Dont forget to tip your waitress...

we bloggers will be here all week.

There's something about blogging--when you dont get comments--that is really close to stand up.

Or doing a monologue (think more blathering Shakespeare soliloquy than David Letterman).

Or (*gasp*) lecturing.

This post? Just a public service announcement.


A reminder to feel free to JUMP RIGHT IN and comment. Am I boring the pants off of you? TELL ME.

(because, seriously, you need said pants in place to get out there and run)

Are you a firm believer in NOT LIFTING and ALL RUNNING? lemmie know where you stand.


Detest tutus? cringe at over the knee socks? Lemmie have it. It might not change my attire but I promise to dress appropriately should we ever meet off-line.


Happy Sunday.

It's I AM *GOING* TO RUN-day up in herre.


(and yes. if youve come here via my chickenbus blog that last word was for you. all my stuff DOES sound the same.)

Hilarious Running Read

....not that I'd recommend reading while running but when you get home, yank off your shoes and wonder how you'll ever go another mile, you have to try "The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get off Your Butt and on with Your Training" by Dawn Dais. I am about half way through it and it has become one of those books that you don't want to end; it's like a good friend. If you have never read this book, read it. It is a must read for all of us running women. Even if you are like me and are not training for a marathon - a 10k is as big as I can think at this point - if , also like me, you don't consider yourself a runner yet (I'm in the "I get my shoes on, get out the door and manage to survive a 5 mile run" camp) or if you are in fact training for a marathon, you have to pick this up. It is laugh out loud funny. I have been carrying it around in my purse and pull it out every time I have a spare second, I'm finding the pick up line at my son's preschool the biggest chunk of reading time I can get although I do get some pretty funny looks sitting there in my car cracking up while reading a running book. Dawn Dais is flat out hilarious. And inspirational. She makes me want to run even more and laugh at myself while doing it. I wish I knew her because I'm sure with her as my running buddy, I'd make it even further. Maybe even 5.5 miles! In her introduction, she says

I'd like you to think of The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women as your running buddy. It's here to keep you motivated and on the running trail when all you really want to do is lie on the couch and see what your TiVo has recorded for you. Rest assured that this book is much better than my running buddy; unlike Chipper Jen, this book will never call you at 6:30 AM on a friggin' Saturday and go on and on about how refreshing it is to run in the morning. This book is not a supporter of Saturday-morning chipperness.

Check it out, you can pick it up here. Also, here is a link to her website where she sells the book much better than I ever could!

For the sake of argument...

Let's just say I quit running about a year ago, the morning of the Chicago marathon. I blamed IBS and a chilly morning, but I skipped the MCM the next week...and by December started to pack on 20 pounds. I was convinced running made me fatter than I would be with, say, just yoga or Pilates. I think I misjudged. Even with a trainer and some help from Jenny Craig, my weight kept soaring.
Now I realize the weight gain was likely from not running, but there's nothing I can do about it! I'm 20 weeks pregnant with #2, and pretty sick. Walking is a struggle most days, and I have a job and a 3 year old, so even on a rare day that I feel okay, I couldn't risk wearing myself out, or worse yet, getting sicker.
Instead, I am obsessed with running. It's all I want to do! I see runners everywhere, and adorable running clothes. I realized today, I don't even own a pair of sneakers! And I have know idea where my ipod is! Even more than a margarita, I want to run...and I am counting the days!

You could sort of call it a run

It is Friday-- fall break and a canceled Texas trip with 4 kids at home and a husband out of town. How to run? Put the baby in the Jogger, the 4 year old on a bike with training wheels, and the older two on roller blades and just go. We were a sight. Did I mention that I thought it would be a walk and had a coffee in my hand? It was one of my funniest runs. Even funnier because we live on an Army post and I'm an old Colonel's wife whose peers have a different life. See Mommy Run-- tee hee hee!

