One For The Books

Upon returning from Chicago last Sunday, I set right into a whirlwind week. Isaac still had a bit of a cold, so I bumped up his 9-month checkup by one day to Monday.

"Levi J has nothing on me!"

He's fine, no need to worry. This was, however, the first time that I took him to the pediatrician alone. So I had to hold him while he got shots. No fun! But a mommy's got to do what a mommy's got to do. Speaking of which... right when I got home and Isaac was napping I hopped right onto the treadmill for a 4-miler at 3:1. I just don't know what I would have done for the past 9+ months without a treadmill!

On Monday night I had to attend a dinner on behalf of my women's philanthropy group and distribute some gift cards to some needy children. While there I accepted a plaque of appreciation... which meant that there was no way I could skip my group's monthly meeting the next night. Aaaack!

There I am in purple, thinking "I am sooooo glad I got my run done this afternoon."

Tuesdays are meant for challenging track workouts. With no childcare, I had to use the treadmill. And since I had to go to that pesky meeting (which I thought Isaac may also have to attend) I had to somehow accomplish 6 miles whilst keeping Isaac somehow happy next to me. On a wing and a prayer, it happened. He fell asleep!

By Wednesday I was just pooped. But life goes on! Other than running, a priority was grocery shopping. This presents a challenge because I can no longer plop Isaac's infant carrier on top of the buggy (which is what Southern folks call the grocery cart). Moving him to the big boy car seat has thrown a wrench into a lot of things! I had no idea if he'd stay upright, or for how long, in the kiddie part of the buggy... but we needed groceries! Chasen was to work late (story of my life these days), so I had no option of going alone later. So off we went, Clorox wipes in hand. Once I scoured the buggy I put on Isaac's cart cover/activity center.

I wedged him in with my coat and other stuff. He did great! Here he looks very stoic in produce.

After that we came home and I did another 4-miler on the treadmill before getting another shower and heading to church - just the two of us. *sigh*

Thursday and Friday presented the biggest challenges of the week... but in a good way! You see, through the women's group I applied for and was selected to be part of the Leadership DeSoto Class of 2010. I was stoked! From the website: "Leadership DeSoto is a program sponsored by the DeSoto Council and directed toward individuals in DeSoto County who demonstrate leadership potential. Leadership DeSoto provides participants an opportunity to learn more about the community in which they live and work and to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing DeSoto County." Cool, huh?!?

The orientation was all day Thursday. My dear friend Sharon drove 145 miles one-way to stay with Isaac that day. She is such a blessing! When I got home and still had her here for a while, I headed to the treadmill for another challenging 6-miler... which turned into a 2.91 miler. You see, my trick ankle started to hurt. Not discomfort, but pain. I stopped immediately. With Rocket City three weeks away, I was not about to push it. I called it a night.

On Friday Chasen had to be to work super early, so I had a hectic morning getting Isaac all ready and packed up to go to our favorite in-town sitter's house. Once I got him dropped off, I headed to the "ropes course" for Leadership DeSoto at a hospital. From the website: "Parkwood’s Challenge Ropes Course offers organizations the opportunity to provide a unique training field in such areas as problem solving, communication skills, understanding diversity, trust, conflict resolution, and resource management by offering challenging events that relate to day to day living." Oh what a day! We had to do some things blindfolded with a trusted partner, and we even swang from suspended tires (as in from one to the other). That was tough! I am still sore, but proud to have mad it, since some people did not complete the tires! The best part, though, was that we really got to know each other. There are 30 of us in this year's group.

I was supposed to do a 4-miler on Friday, but I opted out in light of my ankle and the fact that I was just exhausted, and had felt so pretty much all week. Rest is a beautiful thing. Little did I know, though, just how much I'd be getting. Chasen announced that he'd have to be at work at 7 AM on Saturday and be there until night. Whaaaaa? What about my 18 miler? Given the circumstances, we decided to skip church on Sunday and just do it then. He can rest (much needed!) with Isaac and I can run. God will have to understand.

So today Isaac and I are making up for some lost time that we missed on Thursday and Friday.

Isaac has one tooth and one on the way! Both are his upper front teeth.

He even kinda-sorta pulled up this week. Oh my!

I just don't know what I'd do without my little man! He keeps me hoppin' all the time. My quote for today is [insert frustrated voice] "Poop goes on your BOOTY." Generally after one says that, much laundry washing and bathing occurs. I'll let you use your imagination! Ha.

Stay sane, people. I know sometimes it is a chore around here!

Sorority Girl Runs 13.1 Miles!

You may find this hard to believe, considering all of the stereotypes in the world, but I was in a sorority. I went to college at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where there are about 4 guys for every girl. That sounds great in theory, but in reality it makes for very few girls to be friends with by comparison! So when I arrived at college and met some great gals from Kappa Phi Delta Sorority and was asked to join, I jumped in head first. Oh the good times!

Back in 2004 I went back to Chicago to attend the 100th Anniversary celebration. It was quite the soiree! One of my closest friends and I decided that we'd go back to the annual reunion every five years. This was that year! So Chasen, Isaac and I headed up there (by car) on Thursday night. We drove half way (4 hours) and stayed the night in Mt. Vernon, IL. On the way we stopped for dinner at Lambert's Cafe -- home of the 'throwed' rolls. They literally throw delicious rolls to/at you.

"Where is MY roll, Mommy?" asks the big boy in his new, snazzy booster seat.

On Friday we made the rest of the drive. Isaac did really well, I must say. Thank the Lord!

This empty water bottle kept him occupied for quite a while!

Aaaah - in the hotel at last.

We stayed in the south suburbs because that is where the reunion was to be held on Saturday morning. Upon arriving I met up with my fave girl Martina, as she was staying there, too. She snapped this photo of the very happy Isaac.

You can see his first tooth (a little bit)! It's his right, front top tooth.

On Friday night more old friends who would not be able to come to the reunion were able to stop by our hotel. We had Giordano's pizza (the best pizza ever!) and I even drank half a martini. Look out, world! We all stayed up gabbing until 11:30 PM, which is NOT the way I usually approach the night before a long run.

By 6:58 AM on Saturday morning I hit the start button on my Garmin. I was running in Tinley Park, IL -- although I would ultimately pass through several 'burbs. John wanted me to run 13.1 miles continuously. Wha???? AND he wanted me to maintain a 12:20 pace. Double wha???? I set off saying "Let's do this thing."

