What I learned on my run last night
Last night I went on a run at 9:14 pm; I know that because I didn’t have a watch on me and looked at the clock before I opened the door. It was cold, dark and really quiet out there. This is what I learned on my run last night:
1 Most people are watching TV at 9 pm. I wasn’t peeping in people’s houses but I could see the flash of light from many TV’s.
2 – No one…I mean no one in my subdivision was outside. It was kinda creepy running without anyone around however there were tones of cars in their driveways …. must have been watching TV.
3 – The moon was pretty awesome to see. Not something you see on your runs every day; unless you are running at night when other’s are watching TV.
4 – One of the apple orchards was spraying their trees at night. I was trying to figure out what the nasty noise was and figured it out once I reached the top of a long inclined road. Lights from a tractor pushing out what I am assuming were chemical’s on their trees. Note to self – eat organic apples.
5 – I am getting stronger from my 5-6 workouts a week. Those workouts are paying off 
Go “Operation Get Fit”!
6 – I love running even more, feeling faster and am more confident. I haven’t felt like this in over a year. Yes, I do realise I was pregnant for most of last year and stopped running at 18 weeks pregnant.
7 – Why do we obsess over our weight? So, I gained a pound and lost 3 inches in the last two weeks, weird, eh?
8 – I need to go running on my own more often. 19 minutes of “ME” time well spent tonight.
9 – Why did I not sign up for the Bluenose Marathon 5k this year. Kicking myself in the butt. Happy 10 Years Bluenose Marathon – can’t wait to hear all about it.
10 – When can I get out again? Maybe tomorrow.
What do you learn on your runs?
Do you ever run late at night?
Where do I start?
Let’s start with Monday’s. I’m not in love with them and it’s not because it’s the start of the work week. It’s because I know I’ll be on my own in the evening, every single Monday night … well I would said at least 95% of Monday night’s I am on my own. And fair enough, my husband has training at the Fire Hall where he is a volunteer. I’m not mad that I am on my own I simply don’t look forward to being on my own, now with 2 girls to deal with.
Okay, moving on. Tonight was no different. Dinner, play, bath, bed. I kinda lost it between bath and bed, this is where the story starts.
At 6:45 pm I bathed Hilary, got her ready for bed and nursed her. I told Lilly to get a book or toy and play in the hallway so I could see her while I rocked Hilary to sleep. Normally… ha ha, I said normally! Okay, seriously. I usually can get Hilary to sleep within 15-20 minutes of nursing and rocking her then into her bed. That didn’t happen tonight. Lilly was doing her best to keep quiet and even said to me “Mommy, I will walk on my tip toes softly” ….God love her, she meant well and I am really proud of her tonight. Then she found her fire truck and played quietly in my bedroom doorway. Then she hit the nee naw button and Hilary woke up. Failure number 1 at getting Hilary to bed.
I quietly told Lilly not to press the buttons and to read a book. “Okay Mama, I’ll read a book” she said. Hilary decided it was time to talk and sing her life story to me. Failure number 2 at getting her to sleep.
Forty-five minutes later I decided that I would bath Lilly and Hilary will just have to lay on a soft blanket on the bathroom floor while I bath Lilly in 2 minutes…maybe it was less. I dunno. I was so frustrated but managed to not raise my voice (which I will admit, I have done from time to time and hate myself for) but I told both girls I wasn’t mad at them but I was just frustrated. I told Lilly that they have done nothing wrong and that she was going to have a quick bath, 1 song for bed and maybe 2 books AFTER I got Hilary to sleep. She pleasantly agreed with me!
Lilly was in her pj’s and I was drying her hair and I realised I forgot to brush her teeth and asked her to go pee. So, we did that. Hilary wasn’t too happy about being involved in Lilly’s bed time routine so we sang as many songs to keep her occupied as possible.
