Ok, so over the years Dads have gotten short changed. Seriously they have! The latest survey by the National Retail Federation found we spend way more on Mom's than Dad's!
So, I've found a way to make it up to Dear ole' Dad, without breaking the bank!
FORE DAD!
Give the gift of a better golf swing! Let Dad in on the secret of private coaching with a gift certificate for a private coaching session with a CoachUp coach. Available in denominations starting at $100, a CoachUp gift certificate allows him to book a private golf coach in his area.
SURF'S UP!
Men’s swimwear by Hapari is the perfect gift for Dad as the warmer weather approaches. The line looks and feels great and offers many trendy styles that layer for comfort and durable style. These are fantastic, great fit and great fabric! Best of all, only $12.00!
YOU'VE GOT THIS DAD!
Give Dad the gift of a health coach-in his pocket! Ok, before you roll your eyes and scroll down, stop! Check this out, it's a cool APP if Dad is having a tough time staying motivated, whether to exercise, or lose weight or just having a hard time staying focused. Coach Alba is a texting based service that allows users to set reminders to help them overcome tough moments.
For the father who likes to stay connected and shop locally, a new online marketplace is making it easy to bypass the gift card kiosk. Yiftee lets consumers send real gifts to dad quickly and easily via email, mobile and social networks. Yiftee gifts are small items - think latte, glass of wine, nice lunch, etc. - that the recipients pick up using their smart phones and tablets.
PICTURE THIS!
Fodeez Frames are a line of reusable picture frames and dry erase boards in one that stick to any smooth surface—great for dad’s office or even laptop! Fully customizable, dad will love this personalized gift.
OH NO! YOU GOT IT WET?!
A new gift for dad keeps his personal electronics performing at their best—no matter what the elements throw their way. Bheestie is an innovative tool that removes daily moisture build-up from personal electronics.
IT'S SHORTS, IT'S A TOWEL...IT'S TOWEL SHORTS!
Give dad a little laugh this year with these shower shorts, made from a cotton towel material. He'll love lounging around in them and will feel more manly than the typical towel-around-the-waist trick. Just $19.99!
Exciting news Moms and Kids. Stay tuned for some interesting gift ideas for Father's Day! I've got samples of some great gift ideas that I'm sure your Dad will love!
Sneak Peeks!!
Give the gift of a better golf swing! And it's NOT an expensive golf club!
Tired of your Dad (or Husband's) worn out swimsuit? I don't blame you, it's embarrassing isn't it!
We've got a cool line of trendy styles to pass along.
Give dad the gift of a health
coach—in his pocket!
For the father who
likes to stay connected and shop locally, a new online marketplace is making it
easy to bypass the gift card kiosk.
And the list goes on!!
I will be getting the samples and blogging out some great links for you, stay tuned!
How do you feel about soda? For my family it's occasionally in our house as a treat. I don't ban it, I buy it on occasions for sleepovers, eating out, movie night. My kids don't crave it and neither do I. With that being said, how do you feel about lawmakers trying to control what we put into our mouths, or the mouths of our children? As parents, isn't that our responsibility?
This week public health officials from Boston, California, New York and other state and local jurisdictions nationwide are meeting in Washington, DC for the 2nd National Soda Summit. This comes just after the California Senate passed legislation to place warning labels on soda and other sugary drinks.
I'm pretty sure most of us know soda contains sugar, and lots of it. Will warning labels really deter a 15 year old from placing 4 quarters into a vending machine? Probably not.
I get we have a huge problem with obesity and diabetes in America, but are warning labels on soft drinks the answer?
For two days starting Wednesday June 4th, researchers, physicians, nutritionists and other health experts will share information and strategies on how to effect policy change on local and national levels. I wonder if there will be any discussion about common sense? Everything in moderation?
Self control?
So what do you think? I know my blog readers are highly educated and I'm very curious to hear your thoughts about putting a cap on soda.
I love you, please know that. I love you to the moon and back infinity times. But, for the love of God...please do whatever I ask of you on Mother's Day. I don't need fancy gifts, I don't need flowers, I don't need a giftcard to Target (ok, sure I'll take it). I need peace, quiet, time alone, time to do whatever I want to do and I would love it if you would just clean the house. Just do your chores and a bunch of extra's, like clean out your closets, your drawers, pick up Sadie's poops in the yard so I'm not handed a sneaker and asked to clean the grooves with my bottle scrubber.
