -- Weigh-In #8

I'm still in reach of my goal of reaching 143 lbs by the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon on March 7. Today was weigh in #8 of my Pretty Princess Project. I lost 1.5 lbs this week and feel awesome! I woke up this morning and actually felt lighter. Only 13 days until we depart on our plane to Orlando!! I have four lbs to go. I really hope I can get to my goal by the time we leave. I'm not counting WW points right now, but for the past ten+ years I have looked at every regular/daily food I eat and take a mental note of it's POINTS value. I know that I've been consuming around 25-30 POINTS/day and earning 5-15+ activity POINTS daily.

As I mentioned earlier in the week, I was able to get a half marathon on the YMCA treadmill on Sunday. We splurged on a Chinese dinner and appetizers on our date Saturday night for Valentine's day. So, I'm hoping that I burned off those extra calories. I didn't even have a drink on Saturday or Sunday to celebrate Love Day. We went to the movie theater on Saturday and I brought a Kashi Bar that was loaded with protein and dietary fiber. They are super filling and really satisfy my sweet tooth. So, that was healthier (and cheaper!) than splurging on something at the snack counter.

I have really doing well not snacking at night and trying to read my body and really trying to eat when I'm actually hungry. I've tried slipping myself a lot of sugar-free gum during the day -- especially at work -- when I think I need to grab a snack. But, I think all I really want to do is chew on something.

January 1: 158.0 lbs

January 8: 153.0 lbs

January 15: 151.0 lbs

January 22: 150.5 lbs
January 29: 148.0 lbs

February 5: 147.5 lbs

February 12: 148.5 lbs
February 19: 147.0 lbs

Total Lost: 11.0 lbs

Goal Weight on March 7: 143 lbs

Normal Weight: 148 lbs

Lowest WW Weight: 143 lbs (January 2005)

Proud accomplishments this week:
- I ran outside for the first time on Thursday ... since mid-November!!! I decided to fit in a run while my daughter was at her 45 min hip-hop class. I was able to get in about 4 mi before I had to pick her up -- yeah!
- Stayed away from night-time snacking for the most part.
- I have been loading up on my favorite new small meal/snack twice a day. 1 c blueberries, 1 c fat-free yogurt, 1/3 c bare naked granola ... mmmmmm. The kids have been eating so many blueberries and we've been finding them for $2.50 a pint at Super Walmart. I bought six pints on Sunday and they are already gone by Friday morning!!!

Pass Along Some Sunshine ....

Suzy at Running on My Time tagged me with the Sunshine Award. Thanks, Suzy!!

Now, I need to tag some friends that bring a little sunshine to my bloggy-world and let them know with a comment on their blog. These bloggers brighten my day. Check them out!!

Nicole, who I can't wait to meet in a two short weeks at WDW!!

*Bitch Cakes*, who's a WW'er gal that reminds me to count POINTS and always has great style

Catra at Dirt Diva, who is always on a (looong) adventure and I'm always impressed by her style and motivational posts

Sara at Running into the Sun, who's blog I've been following the longest (over two years!)

Chelsea, another Madison-area runner that can relate to looong winters

Rio, a blogger that I can relate to, mommy, middle-of-the-packer, that just wants to make some time for herself

I *heart* 13.1 ... My Valentine's Day Half Marathon

Well, I wanted to run 10-12 miles today as my last long run for my half marathon in three weeks. I wanted to really push myself, since the kids usually think it's a big party in the basement while I'm running and I tend to have a lot of company and take a lot of snack breaks for the kids. I told hubby that I wanted to use our YMCA membership (for something other than the kids' swimming lessons!) and get my long run in at the Y on Sunday (Valentine's Day) morning.

So, the kiddos woke us up before 7AM, came in our bed looking for their gifts. We exchanged gifts and cards and had pink heart-shaped pancakes. At 9:00, I headed out the door. The YMCA opened at 9:00 and there weren't too many people there 15 mins after they opened. I got one of the "prime" treadmills that overlooks the gym and there was an older couple practicing ballroom dancing. Five miles passed quickly while watching them ... quite entertaining. I don't run with headphones, because I get so darn sweaty and they fall out of my ears. At home, I crank up the tv, but you need headphones at the Y to hear what's on the flat screen tvs. So, I just people watch and write to-do lists in my head, to let the miles pass. At mile five, I stopped the treadmill, because the gym was getting busy and people were waiting for my machine (I was obviously over my 30 min max). The machines also automatically shut off after an hour, so I thought I should while I knew exactly how many miles I had in.

