Wednesday, December 31, 2008

2009 already!?!?!?

A new year….wow. 2008 flew by. I am one of those people that really cherish the beginning of a new year, a fresh slate, a clean start. I think those of us that are planners to a fault (I freaking love making list and filling out calendar) get a little giddy around Jan 1. This year is no exception. When I look back on 2008, it is filled with mixed emotions. The year got off to a horrible start with the unsuspected, premature death of my father. My father and I were did not have the type of relationship where we talked every day or even month, mostly he just answered the phone when I called and we exchanged small talk, but we were undeniably close as I was always daddy’s little girl. We were so much alike that it was hard to not feel like he was part of my cloth. I go many days without thinking about him and then BAM it hits me – my father is dead, I am 29 years old and have no father. It is usually something little a white Explorer will drive by (what he drove) or a box of chocolate covered cherries will sneak up on me in a store (his fav) and my insides will be reduced to mush. It’s almost been a year, but it doesn’t sting any less.

The months that followed I was very numb and I don’t recall many particulars, but I had some definite fitness highlights. I was training for the Cincinnati marathon and was very proud of myself b/c I got out there in many a snowstorm and ran my butt off, many times alone. I had my 2 best 30Ks ever in Feb and March. My running pace was finally coming down and I found in 5Ks that I could easily hold under a 9 min pace. This was new for me! On my long distance runs I was constantly well below a 10 min pace, giving me hope of being well under my goal of 4:20 for Cinti. Unfortunately a foot injury got a hold of me with a vengeance and I opted to sit Cincinnati out and took a whole month off of running. In May I had an awesome trip to Lake Placid with my friend Kim and her training group to ride and run the IM Lake Placid course. That was lesson in humility! But I was able to get through 1 loop biking and 13 miles running. The summer was full of lots of training. It seemed that every Sat & Sun were ruled by running, biking or bricks. I enjoyed training with some people from the tri club like Beth, Jen, Tracie, Janet, Gina and Laura P! As well as my normal running companions Sara, Sherri, Ilana and Karen! I felt good and strong. I only did 2 sprint tris b/c I found out the hard way that I am absolutely terrified of open water swimming, yikes! My tri future is uncertain at this point as I have only swam a handful of times since July. Not good! But I found that I really do love biking and running, so if those are the races I stick to next year than I am fine with it! Gary also got a road bike in June and we started riding together weekly, which was great. I look forward to getting back on the road with him in 2009! In late summer I started training for Akron and my times on my long runs were even better. I markedly upped by running miles and was averaging around 30ish miles running a week and 50 biking. All the biking helped and I saw my times on my long runs continue to come down. I thought I might have a shot at getting near 4:00 for the Akron marathon in Sept….until I got pregnant!

What! Yes, just like that. Gary and I had talked about it, but I thought it would take us awhile, but I was wrong. I knew I wasn’t feeling well in Aug, but thought there was just no way I was baking a baby, but I was. I continued to run 10-15 miles for my long runs for the first month or so of pregnancy to keep Sara company on her marathon training. But come Oct, I was slowing way down. In Sept, I did a marathon relay with 4 other pregnant women and we finished in under 4 hours! That was great and we even got to be in the paper. In Oct Gary and I went to CA & OR on vacation where the baby and I did a half marathon. But that was about it, I knew from that race that the running was coming to an end as I was sick for a few days afterwards and my feet and belly ached. Since then I have been trying to keep up the exercise, I have good weeks and bad. The loss of my beloved Taiko in November was just awful and led to a horrible month. Ugh then we got a really bad puppy!

2009 is scary people. I am having a baby! Hold the phone. I am going to be responsible for keeping another human alive. Eek. And I turn 30, double Eek!!! All joking aside, I can’t wait to meet this little monster and work hard to get back on my feet. I think I won’t be setting any big goals for 2009. I would like to see myself at least ready for half marathons by the fall. I want to concentrate on getting the weight off and getting back under 9 min miles before I worry about another marathon or endurance event. If I can get myself back in the pool soon, I’d like to think I could do the same 2 sprint tris I did last year and they were in small inland lakes and I didn’t have much issue with those. I would also like to do Eddy’s Sweet Corn challenge, at least the 50 miler. I think that is enough to think about. I do know that 2009 will probably be the best year yet.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Sugar is the devil

I have to admit something. I have been a junk food junkie in a bad way over the last month or two (or three, eek). To the point where I now think nothing of grazing out of the candy jars strewn around my work place all day long. I have had issues with sugar in the past. I liken it to an alcohol addiction. Once I am used to it, I have to have it. I started "over" today and I have already had to sit myself down twice and give myself a talking too b/c I was talking myself into starburst from the vending machine! Not the best for baby at all and not the best for my waist line. I have already gained what I had hoped to gain in the total pregnancy. Now, no worries and I don’t need any comments about how I look great, etc. I don’t look too bad and I understand that I am pregnant and this is what happens. But the fact of the matter is you are suppose to gain 25-30 lbs for an entire pregnancy, not just the first 6 months! So, it stops right now. All the holidays are behind me. I am watching what I eat, not cutting calories by any means, but trimming the junk and trying to get back to wholesome foods. If I don’t get this under control now, I will have an awful time after the baby is out and I am tired and stressed, and I will jump face first into cakes and ice cream. I am cutting out all excess sugar and refined whites and dairy! Why dairy? B/c I am lactose intolerent and I have been lazy with it lately and eating ice cream, etc and my belly hurts. So, far so good today. I think I will feel better overall if I can get my eating back in gear as well. Workouts were pretty non existent last week, but that’s okay with the travel and all. Here's the plan for the rest of the week:

Tuesday - circuit, 30 mins split between hill machine and cross country skier
Wed - 45 min Aerobics DVD
Thurs - Run with Sara - 4-6 miles
Fri- Spin class
Sat - circuit and 1 hour cardio
Sun - spin class, weights
Monday, December 29, 2008

Back to reality

Okay holidays are over...well we still have one more visit with G's mom. I am honestly not a very big fan of the holidays and am glad to have them behind me (just too much rush, money and chaos). It was wonderful to see my family though. I always love to get to spend time with my mom and sister Tina and her hubby Tim, but this year was extra special b/c my other sister Melanie and her hubby and kids were in town. They moved to SC awhile back and we just don't see each other enough. So, it was awesome to see them and spend time together. But back to reality. I am glad we have a short work week this week, that will be nice. I have a monthly doc appt on Wed. I plan to talk to him about any ideas to help with the fact that my back is killing me. Hopefully he will have some ideas on some things to try to alleviate the low back aches. My eating has been out of control lately, so I am going to make a conscious effort to cut back on sugar starting tomorrow. Holiday junk be gone!
Friday, December 26, 2008

Who works the day after Xmas!

Me that's who. Boy was our parking lot empty at work this morning. I am only here until 11:30 then G is picking me up and we are heading to KY to see my family for Xmas. We have to take the dogs, which is just not fun on a 7 hour drive, but oh well. Thems the breaks.

Did you have a good Xmas bloggy friends? We did. I managed to get to the gym on Wednesday and do a circuit and some cardio and then on Thurs I met Sara and Harley at South Chagrin and while they ran up the hill, I powerwalked it. I got 4 miles into their 6, not too bad. I can't really run hills anymore, it's just not happening. I am also finding that I am pretty much sore after I excercise every time. I think it's just the extra weight on my frame. It's hard being short!
Monday, December 22, 2008

22 weeks

Sooo how is this pregnancy thing going? Am I getting huge? Judge for yourself.


Not too bad? I have gained a little more than I would have wanted so far, but I think it will all even out. I can't say that I haven't eaten like a crazy women for the last 5 months b/c I kinda have! Que sera. I did get in 4 good workouts last week and worked out yesterday, so 1 so far this week. I hope to get in 6 workouts a week, but am likely not to hit that goal until after Xmas. I was supposed to run outside after work, but it is cold ya'll, so I think I will retreat to the safety of a spin class instead.