Making time for running/strength training

In order to get my run in today I got up early...before the sun....the sun was just coming up when my running buddy AM and finished our 4 miles. Boy if it wasn't for her....I probably would of slept in. The early mornings are hard.....I work full time and sometimes start as early as 3:45am, so when I have a a day to sleep in....I look forward to it...but I play a mind game with myself...b/c I could sleep in...and run later...but the problem is I will most likely NOT run later...that is where AM comes in. We check in with each other generally the night before...and plan to meet in the morning....so most of the time...there is NO sleeping in( unless you call getting up at 6:15am sleeping in).
So when do I get my strength training in...our weather has turned chilly here in Indiana and I look forward to coming home and snuggling into PJ's and watching the tube....felling less and less motivated to do my strength training.....maybe I should do it after my runs or before( all in the morning before work).....what a battle...shouldn't it be an easier decision!
I could go to the YMCA...I did all summer....I was there 2-3 times a week on top of running...what is it about this cooler weather that makes you want to stay home and chill out...

So any suggestions?

Tattoos & Tutus & OTK socks.

I adore being a mom.
many reasons which, if I went into elaborate detail here, would simply be preaching to the choir.

The sweet hugs, the toothless grins yada yada yada.

one thing I **ADORE** that I did NOT see coming? the gift of the It Must Be For Her Daughter.

Unlike some of my fellow bloggers (and not to my pride & joy) Ive always been kind of a disheveled person (my kind husband calls it my style).

Never dirty--pre-toddler, anyway--but just kind of always to the left of coiffed/properly buttoned.

Now? if I run into people at the grocery and look a FRIGHT they assume my daughter, E., must have not allowed me ample time to "do" myself.

(never what happened. Id have rolled the exact same way before having her)

Now? if I run into people at the grocery sporting a big (rub on) tattoo of a pirate on my bicep they smile benevolently at me and (wrongfully) assume I did it for my daughter.


Now? if I buy 3 tutus at the dollar store, layer them on top of each other & wear THAT on top of capri tights they (again, wrongfully) assume Im such a good "sport" playing dress-up with my girl.

Ill spare you the over the knee socks rendition but just know it follows the same pattern.

Man, I love being a mother.
I could do without the chicken nugget mashed INTO my tutu but it all comes along with the toddler bundle of joy.

Napkin

How did this happen? I once dressed well, always had perfect hair and make-up and now.......after babies #3 and 4, I have turned into a ponytail wearing, lucky to smear on some mascara, walking napkin. My little ones seem to think that anything offensive on their little faces or hands ( this does does include their noses) is fair game for anything I am wearing. Last night we met another mom and her 3 boys for dinner. When I rushed back home into the door to get the evening routine, which was seriously behind schedule, into play, I notice my reflection in a large mirror and thought.....who is that un-kempt woman??? She looks like a crumped up linen napkin at the end of a 7 course meal! I suppose someday I will miss these days........but as of today, if I have to be a napkin, can't it at least be the nice clean one folded like an elegant swan, BEFORE the meal starts??

Absolutely lift

Howdy Folks: I have to absolutely agree that everyone needs to do weight training, especially for bone strenth but also for endurance. The first time I ever ran a Marathon was 2002- Houston. My partner was a better runner and ran more than I did. I did a twice a week workout called Body Pump. It is an amazing 50 mintute weight workout that anybody at any fitness level can start. You can google body pump or go to www.lessmills.com to find a class in a gym near you. My sweet partner finished a whole hour 1/2 after me. She just did not have the same strength. I absolutely attribute it to Bodypump and weights. I really do not like the weight room- get bored easily, but Body Pump is amazing. The music is really good. I found it at a Gold's gym and later became certified to teach it just so I could get their workout tapes. I did Bodypump through two pregnancies -- literally right up to giving birth. It is the ultimate Mommy workout-- gets the backs of the arms like nothing else. Abs are kind of weak though I hate do do abs anyhow and of course core training is invaluable.