So I stopped and moved across the gym to a different machine. Less people-watching and even though it said it was at zero-incline, it felt like I was constantly running up hill. The treadmills around me kept freeing up and people hopped on, so I didn't feel too pressured to jump off. I ended up getting in 6.6 miles in the hour on treadmill #2, before it automatically stopped. I felt great and realized I had 11.6 miles in and was at 6.6 (my usual comfortable pace) MPH the entire time. I realized that if I only put in 1.5 more miles that I would have a full half marathon (13.1 miles) in. Go! I cranked it up to 7.0 MPH for a mile and the 8.0 MPH for the last .5 mile. I felt phenomenal when I hit the stop button. I just ran a whole half marathon on the treadmill and I could've gone quite a bit further. I love workouts like that, that don't seem so difficult. It was a nice break from the dreadmill in our basement and felt more "social" even though I didn't say a word to anyone.

I downed a bottle of water, a bottled of G2 Gaterade and a pack of Clif Shot Blocks during my entire time at the YMCA and felt great on my 1/4 mile cool-down walk.

The half marathon is my absolute favorite distance. And, I really didn't mind doing it on the treadmill this morning. Crazy.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Pretty Princess Project -- Weigh-In #7

I'm still in reach of my goal of reaching 143 lbs by the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon on March 7. Today was weigh in #7 of my Pretty Princess Project.

I did gain a pound this week, but thought the damage may be worse. I did splurge a bit this week, including downing an entire bag (I believe 22 servings?!) of Indulgent Trail Mix from Walmart in four days. Yes, that is really what it is called -- typical trail mix + peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Oh well. I STILL AM GOING TO GET THERE! Not too far to go. I just need to FOCUS!!!

January 1: 158.0 lbs
January 8: 153.0 lbs
January 15: 151.0 lbs
January 22: 150.5 lbs

January 29: 148.0 lbs
February 5: 147.5 lbs
February 12: 148.5 lbs

Total Lost: 9.5 lbs

Goal Weight on March 7: 143 lbs
Normal Weight: 148 lbs
Lowest WW Weight: 143 lbs (January 2005)

Proud accomplishments this week:

- Worked out at the hotel gym with my mom and skipped the hot continental breakfast and opted for oatmeal, fat free yogurt, fruit and eggs w/ salsa.

100th Post -- Enjoying the Journey -- THANK YOU!

So, my journey has brought me to this 100th post! I simply can't believe what the last year ... and 100 posts ... has brought with it. THANK YOU!!!!

This blog started with me logging my journey last summer, while trying to balance my training for five half marathons while Jason was training for Ironman Wisconsin and juggling our two small children and work. I was getting up at 4:30 for a morning run on the treadmill, before heading off to a 10 1/2 hour day at work three days a week. I was blogging for me, to log my journey. Was anyone out there actually listening to my rambles!?

Fast forward to today and there are people out there that are actually interested in my journey?! I'm following the journey of so many of YOU who are doing the same thing. Balancing life. I love relating to people and their stories. The blog community is so amazing and inspiring. I've found so many tips and ideas out there, from so many of you, as well as some really cool products.

Speaking of cool products ... I've enjoyed "meeting" the owners of so many fabulous running-related companies as well as the authors of so many great running-related books. It's been great to try out their products and share my passion for running with my family and all of you. I look forward to many more opportunities.

I cannot wait to meet a few of you inspiring ladies at the Disney Princess Half Marathon in a few short weeks!! I will be in touch with you via email very shortly, regarding our meet-up plan for race morning.

Oddly enough, my daughter is celebrating her 100th day of school and their celebration is tomorrow.

The big giveaway for this milestone will occur in mid-March. So much fun (and fun stuff!) is in store for you ... and your little ones (love it!!). Remember, you have to be a follower to be eligible. Only 10 more fabulous people ... until I reach my 100th follower!!

Hotel Gym and Shopping Finds

I went with my mom for a girls-only weekend of shopping at my favorite mall in Schaumburg, Illinois (bonus for being able to try clothes on without the kids along!), eating out (which I rarely get to do and if I do it usually involves constant multi-tasking!), and stayed over at my favorite hotel suite. Just me and mom. We've been trying to do this every six months for the past couple of years. I am really glad that we do.

One of our favorite "traditions" is working out together in the morning before going to breakfast. We had a terrible night's sleep, due to distiburbing occupants above us that partied all night long and eventually were kicked out of the hotel. But, we still got up at 8:00 AM (Yeah, I got to sleep past 7:00, but only got about 4 hrs of sleep!!) and headed to the hotel gym. The equipment was old and the treadmill said I was running at a whopping 10.0, but I believe I was at a comfortable 6.5 MPH and got about 3 miles in while we were there.