For the first three miles I felt so heavy... like my legs just wouldn't move. I thought to myself "Well, even if you go slower than prescribed, maybe you can still just run the whole thing continuously." After three miles I took a gel, and the next thing I knew I was speeding up. It was just easier on me to try to run a little faster. I was to my halfway point before I knew it. I beat Martina (my pit crew) there! In fact I turned around and met her at about 7.12 miles or so, where she gave me a new G2, more gel and she showed me some awesome motivational signs that she had printed off for me. What a gal, that Martina!

When traveling, I like to do an out-and-back course so I do not get lost. Well, I have no idea how, but I managed to get off course -- and my cel phone had died. I asked a local runner that I spotted for the best way to get back where I was going, and we determined a public running trail would be the best way. That trail was hilly as all get-out. My heart rate was soaring, so I actually took a break. I finally exited the trail, and was still off-course. This time another runner pointed me in the right direction. Oh the kindness of runners!

I knew I was behind schedule for the morning, so I really had to hustle to finish up so I'd be able to get both Isaac and myself ready to go to the reunion. Martina had planned to meet me a ways away from the hotel and run me in... but as it turned out, I was too far away thanks to my missteps, so she just picked me up where I finished and we zoomed on back!

Here I am after finishing 13.1 miles.

John wanted me to run 12:20 miles, as I said before, which would have made the finish somewhere around 2:40 - 2:42. Here are my splits: 12:28, 12:41, 12:30, 12:07, 11:49, 11:52, 12:11, 11:43, 12:06, 11:46, 11:50, 12:04, 12:46, 1:00. That makes for a grand total of 2:39:01!!! Wow! The average was 12:09. Yay! Who knew?!?

I had to run the majority of it on concrete. OUCH. My hip flexors hurt for the rest of the day. Our hotel room only had a shower, so I had to take a "poor man's ice bath" by letting cold water pelt my sore legs. After that, I was off to the reunion!

Here we are, so of the ladies of the 90's!

Isaac is still under the weather, so I really dreaded the 8-hour drive home. All things considered, he did really well. The trick was always having one of us always sitting in the back seat with him. There's no better entertainment than Mommy and Daddy! Considering our stops, we made it home in 9 1/2 hours. That is such a long drive for a little one... so needless to say Isaac has been ecstatic to be able to lay down, crawl around, etc. Now I have a mountain of laundry to tackle. I feel like Kate Gosselin. *smirk*

This week will be extremely challenging, both running-wise and life-wise. Wish me luck!

My Strawberry Banana 18-Miler

Oh what a run I had this morning! Whoo hoo! It was awesome. I woke at 5:05 AM, ate a good breakfast, then hit the start button at 6:02. And we're off!

I stashed a supply of Gatorade and banana halves behind the entrance sign to my subdivision. This was to be a "dress rehearsal" in terms of nutrition, so I finally got off my duff and got some gels. I really want to be a gel person. I mean, you can't get much more convenient than gels: easy to pack/carry, easy to discard/store on the run, no preparation time. So I hoped for the best. I purchased PowerBar Strawberry Banana Gel, which was all that was available at my local grocery store. YUM.

Today I was to use the 7:3 method (run 7 minutes, walk 3 minutes) for the first time. I ran west for 3 miles, then turned back towards the stash/neighborhood entrance. I took a gel at 3.65 miles. When I got to the stash I ate a banana half and replaced my Gatorade bottle. Then I headed east. When I got to 9 miles I took another gel. I got back to the stash at 12 miles and again had a banana half and replaced the Gatorade. Easy as pie! The miles just clicked away. I headed west once again and easily made it to 15 miles, which was gel time. I also stopped to use the restroom at a convenience store. I didn't have to go, but I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea. The stopping stiffened up my legs a bit, but I got home eventually. When I sent Chasen a text at mile 15 he responded "Almost home. Keep going or I'll get my spatula!" That is a reference to the movie "Run Fat Boy Run," which I find to be hilarious (and about running).

While I ran 18 miles in very good form, the half mile or so walk from the stash to my house nearly killed me. My poor legs!

Mile 1: 13:22
Mile 2: 12:59
Mile 3: 13:10
Mile 4: 13:02
Mile 5: 12:36
Mile 6: 12:39
Mile 7: 13:12
Mile 8: 12:46
Mile 9: 12:26
Mile 10: 13:50
Mile 11: 12:19
Mile 12: 12:22
Mile 13: 12:41
Mile 14: 13:27
Mile 15: 12:46
Mile 16: 12:59
Mile 17: 13:46
Mile 18: 12:28
Total: 3:52:58
Average: 12:57 per mile (plenty good to meet the 6-hr limit at Rocket City!!!)

Even though I felt like was eating every 2 seconds, I got hungry out there. I munched on gummy bears along the way, also. Hmm! Any thoughts?

We went to the Memphis Zoo yesterday. Here, Isaac shares Meagan's blanket.

What a crew! We could have a stroller fashion show.

How you doin'???

"I am wearing my Razorbacks jersey in honor of my Daddy."

Now I have some very, very big news to report. Brace yourselves... I have lost ALL of the baby weight! Now I have to attack the torn tendon chub...

Here is my nifty weight graph. I hope you can read it!

Have a great week everyone. I'm on cloud nine!

Broken Skin!

BIG news around here! Isaac has some broken skin! Why is this good? Because it's in his mouth. At just before nine months old, my lil man is officially getting a tooth! I don't know how long the tooth-coming-in process will take, but we have some definite progress going on. Yay!

Family photo in front of our home.

Lil Punkin' sits on a pumpkin, helped by Daddy.

He can stand up really well now now (with a little help, of course).

Bright red flowers - yum! (yuck! not!)

I again was unable to do crack of dawn running today... but thanks to Chasen coming home a little early, I actually got to run outdoors. Hallelujah! Even though the sun was officially going down when I started, I stayed out there for 5 of my 7 miles before retreating to the treadmill.

I ran the first mile easy at 3:3 in 13:22. Fine and dandy! The next three were to be run solid (no walking) at 11:34. I put the pedal to the metal and brought home 11:31, 11:25 and 11:18. Go me! Then I had to walk for 4 minutes, during which I tended to a friend's dog. I am nothing if not a multi-tasker! After that I did one more mile at 3:3 before having to retreat to the treadmill for the final 2 miles. Done!

This weekend I have to run 18 miles. I have a plan!

Failure To Launch

Not all transitions are easy, come to find out. In this case, it's not exactly my fault. Apparently babies do not automatically switch their internal clocks when daylight savings time comes around. Who knew?!?