I can't believe it's Xmas already. I really don't feel very Xmasy this year. Here is a funny pic from last night, I caught the dogs sleeping this way, took a pic, and then rotated Fonzi as no one should be sleeping with a butt on their forehead. What a little Butthead.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Blustery run

I had a horrible day at work yesterday, just horrid. But after work I met Sara and we ran 3 miles from Harper Ridge Picnic Area of South Chagrin towards Richmond Road. It was cold and lightly snowing. But I am so glad I got out there. It's a hill run, you get some downhill, but boy do you have to go back up. The first mile felt pretty bad, just too much pressure in my lower abdomen, but it got easier as we went on. I am definitely not capable of getting all the way back up the hill without breaks anymore, but still glad I am running even if it's slow and short! So, yeah me 3 workouts in 3 days! Tonight we are meeting Gary's cousin Katie and her hubby and new baby for dinner. So, I doubt I will workout tonight, but I will enjoy my California Pizza Kitchen Pizza!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008

New spinning class

2 workouts in 2 days, yeah! Haha, it’s amazing that getting 2 workouts in is now an accomplishment to me, my how pregnancy changes things. I went last night to my first spinning class in months! It was at 7:30, which was a little tough for me, but I hope to do it weekly as it gives me enough time to get home feed the dogs, eat dinner with the hubby and still make it to the gym for a good workout. The spinning studio at Urban Active is really nice. It’s a circular room and the instructor is up on a little stage in front. The bikes are new, but unfortunately don’t have cadence computers. The room has this gigantic metal fan that is above your heads, it’s kind of scary. I just kept thinking, what if that thing falls down on us, it would chop us all up. I was a little skeptical when I walked into the class. I am used to the 6am JCC class which is made up of mostly real cyclist, not just gym spinners. The instructor was decked out in cute black yoga pants with a pink tattoo design up the leg, matching pink top and this mini cardigan sweater top. Not your typical cycling wear, so I thought I was in for a sucky workout, but she was actually very good. There were very few people in the class and I was one of only two wearing padded bike shorts and clip on shoes, so definitely not a cyclist class, but still am awesome workout. The music was really loud and crappy, but it was better than most of the torturous music the spinning instructor at the JCC played. I am most definitely out of biking shape, ugh. My butt is sore today. But I am happy to be sore, it’s been awhile.
Sunday, December 14, 2008

Back on the wagon

Okay I started this week off right. I marched my ever expanding arse to Urban Active and got signed up. Of course the prices the guy gave me last time are now (2 weeks later!) completely defunk and I had to argue and threaten to leave, but finally the guy relented and let me sign up monthly for 29 with no initiation fee. When I first sat down he told me I was going to have to pay a $235 initiation fee, who agrees to that! We decided not to do the up front family deal right now (although we could've of anyway b/c it's not valid starting in DEC) b/c Gary isn't going to have time to work out while doing all the home renovations he's working on. So I joined for now, later we'll go to a family deal. I had a great first workout. I did a circuit and probably used weights heavier than I should of, I'll feel it tomorrow I am sure. Then I did 40 mins of cardio. 20 on the treadmill and 20 on the ET. Running isn't really going very well for me. I think it's b/c my placenta is below the baby (which isn't normal for you non baby people) so I get more pressure against my bladder than most running momma's. I don't know, it's just not much fun and uncomfortable. I hope that I am able to continue to run 2-3 miles a few times a week b/c I am so scared to completely lose my running ability. But if it keeps up like this, I may be on the ET the rest of this pregnancy. But I guess in the long run if I take 6 months off of running it won't be the end of the world.

After my workout, I went home and got cleaned up and picked up Tracie. We headed to Jen's for a nice little get together of gals from the tri club. It was a lot of fun. And I was soooo happy b/c Salty made it out with her gorgeous 3 week old son. And it was great to meet him. It was so nice to see everyone and I'm really glad Jen had the party. Thanks Jen!

Look at how big Fonzi is getting!
Friday, December 12, 2008

New Gym - New Plan?

I am going to go join Urban Active this weekend. I was going to wait a few months until the house renovations had calmed down, but I just can't take it anymore. I haven't been in a steady workout routine since the half marathon in Oct, which is just entirely too long. I feel very off kilter and out of it and I really don't think it's baby related, I think it's my body freaking out b/c it's used to working out 6-10 hours a week and I'm working out all of 2 hours a week if I am having a good week. So, instead of both G and I joining, I am going to join monthly and then later we can change to the family membership. My lovely husband just has too much to do on the house and we know he won't go, so why waste the money?

My goal is to go 3-4 times a week. That's it. My plan is to make it before work once during the work week and once after work during the work week, then on both Sat and Sun. My Sat & Sun workouts I hope to consist of an hour of cardio and then weights. The mid week ones might be shorter. If I can do this and still get one short run in on my own during the week, plus weights during the week nights when I am just being lazy and watching tv, it would be fantastic. Plus I have walked on lunch a few times now during lunch and can get 2 miles in and if I can do that twice a week! I'll be able to get through this pregnancy and maintain some sort of muscle tone. Well, that is my hope anyway. It's getting hard for me to run outside and I can't keep up with my friends anyway, so I might be abandoning my weekend long runs with friends for the safety of the dreadmill. I cannot tell you how much I hate the dreadmill, but I don't see much other choice considering I can only peel off an 11-12 min mile and I have to pee at least twice within an hour.

It looks to be a good weekend. Sat is Gary's 33rd b-day and we have lunch plans with his mom and I am going to pick him up an ice cream cake on my way home from work today, plus I got him some gifts. His mom got him an Xbox so he'll have some fun playing video games on his down time now. Sunday I get to go to a get together of triathlon/running lady friends and I am very much looking forward to that as I have missed these ladies since I haven't been distance training.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Let the nesting begin

I ordered some new DVDs from the lovely Netflix so that I could work out at home. I did one last night that I liked, it was some ballet lady and it was yoga/pilates fushion. My belly is sore in a good way today. My plan is to keep a DVD for 2 weeks and do it 2-3 times a week, and then do my standard Slim in Six (lunges, squats, weights) 2-3 times a week. Then send it back and get a new one. I also think I need to join the gym sooner than I was expecting. Getting outside in this weather is just not going well which means my cardio is null and void. So after Xmas off to Urban Active I will go ready to give them a large sum of money. Yikes.

Seriously could we get some more snow and rain here in Cleveland? What a wet 2 months we have had. On the good news front, my lovely husband has been busting his ass the past few weeks getting our nasty unfinished basement finished! He repaired the drywall damage on one wall and the ceiling. He repainted the ceilings white and the walls a bright yellow we agreed on. We were going to get carpet, but after getting a quote for a looottt of money we got paranoid that it would get damp down there eventually and ruin the carpet. So, we opted for this flooring made out of recycled tires, how green of us. It comes in big puzzle pieces and it looks like a floor you would see in a gym. Which is pretty appropriate b/c one side of the basement will have a weight bench and all the free weights and then the middle of the room will have our cushy futon and a tv/xbox setup and then our 2 bikes on trainers in view of the tv. I hope it will be nice enough down there that someone could sleep and not feel like they are in our gross basement. It will also become a much needed storage area for all things baby I am sure. Baby things are so stinking big – excersaucers, pack and plays, swings, high chairs, who has room for all this stuff! I expect our basement to be sleep ready by Jan 1. I will take some pics. Next room after that to get a makeover is our office, it will be turned into the guest room. It’s tiny so it will be minimalist at best.
Thursday, December 4, 2008

Who got my early bird worm?

Why oh why oh why can’t I wake up in the morning anymore? Not so long ago bloggy friends I was a morning person. I have been struggling with morning workouts since sometime this summer, well before I got knocked up. I recall making a go at 5:30 workouts again at some point, but I was so thrashed from my weekend warrior ways that I never got back to it. Now my dear hubby is off of night shifts after several months of working 8pm to 7 am. He is now getting up at 5:30. He takes the pup out and puts the pup back in bed with me. Pup does not go to sleep and I no longer fall asleep as easily as I used to, that I believe it baby related. It’s harder to get comfortable for one thing and the other is I just lay there with my head a jumble. Anyway, so I wake up at 5:30 too, and lay there half awake until 6:45 – 7ish. Why oh why don’t I just get my ass out of bed and work out? I am so tired when I get home from work that it’s not happening often. So, since I’m not getting quality sleep during this 5:30 to 7 window, wouldn’t it make sense just to get up??? But alas I just can’t seem to muster the willpower, any ideas bloggy friends? I think my real problem is that I have an hour or two in the middle of the night where I lay awake. As I said I can’t fall asleep very well right now, so when puppy wakes me around 2 or 3 to go out, I drift in and out of conscientiousness until 5am sometimes. I do go to bed at like 9:30 though… But regardless b/c of this mid night wake up I am just totally woozy when G gets up and can’t seem to get it together.

