Training Setbacks

January pretty much sucked in terms of running. I was having problems with my back, leading my chiro to suggest that I get x-rays done to see what was going on. Turns out I have a really weird curve to my lower back. Now I need to get physical therapy to build up the muscles around the spine and hold it in place, to keep it from curving back again.

With all the back pain, I had to stop my half-marathon training. The race I was training for, the American Cancer Society DertermiNation, is at the end of this month, and there was just no way I was going to be ready. I am so bummed!! But I need to take it easier and not injure myself even further.

Last week I had a stomach bug and was still dealing with back issues, so I missed running for an entire week. Not cool!! But, I finally got to the gym this morning and ran an easy 3 miles, it felt great! I am still hoping to run the Run For Your Lives Zombie Run in May, and I think I'm going to then train for another half-marathon in October: The Amica Half-Marathon in Newport, RI. I'm excited about this one because I love Newport, it is so beautiful!! And since it is in October, that gives me plenty of time to take it easy and train at a healthy pace.

I've got a list of books going on running and marathons and such, including Chi Running, The Runner's World Running for Mortals, and Marathon.

Any runners out there with other books they would recommend?

Training Setbacks

Bit by the Running Bug!

Yesterday I ran the 5th Annual Lone Gull 10K.

One year ago, I was almost 50lbs heavier and could not walk up the stairs without getting out of breath. If you had told me back then that in one year I would be almost 50lbs lighter and run a 10K, I would have laughed.

I think it's just hitting me now that I actually ran a 10K! Granted I did not run the entire time but I ran a good portion of it, and I finished. That was my goal, just to finish.

The course was absolutely gorgeous, it was by the ocean and the views on the beach were wonderful! I ran it with a friend, so it really was a lot of fun! My legs are so sore but it was really worth it!

I'm hooked :) I'm finishing up my training with Couch to 5K, and then will do a 10K program and then 1/2 marathon, then marathon, etc.

I can't wait for my next race!

Bit by the Running Bug!

This Could Easily Become An Addiction.

On Sunday I am running my first race, a 10K. My friend somehow convinced me to sign up even though the most I've ever run is 3 miles.

I should do ok, right?

It's by the ocean, so it's not a bad place to perish if I end up dying by the side of the road.

And to show you how hilarious I think the idea of me running a race is, from my FB page:

• • E posted toShelly

    I'm going to cheer you on with inspirational phrases throughout the race on Sunday. For example: Sweating is your body crying and begging you to stop.

    · · See Friendship · 21 hours ago

    • You, S, J, L and 2 others like this.
    • • 

        Shelly Or, "Run like hell and get the agony over with."
      • 
        E Oh sh!t there's a tiger behind us! Don't look!

        20 hours ago · · 1 person
      • 

        Shelly Run till you puke!

        
        
      • E Or, puke first and run second.

        20 hour ago · · 1 person
      • 

        Shelly Enjoy your pain, you've earned it.
      • 
        
      • 

        Shelly Distance chicks do it long and hard. We need a shirt that says that.

What are your favorite songs to run to? Or favorite inspirational quotes?

This Could Easily Become An Addiction.

Garden Geek

It's been raining a lot here lately, but I'm not complaining. It's refreshing. And, my garden loves it.

The Knight teases me because the girls have started to refer to the garden as "Mommy's outside babies." I guess I am a little attached to it. I go out every morning to say good morning and check on the plants, and again in the afternoon. I take lots of pictures of it. And when I'm outside playing with the kids, it is not unusual to hear me talk to the plants.

Oh well. I'm just so thrilled to have finally been able to grow something, I'm am completely geeking out over it. I'm already trying to see if there is a way to expand the garden next year. Plus, I can't believe how incredibly easy it has been! Square foot gardening is definitely the way to go; I've had to weed the garden only twice now, and it took about five minutes to do. Super quick and easy.

I've got plenty of fresh green in my fridge and my spinach is coming up nicely. The onions and carrots are getting bigger, and the broccoli plants are huge!

How is your garden doing so far? What is your favorite vegetable to grow?

Garden Geek

This is Good

Yesterday I went grocery shopping with a two page list.

I got 98% of my groceries from the produce section. This felt really, really good.

I've been studying nutrition lately, specifically how it relates to health. And as a family, we've started the slow process of becoming vegan. Healthy vegans who get the bulk of our nutrition from nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables (and beans, etc.).

