Monday Motivation

First Time for Everything

This weekend so far, I've had two firsts...

First Snow Fall - As I look at my window this morning it looks like Christmas time.  Everything is white, everywhere.  The snow is covering all the tree branches and it looks like a winter wonderland  - on October 30th.  Yikes....what is the rest of the winter going to look like?  I am a little scared!

First Overall Female - I met up with my sisters for another race this weekend.  It was another small, really small  race - only about 35 walkers and runners.  They were well organized and did give out technical t-shirt instead of cotton t-shirts.  Which is unusual in these neck of the woods.  But the smalls weren't really smalls so I got mine in a size Cowboy could wear.  The girls and I did a quick warmup before the race started and then we were off. 

Many of the regulars weren't there and within just the first half mile of the race I realized that I was first female.  At the turnaround I was able to see my sisters and just 2 other ladies behind me.  I definitely wasn't super speedy, but I did manage to keep a decent 8 minute pace to keep the lead.  I finished in the same time as last week 24:05.  Robyn finished as second female and Manda finished as fourth female.  SB is having some issues with her leg/ankle, so she just walked it.  Needless to say - that girl walks at a jogging pace.  We went back to get her and bring  her in and none of us could walk at her pace.  We all had to break into a jog to keep up. 

Overall it was a good race and if the weather hadn't been so yucky (rainy, cold, dreary and snow looming) I think they might have gotten a few more runners.  This is a busy time for races though - I think there was a least two other races in the area.!

The rest of my day was really nice. I ran some errands and then came home to snuggle with my doggies, drink hot chocolate and watch the snow fall.  Today I have some cleaning to do and then my FAVORITEST little trick-or-treater is coming to visit.  I will be sure to take some pictures of that little cutie!

QOTD:  What is the earliest snowfall you've experienced?

TGIF...and winter weather already..

Another week has flown by and I've been absent from posting on my blog.  Oh well.  I'm sure I haven't been missed by too many.  I've been reading all of your blogs and living vicariously through your adventures and workouts. 

I've still been slacking on the whole working out/running stuff....  I don't know why, I've just been going through quite the slump and really hope I can fight my way out of it soon.  I did get out for a run today with my Sissy.  We met after school and did some zigging and zagging on the roads behind her house.  It is an easy run with lots of houses and trees to block the wind.  It was just enough to get my legs stretched out and ready for another 5k race jog tomorrow.  My baby sis and SIL are running the race too...we've contemplated running in snuggies and snow boots since we are getting some winter weather in OCTOBER! 

The crazy weatherman is forecasting 4-8 inches of the white stuff starting tonight and throughout tomorrow.  I even heard him say "heavy at times."  Ugh!  I didn't even get to enjoy fall.  Here we are skipping right on into winter.  

Oh well. I will survive the weather, but I'm not sure I'll survive the race based on the fuel I fed myself tonight.  I'm a hunter's widow again so just ME to feed and I settled on pizza, cheese filled pretzel bites, glass of green tea and now a glass of blackberry wine.  I should probably have skipped that last part.  Wait....I should have skipped all of it and had a healthy non-processed meal.  Oh well.  Live and Learn right?

I think today's motto is "Oh Well!" 

QOTD:  What have you "oh well-ed" lately?

Race Recap and Saturday Fun

What a nice Saturday being a hunting widow.  Amanda, SB and I had a great day yesterday as they too end up being hunting widows since all of our men spend the next month out in the woods.

We started our adventures by meeting up for the first Monster Dash to benefit a local elementary school.  We got there at the same time and went to pick up our race packets.  For an first time race it was pretty organized as far as race packets and getting started.  The race started on time and we took off following closely behind the leaders since it was a small race.  Right at the start we were suppose to turn right but the leader turned left.  They did not have any volunteers stationed at the corners to help direct the runners.  All they had was little 8 1/2 x 11 posters with a tiny arrow on it.  Luckily SB and I only went a few strides beyond the sign but we still had to fight with other runners and walkers to get back to the front of the pack.  It wasn't long before the leaders caught up and passed us.  Shortly after the first mile there was one other turn that was missed because the volunteer wasn't at the right spot - but that worked out ok. 