I certainly intended to switch to early morning running this week. However, it has yet to happen. The reason for that is because Isaac is going to bed too darn early! Then he wakes up a few hours later, which he did not do previously. And poor ole mommy can't get back to sleep! So I shut off my alarm when it seems that I'd be operating on only 4 or 5 hours of sleep. Plus, Isaac is also waking up way too early. Aye aye aye!

[FYI even if Chasen is the one to go tend to Isaac, I still wake up and can't get back to sleep. It's a curse.]

Here we are enjoying a bonfire at our church's Fall Fest on Sunday evening.

On Monday I had 3 easy miles at 3:3 on the docket. Even though I didn't do it at the crack of dawn, I had it done before 10 AM. Good enough.

Mr. Autumn 2009 enjoys a few minutes in the front of our house.

Isaac developed the sniffles on Monday evening, and Chasen has a head cold. Now I have a boy who is fussy AND off his sleep schedule, plus a puny husband who should be resting (key word 'should') and helping with Isaac less. Calgon take me away! How am I going to complete these runs?

Today's 6-miler had to be done on the treadmill. Teddy Tready and I have become the best of friends. I know I should hit the road, but hey -- life happens. So, tonight I did 6 miles at 6:6, followed by five 20-second striders. Mission accomplished.

Let's hope Isaac and Chasen feel better soon! And thank goodness tomorrow is a rest day.

Transition Time

Change is inevitable. Lots of change is happening in my life. First and foremost, my little Isaac is not so little anymore. He had to move up to his big boy car seat this week. [sigh] Next thing I know he'll be asking for the keys to the car!

(L) coming home from the hospital, (R) riding in style!

Last week I talked about feeling like I was on the edge of running burnout. I am now 6 weeks away from my marathon and have been training for 31 weeks. As such, the very understanding Marathon Advisor John gave me a light week. I had so much going on this week in my non-running life that I hardly noticed the downtime.

Secondary Mommy Group Halloween party - lil Elvis was a hit!

Primary Mommy Group Halloween party. Here we are with all our friends!

Hanging at a friend's house with yet more mommies. It was a busy week for babies.

With Daylight Savings Time happening in just a few hours, I have made a huge decision. It is time for me to return to my pre-Isaac ways and become a full-time early morning runner. I just have to do it. With putting it off until Chasen gets home, it just pushes our nighttime routine way back. By the time I get done running, if Chasen has not yet cooked dinner, we don't eat until like 8 PM. By the time that is done, plus cleanup, there's hardly any night left. We're putting Isaac to bed and the night is done. So I have to get my rear in bed early now and get up and get it done since the sun will be up earlier! I just KNOW that my days will be better this way. Plus, my marathon (plus all races) will be in the early morning. And I run better in the morning. So let's make this happen!

Another transition, since the big day is 6 weeks away, is working on my mental readiness. I have been reading "From Last to First" by Charlie Spedding. He is quite humorous! Well, he has a dry humor, which I really like. I am less than halfway through it, but I am now a believer in running "perfect" and carefully choosing my descriptives concerning my running. Must train my mind to perform!!!

Today was a 16-miler for me. I ran from my home to Hernando, Mississippi with my ultimate destination being The Velvet Cream, better known as The Dip. It is the best dairy bar in the history of Mississippi! I was to do the run at 6:6. When I was walking, I was quite speedy, I noticed. The runs were decent, also (at least until the very end). It was a hilly course; I climbed a total of 729 feet. The miles went like this: 13:39, 13:43, 14:06, 13:35, 13:16, 13:55, 13:37, 14:31, 14:15, 14:27, 14:00, 14:00, 14:46, 15:11, 14:27, 14:39. The total was 3:46:14 and the average was 14:09. I need 13:45 to make the 6-hr time limit at Rocket City.

Elvis is ready to trick-or-treat.

So long, October. Even though I had a head cold for about a week, I managed to run 137.2 miles in October. That may be a record for me. WOW!

Elliptical, Then and Now

Because Marathon Advisor John was extremely busy at work over the weekend, all of Team Point Two got the blanket assignment today to do 60 minutes of cross training. We have since gotten this week's schedules (at least I have!)

I have to admit... I dreaded this. The bike hurts, we know that. The last time I used the elliptical, (in April, when Isaac was less than 2 months old) I thought I'd DIE. It hurt. Badly. I could only do about 10 minutes at a time. I decided to try it tonight. No matter how badly it would hurt, my "bicycle seat region" would be spared!

Get this: it was a piece of cake! 60 minutes, no problem. Yay me! No, yay Team Point Two training! I really, really have to thank John. I feel like he has brought me back to life! 47 days until Rocket City...

7 Weeks To Go

I started the "Couch to 5K" program the day I got the go-ahead from my doctor 6 weeks after Isaac was born. That was THIRTY weeks ago. I have effectively been in training for 30 weeks. That is a long time. This week I began to feel the effects, I do believe. I just didn't want to run the latter half of this week. But I did.

Early Saturday morning we loaded up and drove to Oxford, Mississippi. Yay - family time! We were going to see Chasen's Arkansas Razorbacks play the Ole Miss Rebels.

Here are my two very cool guys. Isaac is wearing his new shoes!

Self photo taken while we waited on Chasen to go get concessions, pre-game.

Family photo. Isaac and I (tisk, tisk, Chasen!) are lathered in sunscreen.

The Rebels stomped the Razorbacks. Not good. After sitting in the blazing sun for several hours (Isaac was covered) we sleepily drove home. I was supposed to do a 3-miler. It didn't happen. Just 3 miles!!!! But I just didn't have it in me.

Isaac's new favorite toy: a box.

I composed an e-mail to John as I watched Isaac enjoy some crawling time this morning before church. I stated the whole 30 weeks of training bit, and how I felt that I was teetering on burnout. I have come a long way in 30 weeks! But I have more to go, of course, and the marathon is only 7 weeks away. Yikes! John always knows just what to say. He said "It's not burnout, just some easily fixed cumulative fatigue." Well, I don't know exactly how we'll fix it just yet, but I trust that we will. Onward and upward!

Post-church naptime: like mother, like son.

I finally got around to doing my 8-miler for the day. Just 8 - whoo hoo! Because of the whole "blazing sun" issue from yesterday, I opted to do this rather short longrun on my treadmill. Mile 1 was done at 2:1. Miles 2-7 were run sold at 12:30 (supposed to be 12:35, but Teddy Tready does 12:30 quite easily). Mile 8 was done at 2:1. My average was 12:37. Good enough!