At 8 pm, a good hour after Hilary would normally (I said it again…ha ha normally) go to bed – she wasn’t asleep so I did what I am assuming parents do: I left her in her crib for a few minutes and she cried. You can say I am a bad mother but she was safe and my frustration level went down. Lilly got her two books and I returned to Hilary a few minutes later. Picked her up, wrapped her in her blankets again, cuddled and rocked her to (almost) asleep. I put her in her bed and she grabbed my hand for dear life! Oh crap I thought, she’s not going to sleep. She had my thumb in one hand and rested her hand on top of two other fingers and relaxed enough to fall asleep.
The whole time all I wanted to do was go for a run. I wanted to run my frustrations off. Instead, I am writing this post and have managed to calm down a little….but I still want to go for a run….in the dark (it’s 9:04 pm right now).
Parenting is hard. It’s frustrating. Challenging. Not always easy….it’s not always as cracked up as it’s supposed to be. There have been times, especially when Sai was away at school for 7 months that I thought I was going to lose my mind. Seriously! I would call my mom and said “I need you here tonight/tomorrow” … “I need a break” … “I need help”.
It’s never easy to ask someone else for help but it sure beats getting so frustrated, mad, angry. Sometimes you just need to take a break, you need help and you need to know how to ask for it.
I’m off to get ready for a run as my husband is home now.
Let the little things go………………
~~~~~~~~~~~
PS – I had an awesome run tonight!
Ever get frustrated with your kids?
Who do you ask for help? Do you ask for help?
What do you do to get rid of stress?
Operation Get Fit Week 2 Workouts 5/1/13 – 5/11/13
Another week of Operation “Get Fit” workouts are done! I felt much stronger this week and feeling good about my workouts. This is what my week of workouts looked like…….and the challenges that came with them:
I am working for it!
Sunday – Ripped in 30 Level 1
- pretty easy, getting kinda bored
- I still hate “running jacks” but completely nailed them
Monday – Ripped in 30 Level 1
- most of the workout I kept thinking that it was getting too boring for me and really questioned if I should move on to Level 2
- felt great afterwards
Tuesday – 5k run with baby H
- I was super exhausted and really didn’t want to go (but went anyway…I got a blog to write)
- It was extremely hot out that day and I dressed for winter apparently (not really but that’s what I felt like)
- Awesome run out 2.5 k and terrible 2.5 back running against the wind with a stroller – what was I thinking???
Wednesday – rest day.
Thursday – Ripped in 30 Level 1
- First question: WHY, why did I take yesterday as a rest day? Bad idea. I was so unmotivated to workout Thursday night. I wanted to poke myself in the eye for taking Wednesday off. Note to self: if taking a rest day Mon-Fri, always, always go for a walk with baby H.
- Second question: Why am I still on level 1….seriously I gotta move on.
Friday – Ripped in 30 Level 2
- Holy shit, why did I move on to Level 2?
- I felt like I was learning a new dance and I had two left feet. I was all over the place. I’d watch the new to me move and figure out how to do it with no grace at all. Thank goodness no one was watching me or they would have died from laughter. Seriously, they would have!
Saturday - I took the day off and spent it with my girls and husband. We went to the Farmer’s Market, Pete’s, and my husband and I went on a date! My parents looked after the girls (who did awesome) and we went off to the Waterville Fire Department Awards night where my husband is a member. It was a nice night out but I was happy to get home and hear how the girls did, visit with my parents and go to bed.
Results:
It’s been two full weeks that I managed to work out 5-6 days of the week! I don’t want to toot my own horn but I have to admit, I am a little impressed with myself. All of my workouts (DVD’s) are done at night, usually after 8:30 pm and I run or walk in the morning.
I am seeing a few results from the last two weeks. I usually lose weight from the head down and that’s how I know I am losing weight. My face is a little more slim, my arms a little smaller and my pants are a little looser. I haven’t been on the scale or did measurements yet but will do that soon. More importantly, I feel strong. When I ran this week (and pushed Hilary in her stroller) it was easier than before. I felt stronger, confident I could run the 5k with her and still walk afterwards I am feeling better about myself. I’ll be honest here….when I have extra weight on me I feel crappy and don’t like what I look like, I feel gross. But hopefully that’s all behind me now.