I liked the course it was generally flat and went by quickly after the boo-boos. From then on SB and I confirmed with every volunteer were to turn next.  Around mile 1.5, SB and I realized that we were 2nd and 3rd lady so we did our best to keep the spots even though we weren't trying to race. We finished strong and finished together  Amanda was just two minutes behind us for one of her best finished yet!! 

After the race, we came back to my place to get cleaned up and ready for lunch and a movie.  I've been itching to see Footloose so I convinced the girls to join me.  It was really well done I think.  Modernized but at the same time they kept the look and feel of the original Footloose with many of the same outfits.  We also did a little shopping and window browsing.

When I got home I enjoyed some time with my little doggies outside and eventually made my way back inside to clean and work on schoolwork.  I ended the night by cuddling up on the couch to enjoy yet another sappy hallmark movie.  They are silly and predictable but I enjoy them.  

Now it is time to start another gorgeous fall day here in the Northeast.  Since schoolwork is done I have the day to enjoy before the husband gets home from his hunting adventures.  Hummmm.....what will I get into today.

QOTD:  Have you ever made a wrong run in a race or gotten "lost"?

Monster Dash

Another busy week flew by for me.   But life is good!!  I had a good week at school and even got in two nice runs with my family.  We did just a a 3 miler on Tuesday and a quick 2 miler today but both runs got my legs all stretched out for tomorrow's Monster Dash.  This is the first race I've done since my half marathon in September and the first of two before Halloween.  A lot of people are dressing up in costume to run, but I think I will just go as a runner.  I'm not too creative this year.

Hunting season has started in my neck of the woods so I will have some more ME Time in the next few weeks which I am really looking forward to.  I use this time to get things done that I want to do, spend some time shopping, get my haircut, have some girl time with my sisters and spend some much needed time curled up on the couch with good movies and good books.

So tonight is my first night and I am off to a great start.  A cup of hot chocolate, a fuzzy blanket and playing catch up on a few tv shows.  Tomorrow the race, lunch-n-movies with the sisters and some time at home cleaning things up.

QOTD:  Do you have any fun Halloween races coming up?

Much Needed Cowboy Time

I just spent a wonderful day with my husband.  It was a much needed day date!  We took a road trip and went to the world famous Cabela's store.  That place is HUGE!  We go every now and then when Cowboy needs to stock up on some hunting stuff.  I, of course, found a few things too...new boots, a fleece jacket, warm underarmor type clothing, and comfy slippers.  We stopped and got lunch and then came home to get some things done around here on our neverending list. 

It is so nice to spend the day together not worrying about things and just enjoying our time together.  We don't do it often enough but when we do I am so thankful and grateful of the time together with my best friend.

This week was a busy one.  I never felt like I had my act together...it was just a rush here, rush there and hurry to get things done.  I haven't been doing so hot on my month goals, so I am going to focus on those this week and try to get back on track.  Still haven't done much running...but in my defense it has been raining alot again.  I had a Family Fun Run planned but it was raining pretty hard yesterday when I got out of school and it was that no fun, chilly cold rain so we decided to skip the run.

Tomorrow will be busy too but I hope to take the time to relax and maybe get some yoga or a run in.  My in-laws are coming to visit so I will be straightening up the house and getting some lunch ready for us.  I've been hungry for chicken corn soup so that is on the menu for tomorrow.  Sometime in there I need to work on some lesson plans too.  Before I call it a night I am going to work on touching up some of my pictures that I took of my beautiful niece and my sister and brother-in-law.  They didn't turn out too bad, but the lightening should have been much better so I have some tweaking to do.

