I consider myself an active person. I run on a semi-regular basis and race a couple of times a year. I don't race to be competitive but more to support causes or to have fun with friends. I'm also a track and cross country coach...so I have to be active to teach as well as to keep up with the team.
However I find that I'm in my mid 30's and my body doesn't respond as well to running as it used to. Meaning that I am not 20 year old thin anymore. Heck I'm not even 30 year old thin with a little effort thin. I'm quickly approaching the 40 year old frumpy mom despite having trained for and "raced" in two half marathons this year and a few 5ks as well.
I spent my summer running but mostly nursing a diagnosis of planter fasciitis. By nursing I did my physical therapy at home a few days a week and only running once or twice a week. I delayed the full recovery because I refused to fully stop running...please don't lecture I'm a big girl and know how to behave better. I also spent some time on my bike until I backed over it after practice one day. Don't ask. I might also mention that I LOVE summer because I can swim. Any time I can get into a pool or lake I do. And it helps that my daughter is a fish.
And as summer came to an end and I had to start putting on my winter clothing again I discovered that my pants were a little tight around the waist and that a muffin top became an official part of me. I discovered the lovely bra strap/band lumps are there and proudly displaying themselves through my lumpy sweaters despite my trying to layer things to hide them.
Now my husband claims to still find me intensely sexy and physically desirable. So I have to take his word for it because frankly... I don't see myself that way at all. I can only see my imperfections that crept up since May...maybe even sooner. Probably sooner because one doesn't get this lumpy in just a few months... I just happened to notice it now that my training has come to a stand-still.
So the week before Thanksgiving I decided to get back to my real self. The self I want to see in the mirror every day like I used to. I look at this two fold; if I feel better about myself in looks that is a win, and if I physically get back in shape I'm keeping myself healthier longer for my family and that is an immense win for myself not to mention my children.
So my first day of getting back into shape ended up being a Turkey Trot type race. A few days before the Thanksgiving holiday but still within that theme. I ran a decent race despite huffing wind. Ended up first in my age group...don't ask me how because my time was not brag worthy at all. And left feeling that I can do this! Oh and for my first run since the diagnosis my foot didn't hurt during the run, later that day, or even the next day!!!
I logged a few more miles here and there as time permitted. I even started training a co-worker who wants to get back in shape. So I added some stairs at the local high school stadium and laps to go with them as well. Didn't hurt like I expected so I guess I'm off to a good start.
Finally got my coaching pay from cross country season in November (it's one lump sum with all those lovely taxes taken out also in one lump sum). I took enough money from what the government left me as change from paying my taxes and bought myself a gym membership at the place across the street from where I work which also happens to be only 1/2 a mile from my house. So I now have six months to lift and trim and define. I promise to be dedicated and loyal to the gym over these winter months.
I also happened to sign up for a half marathon. Details on that later... no carts before the horse here. My goal is to beat my last PR because this lifting is going to be excellent cross training and it's going to help me lose some weight so I'm able to cut time just on stronger muscles and lost fat alone. I'm being optimistic that my age doesn't counteract the improvement I'm setting myself up for. Anyone that hits the wall in their 30's knows what I'm talking about. Mine came at 34 and my body just said f*#$ you you're not 21 anymore. Since then I've been fighting a battle... details found above!
Despite promising myself to be loyal to my gym life has already gotten in the way and I've only been there three times in two weeks. My goal is three times a week. I also need a training plan and advice on how to lose weight without cutting my calories to 1200 day and drinking three protein drinks a day because I just don't see how running half marathons works with 1200 calorie diets... I mean I could be wrong but I'm going to see a nutritionist to find out for sure.
So that's my opening run-down of what is going to officially be happening in my life over the next six months. At the end of that time... I'll be running my half. Do the math and see what's available in Ohio during that time span to take a guess at which race... I promise in a month or so to tell you anyhow. It's not something as exciting as Boston so don't get your panties in a wad trying to figure it out. Again I'm not brag worthy so it's nothing that amazing!