If you missed week 1 of Operation Get Fit - go here.
And, Operation Get Fit – the plan – go here.
What workouts did you do this week?
Did you run outside? Workout indoors? Hit the gym?
When do you know it’s time to move on from a workout or up to the next level of a workout?
Monkey Update: 5 Months!
Last Friday Hilary turned 5 months old!!! Gosh, babies grow fast!. She’s such a happy baby… seriously. I would say 90% of the time she is smiling, happy and now giggling. The other 10% she’s cranky, fussy and not happy in Daddy’s arms (my poor husband). To be honest, she’s not happy in anyone else arms but somehow my sister seems to have a little more luck on her side.
Hilary 5 months old
Likes:
- Loves when Daddy blows kisses to her
- Putting her feet on things to help her roll on her side
- Sitting in her highchair while we eat breakfast/lunch/dinner
- Play dates with her friends
- Bath time
- Pooping in the bath (not just randomly but EVERY single night AND multiple times)
- Her new jogging stroller
Dislikes:
- Still hates socks
- Laying down playing too long
- Her bouncy chair; especially when we are eating a meal at the table
- Bottles (she won’t take a bottle … bit of a problem we are working on)
So focused and happy!
New Happenings:
- Bed time routine: Nurse, Bath, Cuddles, Nurse again and bed between 7 – 8pm!
- Reaching on back for toys: arching her back like she’s going to roll over
- Teething has started: drool and biting everything (even when nursing – ouch!)
- Giggles
- Very interested in foods we are eating, reaching for food/drink when I am eating.
- Grabbing for her feet.
Other Monkey Updates:
Zola Coconut Water Review #sweatpink
A few weeks ago I had a knock at my door and it was a delivery man. I was a little taken back as I haven’t purchase anything that would required a delivery at my doorstep but I accepted it anyway. The box did have my name on it
As I opened up the package the colours jumped out at me, along with the product of course! I had completely forgotten about participating in a Twitter chat a while back and was pumped to review these products.
Wow!
Now, I got to be honest – I am not a big fan of coconut water. You’re probably wondering why I would agree to do the review for a product I wouldn’t normally consume. I guess I figured maybe a different brand would catch my fancy and I’d come to love coconut water. Keep reading.
My husband loves coconut water so I figured if I couldn’t drink it, he would. I We tried the first Zola Coconut Water (pulp free) after working out; we both went for a run, my husband went twice the distance than I. To my surprise I kinda liked it.
I We tried the second Zola Coconut Water with pulp and decided I liked the pulp free one better. My husband liked this one better.
What I have decided with coconut water is that I would best enjoy it mixed in a smoothie. I’m not saying the Zola Coconut Water was bad. I’m saying my taste buds were not in love with it on its own.
Things I do like about Zola Coconut Water:
1. I like the size they offer – not your normal 355 ml but a 520 ml bottle.
2. I also like the fact that it’s a great electrolyte replacee: potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
3. That it’s vegan. No, I’m not a vegan BUT my husband is and I like to know what products I can buy him.
4. It’s pretty fresh and light tasting – wasn’t heavy or make me feel bloated.
Then I tried the Zola Organic Acai Juice. I’ve never had any Acai Juice before so this flavour was completely new to me. To my surprise (for some reason) I really liked it! The berry flavour was nice and strong but not over powering.
Chillin’ after my workout drinking Zola Acai Juice – I know…you’re all jealous!
Running against the wind & WIAW
Yesterday I went for my first 5k run with baby Hilary the her stroller. After doing Ripped in 30 for the last week I realised that I am in fact getting stronger. However, it wasn’t without a challenge.
I decided Monday night after my Ripped in 30 (level 1) that I would run Tuesday morning when Hilary was to nap – which could be anywhere between 8:30 and 10 am. I was really not wanting to run, especially since I did a pretty intense workout the night before. Even though both Hilary and Lilly slept well (I was only up twice) I still was dragging my feet. She started to get fussy so I got on my running gear and got her in her stroller and off we went.