Angelina Ballerina DVD giveaway from Classy Mommy

Hey See Mommy Run Readers! Classy Mommy has another super Giveaway to share with you all! 2 Copies of the DVD "Angelina Ballerina The Silver Locket Special Edition" Find details on entering here! Contest runs until 10/13/07

2 Lucky readers will each get a copy of this fantastic DVD and bonus book that Classy Mommy was able to review yesterday.This Angelina DVD has multiple episodes, along with the small bonus book, Angelina Ballerina: The Silver Locket - an episode that is also on the DVD. The book is a definite bonus as we were able to read the story, then watch the specific episode, and then go back and read the story again and again. A great way to limit TV time, but also give the kids a treat and discuss what you both reading and seeing! Hop on over to Classy Mommy to enter!

the writer in me

I have been working on my current novel for three years now. It's a children's book. My first novel, Necessary Exile, was not for children.

The Legend of Bridget Peacemaker began as a story about an old rabbit napping beneath a Creosote bush when he is suddenly awakened by the cries of a lost girl. I worked hard on that version but it never rang true because I needed to understand who Bridget was and just how she had come to be wandering around in the desert. Now I know and if the gods are smiling favorably then very soon everyone will know.

When I was nineteen I wrote a rambling little story about a girl obsessed with counting her steps. I abandoned the story because I didn't understand what I was trying to say. Now I realize that even then Bridget was trying to tell me her story.

It tires me to write, it's like my fingernails are being ripped from my fingertips. But I have so very much to say and everytime I try to talk I get the feeling that I am not being understood.

Lift Mommy Lift!

ok.

Ive previously admitted that Im new* to the running thing & that my passion is weight training.

Now that the comments are enabled I just wanted to take a moment and offer to answer any questions you might have about why to lift weights, how to lift weights, where (is a gym necessary?) to lift weights---anything like that.

I'd love the chance to return the favor as Ive gotten a ton of fantastic free running advice from all you SMR moms.

For the sake of full disclosure Id like to state that Ive competed in bodybuilding (my scrawny natural-self against a few women whom I certain somehow cheated the steroid urine test) and fitness (my scrawny natural chest against a few women whom Im certain cheated nature with the aid of Dr Robert Rey) but came in close to last in all the shows.


blahblahblah in my mind I was a winner.




*if by NEW you mean I havent started yet but vow promised & commit to SKIP the ease of my stationary bike and hit the pavement this weekend when I have toddlercare---which I do.

Feeding Picky Eaters: Is This Book the Answer?

Did any of you catch Oprah yesterday? She had Jessica Seinfeld on, author of Deceptively Delicious a cookbook aimed at us moms with picky eaters. I have to admit, when I saw the previews, I was a bit skeptical. My kids are the worst (seriously, the worst!) eaters I've ever seen. I have a 7-year-old who is on the 'all carbs, all the time diet': if it isn't pasta, he isn't eating it. Well, with the exception of the occasional piece of pizza and nuggets but only if the nuggets are cooked at my friend Cathie's house because she has a toaster oven. Then there is my 4-year-old who is on the 'brown and crunchy diet': chicken nuggets, crackers (brown) and chips of any kind and if I'm lucky, the occasional mac-n-cheese. I am a very healthy eater, as is my husband (most of the time) so it isn't that they are not exposed to all things green and healthy, but they just wont budge.
So as you can imagine, the idea of hiding veggies in their food had me skeptical because (a) I don't have a lot of options for things to be hidden in!, and (b) my kids are very smart and I just know they will figure it out! But watching the show, I was turned into a believer and ordered the book off Amazon before shows end - a book, by the way, that jumped to #1 on Amazon by the end of the day. The Power of Oprah is incredible.
I can't wait to try the chicken nuggets (with spinach!) and the brownies (spinach and carrots!). I'll be sure and post again after the book arrives and I sneak a little something into my boys' food! Want to see the recipe for the nuggets? Check it out here!

Yeah, this is ANOTHER test.

