Random Thoughts about a Swelled Head, a Shrinking Waist and a Princess Problem

Marathon TrainingIn the past few weeks, Run DMT has been spotlighted on several websites and it’s giving me a big head.

Marathon Training Schedule compiled a list of top running blogs and Run DMT is #64.  Then, RN Central.com  shared 50 Inspiring Blogs for Your Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss and Run DMT is #5 on the list.  How exciting is that?!

I’m flattered to be considered an “inspiration” to others for post-partum weight-loss and I hope yours is going better than mine because I’m sill struggling to lose the last of my baby weight 19 months later. What’s that old pregnancy rule of thumb for weight-loss? Nine months up, nineteen months down?  That sounds about right.

Five unflattering pounds are still sticking around from my pre-pregnancy weight but I don’t put a whole heck of a lot of value on the scale since most of my old clothes are fitting me.

So the numbers on the scale are not dropping but I am definitely toning and shrinking inches, thanks to our Love My Abs Challenge.  If you haven’t been following along, you should go over there RIGHT NOW and check it out!  Each week, I’ve been sharing photos and a brief recap of my progress.

Tomorrow, we’re moving onto to Week 4 and 200 reps, but it’s not too late to join in the fun.  Even if you fell off the wagon, you can simply start over at 100 reps at Week 1. It’s not about how many reps or how long, but more about making a commitment to a better you.

Speaking of wagons, I will be catching a carriage ride over to Orlando this weekend for the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon.  I don’t feel prepared at all for this race, but it has nothing to do with training.  I still haven’t figure out what to wear!

Should I be Belle or Tiana? 

Both princesses are equally smart, brave, fearless, beautiful and good role models for my girls (next to their mom, of course).  But…
If I dress as Belle, I’ll wear a yellow running skirt, matching yellow top, a tiara and carry a red rose.

If I dress as a Tiana, I’ll wear a green top, green shorts and a magnolia rhinestone hair clip in my hair.  I wanted to find a green tutu to wear over my shorts, but I haven’t had any luck yet. 

As any stylish, runner (a.k.a stunner ) will tell you, tiaras and tutus are a must for any Disney Princess race.  I think what I wear will be a game time decision, but I would love to hear your vote: Belle or Tiana?

The girls have the Gasparilla Jr. Race on Saturday. Next year, Liam will be old enough to run the Gasparilla Jr with Emmalynn, but this is Allana’s last year to run it as she’s getting too old for it now.  The thought of it makes me all melancholy, but she’s moving on to bigger distances with her mom.

And who knows maybe she’ll run a Princess race with me someday.  Then she can be Belle and I’ll be Tiana!  There. Problem solved.  Hopefully, by then I would have found a green tutu or made one or bought one of these shnazzy sparkly skirts.  A runner mom can dream, can’t she?  Like a wise mouse once told me, “If you dream it, you can do it.”

And now for my running stats!

I suffered from a stomach bug for two days after the Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon, but I think the forced rest helped me run under 30 minutes for the first time in nearly a year.

2/15

3.1 miles

Time 29:35

Ave Pace 9:33

Max Pace 7:31

 

2/16

4 miles

Time 41:09

Ave Pace 10:17

Max Pace 7:59

 

2/18

6 miles

Time 1:13:27

Ave Pace 11:51

Max Pace 8:56

 

2/21

3.1 miles

Time 30:21

Ave Pace 9:48

Max Pace 7:06

 *Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Christmas Shopping with Shutterfly

Next Wednesday, we have our annual family Christmas portrait session with my fabulous photographer friend, Kelly.  With much anticipation, I’ve added the final touches on everyone’s outfits.  For this year’s portrait, we’re all wearing variations of red and black.

Also in preparation, I’m keeping a list of the poses I’d like to capture this year.  I love close-up shots of my kids’ smiling faces.  They’re perfect for Christmas photo cards sending Christmas cheer to wish everyone a merry and bright holiday.

