I want to skip a training session

What is wrong with me! I got myself all setup for the Frederick Half Marathon...training plan, a 10k a month or so before, got a treadmill to get me through the winter...I'm 4 days in and already I'm justifying skipping my run tonight. NOT OKAY. My mom needs help wrapping presents and we always do game night with my family on Thursday's so I figure no big deal I'll just run tomorrow. Isn't that how it always happens...tomorrow, until my next training day comes up and I have ended up skipping this one entirely. I knew I should have gotten my lazy butt out of bed and ran this morning...

So how do you keep up your motivation?

1st Class Back in College

I finally bit the bullet and went back to school this semester. I've been putting it off for a while now but I went back, worked hard and the first class is done. Final grades came back this morning and I finished with a 99%!!! I'm so excited. It was only a 200 level class but working full time, being a mom and taking a class makes time pretty limited so I'm proud.

Winter semester is coming up and is only one week long...ugh - I have my book and have started reading now so I will be able to keep up. School is pretty fun when you are doing well!

Half Marathon Training Plan

I need help from my fellow runners! I tweaked a 21 week schedule that gets me through training for my first half marathon (S&S is Strength and Stretching). Can you give me some feedback? Any tips or any week that looks out of whack?

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Total Miles
December 12th	S & S	3 miles	2 miles	3 mi + Strength	Rest	30 min walking	4 miles	12
December 19th	S & S	3 miles	2 miles	3.5 mi + Strength	Rest	30 min walking	4 miles	12.5
December 26th	S & S	3.5 miles	2 miles	3.5 mi + Strength	Rest	40 min walking	5 miles	14
January 2nd	S & S	3.5 miles	2 miles	3.5 mi + Strength	Rest	40 min walking	5 miles	14
January 9th	S & S	4 miles	2 miles	4 mi + Strength	Rest	40 min walking	6 miles	16
January 16th	S & S	4 miles	2 miles	4 mi + Strength	Rest	50 min walking	6 miles	16
January 23rd	S & S	4 miles	2 miles	4 mi + Strength	Rest	50 min walking	7 miles	17
January 30th	S & S	4.5 miles	3 miles	4.5 mi + Strength	Rest	50 min walking	7 miles	19
February 6th	S & S	4.5 miles	3 miles	4.5 mi + Strength	Rest	50 min walking	8 miles	20
February 13th	S & S	4.5 miles	3 miles	4.5 mi + Strength	Rest	50 min walking	9 miles	21
February 20th	S & S	5 miles	3 miles	5 mi + Strength	Rest	60 min walking	9 miles	22
February 27th	S & S	5 miles	3 miles	5 mi + Strength	Rest	60 min walking	10 miles	23
March 5th	S & S	5 miles	3 miles	5 mi + Strength	Rest	Rest	10K Race	19
March 12th	S & S	5 miles	3 miles	5 mi + Strength	Rest	60 min walking	11 miles	24
March 19th	S & S	5.5 miles	3 miles	5 mi + Strength	Rest	60 min walking	11 miles	24.5
March 26th	S & S	5.5 miles	3 miles	5.5 mi + Strength	Rest	60 min walking	12 miles	26
April 2nd	S & S	5.5 miles	3 miles	5.5 mi + Strength	Rest	60 min walking	12 miles	26
April 9th	S & S	5.5 miles	3 miles	5.5 mi + Strength	Rest	60 min walking	13 miles	27
April 16th	S & S	5.5 miles	3 miles	5.5 mi + Strength	Rest	60 min walking	13 miles	27
April 23rd	S & S	5 miles	2 miles	5 mi + Strength	Rest	Rest	8 miles	20
April 30th	S & S	4 miles	2 miles	2 miles	Rest	Rest	Half Marathon	21

Reindeer 5k - New PR Time

It was SO cold! I'm not signing up for another run until temperatures are in the 50's. I hate being cold and I really hate being under-dressed for the cold knowing that I'm going to be hot in about 10 minutes. I had on UA mid calf tights and a cold wear mock turtleneck w/a tank top underneath and a lightweight zip up sweatshirt.

Once we started running my hands were cold and it worked to take my mind off anything else being cold. Per my last post my goal was 30:36 and I knew I should be running under 30 minutes. For the first half mile I kept on Brandy's hip knowing that she would be running under my goal pace and would keep my moving. From there she slowly started to pull away and while I wanted to keep with her I knew there was no way I would make it through 3 miles.

