Marathon Mantra

I, and my beloved TeamFootworks, will be participating in the ING Miami Marathon tonight (well, technically, it's tomorrow, but we'll be getting up SO early that I think you can call it Saturday night still). I am doing the Half, while many of my friends will be going for the Full Monty.

I live pretty close to the end of the course (actually, watching the medley of people go by a few years back got me into running, but that's another tale) so I plan on getting back home in time to help them not bonk at "the wall." In doing so, I scoured the internet for some "inspirational" words for posters/signs. Since I my eyes began to water (then again, Publix commercials make me weep), I thought I'd share ones I enjoyed.

• Pain is just weakness leaving your body (silly, but I pondered that one for TEN miles at last years marathon and it got me through).
• You made it to the START, you will make it to the FINISH
• This mile marker is farther than most will ever reach.
• Cold Beer & Hot Showers, Cold Beer & Hot Showers, Cold Beer & Hot Showers
• Pain is temporary, Pride is forever
  
• Relax, Power, Glide
• 1, 3, 5, 2, 4 (I found counting out of order over and over again made me concentrate hard on the numbers not the shin splints)
  

I'd like to hear your running mantras or inspirational running quotes.

Set the Animals Free - It Will Improve My Time

My crew (4 out of the 5 of us) are running in the Zoo Run Run today. Thankfully, it won't be as cold as it was yesterday (in the 20's - AUGH). They are calling for 50 degree weather, which suits me just fine.

Now - if they will just release a few of the more carnivorous animals then I might be able to beat my best time. Nothing like a cheetah and a tiger chasing you down to make you hustle!

25th High School Reunion

Hi Mommies,

I tried to add a picture from my 25th High School Reunion. Yes, that would be 1982. I would have had big hair in 1982 if I could have made my flat hair get higher. The gal on the left has been my best friend since we were 4 years old(yoga queen). I'm happily in red. I think the pic is showing in my profile and not here. I'm technically challenged.
Trice

Flashback

I was running errands today when "We are an American Band" came on the radio.....I was instantly teleported back to High School; no longer driving a minivan with carseats.......but instead I had painted on jeans, big 80s hair, drinking a beer and driving around with all my other "cool friends" in a gas hog complete with big dice on the mirror...............I wonder when I am 60 if I will flashback to this time period with minivan and carseats when I hear a Nickelback song on the radio?

It's all in the arms

Hello Running Mommies,

Forgive the absence. I went to Boston to pick up my 85 year old Grammy and get her out of the snow for a few months. While I was there I met with my friends I've known since the 6th grade. They were all asking about running. I'm the only one who runs. Two are big into yoga, one goes to the gym for various things and the other is just a natural beauty who does not seem to need much. It reminded me of last years's trip to NY to see some friends who are also my age. It was May and several had sleeveless tops. It was at that time that I thought Mommy arms need working out. It is a total age give away if your arms (triceps)are flabby. Two of the friends are really thin/in-shape, but had flabby arms. I remember thinking how do I ever say it?? Do I ever say it? Would I want someone to say it to me since I know my abs could use a ton of work? Do we tell other Mommies? Are we quiet? I think I'm going to say it as a revelation group moment that I've realized arms count as you age. Running Mommies already have great legs.

My Grammy by the way has always worked out. She's younger than my 65 year old Mommy. She's an inspiration. It is awesome to be around her and soak up the knowledge. She's wise, funny, and joyful. I want to be just like her.

If I go it will be trouble. If I stay it will be double.

Cold weather – Part 2

(Thanks to The Clash for so accurately describing my dilemma!)

This struggle is the same whether you are heading out on a 10 mile run or just going for a walk around the block. Similar prep for a bike trailer too, so hopefully in this series, there is something for everyone.

So, once you’re going- how to prep the kids? Make it exciting and inevitable. Exciting: “Hey kids! Let’s go see if the lake is frozen yet!” Inevitable: the kids will tell if you are dreading it and they will find a way to weasel out of it if they sense any weakness. If you’re looking for an out, they are going to find one for you. You now how it can take weeks to finally get to the post office, but doing (fill in the blank) never seems to be a problem. Same idea.

Make sure that the kids are dressed well for the weather conditions. They will be happier if they are comfortable and you’ll get fewer dirty looks from other runners and walkers for taking your babies out in the cold. My general rule of thumb is to dress them in what I am wearing PLUS one complete extra layer. Don’t forget their little toesies. Below about 40 my daughter complains her feet are too cold in regular shoes so she’ll wear boots. And blankets. This is a great use for all those fleece baby blankets. My kids just throw their mittens out of the stroller anyway so tucking their hands inside the blanket works best for us. I recommend ONE PER CHILD. Sharing one is unlikely to work.

Finally, don’t forget yourself! Key item for running in cold with stroller: MITTENS. You can’t tuck your hands inside your sleeves anymore! Plus the standard advice: a moisture-wicking inside layer, a wind-blocking outer layer if it is particularly windy or cold and to cover the extremities (hat, gloves, etc.). My friend runs with socks on her hands rather than fancy gloves. Then when you blow your nose on your “mittens” – you know you do it too - you can just throw them in the wash and wear a different pair next time.

nothing new in cold rainy texas but

an addiction to THIS:




and THIS:



the first is a FANTIZTASTIC high protein cereal Ive found.
I love that it's sold in individual packages as I hath no selfcontrol and it was embarrassing to have an entire box in my diaper bag.


the second? Wilton's Giant Cupcake Pan. Love. If I could (alltogethernow) Id marry that sucker.

it's THAT great.

(and, alas, Im not making any money off these endorsements so you KNOW Im being honest.)