I got quite a few new tops (thanks to mom!) and a fun new pair of dress boots. I also picked up a few fun new dishes. A set of four pink flower bowls (purchased with a 1.5 year old gift card at Pier One and the location was going out of business so I got a great deal). The flower bowls are perfect for PORTION-CONTROL! I used it for my morning yogurt and Bare Naked granola mix. It will also be great for keeping track of my ice cream portion! I got the great zebra print plate for $3 at Marshall's as well as the Diva coffee mug for $4. Right now I'm going to catch up on bloggy-land while I sip on my Dunkin Donuts coffee with sugar-free vanilla caramel creamer ... mmmmmmm .....

Pretty Princess Project -- Weigh-In #6

I'm getting even closer to my goal of reaching 143 lbs by the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon on March 7. Today was weigh in #6 of my Pretty Princess Project.

I lost another .5 lbs, which is still keeping me headed on my journey. I am actually happy with such a small loss this week. I did get a lot of miles in this past week, but I also consumed more calories!! It's so close ... I can taste it (no pun intended!).

January 1: 158.0 lbs
January 8: 153.0 lbs
January 15: 151.0 lbs
January 22: 150.5 lbs
January 29: 148.0 lbs

February 5: 147.5 lbs

Total Lost: 10.5 lbs
Goal Weight on March 7: 143 lbs
Normal Weight: 148 lbs
Lowest WW Weight: 143 lbs (January 2005)

Proud accomplishments this week:
- Took the kids to McDonalds for dinner and split a happy meal with Jackson and added a side salad for myself with fat-free dressing.
- Pounded out 12 miles on the TM on Saturday.

One month to go ... packing my running shoes and my glass slipper!!!

In exactly one month, I'll be leaving with hubby and our munchkins for our family trip to Walt Disney World, as I run in the Disney Princess Half Marathon and girly-munchkin participates in their kids race. I simply cannot wait. It's on my mind almost all of the time!

I also cannot wait to run outside!! I've been running on the TM for awhile now and can't wait to go on that journey around WDW and also get a few short runs in around the resort, before we start our day.

If anyone is intersted in meeting up at the Expo on Friday or before/after the race, please let me know. As I recall from Jason's marathon experience at WDW, there is a lot of early-morning waiting around until you walk to your corrals. I'll have the family with me, so everything is so unpredictable. But, let me know if you'll be there.

Also ...... things are coming along VERY well with my two big giveaways related to my 100th post ... and hopefully my 100th follower?!?!?! It's going to take awhile to get everything together and it will most likely be expanded into THREE giveaways!! The giveaways will begin after my journey through the Magic Kingdom ... remember, you need to be a follower of Running Diva Mom to be eligible.

Approaching 100th Post ... HUGE Giveaway!!

Hello fellow moms (and dads!), runners and health nuts!! I'm approaching my 100th post and am working on something good!! I'm organizing TWO big giveaways in the month ahead!!! You will need to be a follower to participate. Stay tuned.

2010 Great Lakes Multisport Expo

Yesterday, Jason and I venture to Milwaukee for the 2010 Great Lakes Multisport Expo. We had the Expo on our calendar for the past month or so. I'm a very (like to be) scheduled person and try to schedule at least one date with my hubby each month. So, we arranged for daycare and drove to Milwaukee late morning. We went to the expo, had lunch at our favorite "Milwaukee-area" salad bar, did a little shopping (and purchased little to nothing) and indulged in Cold Stone Creamery ice cream, before picking up the kids at dinner-time.

The event was promoted as a way to cure our January boredom in Wisconsin and to forget about the crummy weather. It was a way to get fired up about the upcoming racing season of 2010. The event featured multisport, running and cycling gear, information and events all weekend long.

Jason and I donated last year's running shoes (three pairs each), as they were asking for old running shoes and racing shirts, to be sent to victims of the tragedy in Haiti.

There was an individual 20K bike time trial, a 6-hour time trial bike competition and the winter Series 5K championships taking place. You could also swim and give the endless pool a try. We just spectated and walked around all the booths.

We received the free goody bage with our $10/person admission, which mostly included a lot of flyers and advertisements for races. We did pick up some nutrition (below) and a sweat band at some of the few booths the offered free goodies.

A lot of the booths were free opportunities to try out equipment, massage or training programs/coaches. We didn't really find there to be much for those interested in buying gear, clothes, nutrition and the expo lacked giveaways and goodies. We did sign up for a lot of drawings for giftbaskets and gift certificates, but we'll probably just end up on 25 more distribution lists!! :-)

Jason purchased nothing and i purchased this long-sleeve technical shirt from I Run Like a Girl for only $10 (tax included!).

The expo was larger than those at most races we go to, however we think it could have the potential to be much larger ... especially if were placed in Madison at the Alliant Energy Center.

