Monthly Archives: October 2010

Friday Food Fight: My Muffin Top

Posted on by Run DMT
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To kick off our first Friday Food Fight, I thought I’d throw a great hook with a Starbucks pumpkin muffin, one of Karen’s favorite fall treats.

 

 

And yes, that’s cream cheese icing and pumpkin seeds on top.  Delish.

 

Pumpkin muffins are hard to come by in the UK.  Actually, you would be hard pressed to find pumpkin pie or anything pumpkin related.   But here in the states, pumpkin treats are as common and American as apple pie.  For me, it’s just not fall without the smell of allspice and pumpkin wafting in the air.

 

Can’t you just smell the allspice from here?

 

Go on.  Take a taste.  Lick your monitor.  I won’t tell.

 

 

 

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My Frog Princess

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Allana had another piano recital last Saturday.  For this recital, she had to wear a costume to accompany her piece of music.  Since her selection was Bullfrog Blues, she wanted to dress like a frog.

 

 

I offered to buy her a Tiana Princess Frog gown, but she had other ideas.  She requested a green leotard and green stockings.  To finish off her frog look, she carefully constructed two large eyes and taped them to a headband.  Given how girlie Allana usually acts, I was very surprised that she turned down a frilly fancy gown to dress like a giant tree frog, but I have to admit, she did look quite cute.

 

In the end, it was very rewarding for Allana to not be swayed from her decision as she won second place for her fabulous frog-like look.  The prize was five dollars.

 

 

I am so proud of my creative and talented frog princess

 

 

Music Monday: Halloweenies

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As to be expected, our Adult Halloween party was quite the freak fest.  Much like the mood of the entire evening, the costumes and the company were a lot of fun.

 

 

Dressed as Katy Perry and Russell Brand, Erika and John had the best costume once again.

 

 

Tiffany and her husband, Greg, had the cutest costume dressed as Will Schuester and Quinn from Glee.

 

 

As Top Gun, Jackie and Bob were definitely the coolest.

 

But Julie and Jason had the funniest and most creative couples costume.  Can you guess what it was?

 

 

 

This Saturday, the Halloween hoopla continues with our Moms on the Go Family Halloween party.  Not quite as risqué as our adult party, but still a lot of fun.  Every year, I lead the kids’ costume parade with the Monster Mash, followed by our Witch Doctor freeze dance and we wrap the fun with Thriller limbo.

 

 

As you can imagine, I always need a stiff drink and a dead sleep after the kids’ party.  I hope this Halloween is a real treat for you and yours.

 

Happy Halloween!

 

 

 

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

 

Pumpkins with Fun Kin

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Visiting Sweetfields Farm during October is one of our favorite fall traditions.  The girls love exploring the sunflower maze,

 

 

climbing on the creative haystack sculptures,

 

 

and playing in the pumpkin patch.

 

 

 

 

This year, we visited the farm with family which made a fun fall pastime even more enjoyable and memorable.

 

 

Random Thoughts About My Running

Posted on by Run DMT
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A new running store opened in my neighborhood, Suncoast Running, and they host two weekly runs: Tuesdays mornings at 6:00 a.m. and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m.  Tracey, the owner, and several of my other running friends like Jackie and Sarah, have been trying to get me to join them for weeks.  With an infant still waking up to feed in the middle of the night, it’s really difficult to get motivated to run at 6:00 a.m.

 

But when I heard they meet for drinks at the Beef O’Brady’s next door after their run, I found my motivation to join them last Thursday for their (what I am cleverly calling) Beer Thirty Running Club. Tracey, Michelle (a new running friend) and I ran 3 miles, but I decided to go a tenth of a mile more to learn what my 5K time is these days.

 

Thursday, Oct. 14

3.1 miles

Calories 299

Ave Pace 12:30

Max Pace 9:49

Time 38:43

 

How probable do you think it is to shave 5 minutes off my time by November 21?

 

My running partner, Tiffany, is so excited that I am out running again and we plan our Saturday runs with such zest even though my pace doesn’t reflect it.

 

Saturday, Oct. 16

4 miles

Calories 373

Ave Pace 14:00

Max Pace 9:28

Time 55:57

 

For the past week, my knees have been really bothering me which can mean a few things:  1) I need to stretch my calves more.  2) I need to do more strength training.   3) I need to replace my shoes.

 

I think the latter is the most likely reason.  I replaced my shoes a year ago.  With my pregnancy, I thought they didn’t get much mileage this past year, but I guess they did.  Between two half-marathons, a 5K, walking around Busch Gardens and weekly wogs until I was 7 months pregnant, the miles must have added up.

 

Despite old shoes and my knees still bothering me, I really wanted to try for three miles again this morning.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 19

3.1 miles

Calories 286

Ave Pace 13:26

Max Pace 9:40

Time 41:40

 

How probable do you think it is to shave 10 minutes off my time by November 21?

 

I won’t be running with a stroller at the Women’s 5K, so that may improve my finish time.  However, it was either Tracey and Michelle or the prospect of a drinking beer at Beef’s that helped improve my pace on Thursday evening.   Which made me wonder…Is there beer at the finish at the Women’s Half Marathon?

 

Since Running Betty lives in St. Pete, I think I’ll ask her to bring me a beer.  She can dangle it over the finish line with a fishing rod near the volunteers handing out the medals.

 

Tomorrow, I am not running except to the running store to buy some new shoes.  Hopefully, new shoes will motivate me to move a bit quicker.