I'm very happy with how I ran. I set a great speed going out and did a pretty good job keeping my speed up (my last mile was only 30 seconds longer than my first) throughout the run. There is no way I can be upset after finishing in 27:50 27:45 and setting a new PR by over 4 minutes. I'm really looking forward to concentrating on training for my next event which is the Frederick Half Marathon.

Hope everyone else had a great running weekend!

80 out of 194 overall
6 out of 27 in my division (Fem. 21-30)
38 out of 132 in females

Running Update

I have my 3rd 5k race tomorrow morning. Why am I nervous? I had trouble sleeping last night; it isn't like I'm running to win anything. I think it is all about whether or not I will PR. Actually if I don't crush my last time we have issues, it is really about how much I beat my previous race by.

The temperature is supposed to be a little chilly (38 degrees) at 8 am tomorrow morning. Part of the run is down by the water but luckily that is about a mile in so I should be pretty warm by then.  The goal I set for myself a couple weeks ago was 31 minutes or under but after my run last Sunday I'm thinking it should be 30 minutes or under. I really don't want to set myself up for disappointment though so I think a reasonable goal would be to shave 5% off my last 5k race time. That puts me at 30 minutes and 36 seconds. Turns out to be perfect now that I do the math!

Wish me luck!

Thanksgiving was Great!

We had such a good time in Milwaukee, definitely wish we had planned a little longer of a trip out there. The drives were rough, the one out was worse than the one back. We were exhausted almost the entire time but it was SO worth it.

I did a tiny bit of black friday shopping. If you follow my ramblings you'll know that I'm pretty much done Christmas shopping already. So for the most part I only bought things we really needed, new towels, jeans and pajamas for David, etc. Plus we were in Milwaukee and had to haul back everything we bought.

I fell in love with COD MW3 or Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 for those not so versed. It brought me back to College when we would play Counter Strike on the computer. So much fun and so addicting! I'm thinking about getting COD for the house...I am doing my best not to give in though.

Now that Thanksgiving is over I'm back to running. 2 for 2 this week. I've also found out that I can run faster than I thought...always a nice surprise. Not sure why I didn't think of that before.

Eh, that's all I got...

Thanksgiving!

It is Thanksgiving Eve Eve and I am starting to get anxious about our upcoming trip. I'm really excited to see my brother, sister and family but the 12 hour drive is beginning to feel daunting. Actually, I lied a little - the 12 hour drive home on Saturday night is beginning to feel daunting!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is starting to turn cold but isn't quite there yet,  there is excitement in the air, and I have tons of family around! I love my family...every single one of them and I consider myself pretty lucky to have that.

The Herring side of my family (married in or not) is incredibly smart and talented. It is always fun during the holidays to hear about what they have been up to and what they are planning on doing in the next year. Trips oversees, working for some new incredible company, writing a novel...it never ends!

The Chialastri side of my family is amazing. They are the most loving people around - love to spend time together, funny, and really make the holidays fun. They have homes where you walk in and it just feels warm and inviting. Plus Grandma Fran has the best chocolate chip cookies around.

David is so excited to see his cousins and for Santa Claus to come. He is already picking all of the toys out that he is going to ask Santa Claus for. It helps make the holidays even more fun and exciting!

Sewing Christmas Stockings

I decided that this year I would sew Christmas stockings for all of us. I saw a couple really neat tutorials online but wanted to try this patchwork one before I decided what I would eventually do. It took a couple tries to get the size right and still this one is a little small.

It did give me some good ideas for David's though so hopefully in the next month Brandy and I can get together and be old, I mean creative sewing Christmas Stockings together!

Maybe I'll keep this one for myself :)

10 Things to be Grateful For

Sometimes life just doesn't go the way you want it to...and you have to take a step back, realize all of the wonderful things you have in your life, and try to be as grateful as you can.  There are times (like today) where I need to remind myself that tomorrow is a new day and that I should smile that I have that opportunity.