I do love that you guys love to hang out in my room and snuggle in my bed. But on Mother's Day I would love it if I can have a good night sleep alone so I can stretch out my legs and not hear Jack fart in my bed and then laugh because of course he thinks it's funny (ok it is sometimes.)
I would love to get up and go for a run without feeing quilty because you give me that face that says, "again?".
I would love to go to your baseball game, but maybe not all 4 hours of it.
You sure can go over to a friends house but please find a ride to and from.
When Jack starts to bother you because of his singing, instead of yelling at him and calling him "a loser" laugh along with him or join in! Or, even better, don't say anything.
When your brother's want to play those silly APPS, let them, so what.
When your sister tells you to do your chores, drop everything and DO them.
Walk around the house, inside and out, if you see something that's not supposed to be there, put it where it's supposed to be. (including the mismatched socks behind the TV and under the couch).
At the end of the day, if only a few of these things get done it's ok. As long as you make an effort to make me happy then what more can a Mom ask for?
Oh, one more thing, Don't forget to come into my room at the end of the day and kiss me good night and say Happy Mother's Day. Monday it's back to normal.
Recently I was asked to test out the SHARK ROCKET. I was happy to try it even though I hate vacuuming! So if a product is going to make it easier for me, then why not?!
I was given the product to test but in no way paid for my product review, just happy to give it a go and share with you with I thought.
Awe...isn't this kitten so cute surrounded by flowers? Actually, for cats certain flowers can be deadly!
With Easter coming up many of you may have Easter Lily's in your home or just around your house for the spring. But a warning from the Food and Drug Administration, these flowers as well as Tiger, Asiatic Day and Japanese Show lilies are a health threat to your Cat.
If your cat eats the leaf, pollen and flower of the lily it is poisonous. Even if they just eat a couple of leaves or even lick a little bit of the pollen grains off their fur, cats can suffer acute kidney failure within a very short period of time!
Symptoms
Vomiting is the first sign there is a problem. It may gradually lessen over 2-4 hours which may make you think everything is ok, but unfortunately the worst is just beginning. According to the FDA within 12-14 hours, the cat may start to urinate frequently. Then the cat may suddenly stop urinating if kidney failure sets in. If your cat is left untreated, it can die within 4-7 days of eating a lily.
Treatment
Getting your cat to the vet immediately is critical. Even if you only suspect your cat ate a lily, you should still contact your vet as soon as you can. The sooner you can get your cat to have intravenous fluids to preven dehydration and preserve kidney fuction, the better chance of survival.
My fitness plan is intense, but that does not mean you have to be as extreme, but you can vary it according to your schedule and your fitness ability. But JUST DO SOMETHING.
Stop Making Excuses
Seriously. I truly mean this. Which excuse is yours?
"I know I know, I've got to work out, but I just can't find the time!"
"By the time I get home from work, the kids are hungry, I've got to make dinner and then I'm too tired to work out!
"I guess I could wake up early and work out, but then I can't get out of bed!!"
"I know I can eat better, but I don't always have time to make healthy meals!"
"I get up early, hop on the treadmill, but then I'm interrupted a gazillion times by my kids because they need me! So why bother!?"
"I hate gyms."
"I hate running."
"I've tried working out but nothing has ever worked."
HOW I STARTED IS HOW YOU CAN START.
I joined a gym.
Working out with others is a great motivator, you're more apt to keep going and not quit mid workout.
I learned that sweat can be sexy.
I stopped worrying about what I looked like at the gym. Trust me, a good hat hides a lot! My favorite?
Dress Like an Athlete
If you wear athletic gear you'll feel like an athlete! Really. Buying the right gear will make you feel like you're truly getting fit. Even when you're at home don't throw on your husband's tee-shirt or leggings, or an old pair of sneakers.
This is a mindset that will help you, trust me.
Marshall's and TJ Maxx are my FAVORITE places to find athletic gear. Inexpensive and Trendy. My too favorite words!
Get out and Run
5 Years ago I was not a runner. I NEVER ran ever! But I needed to do something other than just go to the gym once or twice a week. I started out slow and short. One mile at a time. I didn't run everyday, not by a long shot. I worked out 2 days at the gym and ran 2 days.
I Started feeling Different
I ran a mile for 2 or 3 days then I ran a little farther, maybe 1/2 mile more for a few days. After 2 runs I would increase the run a little more. Then I leveled out at 4-5 miles 2 times a week. I started looking forward to running. I started getting less winded and started seeing my legs get more toned! When you start seeing a difference in your body you start realizing that what you're doing is actually working. You want to do more because it just feels good.