I have firmly decided that all those people who say that being pregnant in the winter as opposed to the summer are dead wrong. If I do this again, and it’s planned, I will be getting pregnant shortly after the new year. Being pregnant equals feeling tired and lazy all the time. Winter’s short days equals feeling tired and lazy all the time. Not a good combo! Now I know some will say you don’t want to have a newborn in the winter, but I don’t care, they are wrong J Being most pregnant when it’s warm also means you get to wear flowy little dresses and flats. Being pregnant when it’s cold means I have to have jeans and tops and coats and ugh. Okay rant over.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Feeling like slug

I have always lived my life on one extreme or the other when it comes to weight/working out. I was either going all out or being a total slug. I have no lived up to the place I wanted to so far in this pregnancy. I have been lucky to get in 2-3 workouts a week. In my world that is not acceptable. This is all raw for me today b/c I saw a new baby doctor and he basically told me I’ve gained too much weight and I need to watch it. Tell me something I don’t know Einstein. I am really struggling to get any kind of motivation back. Normally I was training for something and even if I didn’t make the race (like the Flying Pig b/c of my foot injury or GCT b/c of my stupid fear of the lake) I went through the motions and got the workouts in. I loved checking a workout off my list. Now I just want to sleep, well and eat. So I am struggling. I know I need to readjust my goals. I tried by saying I would just shoot for 5 workouts a week, but unfortunately I haven’t been meeting those. Ugh, this all sucks.

Please stick with me bloggy friends, when this baby is out of me there will be a lot of workout things to talk about as I journey back to my original body. I can’t wait to work on getting faster and doing some half marathons and hopefully sprint tris. We let our gym membership at the JCC lapse, but we are joining Urban Active next year. We are going to wait a few months to join b/c we have so much to do around the house we know we won’t be going. Hopefully a change of scenery (gym wise) will do me good.

I will tell you though, I love being pregnant. It’s been great so far and now the baby is really kicking up a storm and everything is so surreal. For me it’s been such an odd shift in how I feel as a person, I am doing something, something that matters…for once. I cannot wait to meet our child and see who it takes after. I was kind of indifferent to having children. I figured I could be happy either way, but now I am already so in love with this baby I don’t know how I ever lived without it. It’s just crazy. I am scared to death to think of what has to go down near the end of April. Can’t even bring myself to read about it, b/c I just don’t want to know. But I know in the end the weight gain, the mushy body, the sleepless nights will all be worth it.
Sunday, November 30, 2008

Back to the Grind

Oooh I dread going back to work tomorrow after such a nice long break. There are really not enough Thurs/Fri holidays in the year. I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. We had a great weekend. It started with getting out of work early on Wed, which is always nice! Thursday morning I met Sara for a frozen 6 mile hill run at South Chagrin reservation. Then G and I headed to his dad's house for turkey day. That night we chilled out and watched a movie with the dogs, The Golden Compass, it wasn't very good. Friday I ran a bunch of errands while G was working and got a lot of Xmas presents done. I also took the puppy to Petco to work on his confidence (This puppy is a nervous nelly), he pooped in my car on the way there and puked on the way home, fun, fun! That afternoon Sara and I went to see the move Twilight. It was laughably horrible and I was hugely disappointed as I loved the book series. Friday night we went to a fundraiser for the family of one of G's friends that passed away. Sat we started the day with puppy class. Little Fonzie was the best behaved dog there, no jumping and barking and wigging out. He just leaned against our legs and took it all in. A few people commented on how jealous they were of how good our pup was, little did they know, he's great, until left alone, hello separation anxiety, although hes doing much better. This morning I met Sara and Sherri and North Chagrin and we had a muddy 5 miler then breakfast at YT. That was super fun, I hadn't seen my friend Sherri in way too long. Then Sara and I went to see another movie (yes I love movies!) Four Christmas', it was really cute and I enjoyed it. Now I am sitting here getting ready to finish up my book club book (Falling Through the Earth) and hanging with the pups, dreading going to work, ugh.
Monday, November 24, 2008

Modest Mouse

Well we have a modest baby and it didn’t want to show off it’s stuff today. So, we have no idea what we are having despite an hour long u/s today. Oh well, I can’t be too disappointed, all the limbs and fingers & toes were there. Baby opened its mouth and closed it for us and the brain, spine and organs look good. The baby sure is crammed in there. To me it looks like it has really long legs and big feet, just like daddy, but what do I know! It was fun to see the baby for that long, but frustrating that we didn’t get to find out.
Friday, November 21, 2008

Finally Friday

Hi Bloggy friends! We are getting a snowstorm here in Cleveland today. Boo. We are supposed to get about a foot before the end of the day. My commute to work was no issue, but going home sure will be. I am dog sitting for a friend Fri – Mon and she lives right in the snowbelt. So I am in for a hell of a weekend b/c I will have to go back and forth between her house and mine a lot due to the puppy and Gary’s weekend work schedule. I am not anticipating the next few days being very fun!

On the puppy front; Fonzil really is a sweet dog and I know things will be fine, but the housebreaking isn’t going too well. He also seems to have some anxiety induced crate pooping which will be a big issue once Gary is back to his normal work schedule and the poor pup is stuck in the crate for 7 hours. But we are doing what we can to work through it.

I am still sick and just can’t even believe it. Although I am better than I was for sure. My real problem is that I get up with the puppy in the middle of the night, which is fine, but I cannot fall back asleep. I do not know if it’s due to my cold, or the pregnancy or what it is. But it’s making me feel pretty damn run down. I didn’t work out Tues or Wed, but I wanted to redeem this week, so I pulled out my slim in six DVD last night and did the 45 min DVD. It’s actually a great workout, lots of lunges, squats and pushups. I am sore today. I plan to run Sat & Sun for sure. My running has really taken a hit this last month.

I am going to see Twilight this weekend and am totally geeked. Yes I am a child.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Finally feeling a bit better

Finally the cold cloud is lifting. This morning I CAN BREATHE!!! I am so happy. I still feel cruddy, my throat is raw and I'm kind of weak, but I feel like I am on the mend! Getting up with the puppy in the middle of the night probably isn't helping me too much. He is so cute though, such a little stinker and Musi is so funny with him. Fonzi just follows him around like his shadow, he's in love.

I felt guilty for not working out in awhile. I only worked out 3 times last week :( So, last night I did the weights routine from my tri book since I didn't feel like braving the weather and heading to the gym. When you have a little puppy you feel bad leaving them at night b/c you are away all day. SO, I might have to get creative with my workouts for awhile. Tonight I am going to dust off my old fav Slim in Six aerobics DVD. Exciting I know, but I want to try and work out everyday this week, just not very high intensity. 30 mins a day, nothing major, then when I feel better, I will work on getting my time back up.
Sunday, November 16, 2008

Introducing Fonzi




Here is the latest edition to our family, Fonzi. On the cold front, I am still miserably sick, and can't take any medicine. Ugh. Workouts are not happening since I cannot for the life of me breath out of my freaking nose.
Thursday, November 13, 2008

Blurghy Thursday

Well I was doing pretty well until yesterday afternoon. It started as a slight trickle in my throat. I woke up this morning feeling like I have strep throat or something. I feel awful, awful people! I have a headache, I am stuffed up, my throat hurts and my stomach feels gross. Yet I came to work, I totally should have stayed home today, what was I thinking! But I only have 1 available day the whole rest of the year to have off and I'm scared to use it up!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008

So far so good

I have been able to get some workouts in since I vowed to start over. I had a nice 6 mile hill run on Sat and a swim on Sunday. Last night I went to the gym and did 10 mins on the hellish stair climber (not the stepper, the kind that has the actual stairs on a rotation) and 20 on the arc trainer, then lifted weights. My legs are sore this morning from the stairs. I hate that machine, but boy it hurts so good.

I didn't make it up for a morning workout either yesterday or today. I may just have to come to terms that those are out of the question. I set my alarm, I try to get up, but I just feel like a ragdoll. It stinks b/c I used to be a morning person. Tonight I will swim and hopefully get in a short run, but its cold out there!
Friday, November 7, 2008

Are you ready for this?