As someone who does not like to cook, this has certainly made for an interesting experience in the kitchen. But, I'm getting better. I'm actually starting to enjoy cooking. And shhhh, don't tell anyone, but it is even starting to become a little relaxing for me.

I did tell The Knight that our next house needs to have a large kitchen. No compromise there.

It's been a nice way to start of the new year. Doing something for myself and my family's health.

Any other vegans out there? Would love some tips, tricks, favorite recipes....

This is Good

And So, I Run

I'm on week 3 of the Couch to 5K program and I am feeling great. I can walk up the stairs now without getting out of breathe. I have more energy. My pants are loose. Life is good.

Plus, there's something so peaceful about running in the early morning. I actually look forward to it. Being alone, sans kids, watching the sun come up as I run, feeling the early morning mist on my face...definitely my new favorite way of recharging my batteries.

There are a couple of parks in my area with tracks, but I find that I love to go up to my old high school and run in their football field. The grass gets my feet wet, but it is so peaceful up there on the hill, with the windmill to keep me company. I just had to take some pictures:

So, to all those people who told me how fun and relaxing and great running is, you were so right.

And so, I run.

And So, I Run

More on Eating Wholesome Foods

I recently came across a couple more links with great information about the dangers of additives that are in our food.

First, Simple Mom has a great post up written by a health columnist about the three top additives to eliminate from your diet. According to the author, by eliminating High Fructose Corn Syrup, trans fats, and dyes with numbers after them, we will eliminate 90% of the junk food that we eat. It's great article that is very helpful for when you are checking out the nutrition labels, so head on over and check it out.

Also, if you want more specific information on what exactly the dangers are with High Fructose Corn Syrup, then you must read Change Your World. Evelyn not only outlines the dangers of HFCS, but also gives a list of the most popular products that contain HFCS and a link to where you can find out which products do not contain HFCS. From her post:

Excess fructose intake has been associated with adverse health effects such as:metabolic syndrome, elevated triglyceride levels, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, excess uric acid levels (associated with gout), and elevated levels of advanced glycation end products (linked with aging and complications of diabetes).Excess fructose intake may contribute to hypertension. High blood pressure is a well-known comorbidity associated with obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperlipidemia.

I know that we have been trying to eat less products that contain HFCS, but now we are going to eliminate it as much as possible.

What are your favorite links that guide you in eating wholesome foods?

More on Eating Wholesome Foods

Feeding My Children Wholesome Goodness

My birthday is coming up and I want a bread maker.

I'm sick of reading labels on food and seeing things I can pronounce, things that can be potentially harmful to my children.

Today I am over at API Speaks, the official blog for Attachment Parenting.org giving tips on feeding your children wholesome foods. Click here to read my post.

Feeding My Children Wholesome Goodness

Walking For Health, Walking For Her

Once in a while, when I am particularly down and in need of some love and support, I catch a whiff of my grandmother’s perfume.

My grandmother passed away right before Christmas in 2004 after a long battle with many types of cancer, breast cancer included.

My grandmother did a lot to hold our family together. She was a funny, loving, and generous person who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. When she passed, a lot of our family traditions left with her; it was then we realized how important these traditions, and family in general, was to her.

I’m sure everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer. We call them mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and daughters. We call them heroes and survivors, and sometimes they are called angels.

For the past two months, I have been walking with my mother to get in shape. Often, while we are walking, we remember my grandmother and tell fond memories that she gave us. These walks are very special to me, and great for my physical health. Now, these walks can mean even more.

BeeWell Miles is sponsoring this post because they believe they can make a difference and want to get the word out. If you are walking or running to get in shape, join BeeWell Miles and log the miles that you walk or run each day. For every mile logged, BeeWell Miles will donate $0.15 for the Breast Cancer Network of Strength, an organization that helps emotionally support women like my Grandmother, who did not have enough time to wait for a cure.

I’ve already joined (it’s FREE) and I am amazed at everything BeeWell Miles offers. Not only can you log your meals and miles, but they have a great Nutrition and Activity balancing tool, and article series on exercising by Coach Jenny, Training, the ability to map your route, and Sudoku, so you can keep your brain healthy too. Plus you can get extra support through their online community and daily sweepstakes are available for you to enter.

Let’s help BeeWell Miles reach their goal of $200,000 to donate to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. Click here to join.

Walking For Health, Walking For Her