I plan on being an active blogger to hold myself accountable. And heck maybe even find a few running buddies along the way. Hopefully after today I'll have pictures to post too. But I'm not so good at the selfie stuff so it's going to be pictures of shoes, trees, energy snacks... you know runner stuff but nothing too exciting! :) Any maybe, just maybe I'll attain the actual goal of losing this muffin top because I'd much rather eat a muffin then wear one!
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Food in America
I have been doing a lot of reading lately about the food in our country. Watched Food Inc. and that really had me go from disliking meat to not being able to stomach it at all. I was eating chicken and now can hardly get a bite down. I remember to check labels on all proteins to see what country it came from... in recent news I've seen too much about the seafood products from China. I won't buy anything from there in any food item.
Recently just read "Grow the Good Life, Why a Vegetable Garden Will Make You Happy, Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise" by Michele Owens. Loved it! Owens talks about her own experiences in garden gives mostly her opinion why you should do it versus buying from a store, and even throws in a few facts here and there to back up her opinions. A quick and fun read that had me designing my dream garden. Now I just have to find a yard with a little less shade and a lot more area to do what I want. I do know that next year instead of trying to plant corn and tomatoes in my garden they are going in my front flower bed where the sun actually shines! The melons grew in the limited light but the tomatoes are just now getting ripe and I started those as seedlings in my front windowsill in the wee hours of April! The cold chills at night here will finish my tomatoes off while they remain green. And folks... I'm not a green tomato eater. Sorry.
I've been growing an organic garden since I put my first one in when I was 21. Ten years later I still get a decent crop of food without pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. I did use some fertilizer in my garden last year because the soil in a home test came back completely neutral and it was a first time dig. Never had a garden at this house so it was a necessity to amend the soil. I've continued to kill weeks by pulling and scalding with boiling hot water left over from canning! I use newspapers and leaves to create mulch and with much success! Plus as they decompose I am finding a health touch of soil where clay only once existed. The house was a foreclosure and the couple that owned it was older... they did not get out and garden much at all before losing the place and the weeds had taken over everything!!! It is a work in progress on a limited budget as I am not working outside the home. But progress is being made!
We see articles by well thought of people such as Dr. Mehmet Oz (of Oprah fame), published in Time, "The Oz Diet, No more myths..." It was an interesting read. And yes, we all really should know this information. It's about the four food groups that were in the 1940s known as the "basic seven" and how we need to watch our intake of them in a balanced manner which is why we now have "MyPlate" instead of the food pyramid. Not sure if the plate is more appealing and if it will help me eat healthier vs the pyramid, but the point is...we need to watch how much of what we consume. So not only do we need to watch what we eat to balance our diets we need to watch what we eat so we don't eat things that will hurt our bodies chemically because they are artificial.
There are countless articles about food dyes, preservatives, etc... and how they affect us, our children, and the environment. Sorry I don't find it healthy to eat a pudding colored bright blue when it is chocolate flavored and to find that all foods that pass through you for the next 24 hours or so are dyed that same blue. Something doesn't seem right there!!! It is not natural! Which leads me into another article I think everyone should read. The September 2011 Women's Health had an article titled "Frankenfish, The Scary Way our Food Supply is Being Screwed With."
We have no clue what genetically modified foods will do to our bodies in the long run. We do know that since they have been permitted into our food chain allergies have double in a ten year time span. Now we are looking at the possibility of salmon being put through this process and served on our plates without our being made aware. We need to know what we are eating. Things need labels. DNA is a crazy thing to mess with. We know that the results while on the outside can be great... can also be bad. Think two headed sheep! Is GMO salmon safe to eat. I don't know yet, no one does. But I do know that I want to know if my fish is a GMO or not before I purchase it. Just like when I check the ingredients on a box of processed food. I want to know what chemicals are in there.
I may be a far was off from being a scientist but I can make observations and put the information that is available together and come to a conclusion. The efforts of American corporations to provide as much as possible as cost effectively as possible has become a greed factor at the expense of the health of American citizens. We cannot continue in this direction or we will as many are foretelling ruin our food supply and cause starvation. We won't have to wait for natural disasters to do this for us! Eventually we will make it impossible to grow anything from seed because nothing will have seeds in them, or Monsanto will own them all and you as well if you continue to support all their efforts here and abroad.