Daddy, Mommy, Isaac. Awww!

Tomorrow I have to do 60 minutes of cross training. Oh Lordy... the bike will kill me, as will the elliptical. Stay tuned!

On Track

I called in a favor with a neighbor/friend of mine for a little babysitting and was actually able to slip away to my local track during the light of day! I must say it was awesome.

"I didn't miss Mommy one bit. I was being loved on!"

First I did a one mile warmup at 2:1. Next I did 5 x 20 second striders. Fast times! Next came the crux of the workout: 8x 600 meters (0.375) in 4:30 (12:00/mile pace) with 600 meters recovery running in 5:15 (14:00/mile pace). As John said, "It's a continuous run with alternating paces. This run will help flush out your legs, as well as help you to pick up the pace in the race following a bad stretch." He was right! Even yesterday I had a minimal bit of soreness in my legs left over from Sunday's 20-miler (go figure). Not anymore!

I do love a good track workout. And it was nice to be able to run such a distance uninterrupted. Life is good!

Tough 20 Miler

But, are there any EASY 20 milers? Not in my world. Not as of yet!

I wasn't able to do this run until this afternoon. It was sunny and cool. I aimed to run 20 miles east and have Chasen pick me up, as well as support me along the way.

I started out with a bang! I was using the 6:4 method, and I was having no trouble at all. Just past mile 8 the road ran out of wide shoulder, so I had to change my plan and run toward home. No biggie, I'd just finish the last 4 in my neighborhood.

At about mile 14 is where the wheels started to fall off. For the record, I ran the first 13.1 faster than last week's 13.1. But then I just started to fade. I was eating and hydrating well (but if I EVER see another Clif Bar, it'll be too soon). As Chasen put it, I'd been sick this whole past week PLUS had been taking care of sick Isaac, so cut myself some slack. Whatever - I rarely cut myself any slack. I needed to run strong, not peter out. But 20 miles is a long way!

I went into "survival mode" at about mile 16 or 17, regressing to the 1:1 method. But then I just had to walk. Covering the distance any way possible is better than quitting. Period.

By mile 18.5 it was completely dark and very cold, so I did the last 1.5 on the treadmill. Here's how it all went down.

Mile 1 - 12:41
Mile 2 - 12:54
Mile 3 - 13:27
Mile 4 -12:56
Mile 5 - 13:00
Mile 6 - 13:32
Mile 7 - 13:28
Mile 8 - 12:35
Mile 9 - 13:56
Mile 10 - 13:33
Mile 11 - 12:49
Mile 12 - 13:48
Mile 13 - 13:44
Mile 14 - 14:35
Mile 15 - 14:41
Mile 16 - 15:29
Mile 17 - 17:36
Mile 18 - 17:20
Mile 18.5 - 9:07
Total - 4:21:19
Average - 14:08 (NOT good enough for Rocket City, which has a 6-hr limit)

Treadmill - 1.5 miles in 33:28 (all walked)

John said this would be a test of my endurance, and he certainly was not kidding. This is my longest distance yet this season, so I guess I should not expect it to be easy. But a girl can dream!

Less "Sick and Tired"

What a week! I had a sore throat before running 14 miles last Saturday. After doing so in too few layers, I became full-blown sick. Isaac was already sick with a cold, mind you. So it has been like a sick bay around here. Chasen, who thought he was coming down with it, narrowly escaped.

We took Isaac to the doc on Monday. His ears and chest were clear, so that put my mind at ease a bit. The poor little guy was horribly congested. I would take all of his sickness and then some to spare him of his misery... but I can not. So I just concentrate on taking meds of my own and trying to get better.

John decided to go easy on me this week. YAY! However, what seems easy it not always that way. I had to do a 65 minute bicycle workout (on my bike trainer) on Tuesday. Let me say OUCH. Loudly. OUCH! I have not been on the bike in about 6 months now (thanks to running 6 days per week) and I thought my "bicycle seat area" would be in awful shape afterward. Well, not directly afterward. But the next day I had some very sore muscles!

Isaac is making strides at being able to sit up. Not quite there yet...

Wednesday was a rest day - hallelujah. I have been trying to get as much rest as possible, as in napping every chance I get. Must get well!

Today I was to do a track workout. Here's the deal. The sun does not rise until just before 7 AM, and that is the time I need to be back here at home. Scratch early mornings. During the day I do not have childcare. Scratch daytime. The sun sets at about 6:30 PM. Chasen generally gets home just a little bit before that. Scratch nighttime. It's a pickle alright! Now, yes, I used to go out in the pitch black quite a lot back in the day. But I am a MUCH more cautious person now. MUCH. I have Isaac to think about. So I have to be safe. So I did the workout on the treadmill in the warm garage as Isaac watched, sleeping through most of it (Isaac, not me, LOL).

I am happy to report that after 3.5 days of meds Isaac seems to be doing better. I do try to get him to take more naps, but that is easier said than done.

I am just hilarious, it seems.

This weekend I am supposed to run *gulp* 20 miles. I know I can do it. (Did you hear that, John?) And I will be implementing a new on-the-run fuel system. Report to follow!

Worldwide Festival of Races

Today I ran the half marathon for the Worldwide Festival of Races. But I'll get to that...

Isaac says "Hold your horses! Mommy has to post a zillion photos of me first."

Mid-week we visited Cedar Hill Farm in nearby Hernando, Mississippi with some friends. It is a full service kid haven complete with a pumpkin patch.

Must stay hydrated when strolling through the petting zoo.

Isaac slept through his first ever hayride. It's a tough life...

And his first ever pumpkin patch...

Look! A headless baby! LOL

My tired boy was not up to posing. Good thing I wore my running shoes. We went all over creation.

Tired little pumpkin.

This was a tough week because Isaac has been suffering from his first illness - a cold. It came on Thursday (post-farm). As a result I suffered from my first episode of projectile baby vomit. NOT FUN. Not sure if it was 'cold' related (I suspect the nasal medicine), but it wasn't pretty, regardless. Oh the joys of motherhood!

Looks really sick, doesn't he?

So I have been drained, both physically and emotionally. It's tough having your little one suffer. I struggled through some runs this week, just thankful to check them off the list.