Even though the event didn't quite meet our expectations (even though I'm not exactly sure what our expectations were!!), we were glad we went and paid the $20 to get in. It give us some time together without the kids and let us get away for half of the day and be "us". It also got us geared up for racing season and we had a lot to talk about at lunch afterwards ... racing, my upcoming half at Disney and all that we had planned for our fourth family trip there, and goals for ourselves this year. I find it so funny, because whenever we usually do go out on a date, it's like, "What do we talk about???!!!", and we end up just talking about the kids.

January Mileage

I exceeded my expectations and goals for this month, in regards to my mileage ... all on the treadmill again ... sigh. My longest runs during the first month of the year were 9 miles and 12 miles. Just enough to make me feel "fit' and enough training for my half marathon training, which is just over a month away. I skipped a couple of workouts, due to "life", but ended up doing doubles on some days and added miles to other workouts. I'm very excited with how 2010 has started out. I averaged just over 33 miles/week.






Year to date mileage: 132.5 miles


January mileage: 132.5 miles

Pretty Princess Project -- Weigh-In #5

I'm getting even closer to my goal of reaching 143 lbs by the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon on March 7. Today was weigh in #5 of my Pretty Princess Project.

A small loss last week resulted in a bigger loss this morning. Last week, I was hoping to say "bye-bye" 150's ... and I did!!! Today the scale said 148.0!!!!!!! That's a 2.5 lb loss from last week and an even 10 lbs weight loss in four weeks!!

January 1: 158.0 lbs

January 8: 153.0 lbs

January 15: 151.0 lbs

January 22: 150.5 lbs

January 29: 148.0 lbs

Total Lost: 10.0 lbs

Goal Weight on March 7: 143 lbs

Normal Weight: 148 lbs

Lowest WW Weight: 143 lbs (January 2005)

Proud accomplishments this week:

- At the office, we had a birthday party this week and ordered out to one of my favorite sub places (not low-cal Subway!). I made a Weight Watchers meal, FF yogurt, SF jello and a 100 cal pack instead. I still joined the group , but I saved calories and money!!

- Pounded out 9 miles on the TM on Sunday, in under 1:20:00.

Running Jewelry Giveaway on Running Blog -- Lift Your Sole

Oh yes, another cool giveaway in bloggy-land!

Enter for your chance to win some cool running-related jewelry on Marlene's Blog: Mission to A(nother) Marathon

Lift Your Sole has the cutest stuff, whether you are in to accessorizing, or not!

Tu Tu Giveaway on Tall Mom's Blog

Tall Mom on The Run is hosting an awesome giveway on her blog. Check it out!

If you have a lovely little princess at home, or are a princess yourself, YOU could win a tutu from My.Little.Pink.Dots website. Paige would love this!!!!!

Enter now through January 27.

Pretty Princess Weigh-In #4

I'm getting even closer to my goal of reaching 143 lbs by the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon on March 7. Today was weigh in #4 of my Pretty Princess Project. Small loss this week. But, a loss is a loss. I haven't been snacking in the evening. But, last night my daughter and I had a "sleepover" in the living room and I snacked on a high fiber bar and a 100 cal pack of kettle corn. Those high fiber bars are so yummy ... but, leave me terribly bloated!!! Hopefully the scale says, "bye-bye 150's" next week!

January 1: 158.0 lbs

January 8: 153.0 lbs

January 15: 151.0 lbs

January 22: 150.5 lbs

Total Lost: 7.5 lbs

Goal Weight on March 7: 143 lbs

Normal Weight: 148 lbs

Lowest WW Weight: 143 lbs (January 2005)



Proud accomplishments this week:



- I was home with both kids on Monday and Friday, since there was no school. I ended up getting TWO runs in each day, with both kids playing along side me. We also bounced around (yes I joined in the fun!) at Bounce U and I took them sledding and pulled the little guy up and down the hill.


- I went to a ladies-only brunch with my family on Sunday and loaded up my first plate with salad, the second with mostly steamed veggies and two chocolate covered strawberries. I was able to skip the decadent dessert table and passed on Grandma's birthday cake.


- I rented some fun workout DVDs from the library, including some fun ones for the kids to join in on. We all had a blast!

Children's Book Review: Running The Race

Paige and I were given another WONDERFUL opportunity to review another fantastic running-related book for Children.

Running The Race was written by Jeff Yosick. It follows Ashley's journey of discovering that her grandmother has breast cancer. Ashley helps support both her mother and grandmother throughout their journey. The book touches on love, support and dealing with the disase. Ashley and her family decide to run/walk in a race, to help her deal with her grandmother's breast cancer diagnosis. The book follows the reader through several US cities and landscapes, where participants are walking and running for the cause. The journey becomes a lifelong commitment for Ashley and her family, and eventually her very own daughter becomes involved.