I know, I know. I'm not quoting things specifically. I'm basing it upon things I've read that I didn't keep in my possession but passed on, or that I saw online, or on television... but still it is out there and these are all ideas, issues, companies, etc... that we keep hearing about on a regular basis. What I'm asking of everyone is to make sure that they are informed consumers. You don't necessarily have to choose green/organic because it is expensive. But you can chose the companies you buy from based upon business practices. The dollar you spend for each meal is your vote. If big corporations have too much power in Congress as it appears they currently do since the USDA has no rights to deal with GMO foods...use your money to speak up. Stop buying from companies that are not being ethically, morally, and socially, responsible. We may not live to the day things go downhill faster then we can go up shit creek, but our children and grandchildren probably will. Think about the legacy you will leave them. Do you really want them to starve to death because you could only think of yourself now?
Sorry if I come across a little harsh to those of you that are already trying to be responsible. But I'm hoping that the rest of you get that little nudge to move in the correct direction!!!
If you have a great article, book, video you think I would enjoy please let me know. I devour all good reads and use them to inform my little world!
Recently just read "Grow the Good Life, Why a Vegetable Garden Will Make You Happy, Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise" by Michele Owens. Loved it! Owens talks about her own experiences in garden gives mostly her opinion why you should do it versus buying from a store, and even throws in a few facts here and there to back up her opinions. A quick and fun read that had me designing my dream garden. Now I just have to find a yard with a little less shade and a lot more area to do what I want. I do know that next year instead of trying to plant corn and tomatoes in my garden they are going in my front flower bed where the sun actually shines! The melons grew in the limited light but the tomatoes are just now getting ripe and I started those as seedlings in my front windowsill in the wee hours of April! The cold chills at night here will finish my tomatoes off while they remain green. And folks... I'm not a green tomato eater. Sorry.
I've been growing an organic garden since I put my first one in when I was 21. Ten years later I still get a decent crop of food without pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. I did use some fertilizer in my garden last year because the soil in a home test came back completely neutral and it was a first time dig. Never had a garden at this house so it was a necessity to amend the soil. I've continued to kill weeks by pulling and scalding with boiling hot water left over from canning! I use newspapers and leaves to create mulch and with much success! Plus as they decompose I am finding a health touch of soil where clay only once existed. The house was a foreclosure and the couple that owned it was older... they did not get out and garden much at all before losing the place and the weeds had taken over everything!!! It is a work in progress on a limited budget as I am not working outside the home. But progress is being made!
We see articles by well thought of people such as Dr. Mehmet Oz (of Oprah fame), published in Time, "The Oz Diet, No more myths..." It was an interesting read. And yes, we all really should know this information. It's about the four food groups that were in the 1940s known as the "basic seven" and how we need to watch our intake of them in a balanced manner which is why we now have "MyPlate" instead of the food pyramid. Not sure if the plate is more appealing and if it will help me eat healthier vs the pyramid, but the point is...we need to watch how much of what we consume. So not only do we need to watch what we eat to balance our diets we need to watch what we eat so we don't eat things that will hurt our bodies chemically because they are artificial.
There are countless articles about food dyes, preservatives, etc... and how they affect us, our children, and the environment. Sorry I don't find it healthy to eat a pudding colored bright blue when it is chocolate flavored and to find that all foods that pass through you for the next 24 hours or so are dyed that same blue. Something doesn't seem right there!!! It is not natural! Which leads me into another article I think everyone should read. The September 2011 Women's Health had an article titled "Frankenfish, The Scary Way our Food Supply is Being Screwed With."
We have no clue what genetically modified foods will do to our bodies in the long run. We do know that since they have been permitted into our food chain allergies have double in a ten year time span. Now we are looking at the possibility of salmon being put through this process and served on our plates without our being made aware. We need to know what we are eating. Things need labels. DNA is a crazy thing to mess with. We know that the results while on the outside can be great... can also be bad. Think two headed sheep! Is GMO salmon safe to eat. I don't know yet, no one does. But I do know that I want to know if my fish is a GMO or not before I purchase it. Just like when I check the ingredients on a box of processed food. I want to know what chemicals are in there.