I'm grateful for:

• Husband - I wouldn't be half the woman I am today without him
• Son - I never knew someone so cool in my life
• Parents - Even though my Dad is no longer with us they were the best parent anyone could ask for
• Family - They are strong, smart people who push me to strive for better things
• Friends - To make me laugh, let me cry, and be there to listen
• Happiness - The best feeling in the world and my life would be empty without it
• My Mind - The single most important thing that I rely on everyday
• Memories - For all of the happy moments in my life in one place
• Music - For the ability to explain how I feel and change my mood in a given second
• Sadness - If it weren't for this I wouldn't appreciate happiness as much as I do

I'm going to go snuggle with my little family and smile while I go to sleep :)

Goodnight

1st Dentist Appointment - 28 Months

Let me start off by saying overall the experience was a good one. The office was wonderful, the staff was very good with David. They went out of their way to make him feel comfortable and to keep him as calm as possible. For that I am very grateful because the last thing I want to do is traumatize him and cause him to never want to go to the dentist. The appointment was also very quick, they talked to him, counted his teeth, brushed, flossed and applied some fluoride. It was over before he knew it and the tears stopped promptly.

But...

These people are freaking crazy! I was told that he had some white spots on some of his teeth called Enamel Hypoplasia and that it was a miracle that I brought him in now because in a year from now they would all be cavities and would need caps...seriously? Insert eye roll here. So I'm told in order to keep his baby teeth from being attacked and needing caps that I need to buy fluoride water, brush his teeth twice a day, floss at night (umm yeah, okay), and paint fluoride onto his teeth every night. The dentist did say to tell David that we are going to say "Bye Bye Germs" and this would make him okay with the flossing. Ha! Can't wait to try that tonight. He will also need braces when he gets older and she can tell because of his jaw line. Oh and he probably has an overbite but she can't say for sure since he won't shut his mouth.

I'm sorry but I'm calling straight up Shenanigans on this one. First, the braces...she said we don't have an overcrowding issue and that the gaps between his teeth are good. So why exactly is he going to need braces and how in the hell can you tell at 2 years of age. I mean, I could see it if we had teeth pointed in all directions, or twisted, or on top of each other...but we don't. Second, the mild Enamel Hypoplasia he has can turn into a problem at some point in time but who is so dramatic as to call it a miracle I brought him in now and not in 6 months from now. Who can floss their 2 year old every night? And who in their right mind thinks calling it Bye Bye Germs is going to make it go more smoothly. We finished the appointment by the dentist putting her hand on my knee and saying "Please spread the word" lol....if I say okay will you stop touching me?

At the end of the day I will continue having David brush his teeth and will buy the fluoride to put on his teeth nightly but I won't guarantee anything with the flossing! Maybe one day he will need braces and we will talk about it when his adult teeth start coming in...not when he's 2. We will do the best we can but the scare tactics were ridiculous. Either way he's the cutest kid at the dentist office today:

Overwhelmed - Life Has Me Busy

Everyone who knows me personally knows that I'm a little OCD...I get into something and go full bore only to lose interest in a few months. And when I mean full bore I am completely obsessed and go over the top - I live and breathe it - it becomes my life! So far this year I have had 3 passions - sewing, couponing and running.  I still coupon - and pretty compulsively but my new obsession is this damn running. Anyway - I'm way off track with this post. My point is I get overwhelmed because  I take on too much and I cannot just casually do anything.

This week, I have school work (which includes an exam tomorrow), working, getting ready for our annual costume party (and getting my costume), Dan has been working late, I had dinner for Mike's birthday, my nieces are over for the night tomorrow, trying to run and train for this half marathon, and I have to clean the house along with trying to keep David amused and fed. Ahhhhhh!!!!! I'm in over my head...48 hours from now I will be in a much better place...I'm thinking Sunday I will head down to DC and cheer on the Marine Corps Marathoners as a treat to myself!

I feel better now :)

Horrible Running Day

I haven't run in a week. My knees have hurt and with sunrise happening later and sunset happening earlier I don't have daylight to run during the week.  Looks like a treadmill will be in my future during the week. My goal was 4+ miles this morning. It was cold so I got dressed in pants and a long sleeve t-shirt knowing that I would get warm but that isn't something that bothers me most of the time. We decided to go to the cross island trail because that allowed David to play at the park with Dan while I got in some miles.