Paige asked more questions during my reading of this book, than any other book I've read to her. She was really intersted in the disease of breast cancer, how it effects people and how people participate in various events and races, to support breast cancer research. We also discussed how scientists are trying to find a cure for this disease that effects so many.

Paige really enjoyed the illustrations and the mixed-items in the book. The book had such strong illustrations that were in black and white with highlighted pieces being portrayed in bright pink. Paige immediately noticed that some important items were actually photographed items in the book. There were also some really nice snapshots of Jeff and his family participating in a race. Paige thought this was really neat. She is such a girly-girl (like mommy!) and really loved the bright pink and contrast of colors, too.

The book is available at Amazon.com for $12.99 in paperback.

Please visit Jeff's website for more great titles: http://www.jyosick.com/

At the end of the story, there are several additional sections for you to review with your child, including this great list, outlining how children can make a difference and support the cause. There was also an extensive list of women "who have run the race before us". My daughter was in awe by the way I explained how many people are effected by this disease.

This is another great book, that I look forward to sharing with both of our children. And, I hope to get them involved in the cause.

10 Things that Make Me Happy ... Pass it On

I was tagged by Westford Mommy to list some things that make me happy and pass it onto other bloggers in bloggy-land. I LOVE lists, so here goes a simple one.



1) My family; those two little terrors brighten my day

2) Achieving the goals I've set

3) Our annual trips to Walt Disney World

4) A clean kitchen with uncluttered counters

5) Grocery shopping solo, comparing prices/brands and analyzing food labels

6) Anything comfy from Victoria's Secret

7) Seeing my kids play together

8) My mini van

9) Pink

10) Melting snow



Now, I'm tagging YOU to make your own list. It will take two minutes to type out and just might brighten your day a little bit. Here's a little bloggy-love:

Nicole at Njoy Life at http://nsiscaretti.blogspot.com/

Brianna at Girl Who Loves to Run at http://balancedsteps.blogspot.com/

Jen at The Shape of things to come at http://www.jensjourney.com/

Heather at Gadget Girl Runs Chicago at http://gadgetgirlrunner.blogspot.com/

Chris at I Like to Move it, Move it, Running with Chris at http://running-with-chris.blogspot.com/

Pretty Princess Project -- Weigh In #3

I set my 2010 goals at the end of December. One of my goals for 2010 was to lose 10 lbs by the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon on March 7! By the time I did my first weigh-in on January 1st and assessed the damage from the holidays, I was up about 5 lbs (despite my crazy a** mileage to reach my 1,200 miles by December 31?!). 158 lbs, ick. After one week of being "on program" at home (following Weight Watchers POINTS on my own, journaling food and exercise, increasing my running mileage), I already lost 5 lbs of holiday flubber.

So, my new, obtainable goal is to lose 15 lbs and be comfortable at 143 lbs by March 7.
I'm calling these Friday Weigh-Ins the ... Pretty Princess Project.

Today was weigh-in #3.

January 15: 151.0 lbs
January 8: 153.0 lbs
January 1: 158.0 lbs

Goal Weight: 143.0 lbs
Normal Weight: 148.0 lbs
Lowest WW Weight: 143.0 lbs (January 2005)

Proud accomplishments this week:

- Thursday night is my daughter's dance class and we typically eat frozen pizza, since we're in a hurry to get out the door. The rest of the family had the pizza and I made myself a Weight Watchers frozen pizza.

- Went to my favorite family style restaurant for a gathering with my extended family. I did not take seconds on anything and skipped the pumpkin pie.

- I work on the fourth floor of the office building and made an attempt to use the bathroom on the first floor twice a day and walk up and down the stairs, to get me out of my desk for a few minutes each day.

- Resisted snacking after dinner most nights this week or had sugar-free hot cocoa to satisfy my sweet tooth (only 25 calories!).

Follow-Up: Decade in Review

I just wanted to thank all of you for your warm thoughts, in response to my Decade in Review post recently. After reading your comments, and re-reading my post, I really discovered somethings ...

Sometimes, I still feel guilty about my running and my "me time" (even though I am not always alone during my runs on the treadmill!). But, I've reminded myself through the post, that I truly have bettered myself as a person, a woman, and a mother. Doing something good for myself and sometimes taking a much needed break, really does make me a better mommy. I return to my family much happier and respond more positively towards my children and their actions. My transformation and ups and downs (weight and emotions!) have made me a better person. And, I truly appreciate who I am and what I have in my life. My journey continues, as I try new things and set new goals.

Through the post, I realized how the responsibility of having my children has changed my life, too. The vehicle trade-ins, the genre of concerts I've attend, the destinations we've traveled to. Adapting to "life" is a great thing. I. Love. It.