Join a Race!
You have no idea how incredibly motivating a 5k can be. There is no excuse, you can find a 5k on any given weekend in any part of the state you live in. My first race took place in Cumberland, RI. The annual 4th of July Arnold Mills Race, 4 miles long. I was nervous, I had a cramp, I sucked. But I finished! The roar of the crowd at the finish line sucked me in. I was hooked.
Find a race click on this link and the roads are yours to race.
I want you to feel good, I want you to look good I truly do. We can do this together, I promise.
xo
LOVE LOVE LOVE my new find! Charming Charlie is like a candy store for big girls! I had a field day last Sunday and couldn't wait to share with you! xo
On another cold, windy, wintery morning (even though, for the record it's Spring) my daughter made the treck out to Wellesley, Ma as I ran for miles and miles and what seemed like more miles, 13 miles to be exact.
Every Saturday morning my TEAM in training for the Boston Marathon meets early in the morning to run together for hours at a time. We have wonderful volunteers who are out in the cold filling up water cups, replenishing snacks for us as we stop by to "refuel." Those volunteers are usually the spouses of runners. Today, my daughter came out to volunteer.
Our alarms went off at 6:00am, and without hesitation, Caty got up, washed up, dressed and was ready to hit the road with me. What normally is a long ride by myself, was suddenly too short with Caty. I wish I could have kept driving. Sometimes as parents we don't often get more than a fleeting moment with our kids, so on those rare occasions when our children are a "captive" audience, it's the best time to learn about school, their friends, what they're feeling and best of all, just how cool they really are!
As I was approaching mile 4 I saw her in the distance at the water stop. She was bundled up in someone's purple blanket, clearly freezing! Of course she didn't wear gloves or a warm jacket (because I asked her too) but instead of rolling her eyes or giving me that "look" this is the look I got. A warm smile and I had to capture it.
As a parent you never really know what your children think of you. But I saw a tweet she posted this morning:
Tweet: "So inspiring to hear so many survival stories from this team. So proud of my mom for running in this marathon!"
Well, I'm so proud of you too Caty. xo.
There's no doubt that no matter who we are or where we are in life, we where many "hats", but I like to think that for me, it's best described as many "shoes."
I was going through my closet and found that my shoes really do tell a story about me. More importantly, just how diverse I am and how cool that is! I'm sure we all have a few adjectives we would use to describe ourselves, some flattering, others, not so much. But if we truly looked at ourselves differently, like through our shoes, then maybe we would see ourselves a little better? Maybe we would see that we can be that person we want to be by what we put on our feet.
Want to be active? Then throw on those sneakers and get moving.
Want to feel sexy? Then slip on those heels and be that person, own it.
Want to get fit? Those spin shoes can only be for spinning, so sweat like a girl!
Throw on a pair of flip flops and you instantly relax.
People ask me everyday, 'how do you do it all?' I never know how to answer them. But I guess by looking at my shoes I realize that I do "do it all." Maybe you do too but never gave yourself that much credit. Or maybe there's some "shoes" that you haven't worn lately and maybe should. Today, open up that closet and check out your shoes. What do you see? If you see that your sneakers are way in the back but your comfy "outdoor" slippers are pretty worn, maybe it's time to switch things up a bit. If your heels are collecting dust, brush them off, put them on...you never know what comes next ;)
While in Bristol, RI I came across a little coffee shop called Angelina's. The owner Jason is from Brooklyn,NY and he and his wife decided to bring a unique style of brewing coffee to Rhode Islanders and anyone who happens to walk inside...
Next time you're in Bristol and you want a yummy cup of coffee, trust me, once you taste this, no other coffee will taste as good. Cheers!
It was Sunday in May, 1984 I remember this day well. I was graduating from High School and it was also the day my Mom asked me, "Honey, you do know that babies don't come from Stork's, right?"
I'm not sure what shocked me more, the fact my Mom thought there was a possibility I believed this to be true, or that at the age of 18 she thought I hadn't learned about the birds and the bees!
Fast forward to today. With Twin teenagers and a very curious 9 year old I vowed not to wait until their Graduation Day to discuss, well, you know...where babies come from. However, it's too late, at least for my Teens. They learned a few years ago during "Health" class at school and unfortunately in more graphic detail from their friends and social media.
As a Parent, you always want to be the one to tell your children those important lessons so they're not hearing it first from their friends or from a very clinical Health class...or so, you want to believe you want to be "that" parent who feels that way. But I have to admit, deep down, I'm kind of glad I didn't have to explain it to my teens! Does that make me a bad parent? No, just a relieved one.