I wasn't sure how today's 14-miler would go (13.1 plus an extra .9 afterward). I again faced pre-longrun insomnia, but I did get about 5 hours, which is better than nothing. I headed out just after 6 AM and it was FREEZING. Mind you, I have run through a sauna for months now. I had forgotten how to dress for this. I should have added a jacket and gloves. Lesson learned.

I selected an out-and-back course. I was frozen solid for about the first 2 miles. I did the whole run using the 1:1 method that I ADORE. Before I knew it I was near my "turn off the main drag" point. Then I was at 6.55 miles. I stopped to record that time on my cel phone in the hopes that I could make a negative split happen. Then I proceeded to mile 7. Just as I turned around Chasen called. He and Isaac were on their way.

Chasen took ONE photo, so I had to post it. Beggars can't be choosers.

I hoped to maintain my energy level on the way home. It was awfully windy and did not warm up a single bit. I only saw Chasen once or twice more. I knew by my mile splits that I was gaining speed. Must get home to warmth!

First half - 1:29:34. Second half - 1:25:27. Whoo hoo! I kicked that race in the rear! A 4 minute negative split!

Mile 1 - 13:49

Mile 2 - 13:49

Mile 3 - 13:35

Mile 4 - 13:28

Mile 5 - 13:45

Mile 6 - 13:37

Mile 7 - 13:27

Mile 8 - 13:01

Mile 9 - 13:13

Mile 10 - 12:55

Mile 11 - 12:52

Mile 13 - 13:01

Mile 13.1 - 00:56

Total - 2:55:01

Average - 13:22

I am so surprised and so very pleased. I was aiming for 3 hours! Yay me! Yay Team Point Two! Nine weeks until Rocket City. I just might make it!

Semi-Sweet Sixteen

This video is for Donna from Team Point Two. Her marathon (Portland) is tomorrow!

Today was to be my 16-miler. Wouldn't you know I woke up at 12:30 AM and couldn't get back to sleep until past 4 AM? Grrrr! I hate that. So I turned off my alarm and resolved to do the run mid-day. I have just about decided to have a glass of wine on the evenings before long runs to knock me out!

My options were either the 11 AM - 3 PM time slot or 3 PM - 7 PM time slot. I opted for the latter because today we wanted to go to a Greek food festival in nearby Bartlett, Tennessee. I was definitely "well fueled" for my afternoon run.

I am here to tell you that it was hot (80 degrees) and very windy - always at my front. Ugh. I ran about 5 miles away from home and then headed back. I somehow got back to my neighborhood with about 9 miles on the Garmin. I went back home momentarily for a pit stop and some Ibuprofen. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

FYI, I always write my Marathon Advisor an e-mail after my long run. At this point in today's run it would have gone something like this:

Dear John,

Are you trying to kill me? This is just not working. I am so slow. This is my longest distance in 22 months. I am never going to make it.

Sorry,
Susan

I decided at this point to do the remaining 7 miles in my neighborhood. They would have been bad anywhere; might as well be close to home. Amazingly, the temperature dropped at least 10 degrees. Now we're talking! I seemed to actually be getting faster (still doing the 1:1 method) although my splits do not really show any improvement.

I dreaded the fact that the last 3 miles were to be run solid, and at a 12:48 pace. Yikes! But, as I said, I seemed to be gaining speed as the temp dropped. It had to be approaching 60 degrees by now. Hallelujah.

At about mile 12 my fabulous neighbor (and friend) Nelms drove by. I demanded that she go and fill my G2 bottle with ice water. HA! That's what friends are for. After that refill it was just nearly time to do the 3 solid miles. Here's how the first 13 went down at a 1:1 ratio:

Mile 1 - 13:53
Mile 2 - 13:57
Mile 3 - 13:57
Mile 4 - 14:05
Mile 5 - 14:15
Mile 6 - 14:45
Mile 7 - 14:33
Mile 8 - 14:03
Mile 9 - 14:23
Mile 10 - 14:55
Mile 11 - 14:29
Mile 12 - 14:15
Mile 13 - 14:03
Average +/- 14:14

Then I started hoofing it around the 'hood and it felt GREAT. The last three were just awesome (and faster than 12:48!)

Mile 14 - 12:29
Mile 15 - 12:35
Mile 16 - 12:41
Average +/- 12:35

Total - 3:43:28
Average - 13:58

On the all, I am really glad I stuck it out (not that I really had any other choice, mind you). This could be my amended e-mail:

Dear John,

You know what, you just might know what you're talking about after all! Bring on Rocket City!

Your Adoring Student,
Susan

Tomorrow I have a lovely 2-miler on the docket. Yesssss!

One-Armed Running

Today was actually a dream come true: the weather was COOL and I got to run with Isaac! We headed out after he and I ate breakfast. I had to bundle him up, as these close-ups show.

This is nearly his only warm outfit. Time for warm big boy clothes!

The racing stroller is in the right side of this photo. I opted for the "travel system" stroller because it has storage compartments and cup holders.

We're all ready to go! The camera was set on top of the trash can. Not good!

I was to do 3 miles at 1:1. What a joy! And the weather - wow - 60ish degrees and windy. Heaven! Isaac and I stayed in the neighborhood, of course. I found that I was going quite fast while I was doing the running part. So fast, in fact, that my hamstrings are sore now that it is said and done. Go me! I averaged 12:58 per mile, which is about as fast as I can go doing solid running (how is that?)

Isaac started to fuss at 2.21 miles. Grrr! It came and went after a little soothing from Mommy. I had to finish, by golly!

It really was a dream come true. All summer I wanted to be able to get out there with him, but it was just disgustingly hot. Hopefully autumn will hold great things for us!

Speedwork

I skipped my easy 3-miler yesterday. It was the first time I have skipped a run in about 6 weeks. I did it because my "bum foot" was giving me fits. That darn peroneal tendon just plagues me sometimes, point blank. After Saturday's 8-miler it started, and it continued through Sunday and Monday. So no running. As of today it was great! So once Chasen got home, I hit the pavement. I was supposed to be doing a track workout today, but with it getting so dark so much sooner now, I just feel better by staying in my 'hood. Plus, the weather was actually gorgeous and dry; 70 degrees or less!

What's up, home slice?

I first did a 1.5 mile warm-up non-stop. After that I was supposed to do three miles at 11:28 each. Yikes! I had to hustle. The first mile was done in 11:25. Whoo hoo! The second, which I thought would be slower, was 11:06. Um, did I just do that? The third was 11:11. Look out, world! Thank you, Mother Nature.

