Monthly Archives: August 2008

Caution: Running May Cause Pregnancy Nose

Posted on by Run DMT
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When women become pregnant, we experience the most remarkable changes to our bodies during our gestational period, such as expanding rib cages, a widening of the nose, lovely liver spots and particularly, pregnancy nose.  Prior to today, men have been unable to relate to pregnant women who simply sniff odors on the other side of the hemisphere and become violently ill.  However, pregnant women everywhere can now rest easy as I have finally found a concrete example to help us explain this phenomenon in terms a man can understand.

During my short time running, I have rediscovered pregnancy nose.  It must have something to do with the heavy breathing and panting (Go ahead and giggle and then get your mind out of the gutters, please.) that forces my nose to work overtime.  While running, my super snout will smell everything and anything, which then causes me to be completely repulsed by all the odors, just like when I was pregnant. 

For example, I can name the neighbor smoking cancer sticks on his back porch, although I am still working on detecting the brands.  Other neighbors nauseate me with moth balls in their yards to protect against pesky armadillos.  If I get a whiff of bacon browning on a griddle, it causes me to crave pancakes.  Exhaust fumes from cars and heavy construction vehicles two blocks over choke me.  Unclaimed piles of dog dung will bung up my supply of fresh air.   Stagnant swamp water and decomposing vegetation causes me to become queasy.

In summary, running may cause pregnancy nose, therefore please take appropriate safety measures when running.  Unfortunately, holding your nose may be your only defense.

This concludes your Run DMT public service announcement.  Please forward this along to all pregnant women and expecting fathers uninformed men to further educate the public on this matter.

Feeling the Love!

Posted on by Run DMT
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I have just received my first blogga bling from the always marvelous Jennifer of Happily- Ever-After-Land! 

How fitting is my first award?

Kick Ass Blogger Award

Thanks to Jennifer, I am truly feeling the love in the blogosphere and now I must spread the love by sharing my Kick A$$ Award with 5 other booty busting bloggers.

Mountain {Air} Flair

The Hungry Housewife

Looking Towards {Heaven}

Keeping It Real

Daily Dose of Toni

And as though it couldn’t get any better, my blog was spotlighted on momdot.com!  Does this make me an official momma blogga now?  I am gushing with pride! Thank you! Mwah to everyone from moi! :-)

 

Let’s celebrating with some dancing…

 

and a drink or two.  Who wants a Hurricane?

No Reason to Fear Fay

Posted on by Run DMT
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Tropical Storm Fay’s track has turned east and once again Tampa Bay has been spared of yet another hurricane.  Last night, I anticipated Fay throwing a monkey wrench in this week’s training, but morning brought beautiful blues skies and I seized the opportunity for a quick 5 mile run.  During my run, I enjoyed watching white feathered clouds float across the sky, probably distant cousins to the bands related to Fay.

Today’s quick run compared to resistance training with 12 mph winds and all the moisture in the air as a result of Fay.  Oddily enough, I didn’t spot my usual neighbors much wildlife many gators or sandhill cranes, perhaps they still sensed something and remained bunkered down for the storm.  I did happen to notice a few vultures and that’s never a good sign when running.

Even though my part of Florida has seen very few hurricanes, I felt precautions for Fay were necessary and therefore stocked up on few supplies, such as batteries, wind-up radio, flashlights, Parmalat Milk, water, ice and of course, beer.  I also located the ingredients for my Emeril Lagasse’s recipe for a Hurricane.

1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger amaretto liqueur
1 fluid ounce light rum
1 fluid ounce dark rum
6 fluid ounces orange juice
6 fluid ounces pineapple juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 dash grenadine syrup
1 orange, sliced into rounds (Lime works well, too)
1 maraschino cherry

Directions:
Fill a 16 ounce glass with ice. Pour in amaretto, light rum and dark rum. Pour in orange juice, pineapple juice, and lemon juice. Stir, then top with a dash of grenadine and garnish with an orange slice (or slice of lime) and a cherry.

Here’s to hard runs on hurricanes days!  Cheers y’all!

Back to School Blues

Posted on by Run DMT
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After a long summer break, Allana returned to school today.  My big first grader seemed to grow up overnight.  Excitedly, she gulped down her breakfast and dressed for the day in record speed leaving plenty of time to take pictures of her first day of school.  She proudly posed with all her new school gear, especially fond of her Scooby Doo and the Mystery Machine lunch box.