I am actually going to blog about a workout! I went swimming last night. I only did 1000 yards, but it was enough. It took me about 30 mins, but that consisted of some kick board and breast stroke too and breaks of course. It wasn't as awful as I thought it would be. I haven't totally forgetten how to swim, thank goodness.
Thursday, November 6, 2008

Time for a plan stan

Okay I can’t bear to look at his little sweet face every time I open my blog, so it’s time for a new entry. The week of vacation was very active. I ran a half mary and did a ton of walking and hiking. Since I got back from vacation, I have ran once and that is it! AHHHH. I hate to even say it out loud. It is beyond time for me to get my ass in gear. It’s more important than ever that I stay in shape now that I am preggo. I have some very inspiring ladies blogs that I read that have worked out their entire pregnancies. I need that to be me! I want to be able to rebound from this baby quickly and be back on my bike and running within weeks. In order to do that I must keep up my workouts. But lets face it I am pregnant and it’s harder to get moving, plus the gray and gloom of winter will be setting in soon, so I am making a schedule for myself and my goal is to hit 5 of these workouts. As long as I hit 5 I will not feel bad, if I hit more, awesome. I think I can always make Sat & Sun and it will be more enjoyable to run those days b/c I will see daylight, I hope to always make all 3 of the runs (2 around 4 miles, one at least 6) and then at least one spin and one swim. I haven’t swam in a REALLY long time and it’s time to get my toosh in gear with that. I want to get back up in the yardage by end of Nov and then hopefully hit a masters class in Solon once a week. I will do weights after spin class & also try and get one weight session in weekly while watching tv. I am going to keep a tally in my sidebar starting next week to keep me honest. So today is Thurs, think I will hit the pool if I can fit into my bathing suit!!! I need to order a new one online stat.

Mon – AM Spin class/weights
Tues- Run & swim
Wed- Run
Thurs- longer swim
Fri- Spin class/weights
Sat- long Run
Sun- Run & yoga

Last year over memorial day weekend I went to Lake Placid for a weekend workout on the Ironman course. The same group is going back next year, but this time in June. I really want to go, really bad. But is it crazy to think that 2 months post partum I could be ready to bike the 56 mile course of Lake Placid??? I really want to be able to do a fall marathon and be a kickass buff mom. I look at people like TriSaraTops and know it is possible. I tend to border on extreme working out and no working out. I don’t have much of a happy medium. I need to find it until this baby is out!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Good bye Taiko

Tai had a really bad night, lots of vomiting. So today we made the horrible decision to put him down. I miss him already. Nothing was better than coming home and having Taiko greet you at the door, he would howl and carry on like it was the greatest thing in the world. He loved it when I would lay on the living room floor, he would stand over me and plop down on my belly insisting on a back rub. He was a great dog and I miss him already. Life will be a little less bright withou Taiko in it.

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author
unknown...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Frickity frack








The IV today was my last hope. It didn't work, they couldn't keep it in his leg. My plan is to do one more day of sub q fluids, then on Thursday morning we will go in to see the vet and have his blood drawn yet again. If his levels haven't improved, then that is that. All hope is lost. The question then becomes when do I put him to sleep. Part of me just wants to do it right away, why delay the inevitable. But I am so scared that he could miraculously pull through and I wouldn't have given him the chance. But the last thing I want is for him to be in a lot of pain. I just don't know what to do.

Go Obama

I’ll say it loud and say it proud. I walked into Canterbury Elementary school this morning at 7:45 am to no lines and stepped up and voted for my man Obama. What an exciting day in history. I know I am officially old b/c I care about this election. I know there are a lot of negative things you could say about Obama, mostly about him being too green for this job, but I just truly like him. I think he comes off as classy and intelligent and articulate. He cares about the things I care about energy and education. I don’t think John McCain is horrible, but I think Sarah Palin is and I wouldn’t for a moment want her one step near the white house. One day Howard Stern said that the whole Sarah Palin thing sounded like a bad Disney movie – Hockey mom through a series of events ends up president – and I can totally picture that movie. When McCain first picked her, I thought WOW smart move, what a classy looking lady. But boy when she opened her mouth, ouch. Okay, enough about my political feelings. Go Obama. I will be on pins and needles all day waiting for the results.

I went for a run this weekend. The first time since the half marathon (yikes!!) and it felt really good. But I have been so tired and stressed out with Tai being sick that workouts have fallen by the wayside. I don’t see that getting better until this ordeal is over. But when it is I have to get back on the horse, so to speak.

It is a very sad time in the Nowac household. Taiko is not doing well and will likely not make it. He is still fighting though, he’s not ready to go. I gave him sub Q fluids, the poor man’s dialysis, all weekend and they didn’t affect his levels at all. Today I made the hard decision to leave him at the vet’s office all day for them to do a more aggressive flush on his kidney’s. It was a hard decision b/c he is really sick and gets stressed easily. He doesn’t like going to the vets and it broke my hear to lead him into that cage and turn and walk away. He doesn’t understand. And they are going to pull him out of the cage, muzzle him and wrestle him until they are able to get an IV in his leg. They already did this once last week and the IV didn’t stay in. I sooo hate to put him through it again, but it’s our last hope. And it might be too late. To some people dogs are just that, animals that live in your house. To me they are family members and Tai being sick is like my child being sick. I am so sad, I can’t stop crying. I hate having to be at work, I want to just stick by him and rub his back and wipe his mouth when he vomits. I will likely have to put him down soon and I can’t even type that without tears welling in my eyes. But he’s not ready yet, his eyes are still clear, he can get up and down the stairs and he still wags his tail and gets excited to go for a walk. Once he doesn’t come to the door when I get home or want to go for a walk, then we’ll know it’s time.
Monday, November 3, 2008

Doggy prayers

Ahhh my sweet little guy Taiko, who I just wished a happy birthday a few posts ago, has kidney failure. I have spent the weekend poking and proding him, giving him sub q fluids, shoving pills down his throat, trying to get him to eat. He isn't doing well and is probably not going to make it. If you are so inclined, please say a doggy prayer for my guy. He is young, so he has that on his side, but he hasn't eaten in way too many days, so I am not very hopeful. But maybe he will turn it around. You just never know.





Thursday, October 30, 2008

Wind down


Well after an extremely active vacation I have returned to a week of sloth! I haven't done a damn thing that resembles a work out this week! Ugh. I was feeling sick on Mon-Wed. Today I was feeling better, but I just got a flu shot and immediately felt like butt again. Is that all in my head! My mom is visiting until Sunday so I doubt I will be doing much workout wise while she is here. But from next week on my goal is to get in 5 workouts. Surely that's achievable. I'm through the draining first trimester, it's time to get a routine before the winter gloom sets in.


Saturday, October 25, 2008

CA/OR vacation



Well we made it home safe and sound from our west coast vacation. We had a great time and it couldn't have come at a better time. Work has been so stressful lately I was about to crack, so a little time away was much needed.

We flew into San Francisco on Sat and then rented a car. We decided to take the scenic route and drove up highway 1 to Fortuna CA. The trip up the coast was scenic and beautiful, but boy was it windy and slow and we were both ready to be out of the car when we got to our hotel 7 hours later! We saw lots of neat little farm towns and quirky shops and eateries, stopped a few times at the scenic overlooks. We got to our hotel pretty late on Sat and I felt pretty cruddy from the 5 hour flight and then 7 hour drive, not the best stage for a race the next day. Gary's sister Laura and her fiance Ross met us in Fortuna. We all had dinner and then headed to bed.

G and I got up bright and early and were greeted by cool temperatures and misty rain, yuck. But it cleared up soon enough. The race was in the Humbolt redwood forest. It was a small race, absolutely gorgeous. I was feeling pretty good race morning and was rareing to go. The start was a big cluster F but quickly everyone spread out. It turly was the Ave of the Giants marathon, the trees were enormous and hovered over us. It took me a few miles to get settled in. I ran without my garmin for the first time in forever, I didn't want to push myself. I ran the first 5 miles with a really nice lady from Missouri. But at mile 5 I had to stop for a bathroom break, my first of 2! Oh well. I felt really really good for the first 8 miles, no pain, no tiredness. By mile 9 my feet were really aching, like they did back in the spring when I was training for Cinti. By mile 11 it was excruitiating. And my sides starting hurting. So, the last few miles were no fun and I did a run walk shuffle. I came in under 2:30 which was my goal, but it certainly wasn't a race for the books. Gary on the other hand came in 1:54. I was very proud of him. Not bad for his first race with very little training. Once I crossed the finish line I was in a cruddy mood, I was bummed that once again my feet had broken down, I'm sure the new added weight doesn't help. I quickly got over it and we loaded into our cars to start our drive to Medford OR where Ross and Laura live.