When choosing our family’s Christmas card, I prefer a large card (5×7) that includes at least 1 family shot and 3 individual photos of each child.  I also prefer the colors of the card to match the colors we’re wearing in the photos; however, finding a card that displays that many photos in one card while color coordinating with our outfits makes the search for the perfect Christmas anything but merry.

Thankfully, Shutterfly makes the search for the right Christmas card or holiday card simple.  With its sophisticated system, Shutterfly helps refine my search by the number of photos and color.

 

 

On the Christmas card product page, I can view an assortment of cards with the appropriate number of photos and color by selecting that option in the sidebar.

 

 

I’ve already found a large variety of cards that fit my criteria, however, some the cards were folded.

 

Still not a problem!  With a simple click, Shutterfly shows the flat 5×7 photo card option.

 

 

But this year, I’m also considering purchasing photo books and other personalized gifts for our family’s Christmas presents.  Our Christmas portraits are such a treasure and I’m sure both sets of parents would love mounted wall art of our family as a Christmas present.

 

 

 

Even a pewter ornament would make a great gift but not solely as a Christmas tree ornament.  After Christmas, our extended families can hang it on the wall to enjoy it all year long.

 

 

Shutterfly offers so much from a variety of Christmas cards that fit my color by number criteria to wonderful gifts our family will enjoy throughout the year.  And that makes Christmas shopping very merry!


*Shutterfly is offering FREE standard shipping on orders over $30.  Enter code SHIP30.  Hurry! Offer ends November 30, 2011.
*

Earrings! She wants them! She needs them! She loves them!

When my niece, Meghan had her ears pierced, Allana wanted her ears pierced too.  My mom had been begging to pierce the girls’ ears since they were babies, but I wanted it to happen when the girls asked for it.

 

Well, now Allana was asking for it.  Boy, was she ever!

Auntie Kirsten told Allana that she would pierce her ears for her 10th birthday.  Last Friday, Kirsten stuck to her promise and Allana feared for the state of her ears.

 

Allana chose hot pink peace signs for her first pair of earrings.  Meghan and Emmalynn held her hand while Allana nervously waited for the piercing to happen.

 

A few dots to mark the spots and then…

1-2-3…CLICK!

With a Claire’s sales associate on either side of Allana, both ears were done at the same time.  It was over in seconds and Allana said it didn’t hurt.

 

Now she is obsessing over dreaming about all the different earrings she can wear as soon as her ears heal.

*This post was inspired by this week’s Sticky Fingers The Gallery theme: Faces.  I think my daughter, Allana, made some brilliant and beautiful faces.*

Photography

*The title of this post was inspired by Judith Viorst’s Earrings.*

Random Tuesday Thoughts about Being Pretty in Pink and Pumpkins

During my girlfriend getaway on Anna Maria Island, I had all good intentions to run.  I packed three running outfits, a hydration belt and my old running shoes so my good pair wouldn’t get sandy from the beach.  Well, they sure didn’t get sandy!  My old running shoes didn’t even see one grain of sand or the light of day, because they stayed in my bag all weekend.

My friends are such saboteurs.

I didn’t get a decent night’s sleep until I returned home.  Now, my sleeping pattern has been so good that my lazy behind hasn’t been up to run since being back home either.  The Thursday BEFORE my girlfriend was the last time I ran and it was only 3 miles. Not good.  And it was a terrible run too.

3.1 miles

Time 34:07

Ave Pace 11:01

Max Pace 8:44

 
I joined Team Striders and I registered for the Race for the Cure 10K.  I really love this race. There’s no pressure, just a bunch of people raising money and awareness for breast cancer research.  Plus, the course is gorgeous along St. Pete Pier over the Gulf and through sea of pink.  Which reminds me… I need to buy a new pink running outfit for the race.  Maybe I’ll wear a tiara this year?  But before I worry about my pretty in pink ribbon outfit, I need to get a couple of 6 mile runs in before the race.