I may be a far was off from being a scientist but I can make observations and put the information that is available together and come to a conclusion. The efforts of American corporations to provide as much as possible as cost effectively as possible has become a greed factor at the expense of the health of American citizens. We cannot continue in this direction or we will as many are foretelling ruin our food supply and cause starvation. We won't have to wait for natural disasters to do this for us! Eventually we will make it impossible to grow anything from seed because nothing will have seeds in them, or Monsanto will own them all and you as well if you continue to support all their efforts here and abroad.
I know, I know. I'm not quoting things specifically. I'm basing it upon things I've read that I didn't keep in my possession but passed on, or that I saw online, or on television... but still it is out there and these are all ideas, issues, companies, etc... that we keep hearing about on a regular basis. What I'm asking of everyone is to make sure that they are informed consumers. You don't necessarily have to choose green/organic because it is expensive. But you can chose the companies you buy from based upon business practices. The dollar you spend for each meal is your vote. If big corporations have too much power in Congress as it appears they currently do since the USDA has no rights to deal with GMO foods...use your money to speak up. Stop buying from companies that are not being ethically, morally, and socially, responsible. We may not live to the day things go downhill faster then we can go up shit creek, but our children and grandchildren probably will. Think about the legacy you will leave them. Do you really want them to starve to death because you could only think of yourself now?
Sorry if I come across a little harsh to those of you that are already trying to be responsible. But I'm hoping that the rest of you get that little nudge to move in the correct direction!!!
If you have a great article, book, video you think I would enjoy please let me know. I devour all good reads and use them to inform my little world!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Baby Diapers
Many of you know of my gripes with diapers. I have been a tried and true loyal fan of Pampers because they are the overall most dependable for leaks, fit, comfort, retain ability, even coupons/price!!! I have tried Huggies several times and while they are cute they seem to run small for the poundage of my babies! My youngest is under 14 pounds but those size one diapers are just too small already. Forget about the newborns which my children were both born too large for from day one!
I received some Huggies Umbilical Cord care diapers for my newborn and loved the idea. Design looked good but when I utilized them I quickly found that my little boy would pee right out of the diapers and I was changing his clothes frequently. Plus due to laying on his back the pee would run up his belly right into his umbilical cord that I was trying to protect and well create a potential germ issue!
Huggies was generous when I complained about the quality of their product and they gave me a coupon for a free pack of diapers and a dollar off coupon for the next pack. I got the free pack but I was not thrilled with them either. I doubt I'll be using the other coupon.
In my search for being a greener mom that does not want to use cloth diapers outside of the home, I purchased a pack of the Seventh Generation diapers. These are a good size 1 fit, they absorb almost as much as Pampers (should we really be leaving our children in diapers for the amount of time they can actually keep filling those diapers?!?), and they don't stick to his little boy parts as Pampers sometimes do. I'm not sure what all goes into making Seventh Generation a better diaper but they are Chlorine free, fragrance and latex free too. I'm please enough that I will buy more of these diapers when I have coupons because they are a little pricier than pampers. Everything green is pricier!
I haven't tried Earth's Best brand out yet but I do have a pack in the baby room waiting its turn. I'll keep you posted on them soon! My hope is that I receive cloth diapers at my baby shower this coming weekend so I can use them at home. I don't just look at things from a Green standpoint but also what works for a family and is practical too. Who really wants to be lugging around cloth diapers to a zoo with the family?
Any other brands out there you suggest? I've tried Target, Walmart, and Luvs with the first baby and probably won't use again unless I have to. My first child had allergic reactions to Walmart brand, Target just didn't beat Pampers, and Luvs was a lumpy fit for my active child.
I received some Huggies Umbilical Cord care diapers for my newborn and loved the idea. Design looked good but when I utilized them I quickly found that my little boy would pee right out of the diapers and I was changing his clothes frequently. Plus due to laying on his back the pee would run up his belly right into his umbilical cord that I was trying to protect and well create a potential germ issue!
