It's Almost Time...

4 Days To Go

Holy Smokes! I can't believe the big day is less than half a week away. While I feel like I have spent more time preparing for this big day than my wedding, like most "planned" events in my life, it's definitely turned out to be an unexpected adventure. Getting knocked up and running the half at fifteen weeks pregnant was not a part of the plan. However, what a blessing! So with the first trimester funk interfering with those last few weeks of my training plan, my doctor said she felt most comfortable if I walked the half. However, she supported me trying to at least run some and listening to my body, promising to drink water at every station along the way, and stopping if I felt dizzy or nauseous. She also asked that I at least get 10 miles under my belt before the big day. And yesterday (drum roll, please), I knocked out my 10 miles! Thanks to a good (make that great) friend who volunteered to make the trek with me. We ran/walked the distance and my confidence jumped up about 5,000 notches now that I can erase that mental picture of me being carried off the running route on a stretcher clutching an oxygen mask (knock on wood).

This past weekend was also my little monkey's first birthday party (more pictures and a detailed post coming on the new blog) and it left me reflecting on my original motivation to start this challenge. It was to show him an account of strength and perseverance in his honor and to prove to myself just how important these traits are, as a mother and as a woman. Now, it looks like I will have two blessings to share this story with. If that's not motivation to drag myself through those 13.1 miles, I just don't know what is.

And on a final note, I still have a lingering goal to run a half-marathon as a non-pregnant runner in 2011. So, here's my question to all you fellow half vets...what's your favorite half-marathon and why? I am ready to put my new goal on the calendar right after this Sunday and begin planning the next adventure...after birthing Baby 2, that is (smile).

Nothing That A Little Retail Therapy Can't Fix

82 Days To Go

I am coming to you this evening on the heels of a much-needed and very non-training conducive girls weekend. This past weekend was spent with some of my best girlfriends in Atlanta engaging in some retail therapy, marathon dining, and revert-you-right-back-to-high school giggle sessions. The trip had been planned for quite a few weeks now since the Hubs arrival back to the homefront was scheduled. He was insistent that I had a little "me" time after playing single mom for three months. And with little to no hesitation, I agreed. I also took the running shoes. I even slept in my running apparel one of the two nights I was away. I did not, however, run. And you know what? I feel no guilt.

What filled this hole, you ask? (Let's just pretend you ask while I indulge in a bit of self-exploration.) Maybe it was the priceless memories that I made with some of my best girlfriends...or getting to wear a dress and dangle earrings without the threat of a baby spit-up stain and the possibility of having my ear lobe ripped in half by a tiny tot hand on a mission. Or maybe it was the Real Housewives of Atlanta housewife spotting (remember my reality-trash TV guilty pleasure/obsession?!?). It might have been the superior (yes, non diet-friendly) meals I splurged on for 48 hours straight that filled that hole of running. Honestly though, I think it just may be these teal Hunter wellies that I came home with that ate all of that the guilt away and gave me that missing endorphin spike.

That being said, I realize there are 82 training days left until the half-marathon and I am jumping right back into my training plan. I skipped the Stretch and Strengthen day today and threw my little monkey (oh, how I missed his squeezy self) in the jogger this morning for our run. I feel refreshed and ready to return to the grind. That being said, I cant emphasize the importance of taking a little "you" time. My solo runs have been a great outlet for this, but every now and then a splurge of great girlfriends, fine wine, and new shoes (that aren't for running) is just what the doctor ordered.

Highlight of Last Week: No need to repeat - see above (smile).

Lesson of Last Week: Indulge without guilt every once in a while. Everything in moderation. When you are done, pick back up, hit the ground running, and be thankful for the opportunity you had to recharge.

Power Song of Last Week: Love the Way You Lie by Eminem featuring Rihanna. While I am sure this is a great song to run to, it is even that much more enjoyable singing at the top of your lungs while driving down the interstate with one of your best friends and a fun-filled weekend destination in sight. (I did download this for my runs too. )

What's For Dinner?

107 Days To Go

107 Days to go...in just one week I will officially be leaving the triple digit countdown and entering the world of double-digits. It's beginning to feel less exciting and a bit scary. Is this normal? The second month of my Hal Higdon training is going well thus far, but I am beginning to shake in my boots at the thought of 13.1 miles in approximately three months. My farthest run to date is still only six miles. However, I am going to stick to the program and remain faithful that I will progress steadily in these remaining weeks. We will soon see...

On the weight loss front, I am happy to report I have 10 pounds left before I may actually be able to slip into a pair of my pre-pregnancy jeans! May I possibly be soon saying good-bye to my legging collection? It will be a bittersweet farewell and I have a fond appreciation for those stretchy little suckers that bring it all in and smooth it on out (or give the illusion of doing so). However, as they have been my staple clothing item for the last year, I think I will be just fine saying adios.

As you may know from earlier blog posts, I have been following the Joy Bauer diet outlined in her book Your Inner Skinny that she kindly sent me back in the beginning of this 200-day challenge. I am human and I have had my slip-ups (Oh, sweet Bohemian conch fritters. If you are wrong, I don't want to be right.) Although, for the most part I have followed the plan accordingly. Honestly, it hasn't been hard. I am not depriving myself of any food groups. Bread and cheese still have a very strong presence in my life. However, I have taught myself the importance of portion control and seeking that "full" feeling from healthier choices like veggies and water. There are tons of dinner choices on the plan, but I seem to be a creature of habit and when I find something I like, I stick with it. Five months ago, this was a slice of thick-crust four cheese pizza from the new Italian bistro just down the street from my house . Now it is my turkey burger dinner happily prepared by the always loyal, George Foreman. This consists of a turkey burger with sauteed mushrooms and onions, a slice of low-fat cheddar cheese and topped with baby spinach leaves (which I put on everything). If I'm in a hurry, I skip the sauteed veggies and use salsa instead. Throw it on Mr. Foreman and in about ten minutes, dinner is served! My other staple that I have mentioned in earlier posts is the vegetable stew that I eat with each dinner. I prepare a week's worth or more and then freeze it in individual two-cup portions. Since playing single-mom usually means my nights consist of catching up on grading and housework after the monkey goes to bed (and trying to squeeze at least five hours of sleep in), these easy go-to meals have been a lifesaver...and waist trimmer.

Do you have any go-to healthy meals you rely on?