I also have the Frankefooter Half Marathon in October, which requires another special outfit.  I’ve been perusing the Halloween aisle at Target to check what costumes have been added to the displays.  No Glee Cheerios Cheerleader costume yet but there’s tons of candy.  Last week, I bought a bag of Twix and this week I bought candy corn.  Craptastic.  If I don’t get running soon, my ass is going be a scary sight.  No costume necessary because with my cheesy grin, I’ll look like a Jack-o-latern.

Speaking of pumpkins, I can’t bring myself to eat anything pumpkin flavored yet.  It’s like my brain can’t enjoy allspice when the weather is warm.  Even though fall starts Friday, the forecast predicts temperatures in near 90 and that’s not perfect pumpkin weather yet, which is probably a good thing.    I can put off my butt looking like a big-ass pumpkin muffin for a few more weeks.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

I’m Bringing Sexy Back

Despite our beach trip getting rained out and not finding a room at the Don Cesar (the pink castle), I still had a FABULOUS birthday week.  Thank you for all the lovely, sweet birthday wishes!

 

This Saturday, Allan and I are throwing birthday party in my honor and I cannot wait!  I’m looking forward to letting my hair down, laughing over drinks, dancing and acting silly with my friends.  I feel like I haven’t seen my friends in ages!

 

For the party, I will be wearing a sexy little number I picked up at White House Black Market a few weeks ago.   I don’t mean to brag…well, all right maybe I do mean to brag…but this dress looks seriously smoking on me.  You know you’re looking fine when the sales associate says, “Girl, that’s HOT!”  Sold!

 

 

With all the hours spent running my ass off and this little black dress, I’m bringing sexy back just in time for my birthday party.

 

 

Visit AmandaXmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

 

Yellow-Bellied Beauties

Kristi of Live and Love…Out Loud and Alicia of Project Alicia are hosting Crazy Days of Summer Photo Challenge.  This week’s theme is “yellow” which immediately reminded me of a photo I took on Easter of my sister, Simone and Allana because both beauties chose to wear yellow on that lovely spring day.  The color really suits them and I love their sunshine smiley faces in this photo.

Whenever Allana wears something yellow, she always says, “I love to wear yellow because it looks so good on me. It’s my color.”  Yep, no self-esteem issues with my little fashionista.

Live and Love Out Loud

PhotoStory Friday

Random Thoughts about Running, Bikinis and Boobs

My SIL, Kirsten, has been trying to shed some weight, which she cleverly nicknamed Operation Shed a Small Child.  The other day, we were discussing our weight loss progress and how certain foods cause us retain water which makes the numbers on the scale fluctuate.  I mentioned how I only weigh myself once a week, if I remember to weigh myself at all.  I prefer to use my clothes as the tool to measure my success.

However, for the past month, my weight is holding strong at 135, which is still about 10 pounds heavier than I was before my last pregnancy.  The last 10 pounds have been a struggle for me.  But like I said before, I try not to pay attention to the numbers on the scale.  Obviously, I’m losing inches and slimming down because I am fitting into all my old clothes.  Sure, some things are still a bit tight, but I’m getting there.

Oddly, I’m not losing weight it my chest.  I’m not complaining, mind you, but I figured with all the running, exercising and weight loss, I would lose my boobs, but these bad boys are still holding strong.  Could that be why my weight is not dropping on the scale?  They’re not that big, but my boobs have been the topic of conversation more than once with my girlfriends frequently commenting and complimenting me on my recent…eh hem…developments.

So, I’ve lost a few more inches and things seem to be firming and sizing up a bit around here, which means I keep braving my bikini in more public places, like the beach and the YMCA.  I was feeling so confident about my somewhat 6-pack abs that I bought myself a new bikini with a leftover gift card from Christmas.

My first public appearance in my new suit was at my friend, Chrissy’s pool.   My girlfriends wanted me to model my new swimsuit for them.  So I slipped into the suit but somehow it didn’t fit like it did in the store.  The top seemed baggy and I was disappointed although my girlfriends liked it.  Then, Chrissy realized the top was on upside down.  Yeah, it fit much better right side up and my girlfriends liked that look even better.