Then... the ole foot started to hurt. So I walked the last bit, which was meant to be a 1.5 mile cooldown. We can't have it all, I don't guess.

This weekend I have to do 16 miles. Holy moly! My mind and heart are ready; I just hope the foot follows suit.

Solid Running

Another good week of running in the bag! I completed all of my runs thanks to my wonderful husband and my treadmill.

Isaac is a monkey; he loves to hang upside down.

One run was a hill workout. The Rocket City course is said to be challenging, so hill workouts are quite necessary.

Isaac, third from left, got to go on a wilderness walk with friends.

On Friday we went to the Lichterman Nature Center in Memphis to stroll with friends. I was so thankful to have a stroller with real tires. The gals with plastic wheels had a hard time getting around!

My wilderness man! Isaac always likes to be in his stroller (thank God).

In the paved area, there was a scarecrow display. Here we are by Elvis (wearing my Elvis 5K shirt!)

On Saturday I was to do an 8-miler non-stop. I got to it at about 6:30 AM. I was only mildly anxious about the non-stop part. I headed out to the "main drag" and got down to business. It went like this: 14:14, 14:31, 13:54, 13:11, 13:49, 14:14, 14:00, 13:23. I really can go faster doing the 1:1 method! But of course I need and want to get back to solid running. Getting there!

On Saturday night a mommy friend and I met up for dinner and the theatre. We saw "A Chorus Line" at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Memphis. Fun!

Here I am ready to go! My little man is in the lower corner.

Have fun Mommy! Daddy and I will be fine here at home.

This week I'll be on the Runner's Roundtable for Team Point Two. Party on!

For Petra aka Miss BQ

This is for Petra who has just officially qualified for Boston! When the results were up in the air, I told her I'd do a happy dance and post it on my blog (maybe). Well, here it is!

14 Miler on the Treadmill

I do not recommend doing 14 miles on the treadmill, but that's what I did today. Life gets in the way sometimes.

I was to do all miles at 1:1, except 3,6,9,12. Those were run solid.

Mile 1: 13:49
Mile 2: 13:12
Mile 3: 12:24
Mile 4: 13:26
Mile 5: 13:34

This is about where I wanted to quit. I didn't DARE, though. I did NOT want to disappoint John! I forged ahead.

Mile 6: 12:24
Mile 7: 14:02
Mile 8: 14:19
Mile 9: 12:35
Mile 10: 14:29

At this point I turned on the Garmin; weather be damned! I was headed outdoors no matter what. But then Chasen and Isaac got home and I was feeling a tiny bit of encouragement.

Mile 11: 14:51
Mile 12: 13:15 (I do believe this required a sitting break.)
Mile 13: 14:46 (This is when Chasen brought out the theme to Rocky on his ipod for me.)
Mile 14: 14:35

Total: 3:11:31
Average: 13:40

My next longrun is a mere 8 miles! Hooray! However, they all have to be RUN (i.e. no 1:1 business). Yikes! I can do it; I did 6 that way months ago. Wish me luck!

Wanted: Some Zen

What a week I've had! Three big things have made this week tough for me: Chasen's work, a monsoon and planned events.

Chasen has gotten a promotion, and due to some odd circumstances he is doing the work of about three people right now, so he has hardly been home at all. That makes for a lot of treadmill running. Which is fine... but I don't really get to "escape life" that way. But the runs get done.

It has rained for about a week straight. Again, I am thankful for Teddy Tready! (and a garage)

We had places to be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night of this week. Yikes! Rain or no rain, I'd be forced to use the treadmill in order to get the runs done on time. Calgon, take me away!

On Tuesday I had to drive to Tupelo, Mississippi (90 miles away, birthplace of Elvis) for a new work project (!!!) on less than 3 hours of sleep. Isaac had to go to work with Chasen before 6 AM. This is not an ideal situation, people! But you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes.

I have not missed any runs, but I have been fit to be tied! Today, Saturday, I was to do a 2-mile zen run. With Chasen gone and the rain coming and going, Isaac and I headed out and I just walked. I didn't have any zen in me. *sigh*

I bought Isaac this Halloween shirt last year, not knowing he'd be so big! So he is wearing it early.

Napping lil pumpkin. Comfy, huh?

A laughing baby can make ANY day better.

Chocolate tiramisu cake I had to make to take to an event. I didn't even get a slice!

Got bananas?

Tomorrow is a 14-miler. Rain, rain, go away!

12 Miler!

Today I ran 12 miles. I have not covered that distance since last year's Worldwide Half Marathon (at about 20 weeks pregnant, all walking). I got right to it at 5 AM. Because it was so dark I did the first 2 mile sin my neighborhood. As it turns out, the main drag was much better lit than this quaint place with lampposts in every yard.

I was supposed to run at a 2:2 ratio, except every 3rd mile was to be run solid. Now that's a good way to do it! Piece of cake!

6-month photo courtesy of Brooke Ledbetter of Southaven, Mississippi

It started raining at about mile 5, so I altered my course and headed home. I discovered that it was going to mist rain the rest of the morning... so I just did more back in my neighborhood than I had planned. No biggie.

Here are my splits:
Mile 1 -- 15:00 (2:2)
Mile 2 -- 14:43 (2:2)
Mile 3 -- 13:31 (solid)
Mile 4 -- 15:11 (2:2)
Mile 5 -- 14:46 (2:2)
Mile 6 -- 13:42 (I actually forgot about running it solid until a ways in...)
Mile 7 -- 15:31 (2:2)
Mile 8 -- 14:11 (2:2)
Mile 9 -- 13:30 (solid)
Mile 10 -- 15:08 (2:2)
Mile 11 -- 15:00 (2:2)
Mile 12 -- 13:25 (solid)
Total: 2:53:43

Average: 14:30

Next week I have to do 14 miles, mostly at a 1:1 ratio. Wish me luck!

Weigh Past Due!

I have been quite busy; just a lot going on. So this is just a quick update. More to come! The running is going well.

Isaac sports his Arkansas Razorbacks jersey on his first official game day. Chasen was so proud!

I finally finished a personal project I swore I'd complete before Isaac was born. Obviously I missed that deadline! It's the display of race bibs and medals in my (home) office:

Isn't the Little Rock medal HUGE? And Rocket City is on its way!!!

The cork board just didn't go up as soon or as easily as we thought. But we finally got it hung up on the wall above my desk, and the organizing of the race bibs was a piece of cake. Hanging the medals was a whole other story. I thought I'd hang them on the cork board, but Chasen didn't think they'd be supported well enough, so we opted for a simple coat rack (which took forever to find the time to hang). We put it way up high because a) I never get the medals down, and b) why cover up my cork board collage?