We stayed with them for most of the week. We did a lot of fun things and got to check out Grants Pass, Medford and Ashland OR. We took a hike one day that was along some rocky cliff paths that led us to a rushing part of Rouge River where we got to watch the Salmon fighting their way up river to spawn. That was really neat. Gary and I also went to Crater Lake on Wed. It was one of the most beautiful sights ever, there are pictures below. After leaving OR Gary and I headed to San Francisco. We checked out the Golden Gate Bridge parks & recreational areas, Haight Ashbury, Fisherman's Warf, Union Square and even went and saw the Rocky Horror Show live on stage in the Mission. We had a nice time, but are glad to be home with the dogs! And my feet need a few days rest from alllllll the walking/hiking and running we did. Good times.






Thursday, October 16, 2008

Almost vacation time!

One more day of work and then freedom! Gary and I are going on a week vacation starting Sat. We are flying into San Francisco and then taking highway 1 up the coast to Humbolt CA. We’ll stay there Sat night, then Sunday we will wake up and run the half marathon at the Ave of the Giants marathon. That should be pretty, or really boring, trees might get old after 30 mins or so, I hope not! Running has been slow, slow, slow, but I’m still getting out there, so I think I will be fine. We’ll then grab some lunch in northern CA and head to Medford OR where my sister in law now lives. We’ll stay with her for 3 days. We are going to go to Crater Lake, other than that I’m not sure what we will do, but we’re planning on lots of hiking. On Thursday G and I will head back down to San Fran and stay there for 2 nights. We haven’t been on a week vacation since our honeymoon 4 years ago. I am going to miss my dogs L But luckily a good friend is going to stay at our house and sleep with them so they don’t get lonely.

Last night I met Salty and we ran about 3.5 miles, it started to rain and got too dark. But we had fun. After that I power cleaned my house in prep for my friends stay. I still have some work to do. Nothing feels better than a really clean house. Tonight I am meeting some friends for dinner, but when I get home I have to finish up and tomorrow I will worry about packing. So, bloggy friends I hope you have a nice weekend. For my peeps running Columbus good luck!

Oh and get this the AKron marathon sent the members of team speed bump onesies and a thank you note. How freaking thoughtful is that. I will definately run at least the half there next year. What a great race.
Monday, October 13, 2008

Back at it

I had a really, really, really stressful week last week at work. I had clients on site so I ended up having to work late everyday, also it was the last week one of our very intregal team members was working here, so I had to spend a lot of time sitting with him trying to get every last drop of help from him that I could, and I was sick. So, to say it was a crappy week would be an understatement. I was able to shake it when I stepped out of these doors, but it made for some very long days and my workouts just did not happen. But I made up for it a little.

On Sat I met Sara and South Chagrin and we ran 6 days. It was just absolutely gorgeous out. Perfect fall day, clear, crisp and sunny. Afterwards we went to breakfast at yours truly. Then I went home and walked my dogs 2 miles. Then I went to the gym and lifted weights for the first time in forever, that felt great and I am sore from it in that good way. I then proceeded to mow the lawn. Hubby was sleeping b/c he has been working nights, so he had to miss one of the nicest days this year. Sunday morning I got up and met Ilana at the Beachwood park and we ran. I only managed 3 miles, my legs were really sore from the squats and lunges and that park is hilly. So, I called it a day after huffing and puffing my way through the 3 miler. When I got home from my run, G was just getting home from work, so we went to breakfast together. Breakfast out twice in one weekend! Now that's a good weekend :) Afterwards we went to a baptism for G's cousin's baby, she is 2 months old now. It was nice, and we went to a party afterwards. Poor G was up for 24 hours by the time we got home, but it was a nice day spent with family.

This morning I amazed myself and got up at 5:30 am and headed to spinning. I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I got to the gym for a 5:30 workout, it's been ages. Very sad. The spin class was good, I didn't have too hard of a time. I even stayed for abs afterwards and lifted arms a little before heading home. We will see how I feel at about 3 today, I will probably crash, but hopefully I can get back into the 5:30 routine. Workouts after work just aren't happening.
Saturday, October 4, 2008

Phew I did it

I ran 12 miles today. I wasn't sure I could do it. I haven't ran over 8 miles in about a month. So, I was able to get through it and felt pretty good. I have a half marathon in 2 weeks and I have been pretty worried I wouldn't get through it. But I did. We started at Station Bridge this morning at 8:30 and it was COLD and foggy and kind of surreal, but by the end of the run it was a gorgeous day. I got a kick out of seeing all the wooly worms that have come out. Fall is here.

I ran 6 miles on Wed night, but I was pretty sick Thurs & Fri and just took it easy. So, my tally for this week is one spin, 2 runs and 1 ab DVD. Not quite what I was looking for, but better than nothing. I will run or spin tomorrow, but I didn't get the weights in. This week was pretty tough. I didn't feel good and I was a bit of an emotional wreck due to some work stress among other things. I am through my first trimester now and I am ready for that supposed burst of energy I will getting soon.
Thursday, October 2, 2008

Keep on keeping on

I feel worse this week and last than I have this whole pregnancy. I have been okay with my workouts though. I took Monday off. Tuesday I did 45 mins on my bike and last night I ran 6 hilly miles with Sara on Hawthorne Parkway. Today I need to run and lift weights. Friday I will spin, Sat I have a 12 mile date with Sara at the towpath and Sunday I will do a short recovery run and weights. I sooo don't want to do 12 miles, but I have a half mary scheduled on 10/19 and I need to know I can get through it.

I had an u/s last night. It was great, I could totally see the baby moving it's arms and legs around and having a good old time. Love that little blobby squiggle.
Monday, September 29, 2008

The important things (well depending on who is defining important)

  • Speed Bumps, 5 woman pregnant relay finishing in 3:57! How about that! I only ran a 5K portion so I didn't contribute too much to that kickass time, but I did manage to come in a little under a 10 min/mile and that was my goal. For the most part I didn't feel very good for my run. The hand off section was very congested and confusing so I took off like a bat out of hell and was running at between a 7:56 and 8:30 min pace and trying to slow myself down. I did of course and then had a hard time getting under 9:50ish and I stopped and took a sip at the 2 water stops. I kept trying to get my breathing under control, but for the most part I felt like crap! Oh well. After my run Gary was waiting for me at the hand off area and he and I and Janet (whose team kicked ass!) headed over the the stadium to watch the finish. I found one member of my team and we hung out for awhile while we waited for Laura to finish. Laura's my hero, she is 7.5 months pregnant and ran the 7.6 mile last leg in under 1:10. How amazing is that! I'm glad she organized this it was a lot of fun. If you've never done a relay before, give it a shot, it's very well organized and easy to pull off.
  • I ran 5 times last week! On Tuesday 3 miles with Gary, Wed 4.5 with Ilana, Thursday 4.5 with Sara and Sat the 3.1 mile leg of the race and Sunday 5 miles with Ilana! I also did my ab DVD twice and my pushups most days. Woohoo. Now if I could get 1 spin class and 2 weights sessions in there (probably drop 1 run) I'd be golden! That's my goal this week, 4 run, 2 bikes, 2 weights.
  • I was watching tv last night and turned to VH1 expected to see my Sunday treat - I Love Money - the trashiest reality tv show ever; instead I was greeted by a live concert from New Kids on the Block. At first I laughed as I was listening to one song, but soon I began to feel that familiar twang in my preteen heart as Jordan belted out You Got the Right Stuff Baby! Let me tell you NKTOB rocked that concert and I am now going to see if I beg anyone to go see them with me when they come here in Oct! Donny D added a bunch of rap to the songs and they kind of hip hopped them up. Let me tell you those songs they sang in the 90s still translate well. Loved.It. Totally made my day.
  • I had to go buy new pants this weekend, already! I'm not even out of my first trimester yet! I have one more week. It was a truly depressing shopping event. But I did walk away with some good steals on a pair of maternity jeans (although I can still wear some of my jeans!) and some clearance capris and some regular long sleeved tshirts from old navy. I just want to be comfortable right now, I am sick of tugging and pulling on clothes.
  • Gary and I were walking the dogs on Sat. There is a little trail that runs a few blocks in my neighborhood called the cinder path. There is this little old lady with a wheeled walker who walks up and down the path for 2 blocks and we always stop and say hi to her. Her favorite joke is to say that Taiko looks like her b/c of the wrinkles. So, we're talking and I look down and you know what? Taiko peed on her walker. Seriously, how embarrassing is that? Good thing he's so dang cute!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Finally a workout!