The beginning of the run was great. I started on a long stretch of trail that was wooded, shaded and cool. There was a nice breeze going and I was chugging along at a slow pace (11:00). Nearing 1 mile I came out of the trees and damn was it hot. I think the air temp went up 10 degrees in the mile I had been out of the sun. I was still okay though and kept on going. The second mile was okay but I started getting bored. The trail isn't the most exciting place to run. There are a couple people you pass but there are no houses, nothing to look at, no one to stare at...just me and my thoughts. Unfortunately today I didn't have anything interesting to think about. So, I called Dan in the hopes that he could just meet me at the end of the trail (about 3 miles). He didn't answer. I turned back and that's when all the self doubt started. I was overheated, I was unhappy, and I had nothing to think about except how much this sucked.

Overall, I struggled to get back to where I started. I had called Dan a couple more times hoping he would come pick my lazy butt up...he never answered. My knees still hurt but not quite as bad so I'll jump on the treadmill on Tuesday and see if I can get some miles going and get my confidence back up.

T-Minus 145 Days

Holy Knees!

I am having issues with my knee again. The good news is I think I have diagnosed myself...as a lazy stretcher. When will I learn!!!!

My body has always had a very strong lower body, very weak upper so when I started running it didn't take long for my legs to begin bulking up.  Well, unfortunately I did not stay true to my stretching routine and I have lost a lot of my flexibility.  It seems that my knee starts acting up and then I stretch out my hamstring and calf then the pain begins to diminish.  It is amazing how important stretching and proper warm up is and it is even more amazing that his is the second time this has happened. It really is time to take control of the issue and make sure it doesn't happen again.

The pain was so bad last night that I couldn't bring myself to head outside and run. I was upset - I want to rock this half marathon and the training isn't starting the way I had hoped.  So I've been stretching all day and hope that I will be able to get out there today and get a few miles under my belt.

T-Minus 147 Days

Safeway - 10/19 Coupon Deals

Here are a few coupon deals that jump out at me this week at Safeway. Remember Safeway's here in Maryland double up to $0.99. Check the barcode on the coupon...if it starts with a 5 then it will automatically double, if it starts with a 9 it will not and you will have to ask the cashier to double it for you (sometimes are real PITA).

Nature Valley Granola Bars (In Ad Coupon) - $1.77
Limit 4
-$0.75/1 Nature Valley Granola Thins (9/11 GM)
-$0.50/1 Nature Valley Granola Thins (Printable)
*Selected Varieties I'll have to check if the Granola Thins are included
Final Price: $0.27 each w/GM coupon or $0.77 each w/Printable

Kettle Chips (In Ad Coupon) - $1.98
Limit 4
-$1/1 Kettle Chips (Printable) Try Zip Code 90001
Final Price: $0.98

Welch's Grape Juice (In Ad Coupon) - $1.99
Limit 
-$0.75/1 Welch's Grape Juice (Printable)
Final Price: $0.49

Milton's Craft Bakers Crackers (In Ad Coupon) - $1.88
Limit
-$1/1 Milton's Craft Bakers Crackers (Printable)
Final Price: $0.88

Progresso Traditional or Rich and Hearty Soups (Fri, Sat, Sun) - $2.99
Buy 2 Get 3 Free
-$1/4 Progresso Soup (Printable)
Final Price: $1 Each

80% Lean Ground Beef - $1.79/lb

Mission Tortillas (In Ad Coupon) - $1.49
Limit 4
-$1/1 Mission Artisan Tortillas (Printable)
*Selected Varieties so check to see if Artisan is included
Final Price: $0.49

The Journey - Training for my 1st Half Marathon

If you would have told me a couple months ago that this winter I would be training to run a half marathon I would have told you that you were crazy. Not in a million years would I have thought that 1. I would ever be considered a runner and 2. That my body would be able to handle it.

A little background. I was a gymnast for many years and in the course of that sport I had a lot of injuries. Most of them affected my legs and unfortunately from the multiple injuries, severity, and continued abuse on my joints I ended up having both ankles worked on.  After having both reconstructed for debris and instability I really thought that taking on running would put me into a pretty painful place. I'm excited to say that isn't the case. I haven't really had any type of pain from my ankles or feet. Most of the issues I've had stem from my knees. I did have surgery on my left knee due to Osgood Schlatters but really they have held up remarkably well.

I've setup some goals and a training schedule for the next 22 weeks. Overall I would like to finish my first half marathon in 2 hours and 11 minutes. I think that is reasonable and puts me at a 10 minute mile. I'm going to come up with a little schedule that I'm going to try to abide by...even through the winter and the holidays!

I'm really excited and I'll be doing it with Brandy so I'm sure it will be a blast!