To familiarize her with the routine, Allana rode the bus this morning.  Emmalynn and I left a few minutes later to meet Allana at school and walk her to class, but to our disappointment, we were too late.  With all the back to school congestion, we were stuck in traffic and as a result, we missed our opportunity to escort Allana to her new classroom.  Although I was upset, Allana didn’t seem the least bit concerned.  By the time we arrived at her classroom, she had already settled in nicely.  It seems I may have been more upset than she.

Emmalynn and I wished Allana a good day and left to meet some friends for a Boo Hoo Breakfast.  Despite the name, the moms were pretty cheerful to kid-free or a child or two less.  Even though I had one less child in tow, Emmalynn has enough energy for two or even three and would not allow me to sit long enough to enjoy my meal or the company. 

When Allana returned home, she didn’t have much to share about her day, except that her Scooby Doo lunch box was not well received by the other girls in her class.  Apparently, at lunch time, another girl made fun of her lunch box because it is not your typical girl lunch box.  At that moment, I realized Allana has misplaced her lunch box.  The scene from Nineteen Minutes immediately popped into my head and I wonder if Allana is being tortured by a bully.  Did Allana deliberately lose her lunch box because of this mean girl?  I explained to Allana that girls can like Scooby Doo and it shouldn’t matter what anyone thinks, but I know she is really hurt by it all.  Why do kids have to be so mean? 

With Tropical Storm Fay heading our way, school has been canceled for tomorrow and I can enjoy one more day at home with both my girls.  Although Fay will bring a gray and gloomy day, my beautiful Allana will only be showered in sunshine to fill her with love and remind her how truly wonderful she is.

Cilantro and My Sweetie

Posted on by Run DMT
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Saturday night, Allan and I managed to sneak away for a few hours for a highly anticipated date night.  We try to plan at least one date night a month to reconnect, but for the past couple of months we’ve missed our quiet quality time together with all the traveling and parties this summer. 

 For our date nights, we prefer to dine at restaurants that our children prohibit us to enjoy and typically, that means Sushi or Indian cuisine.  When we heard raves reviews about a fairly new establishment, Cilantro, we were willing to give it a try as we have been gravely disappointed with our old haunt, Taj.

 As promised, Cilantro delivered impeccable service and delicious dishes.  We started with the spicy samosas, which were looked and tasted homemade and only made us crave more.  Garlic Nan was the perfect companion for the tasty and tender Chicken Tikki Masala, but perhaps not the most suitable meal for my long distance run the next day.     

Sunday Running Log #3

Posted on by Run DMT
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This morning, Lori and I met for our weekly Sunday morning run.  I managed to run 10.5 miles today and not get attacked by red ants, which seem to be attracted to my water bottle.  Oddly enough during my run last week, an ant slipped off my water bottle, landed on my chest and bit me.  As a result from my vicious attack, I cautiously inspected my sports bottle at each water station before I drank from it this morning.  Then, about half way through my run, I found the little buggers crawling all over my sports bottle again.  I guess they like my sweet sweat.  

Although my energy levels remain high during these long distance runs, I am feeling it in my knees, which means one of two things: I need to do more strength/weight training or I need to buy some new shoes.  Since I am pretty consistent with my strength training, it can only mean that I am long over due for new shoes.  I have had my current Kensei Asics for over 7 months now.  Prior to the Kensei Asics, I had the GT 2120, which is still the pair I use for cross training.  The 2120 are decent shoes, but the Kensei are amazing!  I just can’t bring myself to spend $180 for shoes.  Unless I can get an incredible deal on a pair of Kensei, like I did 7 months ago, I will be slumming it running with the newer version, the GT 2130.  Honestly, I could get two pairs of 2130 for the price of one Kensei and my knees would still thank me.

Plan for this week: Buy new shoes.

Would You Trade Your Paycheck for an Apron?

Posted on by Run DMT
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Recently, cnn.com/living reported that a growing number of women are choosing to leave the workforce to become stay-at-home wives.  Good choice, ladies!  I applaud your decision and raise my margarita glass to you! 