The most delicious chicken

I have to apologize....this is a blog about alot of things, and when I originally started it, it focused on running.  I'm sorry I haven't been blogging much about running.  I've been in a little bit of a running rut lately.  I just haven't had the motivation.  Other things bounce in front of running.  School is keeping me busy and exhausted and by the time it is done, I'm ready to crash. I will come back to running...I always do...please bear with me while I gather some motivation and get my butt back into gear.

I like to keep things focused on not only running and excerise here on the blog but also like to talk about a ways to keep healthy.  I've really been taking a look lately at what I eat and the food I prepare not only for me but for my Cowboy too.  I get frustrated with cooking healthy, good-for-you-meals, because they take too long however, I am finding many ways to still do that but shorten the time.

My in-laws got me the Wolfgang Puck 5-Quart Electronic Pressure Cooker last christmas and I have used it quite a bit.  Not as much as I can or should...I'm getting there.  One of the best thing about this cooker is that it cooks things fast and they taste so good!

This gadget combines steam, heat, and pressure--while retaining all the nutrients and flavor of food.  It cuts cooking time down by 70%.  Today I cooked two split chicken breasts (bone in) for 15 minutes in my pressure cooker with cream of chicken soup and it was so tender, moist and DELICIOUS.   Just melt in your mouth delicious.  You can toss all kinds of things in this cooker...you can even delay the start up to 9 hours for those away from the kitchen during the day.  I haven't had anything turn out bad and am always amazed at how quick and delicious the end result is.  I've even put in a frozen pot roast and had it done and on the table in an hour.  It's great for vegetables and soups too.

Just thought I'd share today, one tool that helps me cook those good and healthy meals quickly.  I served the chicken tonight with steamed carrots and rice and it was a hit with Cowboy - plus we have leftover chicken to make chicken sandwiches tomorrow for lunch!  Win-win!

QOTD:  What kitchen tool makes your time in the kitchen easier?

Motivational Monday - Famous Quote

Last week I saw this great quote in an article about the life and successes of Steve Jobs.  I copied and pasted the quote and set it aside.  I love what it says and what it conveys for so many things in life - not just a job.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.  If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on."  Steve Jobs, Stanford University - 2005 commencement address.

Indian Summer

I love Indian Summer days.  It feels like fall, but with that touch of summer in the air which makes for another gorgeous day.  I got a lot done and had a chance to relax as well.

Richie and I got up early and went to help finish up the roof we were re-doing for my Aunt.  The boys got most of it done yesterday, so this morning it only took about 2 hours to finish up.  It is amazing how quickly roofing can get done when the roof is full of people the whole way across.  When we got home we got busy taking care of the garden to get it ready for winter.  I also got some other things ready for winter as well.

After all that hard work a nap was on the schedule before taking my beagles to the club to chase some rabbits around.  It was so beautiful this evening.  The club is out in the middle of nowhere and the running pen we were in is on top of the hill.  Here's a pictures from earlier this summer from the top of the hill and then a few cell phone pictures of the gorgeous sunset tonight.

Such a peaceful way to wrap up my wonderful day.  When we got home I cooked up some of my homegrown pumpkins and am anxiously waiting for breakfast.  I am going to try out Clean Eating Chelsey's very yummy looking oatmeal pumpkin pancakes.  I am also going to make up some pumpkin bread which I haven't made before and if I have any pumpkin left over a pumpkin pie will be next on the list.  In case, I haven't mentioned it...I.LOVE.FALL.!!!!!!  This is definitely my favorite time of the year for soooo many reasons.

QOTD:  What is your favorite pumpkin receipe?

Gorgeous Fall Day

We are finally having some gorgeous weather here in the Northeast.  Fall, my favorite time of year plus lots of sunshine and a fall like breeze makes for a happy girl.  I got a chance to meet up with my sisters for a run this afternoon.  First run since the half marathon on September 24th but I felt pretty good.  We didn't go very far or run very fast but I loved every minute of it because I was with my sisters and niece who babbled the whole way. 