Youd think Id never used a computer before (and thanks, shelley, for showing me how this is done) I like to think of it as Im simply linkposting-challenged.

here's my test.

if it works then just know that I adore this list. It's nothing new but more of a reminder of easy ways to lead a calmer more centered life.

Im all for anything that makes me (& as a result my entire domicile) less *frazzled*


http://zenhabits.net/2007/07/12-ideas-for-establishing-a-calming-routine/


(Im also a few steps away from the truly fancy people who can make plain ole WORDS become magically clickable. I have lofty goals. That chickenbus is in my future.)

Marathon Documentary

I recently heard about Marathon, a NOVA documentary to air on PBS on October 30th. The documentary follows 13 "generally sedentary" people through a nine-month training program that was designed to get them off the couch and across the finish line of a full marathon. In addition to the pure human aspect of the show, there will be computer-generated graphics to show what all that running does to our bodies. The show sounds fascinating to me, this is one 'reality' show I will surly enjoy. I cannot imagine being marathon ready in nine months but I supposed if I had access to the former Olympian and three-time Boston Marathon winner Uta Pippig, I might have a better shot! Do you think all 13 will make it across the finish line? I'll be cheering loud for them all!

Skip Hop Giveaway from Classy Mommy

Hi ! This is my first post on the See Mommy Run Blog...... I'm a Mommy Runner and I also founded a fun website for Moms called Classy Mommy. I'm a "work at home" / "stay at home" mom with a daughter named Mackenzie who will turn 2 later this month. I'm also expecting # 2 - a baby boy very soon. I'm due December 9th and it will be here before I know it!

Classy Mommy reviews all kinds of products for Parents and kids and Classy Mommy has lots of neat free giveaways that I'd love to share with you all. Totally enter for your chance to win!

Our latest giveaway this week is compliments of Skip Hop .5 Lucky winners will each win Skip Hop's trendy TABLE FUN 5 piece feeding set valued at $24. Classy Mommy loves the functionality and modern style found across Skip Hop's product lines.

Classy Mommy had the opportunity to test out a Skip Hop product for the first time when we were given the chance to review TABLE FUN, Skip Hop's 5 piece feeding set for tots and kids. The TABLE FUN set is made of melamine, a hard sturdy plastic, with colorful and spunky animal designs. The designs are made by Eleanor Grosch, whose design work is favored by both rock bands and apparal companies. My daughter, Mackenzie, almost age 2, has the Circus Pals TABLE FUN set shown above in purple. We love how the bowl and plate are a bit bigger than pretty much every other "plastic" kid style set we currently own. And although we adore Elmo in our house, it is a refreshing change of pace to eat a meal (or in my case prepare a meal!) on a modern designer place setting that is both lively, vibrant, and still kid friendly.

Skip on over to Classy Mommy to enter!

Husband Sunday Run

It is Sunday morning. Church is over. Kids are sort of fed and my husband I are going on a date run. Finally our oldest can baby-sit at least for an hour and we can zip away. I love to be beside him. He's calm. He is what I call the real runner in the family and I owe this peace of mind that comes from running to him. He will always find time to get a run in for me. It is a priority. When he was getting his Ph.d at Texas A&M I would drive up to campus, drop our two toddlers to him with a packed lunch and get a work out either at the gym or run. Sometimes they had to eat in the car because of rain. I love him so much for this. Even more than his paying off my law school loans when we got married. Most Mommies want to know how to get the run time in. I think husband or family or neighbor help is they key. Someone who wants you to run as much as you do. This may take some time and eff0rt. If all else fails find another Mom who needs to run and trade off. Be flexible in any arrangement you make and give each other a break. Often these Mommies can be found at the gym. They can also be found at your children's school. I think only other athletes get it. My Mom will sit for me to go to a spa or shopping (her things), but sort of sighs when it is run or workout because that is not a priority for her. Our kids know we love to run together. I hope they marry runners.