Now on to the topic that most people (non-runners, at least) always wonder about: baby weight. I am often asked how much weight I gained with pregnancy. I honestly do not know the exact number, and here's why. I know exactly how much I weighed before we moved to Mississippi (shown as "torn tendon chub" below on my nifty graph). I didn't weigh the day I discovered I was pregnant. I knew I had plumped up even more and was stupidly avoiding the scale. That's why!

As you can see I am about 7 pounds away from the last known pre-pregnancy weight. I have lost quite a bit thanks to training and my current eating plan. Life is good! I am very encouraged and continue to watch the graph plunge. Hooray!

Winged Feet (Not Webbed Feet!)

This is a recovery week for me. I never, ever thought I'd say this... but only running 5 days is boring. Can you believe it?

Isaac sports his first jeans. Awww! What a big boy!

Isaac, center, sits amid his six favorite friends in front of the flower beds (literally).

Oh what a day. I must say... not every day of mommyhood is a joy. Nope. The closer we get to Isaac's first tooth, the less happy he and I both are. However, the high point of the day was the Runner's Round Table! I got to participate as part of Team Point Two. I dished on my current training, which is going really well, in my opinion.

Isaac hangs out (literally) on Daddy as Mommy goes for a much needed run.

So today I was counting down the seconds until Chasen got home so I could ESCAPE to the roads. I didn't bother with Teddy Tready. Oh no - this day called for the pavement. I had 4 miles on the docket. The first was to be run solid (13:05) and the remaining three were to be done at a 2:2 ratio (14:08, 13:27, 13:50). I do believe the stress of the day is what boosted me forward! I really felt like I could have run forever. Coming from "ground zero" as I am, that feeling is priceless!

A Big, Hot Month

With August drawing to an end in a few hours, I can only do one thing: rejoice! September for me means one thing: fall is on its way! Technically, it'll still be hot here until October, most likely, but September does bring hope.

Isaac now lifts his head up quite a bit while lying down. Next step: sitting up!

My records indicate that I ran and walked 104.9 miles in the very hot month of August. That is pretty thrilling for me, considering that it rivals my all-time high (considering I have always trained 4 days per week).

Mr. Happy - my biggest fan!

This is a recovery week for me. I only have to get out there 5 days. Lazy city!

1:1 Ratio Love!

Sometimes children really surprise you. Take today, for example. Out of the clear blue, Isaac decided to wake up at 3 AM. He was starved, apparently. The good news is that he went right back to sleep. I, however, did not. I didn't drift away until close to 5 AM, which put the kibosh on my 5:45 wake-up for 7 miles before church. Uh oh!

Happy Isaac, before the burp cloth fun began.

My hamstring has been bothering me, so I ice it quite often. This was also on my mind as I cancelled my early morning long run.

Do-rag Isaac

My only other option was to do the run at noon, after a very light lunch. I intended to donate blood at a church blood drive at 3:45 PM. After that I'd be good for nothing!

Squealing Isaac! A happy baby can make any situation better.

The temps were actually under 80 degrees at 1 PM, when I decided to make it a treadmill run. I did so because a) we have a fan out there now, b) I figured it'd be easier on my hamstring , and c) who needs that ole bothersome sun?

"Would you like some salt?"

So away I went, letting Teddy Tready earn his supper. I was to run the first 2 miles without walking. I did the first mile in 13:00 and the second in 12:43. Yay! That's pretty good for this slow gal. The remaining five miles were to be done at a 1:1 ratio. I did the running at 11:32 and the walking at 15:47. Not too shabby!

"Whatcha gonna do?"

The whole works took 1:33:24 (13:20 per mile). That is not bad. Afterwards I quickly showered and got ready to go and face the vampires! I hadn't donated blood in ages, unfortunately, so it was high time. Chasen donated, also.

Bring on the new training week!

Sweet Potato Repeats

Tonight I had to make up the missed track workout from yesterday. It was just shy of 90 degrees, but such is life.

Sweet Isaac lays his head on Mommy's leg. Awww!

I was first to do a 1-mile warm-up walk. No problem. There were TONS of people at the track, as there were 3 flag football games happening there. I thought "This will be me in a few years." Yikes!

How could you not love this happy little guy?

Next came the fun part (said sarcastically). I was supposed to do three miles in 11:38 and then walk 1 minute afterwards. Eek! But I'll have you know I did the first in 11:18 and the second in 11:30! Then the wheels fell off... and the third came in 13:15. Oh well - I tried. Those are very fast times for me, these days.

Isaac chews on his "sucky cup" (as opposed to a sippy cup - this one has a straw).

Afterwards I did a 1-mile cooldown with 1 minute of running and 1 minute of walking. It was tough after all that running, but I got it done. It was almost dark!

Hey man, the cup is upside down!

Today I steamed a sweet potato to make Isaac's first "real food." He now eats rice cereal, but that is from a box. After I steamed it (which took like 40 minutes!) I pureed it in my food processor. I do believe he likes sweet potatoes! Hooray!

Sweet potatoes are yummy. More, Mommy!

Tomorrow is a 5-mile walk. Let the good times roll!

Chasen's Birthday Cake

Today is Chasen's 34th birthday. Happy Birthday Chasen!

Last year I got him a Wii. Next to Isaac, I think it was the best gift he ever got! He loves it. So I decided to make his birthday cake a replica of the Wii controller. I started by baking a pound cake (from a box).


I made a copy of the Wii controller and blew it up as large as possible. Then I cut out its shape on the cake. After that I put a layer of store-bought butter cream icing on it. Yum!

It wouldn't be "fancy" if I didn't use fondant icing! I bought that, also. I made both the butter cream and the fondant once a few years ago. It took forever. No thanks!

After laying out the smooth fondant, I pressed it to the shape of the cake/Wii and trimmed the edges.

I made the buttons out of fondant, as well. I used my x-acto knife for the "carving" of the shapes. Why can't everything be straight?

Finally I applied some black gel icing in just the right places. Viola!

Here we all are at a Japanese restaurant for lunch.

We've had a great day! Tomorrow I am back to hard training.

A Long Week

Some weeks seem longer than others. This was one of those. I'll cover it day by day.

Isaac, last Sunday, after we did his 6-month footprints for his newborn, 6-mo, and 1-yr frame set.