Now it is time to curl up with a hot cup of tea, my cozy blankets, and a few doggies for some Friday night tv and of course probably an early bedtime.  I am quite the party animal on Friday as are most other school teachers.  I can hold it together all week but by the time Friday evening gets here my batteries are flashing a danger LOW, LOW, LOW warning and then...poof...lights are out.

This weekend looks gorgeous and I am looking forward to spending some time outside getting things around here ready for winter.  We got a list a mile long that I sure will keep us busy.  Hope ya'll have a great weekend?

QOTD:  Any fall like activities planned for your weekend?  I am going to plan some more time tomorrow to bake some fall goodies and cook down some of my pumpkins for some pumpkin bread.

Eating Healthy

This time of year is always crazy for me and because of that my fitness activites go by the wayside rather quickly.  So since I'm not exercising as much I find myself watching what I eat a lot more extensively.  Especially so the older I get.  I can't eat what I use to be able to eat anytime, anyplace I wanted.  I am also a lot more aware of what is healthy and good for me.  Although I don't do a great job, I am consciously trying to buy and prepare whole foods more often then I did before. 

I grew up eating a mix of whole foods and processed box foods - but often times homecooked, from scratch meals with food from the garden throughout the whole year.  But there in my twenties when it was all up to me, I ate out a lot more and made the quick and easy processed foods - from the box type of meals.  Not that they are BAD for you just not as good for you as fresh produce and whole foods.

Here's what I've learned in just a little bit of researching:

Processed foods are produced using manufacturing methods to transform raw ingredients into neatly packaged goods, which have a longer shelf life. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), flavors, preservatives, hydrogenated oil, fillers, and artificial sweeteners are just some of the artifical ingredients used in processed foods. Usually, consumers can prepare them quickly without a lot of time and effort. However, they don’t offer much in nutritional value. 

Whole foods are grown in orchards, gardens, or greenhouses, are unprocessed and unrefined, and have a shorter shelf life. These foods are authentically flavorful, have vibrant colors, and rich textures. Moreover, they are full of the micronutrient vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber. Typically, they require longer preparation times.  (Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/022175.html#ixzz1ZrBc7zvJ)

Along with thinking about the difference in those two, I find myself thinking more about my balanced meals and getting the "right foods" and "right amounts" from the food pryamid food plate. 



Source



I vote thumbs up for this new interpretation of the food pyramid.  Definitely a much different way of thinking about the types and quantity of foods you need to eat at each meal and in my own opinion a better way to think about things.  I think this is easy for kids to understand and that is where healthy eating really starts.  If a child is eating a well balanced, whole food type of meal often growing up they are more likely to stick with it or come back to it when they get older.

Just my two cents for the day....all spurred on by my whole foods dinner tonight as I work towards my goals for the month.

QOTD:  What do you think about the food plate?  How do you measure up?  Does your plate usually look like the diagram?  What kind of foods did you eat growing up versus the foods you eat today?

Happy Dance Misinterpreted

This morning I laid in bed and listened carefully holding my breathe. I didn't believe what my little ears heard, so I jumped out of bed and was so excited to see that it wasn't raining.  I did a little happy dance and started on with my day.  Not 30 minutes later it started to rain.  I think my happy dance was misinterpreted as a rain dance and I've learned my lesson.  I am hoping Mr.WeatherMan is right and the sun comes out to stick around a while on Wednesday and throughout the week.

I didn't managed to get a run in today due to a meeting after work, but I am going planning on a short two miles tomorrow with Copper and some yoga. I have Jillian's Yoga dvd but really need to do some shopping for some relaxing and meditative yoga dvds, not just power yoga.  Any favorites that you use?

Tonight I am going to work on some stretching to try to get some flexibility back and a few gazillion ab exercises.  I definitely need to figure out my fall/winter exercise routine here quickly.  I hate when my body adjusts to the seasons and doesn't look or feel the way I want it to. 