Huggies was generous when I complained about the quality of their product and they gave me a coupon for a free pack of diapers and a dollar off coupon for the next pack. I got the free pack but I was not thrilled with them either. I doubt I'll be using the other coupon.
In my search for being a greener mom that does not want to use cloth diapers outside of the home, I purchased a pack of the Seventh Generation diapers. These are a good size 1 fit, they absorb almost as much as Pampers (should we really be leaving our children in diapers for the amount of time they can actually keep filling those diapers?!?), and they don't stick to his little boy parts as Pampers sometimes do. I'm not sure what all goes into making Seventh Generation a better diaper but they are Chlorine free, fragrance and latex free too. I'm please enough that I will buy more of these diapers when I have coupons because they are a little pricier than pampers. Everything green is pricier!
I haven't tried Earth's Best brand out yet but I do have a pack in the baby room waiting its turn. I'll keep you posted on them soon! My hope is that I receive cloth diapers at my baby shower this coming weekend so I can use them at home. I don't just look at things from a Green standpoint but also what works for a family and is practical too. Who really wants to be lugging around cloth diapers to a zoo with the family?
Any other brands out there you suggest? I've tried Target, Walmart, and Luvs with the first baby and probably won't use again unless I have to. My first child had allergic reactions to Walmart brand, Target just didn't beat Pampers, and Luvs was a lumpy fit for my active child.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Remember Clearly Canadian?
Way back when... when I was a teenager I used to drink Clearly Canadian sparkling water beverages! They were the highlight to my lunch at Band Camp those couple of summers too! That and playing football with the cute drummers and "forgetting" what time it was to intentionally miss returning to practice! I'm not sure when Clearly Canadian slipped off the shelves to never return but I have missed them since. I did find a product the other day by Ocean Spray that reminds me of my old favorite. I recommend drinking the Sparkling Pomegranate Blueberry water beverage if you want to be reminded of the past and to enjoy in the present. I'll be purchasing the other flavors in the future to try as well.
What food item did you enjoy as a kid, teen, adult... that you cannot find anymore?
What food item did you enjoy as a kid, teen, adult... that you cannot find anymore?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Military Pay
Being that I was a past member of the military and had to rely on a steady paycheck... (don't we all?) I can feel their pain as they are being told that as of today they may not be getting paid for awhile!!! Granted single soldiers may not have as many expenses as families and officers and high ranking enlisted have great paychecks... those that fall in between probably are living paycheck to paycheck like so many other Americans. The difference is if my husband stopped getting paid from his employer, he could quit and find another job, file a claim in small claims court and get his money eventually. If someone is in the military they don't get to quit just because they are not getting paid.
Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Tea Party, whatever party you belong to... if you are voting on the Government's budget today, do your job and get it done!!! Perhaps you do not agree on all aspects of it but instead of bickering over how one group wants this many millions in cuts from here and there and this other group wants to double that... compromise.
I highly doubt each of these Congressmen/women will take their pay and use it to pay the late payments fees for the military members that have to wait on their paychecks. I highly doubt that those that are still getting paid are feeling the pain of those who will not. Until that budget gets approved, all of Washington in charge of approving the budget should receive no paychecks either. And if there is anything in the budget being argued about in regards to health benefits, etc... anything related to a benefit a government official may have in some shape or form... they should receive a freeze on those similar benefits.
The lives of individuals should not be taken so carelessly. Each person affected by the lack of approval of the budget may suffer negative consequenses that are hard to foresee at this present moment. Responsibility as a Congressperson is not to be taken lightly and when you become a public official you are to represent the public not your political party!!!
Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Tea Party, whatever party you belong to... if you are voting on the Government's budget today, do your job and get it done!!! Perhaps you do not agree on all aspects of it but instead of bickering over how one group wants this many millions in cuts from here and there and this other group wants to double that... compromise.
I highly doubt each of these Congressmen/women will take their pay and use it to pay the late payments fees for the military members that have to wait on their paychecks. I highly doubt that those that are still getting paid are feeling the pain of those who will not. Until that budget gets approved, all of Washington in charge of approving the budget should receive no paychecks either. And if there is anything in the budget being argued about in regards to health benefits, etc... anything related to a benefit a government official may have in some shape or form... they should receive a freeze on those similar benefits.