I joined the Striders last Tuesday for some intervals.  At 5:30 a.m., it was ridiculously hot and humid.  It felt like I was running in a sauna.  I couldn’t even get a good pace going to get the strength to do any intervals.  I could barely keep up with the pack.  I attempted 4 miles with short sprints to catch up with crowd.

4 miles

Time 42:37

Ave Pace 10:39

Max Pace 7:18

On Wednesday morning, I joined Tracey at Suncoast Running for 6 miles.  It was another hot and humid morning, but at least there was a breeze for some relief.  I guess the short sprints paid off because my time was two minutes faster this week.

6.2 miles

Time 1:09

Ave Pace 11:08

Max Pace 8:36

I wanted to join the Striders on Thursday morning but my legs were too tired.  I couldn’t move.  So I rested on Thursday and Friday.  On Saturday, I had all intentions to join the Striders again at Starkey Trail, but I flaked and overslept.  My body must have thanked me for all the rest, because I ran a hard 7 miles. It was a good run!

7 miles

Time 1:16:13

Ave Pace 10:54

Max Pace 8:37

I rested on Sunday and on Monday, I schlepped around Busch Gardens with the kids instead of running.  This morning, I tried my damndest to get out of bed to join the Striders for intervals again, but after a long day at Busch Gardens, I just couldn’t do it and sadly, I flaked again.  However, I did run 4 miles an hour later in my neighborhood and my time was nearly two minutes faster than last Tuesday!

4 miles

Time 40:46

Ave Pace 10:12

Max Pace 7:49

I really like this two minute faster trend.  Now if only my weight would show the some progress.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Random Thoughts About My Runs and My Issues

So hubbie had his gall bladder surgery a couple of weeks ago and it went well and he’s healing nicley, but it really put a monkey wrench in my running.  Since the surgery was a few days after my half-marathon, I needed a few days to rest anyway.  But what I didn’t realize was that he would not be able to lift anything over 15 pounds while recovering, which meant he couldn’t lift Little Lion Man (who weighs close to 20 lbs).

 

What I did realize very quickly was how much Allan helps with the baby and how much I relied on him for my morning runs.  And now because of his post-recovery orders, I couldn’t leave the baby with him.  During that time, I was exhausted.  I guess running really does gives me more energy or maybe it’s because I had to do all the late-night feedings when Allan usually helps me with that.  Thanks goodness my MIL came over to help out with the baby during the day.  That was a welcomed break.

 

In his post-surgery state (minus the gall bladder that had caused him so much pain for months), Allan was ready to kiss healthy eating good-bye like tofu and eat real food again.  He salivated over steak.  He craved corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day.  He fancied some fish and chips.  He wanted Hooters hot wings.  Good Lord.  A fattening feast was all my cholesterol needed!  Of course, I obliged his requests while remembering portion control, but because of his fattening foods fiesta, I didn’t weigh myself for two weeks for fear that I gained weight.

 

I guess my thighs thanked my willpower.  I lost another pound.  Grand total weight loss = 26 pounds

 

Last Thursday, I returned back to my doctor’s office for more blood work.  Hopefully, my cholesterol has dropped, no thanks to Allan’s bad food binge.  I’ll find out the results this Thursday, but anticipating some improvement, I celebrated my new good blood with a beer that night and every night since last Thursday.

 

Every time I drop some more weight, I try on an old piece of clothing from my pre-pregnancy days.  Last Friday, I tried on an old pair of cami cargo shorts and they fit!  I was so excited!  But when I sat in my newly reacquired old shorts, I ripped a hole in them which gave my cami shorts an authentic look as though they truly had been through the war.  They must have been older than I thought, because the rip was not on the seam, but right down the middle of my bodacious badunkadunk cheek. Lovely.   Apparently, those old cami shorts weren’t ready for this jelly ‘cause my body is bootylicious . Looks like you literally do win some and you lose some.  Oh well.  It’s a good excuse for me to buy a new pair of shorts.