I also have a few questions for you overnight oats people....I am going to try some overnight oats for the first time tomorrow.  I've been eating a lot more oatmeal on the weekends, and have made it a few times before school, but usually end up running out of time.  So I whipped up some and put it in the fridge.  I don't think I will like them cold, can you heat them up in the morning??  Also, what are some of your favorite toppings?  I like the simple brown sugar but Saturday I tried some peanut butter on top and decided that was pretty delicious too.  Any recommendations?

Rain, rain, go away.

I can't believe it is raining again.  I should believe it by now, because that is all it does around here anymore.  We haven't seen very much of that big yellow ball in the sky.

I didn't get as much done as I wanted to yesterday, but I definitely had a chance to relax and take it easy.  I think today is another one of those days after I work on getting some lesson plans and grading done.  I made the house smell delicious yesterday with some baked goodies and I whipped up my favorite snack, Spinach and Artichoke dip.  It was so yummy.  Last night I made my homemade New England clam chowder and am looking forward to the leftovers on this rainy dreary day.

As for running, since this blog is suppose to be about running, it just hasn't been happening.  I hope it was just the month of September but I really struggled with getting myself out the door for a run.  I still enjoy running just not with the same passion that I had years ago.  I like to keep my fitness and cardio level up so I don't want to give up running but I just don't know how to motivate myself to stick with it.  The only tried and true way for me is to put some races on my calendar.  If I know that I have a race coming up I usually manage to get myself out the door.  So I thought I would put together a few goals and races for October.

• Run at least 2 days a week but hopefully 3
• Do Yoga or Pilates once a week
• Do two 5k's at the end of October
• Make two clean-eating (non processed food) meals a week
• Make overnight oats at least twice a week for breakfast
• Blog at least three times a week to keep myself accountable

Hopefully those goals help me to keep on track a little better as I start to get into my fall/winter schedule.  I am finding it challenging to balance a lot of stuff this year and I don't know why that is. Maybe it is old age setting in.  Ugh to getting older!

QOTD:  Does setting goals or planning races help keep you on track?

A month long hiatus....

...but I've returned!  Hello Friends!  Sorry to be gone so long from the writing end of the blogging world.  I stopped posting my own blogs this past month, but I didn't stop reading yours.  I enjoyed keeping up with you but just didn't have the motivation or time to get my own thoughts down onto the keyboarding and into the computer.

September was and always is a crazy month and I am kindaof glad it is over with.  I'm ready for things to get back to normal and into a routine.  Just a quick recap of what happened at the end of August and all of September - in bullet form because I'd  never have time to type it all out in paragraph form

• Finished half marathon below my goal time, but finished strong
• Back to school preparations and in service
• Busy working with a student teacher
• Severe allergies, resulting in a crazy sinus infection
• Labor Day 5k all stuffy and barely able to breathe
• Flood and no school for 2 1/2 days
• Roads and bridges washed out
• Adjusting to a crazy teaching schedule with middle school and high school kids
• Lots of Lesson Planning
• My Sister's Wedding Weekend with rehersal dinner, bachelorette party, wedding, reception, and gift opening/eatalltheleftoverfood gathering.
• Still fighting a crazy sinus infection
• Air Show and Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Doctors and dentists appointments
• Shopping for a new car
• Rain, rain and more rain can really dampen your spirits
• Another half marathon with crazy hills and only 4 days of running during the month of September.  Rough...but I finished in 2 hrs and 12 mins.
• Buying a new car
• Surviving the month of September

The shadow of our hot air balloon.

6 of the 9 balloons that went up for a ride that day.

The Balloon Glow!  What a neat adventure!

Oi!  After typing all that I am really glad that October is here.  Fall weather, cooler temps, leaves changing colors, the smell of apples and pumpkins baking....my favorite time of the year.  Today is a day to get myself back into the grove.  Cleaning my house, decorating for fall, baking apples and desserts, making homemade applesause, and making homemade New England clam chowder in a bread bowl.  YUMMY!

Here's hoping October treats me well and I will be back soon to write again.  I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!! 

QOTD:  What month of the year is always craziest for you??