I finally having something to blog about on my workout blog! Imagine. I worked out! 2 days in a row! So, last night I got home from work and cleaned the house and took the dogs for a walk while Gary worked on grinding up more sticks from the storm. Then we headed out for a 3 mile run! And I actually ran it in under 30 mins. Now to most of you that's nothing. But I have been running a steady 10:30-11 min mile since this pregnancy started. I've also mostly been going out on 6 & 8 milers with my friend who is training for a marathon, so we ran slow and steady. I knew I was only going out for 3 so I tried to kick it up a notch. It was gorgeous out and perfect running weather. We ran from our house up to Shaker Lakes and back. The second half is a steady incline that really got me out of breath. It's amazing how quickly I end up panting now when running. I read it's actually b/c I am taking in more air and my lungs are working more efficiently and harder. Who knew! I was able to do some strides around a 9 min mile. This gives me hope that maybe I can do my 5K Sat in 27 mins. That would make me really happy. I finished the evening off with one of my favorite activities - watching The Biggest Loser! I freaking love that show.

Then I got up this morning at 6 and met my friend Ilana for a 3.5 mile run. This one didn't feel quite as great. I was having some stomach issues though so I will blame it on those. I had to take a few walks breaks near the end b/c I was feeling light headed, I think I will have to eat now before morning runs. When I got home I took Taiko to the vet, he's having kidney problems, which I haven't blogged about, but it's a huge grey cloud in my life, kidney problems usually only get worse and once a dog has kidney problems you pretty much know what will be the end of them. Hopefully we can eek out a few more years with some herbal supplements that were recommended to me. But onto happier subjects. After the vet appt. I drove out to the towpath and met 3 of my other Speed Bump team members and the Ohio news Network did a spot on us. It's supposed to be on tomorrow night for the evening news. Fun! I will get a link to it when I can.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Shaking off the sleep

So this was supposed to be the week I make my triumphant return to morning workouts. I am embarrassed to say that over the last 6 weeks since I found out I was pregnant, my workouts have gone from probably 10 hours a week to maybe 3 and my eating has been horrid. Not good! This is the time I should be eating better than ever. But anyway, I am hoping to stop the madness this week. Unfortunately I didn’t get up with my alarm at 5:30 on Monday morning, I talked myself into believing that since I traveled on Sunday that I was entitled to the sleep, nevermind that I was in bed by 9 the night before! Then I was going to work out after work, but by the time we had dinner and I took G to Fleet Feet for new shoes and we went to the grocery it was already 9, forget about it! Oh well, I said, Monday is usually my rest day anyway, I’ll kick ass on Tuesday. Hahah. My plan was to get up at 6:15 and run and then lift weights. I got up at 7. I did an 8 min ab DVD and some pushups, better than nothing. Tonight I will have to run right after work, no excuses. Tomorrow morning I have a date to meet Ilana to run so I know I won’t sleep in. wish me luck!
Monday, September 22, 2008

5 mins of Fame

You can read the article on Team Speed Bump here, we're running the Akron marathon Sat -http://www.ohio.com/news/29204974.html

I haven't even read the article myself yet b/c of internet filters here at work, grrrr. We all met up for the first time on Thursday night and met the reporter. I hear he took some liberties with the quotes, but all in all it's a good article. It was nice to finally meet my teammates, as I only know one of the other runners - Salty, her blog is in my blogroll, the last one. I think the relay will be a lot of fun and it'll be interesting to see what our time is. I am only running a 5K and am worried about it, I really hope I can pull off under a 10 min mile, it's been so so so long since I've only ran 3 miles. I tend to always run at least 5 or 6 and haven't tried to run fast since I got pregnant, and really not for a long time before that b/c I was marathon training. Not like our time Saturday matters, but it would be nice to have a solid 26 min 5K instead of a 33 min one! But I'll just see how I feel.

I went home this weekend and helped my sister work a booth at the Constitution Square Festival. You can see her wonderful jewelry at www.thefriskyfeather.etsy.com. I beleive she has everything off of her site right now b/c she didn't want to double sell, but check back later. Her booth was a hit, she sold so many scrabble tile pendants and everyone was just raving over her. She really is amazingly talented, I have no crafty skills at all, but she can make cards, scrapbook, knit, make purses, jewelry and so much more. Me? I run! And I read a lot, I can't make anything with my hands! Oh well. I can live vicariously through her and hope to make this an annual event. Next year I will have a baby in the booth with us!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Heartbeat Wed

Gary got to meet our baby today. I had my second ultrasound, I am due somewhere around April 20th. It's amazing the different 2.5 weeks makes. Last ultrasounds, it was just a little abstract circle, this time it looked just like a leetle baby. So crazy. Nice strong heartbeat. I tried to scan the u/s but it didn't come out well. So no pics of the munchkin for 6 more months.
Monday, September 15, 2008

Monday again

What a weather weekend. Sheesh. On Sat morning we woke up to pouring rain. No big deal, except that I had agreed to work at an outdoor event – the Rescue Rave – that was going on rain or shine. Ugh. First we had to go to a funeral service, so those are never fun, I skipped the burial and headed to the “rave”. I stood under a tent with no sides for 3 hours in. It was cold and I got soaked to the bone, it was pretty miserable. We did manage to get $30 in donations at our booth and the event was splitting the money from the raffles and door donations between all the rescues, so we probably made at least $150. So, it was worth it, that will fully vet a shar Pei, but boy was it a long day. When I got home I was soaked to the bone and couldn’t muster the energy to work out. So, we lay around and watched a movie- The Brave One – with Jodie Foster and the yummy Naveen Andrews (Saeid from Lost). It liked it, G didn’t.

Sunday morning I got up bright and early and picked up Karen. We drove to Hudson and met up with Gina and her friend Landon and then my friend Kim met us. We ran around the streets of Hudson. It was pretty humid and I had a really hard time running. I made it 5 miles and then decided I was going to fall back and run/walk. When you are pregnant you’re not supposed to let your body temperature get too high and my head was throbbing from the heat. So, I sent everyone else on and they did 11, while I ran/walked 3 more for a total of 8. We then all met at 11 and went to Main Street Cupcakes where we had some yummy cupcakes (hence the name of the store!). I had a pumpkin spice one there and bought half a dozen to take home! When I got home we went to G’s dad’s house for the day. We just ate dinner and watched TV. I did attempt to feed the wild turkeys that live in their backyard, but they didn’t seem to like me. They are so bizarre, there are 6-8 of them at a time, and they are really big. They are used to G’s dad and step mom and will come a running when he throws seed. I hope they like me someday too! Around 5 the wind just started blowing like crazy so we headed home. We had a hell of a night. Our power was partially out, luckily we didn’t lose power in our kitchen and our cable didn’t go out. But we have a 40 foot willow tree in our backyard that got blown to pieces. Our yard and our neighbor on either’s side yards look like a tornado hit. We have so much work to do when we get home today. It was really scary, I really thought half the tree was going to break off and hit our house, but it didn’t. It made for a tense evening though.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008

AM workouts - SOOO not happening

You know what doesn’t work well for me right now? Getting up at 5:30, I keep trying and keep failing. Either I wake up and just feel like I got ran over by a truck or I am nauseous and I crawl back into bed. I have a real aversion to working out after work. It just leaves too many things to interfere. I NEED to work on in the morning, yet I can’t seem to do it. What to do? I am probably only getting in 3-4 workouts a week right now. Which doesn’t work for me. So, I think what I will try is getting up at 6:30 instead. That leaves me with about 30-45 mins to work out if I can be ready to work out by 6:45. This will no longer allow me to run with anyone in the morning, but I am tired of bailing on my running partner anyway. If I can do this at least 3 mornings and have a good workout on Sat & Sun and maybe a good evening run once during the week I should be fine, right! Right? Ugh.
Monday, September 8, 2008

Against my better judgement

Oh Bloggy Friends maybe you’ve noticed that things have been a little different around this here blog lately? I haven’t blogged as much, there hasn’t been much substance to what I have blogged, little details into my Akron marathon training, where’s the race report for the River Run half? Maybe you haven’t noticed anything, but the fact of the matter is Bloggy Friends I have been lying to you and I have a secret…. Now in all honestly I shouldn’t be sharing this secret yet, but it is just too gosh darn special and it is burning inside me to get the word out, I can’t take it anymore. I could be setting myself up for something really bad if I reveal my secret and things don’t work out, but I suspect if it goes that way I would be open enough to blog about it while I pick up the pieces. You’ve probably guessed it by now Bloggy Friends, as you are a smart group – I am pregnant. Yep about 10 weeks pregnant. I am doing the Akron marathon alright, just not the full anymore, I am a part of Salty’s relay of pregnant runners and I couldn’t be more thrilled. (G if you are reading don't tell your boyfriend, I am not ready for work to know yet!)

