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?

A New Schedule?

I have been sick since Sunday! Just a cold, but still. Summer time colds are the pits. I only missed Sunday's run, though, which is a first for me. I have been sleeping more than usual, which will hopefully aid in my return to health. I am a firm believer that I only get sick when I am burning the candle at both ends.

This brings me to my post title: a new schedule. Due to really NEVER being able to get 8 good hours of sleep anymore (since I have to get up so early to go running in the cooler temps), I am usually able to supplement with a nap or two during the day. Hooray for a sleeping baby! But since this cold has come on, and I am taking nighttime meds that knock me out, I have been putting off the running until about 8 PM. No, it's certainly not as cool as it is at 5:30 AM, but this allows me a better night's sleep (and I still catch a nap or two!) Is it ideal? No... but uninterrupted sleep is definitely a good thing. Well rested, slower paces in the heat - now that is a scheduling compromise.

In other good news, I really feel that my "marathoner's mindset" has returned. Yay! "Just four miles" tonight - piece of cake. (!!!) After I choked upon learning that I am to run 10 miles this Saturday, I just thought "Oh well, I can do it."

Our friends Jessica and Callum joined us today at the Memphis train station to attempt to tour the Disney Train (see below). We didn't actually make it, as the wait for 2 hours and it was blazing hot. But I did get a cool paper conductor's hat.

Actually, the hat was supposed to be for Isaac, but it was a bit too large.

This is the view of the train from where we parked (using the zoom!)

Look who's eating rice cereal like a big boy!