 

Speaking of shorts, I stared sporting some running shorts since it’s been so hot and sticky lately. It ain’t the hottest look given the state of my flabby post-partum legs, but it’s much cooler than my running pants. I made the mistake of asking my husband how I looked in my shorts and he sheepishly said, “O.k.”

“But…,” I replied.

But I wouldn’t go anywhere in them.”

“Um…that’s kind of hard seeing how I’m running in them.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go the supermarket in them.”

“Thanks for your honesty hun. I’ll be sure to avoid running to Publix in them.”

 

Speaking of not such great looks…I need to buy some decent fitting panties because my usual comfy granny panties are getting too baggy since I’ve lost weight. When I run in these baggy granny panties, they bunch up in my butt which makes me have to pick my panties out of my ass every half mile. So if you ever wondered, yes, I really do have my panties all in a twist. And just for the record, I only wear granny panties when I run and to bed. Yeah, I am thatsexy. I’m too sexy for my granny panties.

 

On the subject of running…for the first week of Allan’s post surgery, I didn’t run.  By the second week post-surgery, I finally managed to sneak in a run last Friday with my friend, Faith.

 

3.1 miles

Time 38:35

Ave Pace 12:27

Max Pace 8:34

 

Then, Tiffany and I ran 6 miles on Saturday.

6 miles

Time 1:17:48

Ave Pace 12:58

Max Pace 8:44

 

I slept in on Sunday and then a monsoon rolled in on Monday and put a damper on running that day, but I did some boot camp stuff with my BFF, Sharon Mann, who tore me a new one and I don’t mean an old pair of shorts either. I may need surgery to repair it.

 

This morning (Tuesday) I ran 3 miles in some super thick fog and I was grateful that no giant gingerbread men came after me, but I can’t say the same about the scary storm drain clowns.  It was too dark and foggy to notice.

 

3.1 miles

Time 33:06

Ave Pace 10:41

Max Pace 8:43

 

However, I did notice some really bad driving this morning.  Why do drivers pull past the white line in the road so that their car is sticking way beyond the stop sign, past the thick white line in the road and blocking the crosswalk which forces me to stop in my tracks and wait for them to pass?  Shouldn’t they let me the (speedy pedestrian) pass?  That just annoys me.  Do they think that thick white line in the road is there for decoration to make the road look prettier?  I think I may shine my LED flashlight at those drivers next time and spray their windshield with pepper spray so they will be forced to let me pass because their vision will be obstructed much like the crosswalk.  I’m just saying.  Drivers should stop for pedestrians/runners. 

 

This has been another Run DMT public service announcement.

 

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

randomtuesday

Random Thoughts about Running, Blubber, Camel Toes and Clothes

It’s Tuesday and time for some random running thoughts.  Time escaped me last week and I forgot to prattle on in a post about my running but there’s plenty to fill you in, if you like that sort of thing.

My Gasparilla Half Marathon is this Sunday and I’m feeling pretty good about that race.  Sunday morning’s race forecast is predicted to be 58 degrees, which isn’t too shabby.  A little warmer than I’m sure other Gasparilla runners would like, but I’ll take it over wind and rain.   Later that day the high will hit 81, so hopefully I’ll finish before the heat creeps up.

My running progress over the past couple of months has been steady and my time for my 3 mile runs has steadily improved (about a 10:00 pace).  My friend, Faith @fmc3, has been running with me a couple of mornings and her pace is much slower than mine and that’s totally fine with me.  I save my faster pace for when I run alone and maintain an easy pace when I run with Faith.

As for other BFFs, I’ve been totally flaking on my work-outs with Sharon Mann.  I really need to get back into the boot camp stuff because swimsuit season is right around the corner and this baby blubber has got to go in order for mama to fit back into a bikini.