I found out in mid August, this baby has already been on a 16 & 19 mile runs! I got preggo in July. I am due in April. I already had one ultrasound and got to hear the munchkin’s strong little hearbeat, words cannot describe. I haven’t been too sick, no vomiting at least, just horribly tired and some issues with back/hip pain when I run for too long. I’ve kept up with my running, but not enough with everything else. I am trying to maintain about 25 miles a week for as long as I can. This blog will now become about working out while pregnant. I hope you’ll come along for the ride. There’s still a HIM in my future, I know it. There will be more marathons for sure. I am going to enjoy not training for awhile, but it’s important to me to still work out and not lose all my fitness abilities. For those of you who are interested, I have a blog where I am blogging more intimately about being pregnant, this one will just be workout related. Let me know if you’d like the link to the other blog. Oh well, there’s not turning back now, next spring this baby has to come out! Yikes.
Thursday, September 4, 2008

Woohooo almost Friday

Boy, it would be so nice to have a job that didn't leave me constantly begging for the weekend, but alas that is not the case. So, I am pleased that it is almost Friday! Woohoo.

I had quite a nice run last night. Sara and I met after work and ran from Sqaw Rock, down into the trails of South Chagrin Reservation, to the Polo Fields, around the field and back. It was horribly hot after work and was all ready for the run to feel like torture, but I felt pretty good and there was a nice breeze and we were in the shade for most of the time. South Chagrin has the most beautiful trails. If you have never run there, I encourage you to go there this weekend. You can't get lost, it's an out and back trail with a few mowed cross country trails that criss cross. For most of the time you run down a dirt path that is sandwiched between 5 foot masses of wildflowers and plants. There is a creek that runs down the side, well maybe it's chagrin river, not sure. But it's just one of my fav places to run, you should check it out. Due to the heat and such, I was totally spent when we got done. I stopped at Subway b/c G was out for the evening and I was so hungry that subway actually tasted like the best sandwich ever. That's when you know you are really hungry! Subway usually tastes like blah.

I think I have told you before that I have a tv problem. Mostly with reality tv, I get addicted. September is here, so that means it's time for my shows to come back on! Eeek, how will I get anything done? I watched the new 90210 on Tuesday and liked it, I might have to become a regular watcher. Plus Americas Next Top Model was on last night, love it! And they have a transgender model on this season, how great is that!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Back to the Grind Tuesday

I love long weekends, they are like little presents to the working class. I wish there were more holidays. No bunk that, I wish every week was a 4 day work week. Life would be a lot nicer.

We had gorgeous weather here in Cleveland for our Labor Day celebrations. Soon enough it'll be cold here. Friday night G and I just stayed in and watched a movie - Darjeeling Limited - I liked it, G did not. But Wes Anderson (along with Chris Cooper) are 2 of my fav director/writers. I could watch Royal Tenenbaums or Best in Show all day long. All day I tell you!

Sat morning I woke up bright and early and went and picked up Karen. We headed down to the towpath to meet Sara and Harley for a long run. We were out on the towpath for a few hours and it was deceivingly hot. We struggled at times, but got through the run. At one point we stopped at Peninsula (a trail head) to refill our water bottles. The water tasted like farts though, so I was basically without water the last 3 miles as I couldn't stand to drink it, ugh. Seriously farts in a bottle. But anyway at Peninsula we saw a lady eating a popsicle and lost our shit, we needed a popsicle and we needed it NOW. So, we ran fast back to where we were parked and beelined it for the Trail Mix general store and walked out with popsicles and fizzy lizzy pops. It was devine. From there, I headed home and got cleaned up and G and headed to his cousins to meet their newborn Colleen. She is 3 weeks old and beautiful. It was nice to catch up with them and hear all about their life for the last month. When I got home I was exhuasted and took a short nap that I wish had been MUCH longer. But alas I had to get up b/c we had a date to go to the symphony with our neighbors at Blossom. For those of you non clevelanders, Blossom is a great outdoor arena. They have their own symphony orchastra and you can go watch them and bring your own food & drink. They were doing a warner brothers tribute, so they played along to movie clips. It was okay, I mean we had fun with our neighbors, but all the movies were really old, aside from a Batman and Harry Potter clip, so it didn't really hold my attention.

Sunday I had to get up early again b/c Ilana had talked me into doing some free 10K that Nike had organized The Human Race. We got kickass Tshirts. It was a non competitive run that went through the park by my house. We had fun. But my back had been bothering me and it was really acting up on that run. That afternoon I went to a baby shower for the lovely Salty. She just looks so great and is 6 months pregnant! Her family threw a really nice shower and we got to play some fun games and eat some yummy food. It was at a beach club by the lake so we had such a nice view. When I got home again I was exhausted and settled in for a nap!

Monday I got to sleep in, yeah! Until 9! Yeah! We spent the day at the Geauga county fair. I only go b/c they seriously have 100s of animals. I love seeing and petting the animals. Its depressing as hell though b/c people buy the animals to kill and they have all these little signs - thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Carnivore for buying my 2008 hog - oh so sad. But I love love love being able to pet and cuddle with the goats, sheep, cows, pigs, rabbits and even the poultry! They also have llama and alpaca. It was so hot out. And between all the walking, the heat and the fair food I was cooked and ready to just lay down. We decided to watch another movie last night since we are behind in out netflix; we watched Gone Baby Gone. I adore Casey Affleck, this movie was okay, a little too depressing.

And now it's Tuesday and ugh I have to work! Hope you had a great weekend bloggy friends.
Thursday, August 28, 2008

Happy Birthday Taiko

3 years ago I got a call from Shar Pei Savers asking me to go take a look at a dog in a shelter in Parma. I was warned that this dog was a really bad case and that someone working there had gotten in touch with our group begging us to take it b/c it wasn't getting proper care. So, I head on over and am met with the most pitiful site I ever saw. A dog, young, probably just about a year that is almost completely hairless and has chewed himself to pieces. He had some sort of "elepahntitis" that had make his legs enormous and full of fluid. His face was a puffy mess and the smell. Oh my god the smell was alarming, he smelled like rotten garbage. To top it all off there was a sign on the cage saying that it was up to the owner to have the excess skin removed, for you non dog or non shar pei people, you don't remove a peis freaking skin, they are supposed to be wrinkled. I got him out of the cage and he immediately came over and folded himself into my lap, the smell was so bad I couldn't stand it, I had to leave. I wasn't allowed to say I was a rescue, this place didn't adopt to rescues since they were a no kill shelter. So, I told them I had to think about it. I got in my car and just cried. I'm sure they thought I'd never come back. But I did, the next day I came back and got him and drove home with him trapped in the far back of the car and the windows down. He had been an owner surrender, bought from some F***ed up Backyard Breeder and had been turned in b/c they couldn't deal with his skin issues. It was labor day weekend. I told SPS there was no way I could foster this dog, he was in too bad of shape, there was nothing I could do. I took him to a vets office and left him for 2 days to get checked over and pretty much stayed away. I was scared of this dog and the unknown. But I had to bring him home. The first night we had him sleep in the garage, I still feel bad about that. The next time I washed him with tar shampoo and let it sit and scrubbed the oil and smell away for the most part. We let him sleep in the house that night. He had never seen stairs and had no idea what to do with them, so I had to carry him up and down them for a few days. He had never seen a toy. He had never slept in a bed. He was loving and gentle from day 1 and mushi loved him. I had no intention of fostering this dog. I had someone lined up to come get him the following weekend, but in that week he stole my heart. I talked Gary into letting me foster him, about a month later, we just went ahead and paid for him and filled out the adoption papers and he was ours. To make a long story short, Taiko had an extreme thyroid issue, once he was thyroid meds for a few months he got tons better, not perfect, I still had to give him a bath weekly, but the oil production slowed and his hair grew back and he didn't itch nearly as much. Later on we went further and put him on a strict diet of duck & potato dog food, no soy, no wheat, no grains. He got even better. Then we got him his very own dermatologist who determined he was allergic to all kinds of stuff like pollen and ragweed. So, now he gets a weekly allergy shot. And let me tell you,, we have spent thousands of dollars getting this dog into good health. He soon has to have surgery on his bottom lip b/c it wraps too tightly over his bottom teeth and is causing his teeth to decay. Whoever bred him should be shot. I freaking hate recreational breeders. Anywho, he has been worth every penny. I love him so much and cannot imagine what would have happened to him if I had taken that filthy greasy bloated pile of wrinkles home with me. He brings me joy everyday when I come home from work and he howls and yelps so happy to see his mamma. My favorite Tai quirk is when you are laying on the floor watching tv, he likes to come over and lay right on your belly and then he wags his tails and he keeps you pinned. Happy Birthday Taiko.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008