2010 is going to bring a lot of FABULOUS things with it this year. I just know it.

Decade in Review (2000 - 2009)

I've seen so many other bloggers outline the last decade of their lives and thought I'd like to try it out, too. So much has changed. Heck, I started out the decade at a mere 19 years old for Pete's sake!!! And, now I'm approaching 30!!

I should note that in 1999, I joined Weight Watchers for the very first time at 198 lbs and got down to aroun 170 lbs during my first time on the program.

2000:
- circa 170 lbs

- Got engaged in the Spring
- Discovered scrapbooking
- Started working at the University of Wisconsin, in my current role
- Jason and I became first time homeowners, as we purchased and designed the interior of our condo

2001:
- Car accident one week before our wedding and totalled my Chevy Beretta
- Jason and I were married in August

- 160 lbs on our wedding day
- Honeymooned in Jamaica in August/September
- Purchased my Purple Mercury Cougar
- September 11, 2001

2002:
- Started trying to conceive
- Jason and I went to Las Vegas for an entire week in September

2002 - Las Vegas - around 165 lbs

2003:
- Went to Omaha, Nebraska for a friend's wedding
- Found out we were pregnant in April
- Traded in my Mercury Cougar for a family vehicle, a Ford Focus
- Gave birth to our first child, Paige, in December

2003 - with Paige - 195 lbs

2004:
- Rejoined Weight Watchers
- Reached initial WW goal in November (153 lbs)

2005:
- Became a Weight Watchers Lifetime member in January (143 lbs)
- Started my scrapbooking website/community online
- Purchased our brand new home (right up the street from our condo)
- Was inspired by our friend who competed in Ironman and took up running
- Ran my first two 5Ks in the Fall
- Reconnected with a few high school friends and am happy that we are now in touch again

2005 - Mother's Day - 145 lbs

2006:
- Ended my scrapbooking website/community to focus more on our family and my running
- Ran several 5Ks
- Ran my first half marathon and competed in my first duathlon
- Miscarried in November (at six weeks)
- Went with Jason and Paige to Walt Disney World for their first trip to the magical place
(my 7th trip) over Thanksgiving

2006 - 1st family trip to WDW - 145 lbs

2007:
- Found out we were pregnant in April
- Bailed on my second half marathon, due to morning sickness
- Ran several 5Ks and then took a break during the second half of my pregnancy
- Went with Jason and Paige to Walt Disney World in October for Halloween (my 8th trip)
- Gave birth to our second child, Jackson, in December

- Concerts: John Mayer

2007 - with Jackson - 195 lbs

2008:
- Cut off all of my hair and got the "mommy 'do"
- Bailed on another half marathon, due to really bad shin splints and underwent physical therapy (returned to running too hard/too fast after childbirth)
- Ran in several 5Ks
- Ran my first marathon and participated in the Chicago Marathon
- Reconnected with most of my high school classmates, and discovered the wonderful world of Facebook
- Attended my 10 year high school reunion
- ran 1,000 miles
Concerts: John Mayer, Jonas Brothers, Cheetah Girls

2008 - My First Marathon - 149 lbs

2009:
- Went with Jason, Paige and Jackson to Walt Disney World
(for my 9th trip) as Jason competed in the WDW Marathon
- Started my blog
- Traded in my Ford Focus for my Chrysler Town & Country Minivan
- Ran several 5Ks, a duathlon, and 5 half marathons (PR'd in my second marathon by almost 20 mins)
- Traveled a lot around the midwest for races (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa)
- Watched Jason train for and complete his very first Ironman
- Ran with Paige in her very first one mile race
- Ran 1,200 miles
- Concerts: Hannah Montana

2009 - Family Photo - 148 lbs

DVD Review: BeFit-Mom - Bounce Back Fast!

I was given the opportunity to review a great workout video for all mommies: BeFit-Mom's Bounce Back fast! Post Natal Core Conditioning with perinatal exercise specialist, Helene Byrne.

Be-Fit Mom: http://www.befitmom.com/

The DVD also comes with a free fitness band (mine was pink!). It is incorporated into many of the exercises.

Children are not Incorporated into the exercises in this program. However, you could certainly have your children workout with you. My two year old son actually enjoyed laying with me on my yoga mat and pretending to mock mommy's moves.

The tone of the video is soothing, calm and is geared towards mommies and mommy doing something for herself. Definitely a time of relaxation. The music is calming and not up beat.

This video is great for all mommies, no matter how far out you are postpartum. I had my second child two years ago, and I certainly could benefit from these exercises. One of my goals this year is to work on flattening my tummy and to incorporate ab exercises into my routine. I will certainly be using this DVD, even two years postpartum.