 

In the 1960s, our mothers and grandmothers fought for our right to choose a career path fitting to our needs and free from the constraints of society’s expectations or demands.  Almost fifty years later, we can choose to stay home to maintain a happy home and raise a family without shame, criticism or question.  Even though the pay stinks and vacation time and sick days are an absurd notion, many of us refuse to hang up our aprons any time soon.  

 

As the article reports, some women have the option to stay at home with their decision having little or no financial impact.  As in my case, my husband’s salary covers all of our household expenses and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity and choice to be a stay-at-home mom  Domestic Diva.

 

Even once my children are in school full-time, I have no desire to return to teaching, but my professional skills are by no means “wasted” as I apply those skills in all aspects of my life as a stay-at-home mom.  The skills acquired during my teaching career are utilized when managing my moms group and raising my children.   Essentially, I teach children all day long.  I also dust off my teaching tools on days that I volunteer at my daughter’s school.

 

Even the women in my moms group tap into their professional skills as SAHM.  In her former life as an administrative assistant, Erika adopted the most amazing organizational skills.  Those skills play into her stay-at-home career as she generates and maintains filing systems for every project in her life.  Perhaps, if Erika does not return to work, she should offer how-to organizational work-shops in between pedicures and household chores.

 

However, stay-at-home wives have an advantage over stay-at-home moms.  A stay-at-home wife has the luxury to focus on her own needs and personal goals, whereas stay-at-home moms often find it difficult to put their needs first.  The needs of a stay-at-home mom often fall behind the needs of her children and her husband, and therefore her personal goals are put on hold.   

 

When choosing to trade your paycheck for an apron, there are two important points to consider: lack of income and lack of adult interaction.  While in the workplace, you are accustomed to having frivolous spending money and a disposable income. Upon entering the world of domestic bliss, the absence of an income becomes a difficult adjustment.  One less paycheck means a lot less spending.  To help with your transition, plan a budget for fun money in your weekly or monthly budget, which excludes household bills, groceries and other expenses.

 

Unless you prefer solitude, staying at home can be a lonely choice for some.  Although work may have caused you some stress, there were co-workers to chat with and many opportunities for stimulating adult conversation. Therefore, to keep you sane and connect with other people, join an on-line social network to find others with similar interests, such as scrapbooking or an outdoor adventure group.  Also, search for local special interest happenings related to your hobbies.  An all night scrapbooking event or a book discussion at a local coffee shop can provide a means to satisfy your craving for adult interaction. 

 

As for me, working was over-rated.  Sure the money was a perk, but the stress out weighed the benefit for me.  I actually prefer a pile of poopy diapers over a pile of paperwork.  These days, I have achieved a work-life balance like none other.

Chick in Chaos

Posted on by Run DMT
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As a personal goal, I try to register for at least one race a month.  With the threat thrill of an approaching race, I find it prevents me from slacking off too much and I stay motivated and focused.  Since I thoroughly enjoyed the Babes and Bum Triathlon, I wanted to try my hand at another tri and with that, I registered for my next challenge: the Chaotic CoteeMan on September 27. 

Despite my excitement for another triathlon, I overslept this morning and missed my window of opportunity to run.  Plus, another rainy day here in the Sunshine State has put a damper on any desire to exercise.  UGH!  Rain makes me so lazy and I am really enjoying my pajamas today.  Once again, I am tempted by my couch and Twilight.  I must fight the temptation and pay my friend, Sharon Mann, a visit to kick this chick in shape for the chaos challenge I face next month.  Besides, I need to do something to avoid eating the banana bread and The Hungry Housewife’s Winning Lemon Loaf I baked today.  My badunkadunk butt thanks you, Leslie.  Pass the fat pants and hand over the cookie.

Five Minutes for Fitness

Posted on by Run DMT
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I am feeling so lazy today.  Yes, even Diva Run DMT has her moments of laziness and those days are usually called “Pajama Days”.  A raging thunderstorm this morning squashed any motivation I had for working out today.  If I hadn’t committed to hosting our Moms on the Go Annual Back to School Bash, I would have never left the house.  I would have much rather curled up on the couch with my new book, Twilight, while my babysitter Noggin entertained the children. I feel like a super mom turned super sloth today. 