The lives of individuals should not be taken so carelessly. Each person affected by the lack of approval of the budget may suffer negative consequenses that are hard to foresee at this present moment. Responsibility as a Congressperson is not to be taken lightly and when you become a public official you are to represent the public not your political party!!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
One Day to Go!!!
Still pregnant! Yes, lol everyone keeps asking. Tomorrow is the due date and baby apparently is comfy right where baby is! My daughter is ready to have me play with her and she is getting tired of the belly being in the way all the time now, as am I! Ultrasound yesterday went well. Fluids are good, baby is at least 7lbs and some odd ounces. I'm recently recovered from the flu and ready for the big day. Even my husband has his hospital overnight bag packed!
My husband took two weeks off for vacation but at this rate he will be back to work before baby arrives! At least we have some good family time together between now and baby arrival. He has been a wonderful help with cleaning around the house, doing some lifting, driving me around to the grocery store and doctor appointments, whatever I ask of him.
I did insist that he attend school while on vacation because that is so important of course so he can get high grades and finish his bachelor's degree. And I figure even if I went into labor while he was in school by the time I called him and he got home I will probably have just gotten a babysitter to the house for my daughter, my last minute items for the hospital bag packed, etc...
I worked so hard to make sure that I did not have big projects to take care of around baby arrival time that I am almost bored in the house. Today my daughter wanted to look at all my jewelry in my jewelry box. It was actually a good thing because after she dug everything out I was able to put it all back away neatly and with a few less pieces! Spring cleaning I guess! Working on some scrap booking I fell behind on. Lots of reading fact, fiction, and everything passed on to me to borrow! Still, it would be nice if the weather outside would cooperate and warm up to normal spring temps so I could go outside and do a little yard work or at the very least play on the swing set with Eliz!!!
So that's life in a few paragraphs. I'll keep you posted as to how baby is whenever baby decides to arrive! In the meantime enjoy the other posts about specific interests!
My husband took two weeks off for vacation but at this rate he will be back to work before baby arrives! At least we have some good family time together between now and baby arrival. He has been a wonderful help with cleaning around the house, doing some lifting, driving me around to the grocery store and doctor appointments, whatever I ask of him.
I did insist that he attend school while on vacation because that is so important of course so he can get high grades and finish his bachelor's degree. And I figure even if I went into labor while he was in school by the time I called him and he got home I will probably have just gotten a babysitter to the house for my daughter, my last minute items for the hospital bag packed, etc...
I worked so hard to make sure that I did not have big projects to take care of around baby arrival time that I am almost bored in the house. Today my daughter wanted to look at all my jewelry in my jewelry box. It was actually a good thing because after she dug everything out I was able to put it all back away neatly and with a few less pieces! Spring cleaning I guess! Working on some scrap booking I fell behind on. Lots of reading fact, fiction, and everything passed on to me to borrow! Still, it would be nice if the weather outside would cooperate and warm up to normal spring temps so I could go outside and do a little yard work or at the very least play on the swing set with Eliz!!!
So that's life in a few paragraphs. I'll keep you posted as to how baby is whenever baby decides to arrive! In the meantime enjoy the other posts about specific interests!
PHILADELPHIA Cooking Creme
Hello everyone! I joined Kraft First Taste awhile back and get some nifty coupons to try things for great discounts and/or free. Love the program and how it helps me to find new ways to cook for the family. The most recent item I received from the program is the new Cooking Creme that they have introduced. I tried the Santa Fe flavor and found it to be just the right amount of creamy and spicy together. Even my four year old that is not really into spicy yet loved it. My husband really only eats chicken when he eats meat and this is what I tried it on. I didn't even do anything special just cooked the chicken and just before taking it out of the pan I added the creme stirred it around until all the chicken was coated and the creme was warmed up. When I can feed the whole family one item I am happy and dinner is a success!!! Thanks to Philadelphia and their product line my family can have a healthy dinner that includes a little more variety!!!
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