On the topic of blubber that has got to go, I lost another TWO POUNDS!  WOOHOO!  Since January 1st, I’ve lost a total of 20 pounds and I’m halfway to my goal.  Of course, if you saw me, you would probably say 20 pounds is way too much, at least I think so.  Another 10-15 would probably be a more reasonable amount for a less emaciated look.  Truthfully, it doesn’t matter to me as long as I can fit back into some of my old things.

Old things leads me to me next random thought…with the weather being positively perfect the past week, I decided to slip into some of my old summer dresses and THEY FIT!  How great is that?!  I’ve doubled my wardrobe and I feel pretty…oh so pretty… I feel pretty and witty and gay and I pity any girl who isn’t me today.

Now for something less pretty, I’ve also fit back into my old running pants.  In the beginning of my New Year running dedication, I tried to squeeze into the same said running pants and they formed an ugly camel toe.  Since it was a dark early morning, I ran in them anyway and as you can imagine, it was NOT a good idea!  Stupid me camel toe bruised my nether regions!   To avoid further injury, I hadn’t worn them in a while until a couple of weeks ago.  They fit and now, there’s no reason for me to bruise myself again buy new work-out clothes!

Have I ever mentioned that I wear girls’ XL work-out clothes?  Since I’m petite, the girls’ Champion line at Target fit me perfectly lengthwise.  The real bonus is that the girls’ line is always cheaper and goes on clearance quite often, more often than the ladies’ active wear at Target.  Good little tip, huh?  ;-) This has been your Run DMT money saving tip of the week.

Speaking of work-out clothes, I wish my Gracie Gaear long tank still fit me so I could wear it in Sunday’s race.  I can’t justify spending $40 on a new one when my old one will fit in a few more weeks.  But don’t tell my husband I said that in case I do buy a new at the Gasparilla expo this Friday!  PROMISE ME!  PINKIE SWEAR IT!

It really is only a matter of time before that cute Gracie Gear tank fits again, because I’m still sticking with the portion control thing and watching my serving sizes.  Faith was convinced I was only eating water and air to lose all the weight.  So not true, if you saw how much I eat throughout the day!  In case you’re curious, I made a vlog about the foods I eat.  It’s FREAKING FANTASTIC!  Watch it and you’ll see what I mean.  I apologize for the length, but it’s totally worth it.  I’m funny as hell!  lol

And now for the running stats…

2/12

11 miles

Time 2:25:26

Ave Pace 13:13

Max Pace 9:28

Calories Burned 1086

2/14

3.1 miles

Time 31:46

Lap 1 – 1.63 (Distance) 16:37 (Time)

Lap 2 – 1:47 (Distance) 15:08 (Time)

Ave Pace 10:15

Max Pace 8:05

2/15

3.1 miles

Time 38:41

Ave Pace 12:29

Max Pace 9:26

2/16

3.1 miles

Time 31:06

Ave Pace 10:02

Max Pace 8:09

2/18

3.1 miles

Time 37:05

Ave Pace 11:59

Max Pace 9:39

2/19

6 miles

Time 1:14:07

Ave Pace 12:22

Max Pace 9:14

2/22

3.1 miles

Time 37:24

Ave Pace 12:05

Max Pace 8:53

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

randomtuesday

Also submitted to


Manly Manhole Covers

Allan’s obsession with manhole cover cufflinks began in New Orleans two years ago. While staying in the French Quarter, we stumbled upon a jewelry store that specialized in custom-made silver jewelry. Allan found a pair of NOLA manhole cover cufflinks that he had to have, but in the end he decided against purchasing them.

 

 

Two years later, he still talked about those cufflinks and how he wished had bought them. Then last Christmas, my sister surprised him with a pair and she mentioned how she had discovered a website that sold manhole cover cufflinks from all over the globe.

 

Upon hearing this news, Allan’s ears perked up and there was a silver glimmer in his eyes. He then devised a plan to collect silver manhole cover cufflinks from various cities as souvenirs. The next manhole cover cufflink up his sleeve would be New York City.

 

But personally, I am a bit partial to Tampa.

 

 

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecilyand Krista

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