 

***Proudly submitted at The Un Mom’s Random Thoughts Tuesday, because when I blog about my runs, it’s usually pretty random.***

 

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Music Monday: Get Ur Freak On

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On Saturday, Allan and I will be hosting our annual adult Halloween party and I am so ready to get my freak on.

 

 

Since I’ve still got a saggy, baggy belly from where my baby bump once was, I am going for comfy and cute for this year’s look.  In case you’re curious about my costume, I’ll give you a hint.

 

 

As we draw closer Halloween, each week I will be sharing my favorite Halloween tunes for Music Monday. Share your favorite spine tingling tunes too… if you dare. Muhahahahahaha!

 

 

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

 

Just Like Starting Over

Posted on by Run DMT
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Yesterday, I ran another 4 miles and I am steadily improving.  WOOHOO!

 

4 Miles

357 Calories

Ave Pace 13:39

Max Pace 9:27

Time 54:34

 

Today, I registered for the Women’s Running Magazine 5K.  I’ve got about a month to really improve and get back into the game.  Truthfully, it feels just like starting over.

 

When I began running three years ago, I could barely run a quarter mile.  My good friend and running partner, Lori (now a virtual running partner/coach since she moved away), convinced me to stick with it.  “Anybody can run,” were her words.  “Run a bit and walk a bit.  You’ll get there.”

 

Lori twisted my arm convinced me to train for the Turkey Trot 5K Wingding even though I only wanted to run the 1 mile Gobbler.  She told me about Cool Running’s Couch Potato to 5K plan and Hal Higdon’s Novice 5K Plan which made a 5K goal more doable and attainable.  Runners can walk? It seemed like such an odd concept.

 

By following these plans, a once non-runner became an OBSESSED runner.  I was hooked and the rest is history.

 

But then I became pregnant and at seven months I was too big and too uncomfortable for any walking or running or wogging.  My running days would have to pick up after the baby was born.

 

Now, it’s two months after the birth of Baby Run DMT and I’m slowly getting back into the groove in more ways than one.  With my training, I’ve had to revisit those novice 5K plans because there’s a whole lot of walking to finish 4 miles.  Last week, I could barely run a quarter mile without having to stop to walk.  This week, I ran a half-mile (maybe even farther) before I needed to stop to walk.

 

In the beginning of my running days, Lori advised me to walk the intersections of our neighborhood, which is great advice that I’m following again these days. A five to ten second walk to cross the road is just the break I need to pick up my pace.

 

Since I didn’t have a Garmin, I don’t know what my pace was in the beginning of my running days, however, I believe I finished the Turkey Trot 5K in 33 minutes. It would be great to finish close to that at the Women’s 5K next month.

 

In our phone conversations, Coach Lori encourages me once again, “Don’t worry. You’ll be back at your old pace in no time. You’ll get there.”

 

But I think John Lennon said it best. It’ll be just like starting ooooovveeerrrr.

Allana’s Instruction Manual

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The other day, we were listening to Absolutely Mindy on Kids Place Live and Mindy asked her listeners what they felt should be included in a manual if kids came with an instruction manual. Allana begged me to call the station so she could share her ideas, but I had no luck reaching Mindy.

 

A few days later, my signature was requested to accept a delivery from “The Company of Children Manuwales“.

 

 

Fixating on Four Miles

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Falling back into my old ways, I arranged to meet Tiffany (my running partner) on Saturday morning for a 4 mile run.

 

“I can’t wait to see you–does this mean I will be making your blog again?”

 

Of course!  Would you expect anything less?

 

Not only did it feel great to be running again, but it was truly wonderful to be running with Tiffany again.  I know the feeling was mutual because Tiffany kindly said she didn’t mind how slow we went.  She was just glad to be running with me again and getting the miles in.  Now, that’s a true friend and running partner!

 

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve decided to participate in the Redefining Refuge 5K Fun Run and the Women’s 5K.  So for my training, I intend to run at least 4 miles each time.  Since I always seem to run more and go farther than 3.1 miles in a race due all my zig-zagging through the crowds, I want my body to be used to going the distance.

 

For the time being, I have two running goals: 1) Finish four miles under an hour.  2) Try and run at least three times a week.  Last week, I achieved goal #2.

 

Saturday, Oct. 9

4.40 miles

Calories 394

Ave Pace 15:15

Max Pace 9:37

Time 1:07:02

 

Despite the difficulties of running with a stroller and a crying a baby, I achieved goal #1 today. Although Baby Run DMT would probably disagree, I think a crying baby helped me move a bit faster.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 12

4 miles

Calories 365

Ave Pace 14:12

Max Pace 10:09

Time 56:44

 

Now, hopefully I can run at least two more times this week and achieve goal #2 too.

Music Monday: My Candy Girls

Posted on by Run DMT
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Next to the costumes, Halloween is all about the candy in this house. It’s amazing how a small morsel of sweetness will motivate my daughters to walk miles.

 

 

Yesterday, we visited Sea World’s Spooktacular Halloween. For this spooktacular event, Sea World sets up candy stations for the kids to trick-or-treat along on a path leading to Shamu’s Happy Harbor. I don’t know if it was the excitement of being at Sea World or a sugar rush from all the candy that kept my girls moving all day long. Either way, my candy girls had a great time.

 

Stay tuned for a complete review of our day at Sea World’s Spooktacular Halloween.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we draw closer Halloween, each week I will be sharing my favorite Halloween tunes for Music Monday. Share your favorite spine tingling tunes too… if you dare. Muhahahahahaha!

 

 

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.