whaddup internet?

Hey there Bloggy Friends. Not much blogging lately, work is crazy. Crazy squared. Boy I hate working. But I did have a wonderful weekend and it was so fun to see so many old friends and my mom and sister fo course. But I am tired, all that driving just killed me. I was so beat when I got home on Monday and got to bed much later than I would have liked. My workouts have been sporadic at best, but my long runs are still going well. I need to get my butt in gear. It seems that fall is here and there is nothing better than running in the fall, so maybe that will be motivation. I can't believe it's almost september! I am already looking forward to the long weekend. I get 2 4 day workweeks in a row! Hoorah.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Best laid plans

Grrrrr.....today was a start over day. Not that I haven't been running, I have, but I've been doing little else. And mostly I've been running long, so I am not working out a lot. So, today I was going to go to spinning and lift weights before hand. But alas Taiko had other ideas.

Around 2 am I hear the familiar grunts. Tai standing by the side of my bed, grunting under his breath that it's time to go potty. Now usually this doesn't happen until 5 or 6am. I am lying there and I hate to not take him b/c how would you like it if you had to wait for someone else to let you pee. Gary never gets up, he sleeps through the monkey grunts. Then I realize - oh shit - Gary told me to let them out before I went to bed and I didn't! That means the monkey hasn't been potty since his walk at 7pm. I am a horrible mother. So I get up and take them out. When I get back G is up and I tell him what happens and he says he let them out last night. So, I don't know why Tai had to go, but regardless, I get back in bed and I CANNOT for the life of me fall asleep. I lay there thinking and worrying and planning and doing all kinds of stuff you should be doing from 2-4 am. I think I finally fell back asleep in the 4 o clock hour only to be woken up by Tai again around 6 b/c he had to pee again. ARGH. So, I crawled back in bed and realized I missed spinning and tried to sleep, but just kept tossing and turning and I stayed in bed until 7:40. Just an ugly morning. I feel fine right now, but I'm sure later in the day it's going to hit me. Blah.

So, this means tonight I must run or bike or swim or do something! Anything!

I am going to have one great weekend. But busy. On Friday after work I am driving down to Cinti to see my best friend Mindy. She is moving to NE on Monday so this will be the last time I will see her for awhile. I'll stay with her and we'll have dinner and go for a run Sat morning. Then I have a baby shower for some old dear friends that I have not seen in awhile and we've been bad about staying in touch, but I just love them. It will be great to see them and catch up. Then I will head to Danville and see my mom and sister and stay there until Sunday afternoon. Then I am going to head to Bloomington IN to see my dear friend Jane who had a baby in June. I haven't met him yet and I can.not.wai! So, I will stay with her Sunday night and then head home on Monday. It's going to be great. I cannot wait.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Gary and I went to see Tropic Thunder last night. It was really funny, you should check it out. I was in need of a good laugh.

Can you believe it's already dark in the morning? It's already hard enough to wake up at 5:30, but when it's dark out it's nearly impossible. I think I may switch up my workout schedule and give after work workouts a try. I just can't seem to drag my ass out of bed in the morning.

Tonight I am meeting Salty and Gina for a little trail run. Should be fun. It got a lot hotter outside. We were enjoying some nice fall weather last week. I hope it's not muggy. I have been a mosquito magnet this year.
Monday, August 18, 2008

Be Careful out there people

My very nice neighbor Miles got killed this weekend on his bike. It just breaks my heart for him and his family. And scares me off of my bike for awhile. He used to walk his dog everyday and I would always give a little wave.

He was hit by a truck while bicycling in Geauga County on Saturday. Miles was Life Flighted to Metro, but died from internal bleeding during surgery after three surgical teams worked on him for several hours. He was 58 years old.

The accident took place near a jog in the road on Rt. 44 near Music Street before the crest of a hill. Apparently a motorcyclist was passing on Miles’ right when a 2002 Dodge Durango struck him when he was attempting a left hand turn. Both the motorcyclist and the truck driver stopped when the accident happened, as did a good Samaritan who stayed on the scene until police arrived.

A link to the story in the News Herald:
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2008/08/17/news/doc48a78314b99f8470316132.txt
Sunday, August 17, 2008

Just taking it easy....for once

What a gorgeous weekend we have been having. This has been such a great summer in cleveland. You couldn't ask for better weather. On Friday I called in sick (playing hooky!) and met my friend Sara to go run on the towpath. She is training for Columbus. She's been running for years, but this is her first marathon attempt and she is going to do awesome. I haven't been feeling well, as I said, so I decided just to listen to my body and take it easy. Since Sara is a bit slower than me, this was easy, I just ran with her and resisted the urge to speed up. I ran 4.5 out with her, and then decided to walk a bit and meet her when she turned around. She was running 8 out. I ended up walking a little over 2 miles before I met her and then ran back with her. I believe I ran about 11 and walked about 4. It was really amazing to walk for awhile on the towpath, I am always running there, so I miss all the good stuff. We stopped at the beaver marsh and scouted for some beavers. We saw an awesome baby pheasant that came right up to us. I rescued a giant fat neon green Caterpillar from the fate of being run over by a runner or biker (i freaking love Caterpillar), I saw lots of turtles and took time to take in the scenery. It was a lovely day and then we capped it off with a yummy breakfast at Yours Truly. Afterwards I was beat, and I napped and read all day long. It was great. When G got home we went out to dinner at my favorite restaurant Mitchell's Fish Market. It was a late celebration for my promo/birthday.

Saturday I took a long walk, ran a bunch of errands, did a lot more reading/lounging/olympic watching and chilled out. That night we went to our friends house for a cookout and we watched the women's olympic marathon, boy did the winner have a great lead. It's amazing to watch how fast they run and how they take in their nutrition. Crazy.

I started today off with a 5 mile run & 2 mile walk. I walked up to a coffee shop that is 1 mile from my house and met my friend Ilana, then we ran 5 miles, then I got a nice latte and headed back home. Now I am waiting for G to get up and guess what I'm doing? SItting on my porch lounging and reading. We are going to his dad's house today for yumm salmon and to hang out. Life is good. Do I really have to go back to work tomorrow?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
I haven't been feeling well this week bloggy friends. Just really dragging ass. So, I have no fun workout updates to give you b/c I've barely been working out! Oh no. Oh well one week won't kill me.

About Me

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Mnowac
distance runner attempting to run a marathon in every state, vegetarian foodie, mediocre triathlete, sucky swimmer, mommy to Harper, tea lover, coffee drinker, animal saver, hubby snuggler, race addict, full time working 31 year old living in cleveland
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Marathons so far

  • Sept 2012 - Corning, NY - TBD
  • April 2012 - Louisville, KY - TBD
  • Sept 2011 - Erie PA - 4:25
  • June 2011 - South Bend IN - 5 hrs+ (it was 98 degrees!)
  • Dec 2010 - Rehoboth Beach DE - 4:26:06
  • Nov 2010 - Huntington WV - 4:11:44
  • Oct 2009 - Towpath - Cleveland area OH - 4:30:35

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