Happy Hilary and tired Mommy before running
First off, it was bloody hot outside and I should have worn a tank top and shorts not t-shirt plus long sleeve on top and Capri pants. My plan was to warm up by walking for 10 minutes and then run 5 k. After 5 minutes I got bored with walking and started running … off came the long-sleeved top which came in handy later to keep the sun off Hilary’s face.
The run out was awesome. I felt strong, I felt like I had been running for months. I was surprised at how good I felt. I guess my workouts are starting to pay off. Yeah, for “Operation Get Fit”. I had a few crosswalks to wait for and checked in on Hilary a few times and was 1/2 way done my run before I knew it. Sweet! Or so I thought!
Oh man! I thought I was slapped across the face and my body wasn’t moving. The WIND was rather strong and with a jogging stroller I struggled as the air was catching the shade visor and keeping me from moving forward. I was felt defeated 
My run out was SO good and I was expecting the same on the way back.
One exhausted Mama!
I refocused my goal of running the whole time and did what I could do until I was out of the wind. I even managed to run half way up this steep hill to our subdivision that I’m sure the two old lady’s I passed thought I was crazy to do. I didn’t feel defeated anymore.
I finished the run and did a 5 minute cool down while walking home. Hilary was asleep and I finished my first 5 k postpartum. Now I know I can do it again and again and work towards my goal of running a 5 k under 29:16 sometime this year.
What I Ate Wednesday … thanks to Jenn at Peas and Crayons
Parent and Toddler style …
WIAW
Home made pizza’s: chicken, asparagus, green/red peppers, mushrooms and cheese.
Mama’s (and Daddy’s) salad: spinach, tomatoes, baby carrots, mushrooms, snow peas, cashews, sunflower seeds and raisins.
Lilly’s pizza – sauce, cheese. Keep it simple!
Lilly’s salad: cashews, 1 piece of spinach, carrots, sunflower seeds, raisins with “fruit dressing”.
Sandwich: Homemade multi-grain whole wheat bread, curried mayo (I made), spinach and left over chicken.
Round 2 ….
My new favourite wrap – 12 Grain Wrap, hummus, spinach and hickory smoked tofurky deli slices! (I can’t believe I like them…I ran out of sandwich meat and “borrowed” some of my husbands…new favourite!). Bolthouse Farms “Amazing Mango” smoothie – a little someone was trying to sneak a little.
Breakfast – scrambled eggs, banana, bran apple cinnamon muffin and OJ.
Water, water and more water. I can’t get enough of this stuff!
That’s what I’ve been eating.
Did you ever have an awesome run only to feel defeated on the return?
What are you eating these days?
Operation “Get Fit” Week 1 Workouts Complete
Last week I started “Operation Get Fit” and am pretty proud of myself. I don’t remember the last time I worked out 5 days in a row without something getting in my way. This is what my week looked like:
Sunday April 28th – Nothing
Monday April 29th
- Running with Baby H for 25 minutes
- Raked the front lawn for 40 minutes
Hilary is such a slacker!
Tuesday April 30th
- Ripped in 30 DVD (20 minutes)
After this workout I felt like I did okay but struggled in some areas.
Wednesday May 1st
- Ripped in 30 DVD (20 L-O-N-G minutes)
I just hurt after this workout – achy muscles.
Thursday May 2nd:
- Walking with Baby H for 35 minutes
- Yoga Flex 10 minutes (Best. Feeling. Ever.)
My muscles hurt SO much I decided I needed a little rest but moving was key to loosening up my muscles and then did a little yoga to stretch my body out. I felt so good after this.
Friday May 3rd:
- Ripped in 30 DVD (20 minutes)
- Yoga Flex – 10 minutes
I actually felt stronger during this workout which was a nice change.
Saturday – Day off spent with family running around the local playground.
Don’t forget to Hydrate!
What’s your favourite workout?
Did you run this week, hit the gym, cross fit, DVD at home ?