Then, this afternoon I chanced upon a new challenge posted on Five Minutes for Moms.  Every Thursday, you must commit to adding Five Minutes of Fitness to your usual routine.  The exercises are simple, but challenging enough to rid you of that baby belly and turn your bundadunk butt into a bodacious booty.

Now, I feel guilty for missing my work-out and stuffing my face with pizza instead.  So, if you’ll please excuse me, I must take five for a dance party with my girls.  I feel a little Dancing Queen coming on.

Send Me on My Way

Posted on by Run DMT
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As I mentioned in Babes and Bum and My Dunkadunk, Part 3, music motivates me.  With the right songs in my playlist, I can pound the pavement for miles. 

 

To Send Me on My Way, Rusted Root’s chants put a spring in my step and get the juices flowing to help warm-up my muscles for the first ½ mile.  The song always makes me smile even when I am on my way to a tough workout.

 

I prefer to run in the early morning before my family rises.  It’s my Sweet Escape.  I’ve seen some of the most gorgeous sunrises since I started running.  Although wearing an iPod makes it difficult to appreciate the sounds of nature around me, I occasionally remove my headphones to listen to the frogs chirp.  Even the sound of rain tapping the tarmac can be a pleasant alternative to music once in a while, but still no substitute for my playlist.

 

The lyrics of Unwritten truly define my passion and recent interest in running.  Today is where my book begins.  The rest is still unwritten.  A year ago, I would never have thought I could run farther than ¼ mile.  Today I can run 10 miles and a new chapter in my life has truly begun.

 

 It’s Tricky to find the right songs to keep you moving.  For me, if a song causes me to bust out random dance moves while running, then it’s a good choice.  Plus, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time while running can be tricky, tricky, tricky. 

 

The people in my neighborhood must think I am completely off my rocker when they see me dancing during my runs, but when Outkast tells me to “shake it like a Polaroid picture” in Hey Ya, I must obey.  A brief break in the work-out to shake my hips and I feel as though I can run even faster.

 

Since I Like to Move it, Move It, combining dancing and running together only seems natural.  If my time seems a little slower than usual, it may have been all the water breaks but more likely a little too much booty boogieing

 

With every work-out, I’m Bringing Sexy Back.  It has been a long road getting here, but I found the body I had before children hiding under the layers of baby weight and blubber.  Since my commitment to my training, I seem to have more energy these days.  I have discovered my Fountain of Youth.

 

Like my own personal trainer, Marky Mark reminds me to “Feel it!  Feel it!” with his repetitive raps in Good Vibrations.  He understands the pain and agony associated with running.  His sidekick, Fergie, validates all this hard work and knows how a body stays vicious.  I be up in the gym just working on my fitness.  I know I coming off a little conceited, and I just keep repeating, but it’s all about the music and a little determination.  It’s Fergilicious.

 

It’s almost time to Wind It Up when Gwen Stefani sings.  The end is near and yet I feel I can go farther, because Supersonic motivating rhymes are created to make me run. Then James Brown advises me to Get on Up and “stay on the scene”, which could turn ugly if my iPod dies in the middle of my work-out.  I would become helpless.  Please Don’t Stop the Music.  It’s what keeps me moving. 

 

Just when I think I couldn’t take another step, Destiny’s Child’s hypnotic hymn inspires me to go the distance.  I’m a Survivor.  I’m gonna work harder.  I’m gonna make it. 

 

If I can become a marathon runner, than anyone can do it.  I’m Every Woman.  It’s all in me.

 

Finding the time to juggle it all is never an easy task, but excuses make it way too convenient to avoid a work-out.  I’ve been there, sister.  I share your pain and I dare you to share mine.  Now get out there and run!  And take my playlist with you!

*edited to add*

Other songs on my playlist

  • Baby Got Back
  • Get Down Tonight
  • Rock Your Body
  • Tootsie Roll
  • Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Walk Away
  • Me, Myself and I
  • Three is the Magic Number
  • Steal My Kisses
  • It Takes Two From You
  • Don’t Start ‘Till You Get Enough
  • Wanna Be Starting Something
  • Some Kind of Wonderful
  • Jump Around
  • Rollin’ with Kid ‘N Play
  • Brass Monkey
  • Daisy Dukes
  • Blister in the Sun
  • My Humps
  • Low