I like that the DVD is broken down into several sections. Since I log so many miles and hours running each week, I don't have a lot of time to do additional workouts and this way I can do 30 minutes or I can do less than ten minutes at a time. You can choose what you want to do. And, no additional equipment is needed. Just bring the DVD and your fitness with you anywhere and you are ready to workout!

I really enjoyed the DVD and am sure I will already be feeling the results tomorrow. Ouch!

Postpartum Exercise (6:30 min):

In the beginning of the DVD, Helene gives a lot of guidance for when you should start exercises and how much you should be doing, whether you have had a vaginal delivery, c-section or if you have had tearing and/or stitches.

Helene suggests the appropriate angles and if you cannot achieve certain positions on your own, she suggests other items you can incorporate into the routine, to make you feel comfortable.

Pelvic Floor Reconditioning (7:00 min):

Helene discusses kegel exercises and how they are important to the post-partum period. She demonstrates exercises in a chair. She also discusses imagery and how you can complete these exercises successfully with appropriate movements.

Abdominal Separation (4:10 min):

Helene sits down with a model to do floor exercises. Helene and the model work together to show you exactly what you should be doing to achieve the best results. She also discusses positions you should avoid, that will cause more problems to your abdominal wall. It was helpful for her to sit down with the model for each exercise and show you exactly what you should be doing and what you SHOULDN'T be doing.

Post Natal Abdominal Training (10 min):

Helene works with the model again and shows you how you should maintain a flat abdominal wall during exercise, instead of letting your tummy "bulge out" as you do ab exercises. You should train your muscles to do what you want them to eventually do, even during exercise.

Gentle First Moves (30 min):

The fitness band is incorporated into these exercises, which I found really helpful.

- Safe, restorative exercises

- Speeds recovery from labor and delivery

- Relieves aches and pain

Bounce Back fast! (35 min):

The fitness band was also incorporated into these exercise. A second model worked with Helene during the routine, who was four months postpartum. A lot of the moves were things I wouldn't even think about trying, but I really felt a difference when I did them. I'm sure they will target some of the problem areas, I didn't even know how to work on.

- Flattens and tones all four layers of the abdominal wall

- Strengthens deep core muscles

- Repairs abdominal separation

- Corrects posture

- Restores flexibility

- Builds upper body strength for lifting and carrying

- Separate workout for abdominal separation

Check out what other people are saying about this great video!

Helene Byrne was great at explaining everything throughout the entire DVD. She not only told you what moves to do, but explained to you why you are doing them and how your body will benefit. She has over 20 years in the fitness industry and I could tell that she was really knowledgeable about exercise and the birthing process.

Book Review: We Are Girls Who Love to Run

My daughter, Paige (6), and I have been given the opportunity to review We Are Girls Who Love to Run by Brianna Grant.



This bilingual book is also written in Spanish, hence the additional title, Somos Chicas y A Nosotras Nos Encanta Correr. As you turn each page, each verse is written in English first and then repeated in Spanish.



Paige is a six year old kindergartner who is pretty enthusiastic about reading right now. She was very excited to read through this fun book. Brianna also include a really thoughtful letter to Paige, regarding the book and the sport of running. I was so touched by what she wrote. Paige will be bringing her book and cover letter to kindergarten for show-and-tell sometime soon.



The illustrations are really quite breath-taking. Nicholas A Wright did a beautiful job with the paintings in the book. Since Paige cannot read full sentences yet, I read the book to her and she really enjoyed looking at the motivational illustrations, as I turned the pages of the book. I really enjoyed that there were so many different types of girls and women included in this book. There were young girls of different color and shapes and sizes and their running role models and coaches in the book were of the same variety. The book really represented "all women" and everyone could identify with someone in this book.

Even if your child does not run, he or she will enjoy it. This book does not follow one child's story or journey. Instead, it follows "all girls" and their passion for life and their confidence in themselves and the choices they make. It embraces making healthy choices as habits as well as introducing goal-setting. It also touches on involving your family, friends and community in your every day life and activities.

At the end of the book, there is a nice entry from girls and women and their thoughts on running. They were asked why they loved to run, which encouraged me to ask my own daughter why she has tried the sport. Her answer was, "Because running helps me stay fit and I get the chance to run with my mom during my 'training'. I like having people cheer me on at my races and say, Go Paige!".

The book shows young girls that goal-setting is important. As two girls finish a local 5K race, they prove to themselves that all of their hard work and commitment (to themselves) has really paid off and they have accomplished their goal. This can be applied to so many areas of life.