On Monday I walked four miles. Walking is a joy! I just put on my ipod and get it done.

Why is he the coach? Because he has the spatula! (from Run Fat Boy Run)

I missed my Tuesday run because of crazyness with Chasen's work schedule and my life. Ick!

Isaac chills at the neighborhood pool. What could be better?

On Thursday I did a track workout. I have always liked track workouts. I like the precision of it all; you know exactly how much more there is to do!

Callum and Isaac shake hands; they're buds.

Isaac waits to see the pediatrician and get his 6-month immunizations. He's doing so well!

Friday brought a treadmill run. Chasen installed a big fan, so the garage is much easier to be in now. I walked hardly any at all!

Saturday called for a four mile walk. The weather was so nice that I simply had to get outside. It was gorgeous.

Isaac gets a bath in preparation for a big trip out of town.

Sunday meant 8 miles for me. You know what? I didn't even dread it. I am "gettin' wit' it!" I had to run the first 2 without stopping, which I did. The last six were to be a ratio of 1 minute walking, 1 minute running. Piece of cake! I got it done, came home and iced my sore hamstring, and then got ready to drive Isaac and I to Arkansas for a baby shower for a friend.

Here is the diaper cake I made for my purple-loving friend (who's having a boy).

For the 6 hours I was on the road, Isaac probably screamed and cried for 3. It was AWFUL. He simply did NOT want to be in his car seat. What are ya gonna do?

Here I am with the mother-to-be.

Rocket City is 16 weeks away. I do believe I just might make it! If I look at my training as a whole (as opposed to day by stinky day) I think I am doing well. I am doing it, anyway. This is not likely the time for me to achieve my all-time dream of 5:00:00, but I am back in training with a baby -- and that's good enough for me!

Elvis 5K at Six Months Old!

Yesterday my wonderful little Isaac turned six months old. Wow - time flies! So much has changed since he was born. All for the better!

Also, yesterday was the Elvis Presley 5K in Memphis. We ran it last year when I was in my first trimester. I must say it is MUCH easier to run while not pregnant. Ha!

Chasen decided that we needed to get Isaac an Elvis costume. Since it wasn't exactly free, he'll be Elvis for his first Halloween. He wasn't the only little (or big) Elvis there!

"The King" gets ready to roll in the back of the car. His cape is swung out for your viewing pleasure.

Where are his blue suede running shoes?

Let's rock, Daddy. I've got my game face on.

There I am trying to stay ahead of the lady in pink. I ran 5 minutes faster than in 2008.

Lil Elvis would rather eat his sunglasses than wear them.

Rear of the cool race t-shirt. And front of Isaac. Ha!

Since Isaac turned 6 months yesterday, we decided to have a little party for the three of us last night. We hung out at our neighborhood pool. I am so proud of my little fishy!

We like to go as the sun sets; the pool is empty and we don't worry about the sun's rays.

Me and my big boy!

Yes, we got a cake (for Chasen and I). It reads "Happy 1/2 Birthday Isaac."

Today I ran 6 miles! And I ran down the "main drag," which is a first for Mother Susan. I ran 27.74 miles this past week (Mon-Sun). My marathon is 17 weeks away. I am getting there! I have several parts that I have to ice left and right... but I am getting there. Slowly but surely!

Finally, A Smile On Film!

Being A Runner AND A Mom

I was nominated by Maddy, after an inquiry to her by Nicole, to compose this post. Specifically I was asked to write about training with a baby. So here goes!

I was a runner long before I was a mom (5 1/2 years, to be specific). Before Isaac was even conceived, I made plans (and a promise to myself) to keep running once I was a mom. When I found out that I was expecting, I just listened to my body and slowed down. I was able to run through the first 20 weeks of pregnancy; after that I walked. I TRULY believe that's what made recovery from Isaac's delivery a piece of cake.

So there I was -- a brand new mom on February 15th with a goal to "get back to it ASAP." Because we had some pleasant weather, Isaac was able to go for his first stroll at 3 days old. The next one was at 11 days old, I think. After that I got out there and walked with him (about 2 miles) on each sunny day prior to my 6-week check-up with my OBGYN. During this time I was chosen to be part of Team Point Two.

Once I was given the "all clear" from my doctor, I started the "Kick The Couch 5K" training plan at the suggestion of my Team Point Two Marathon Advisor. That was the best idea ever! It so very gently eased me back into running. My abs hurt like the devil after each workout, but I guess that is to be expected after pregnancy and childbirth. I accomplished most of these workouts this spring on my garage treadmill as Isaac was asleep each morning (nap time). He was tiny and slept a lot! Eight weeks into the program I ran my first 5K with Isaac in his stroller and it was A JOY.

As Isaac gets older, it is becoming more difficult to train with him. You see, I live in the HOT South, so it is very necessary to run in the early morning, i.e. before Isaac wakes up. If I can get the run done before 7 AM (when my husband needs to get up and get ready for work), that is best. Then I am home and ready for Isaac. The difficulty here is being able to get to bed early enough to not make this seem like a daunting task. It was a piece of cake back before I was a mom!

Or, I can use my garage treadmill... but it is like a sauna out there, even with the door up, at any point during the day. I can technically take Isaac out there in his bouncy seat, but it has to be unseasonably cool that day... which it rarely is. My husband just bought a big fan for out there yesterday!

The final option is to hit the roads when my husband returns home from work (so as to have child care). This puts me out there in the heat, even if I wait until nearly dark. Some days this is just necessary. But if you want to train, you gotta do what you gotta do!

What I'd LIKE to do is be able to hit the neighborhood with Isaac in his stroller after he wakes up and has his first bottle, but that will require cooler weather. One of these days I'll have it! I work from home, for myself, so my workload just might let that happen.

As I predicted, being on Team Point Two has been wonderful for getting me right back to marathon training. What I could not have predicted, though, is just how much the aforementioned training constraints could compound and make me just want to throw in the towel until the weather cools off. I was ALWAYS an early-morning trainer before, but add a baby and some sleep deprivation into the mix and it is a whole new ballgame. So my best advice is to make sure you have a plan in motion for post-delivery! I am very regimented and scheduled... but having a baby can throw even a Type A personality off the mark!

Having a baby gives you the opportunity for a whole new level of motivation. Not only do you want to be healthy for your child, but you've GOT to get your body back in shape! I am still working on the second part... little by little.

Being a mom is the best thing EVER. I hope I can continue to share my passion for running with Isaac year after year!

The Impossible?