The discusses healthy eating habits. It is neat to see a young girl shopping with her mother at the local farmer's market. The book mentions that she is helping her mom pick out healthy foods for her healthy after-school snacks. I joked with Paige. Because she (usually!) is the one begging for me to pick up strawberries from the grocery store and is the girl taking carrots and dip to her school parties, instead of sugary treats!

There is also a beautiful forward included in this book, endorsed by the found of the Girls on the Run Program, which I love so very much! Molly Barker is so motivating with her message to young girls and young women.

My daughter and I both enjoyed reading this book together before bedtime. We will enjoy re-reading it for years to come. This book is truly awesome and will remind you and your child why you do what you do and how everyone benefits from it.

Pick up your copy today! Why not purchase one for your little girl for Valentine's Day?

1,200 mile goal reached for 2009

On the very last day of 2009, I have finally reached my goal of running 1,200 miles for the calendar year!!!!!! I am so over-joyed.

I had five miles left to run today and ended up running them on the treadmill, just like most of my miles logged this year. I had the kids along side me, and had to stop once for some snacks for the little ones and another time, because the little guy purposely dropped his blankie on the floor again, while he was in the playpen playing. Last year, stopping would've bothered me. But, this year I have realized that a mile is a mile is a mile. It doesn't matter if I run 3 now and 6 later. I did it. By just getting on the treadmill, while I'm spending time with my little ones, is an accomplishment.

When I stopped the treadmill after 5 miles, to cool down, Jackson said "all done running', just like he does every time. But this time it brought tears to my eyes. I did it, I was done, I actually met my goal set back in January. And my kids witnessed it. I gave both the kids a high five and explained to my six year old that mommy just accomplished a big goal that that I had set for myself. She gave out a big "woot woot!" with a huge smile on her face.

In 2010, I will be running 3 half marathons (this year I ran 5) and 2 marathons (this year I ran no full marathons). I hope to run at least 1,400 miles in 2010.

2009 Mileage: 1,200.1 miles

December: 109.2 miles
November: 101.4 miles
October: 115.3 miles
September: 75.5 miles
August: 67.0 miles
July: 104.6 miles
June: 94.3 miles
May: 116.1 miles
April: 131.1 miles
March: 119.2 miles
February: 100.0 miles
January: 66.5 miles

I'm gonna be a Rock Star. In Chicago.

I have registered and committed myself to running the Chicago Rock & Roll Half Marathon on August 1, 2010. This will be the second of three half marathons that I will be running in 2010. I also have signed up for a full marathon on the spring and will run a second marathon in the fall (hopefully with my hubby). I have heard nothing but great things about this race and have received feedback that it isn't quite as chaotic as the Chicago Marathon I ran in 2008. I hope that it will be a wonderful experience. I have always wanted to run a race in the Rock & Roll series and get some BLING!!!

Bib Keepers -- Running Scrapbooks

I was an avid scrapbooker, before running and kids took up all of my time!! I wrote about this in an earlier post, where I wanted to get into scrapbooking again and at least record the momentous occassions and vacations.

I just came across Bib Keepers on Erica's Blog.

They are racing bib-specific scrapbooks. The right side of each page has a custom cut opening for your race bib. The left side of the spread includes vellum, to secure photos and other memorabilia.

These scrapbooks are only $29.99 and they only charge $3.95 for USPS Priority Mail shipping.

DVD Review: UltraMarathon Man (Dean Karnazes)

Hubby and I exchange stockings annually, for Christmas, instead of gifts. We set a $100 limit. One item that was on his Amazon.com Wish List was Dean Karnazes' UltraMarathon Man DVD. I was excited to purchase this for him, and then I, too, could obviously enjoy it!! We sat down the other night, after the kiddos were in bed, and watched Dean's journey of running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. How truly awesome and motivating.

Individuals in each state could join Dean as he completed each marathon. I recall that Jason was considering joining him in Green Bay, as he completed his marathon in Wisconsin. But the timing didn't workout with his schedule, or he didn't have enough notice. But, gosh, what an experience that would've been. It turns out, that Dean said his favorite race moment was doing the Green Bay race at Lambeau Field on his son's birthday.

I really love Dean's message. Just as I love the Girls on the Run Program, Dean started his own foundation, Karno Kids, to help encourage youth to get outside and get active. He has also participated in the GOTR program, when his daughter competed int he program. I love it!!!!!

Jason has read his book, UltraMarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner, and we also listened to the book on tape, which we borrowed from our local library. I unfortunately didn't get to listen to the whole set of tapes, because I didn't have time before returning it. I hope to reserve it again and now listen to it in it's entirety. All three experiences were different, and equally as awesome and motivating. I would suggest trying watching, reading AND listening to his journey (in no particular order).

Want to be inspired?? Check out Dean's website, Ultramarathon Man at: http://www.ultramarathonman.com/flash/