So, how did I find out my teens knew about the birds and the bees? I asked them, "Guys, you do know that babies don't come from Stork's, right?" OMG. The words spilled out of my mouth, I couldn't stop myself. I suddenly realized I was as chicken as my Mom!
For the record, they were 13 when I asked them this question and thank God they responded, 'Yes Mom, we know where babies come from.'
As for my 9 year old? I've got 3 more years until he has Health in school. Until then? Deny, Deny, Deny.
Recently the makers of "SHARK" products reached out to me to test a couple of their latest products.
I am all about convenience, the faster I can acheive a clean floor the better.
Before you click on these video's I want to tell you why I'm posting them. I was on a training run today, just a short 5 miles...and suddenly as I turned a corner I thought of where I'm going to be in exactly 2 months from today. I will be in Boston running in the 2014 Boston Marathon. I suddenly teared up, remembering why I am running. I remember these moments almost 1 year ago. Standing on the train platform as the Amtrak trains arrived in Attleboro from Boston. The first two people I interviewed were runners who crossed the finish line. They, just like me, trained 4 long months. Got up at the crack of dawn to do speed workouts, ran every Saturday for hours at a time...creeping up the miles each weekend, 12, 15, 17, 20. They still had their medals around their necks. Events of this day were still unfolding as they got off the train. We didn't really know what exactly was happening. But what they did know, and I knew for sure was those medals around their necks will not remind them of the 4 months of training...instead, it will inspire them to not give up. It will inspire them to forge ahead and prove that the horrible actions of 2 people will only serve to give us strength to come together...and run again, one step at a time.
I remember turning to my photographer and saying, "I'm going to run Boston next year." I was caught up in the moment..but here I am, nearly one year later, and doing it.
Happy Valentines Day. Honestly, if you're stressed out, don't be. I'm here to make you a stud in your GF's eyes!
What a girl wants doesn't necessarily mean what she says she wants like; 'nothing babe, really!', 'honestly don't give me flowers, they're a waste of money!" or "just a nice card is perfect." They're all lies! Lies Lies Lies!
What a girl wants is simple; flowers, jewelry, a sweet gesture like cooking for her, or taking her out for nice dinner (that does't mean you don't still give her something!) Trust me, we are not being selfish, we just love the gesture that you took the time to shop for us and actually looked like you put thought into it! Even if you didn't, please, just make it look like you did, we'll never know!
Flowers: It's too late to send, but not too late to pick some up at the local grocery store, but for the love of God, please take off the sticker that shows us you bought them at Stop and Shop!
Jewelry: You don't have to go a jeweler and spend a fortune on us (although we wouldn't mind) but we get money is tight. If you go to Target you can find some really pretty jewelry, again, don't tell us where you bought it, we 're kind of snobby like that. You can easily rip off the tags, buy a pretty box and put the jewelry in there. If your GF asks you where you bought it, then she deserves to know where, a nice girl would be just happy you thought of her. Alex and Ani bracelets are another inexpensive but thoughtful gift because you can buy just about any charm that reminds you of her. Most of those run under $35! Girls love them too!
Sweet Gesture: A hand written card. Trust me, this is so sweet and it goes a long way! I'm not talking about buying a Halmark Card. I'm talking about taking a white piece of paper, folding it in half and coloring a cute picture and writing her a few lines of why you love her. This may seem totally dorky, but trust me, it's so cute and you'll get a lot of points from us!
Ok? Feel better? See, even if you haven't gotten your GF anything yet, there's still time! And you can score major guy points without breaking the bank! (Just please look like you did, ok?)
No, no, no...nothing like that! I'm talking about selling your "online" self in a dating profile. In my previous blog For Singles Only I showed you examples of what not to write. If your search for love online has proven unsuccessful it may have more to do with what your profile and not you! That's great news because we can easily change your profile!
WHERE TO START:
Get yourself right out there. Who are you? For example, we know you're single, so don't start with...I'm a single Mom (Dad). I think the assumption is, you are single! If you want to get it right out there that you are a parent, then a better way to begin your profile is, "I'm a Mom of 2 young children" "I'm a Dad of Teens..." "I have 1 great kid..." This allows the person checking you out to know right off the bat that your a parent. If that doesn't bother them they'll keep reading, if they don't want to date someone with kids, they'll move on.
Speaking from Experience:
My online profile ( a couple of years ago) started off by getting right to the point. "I'm a Mom of 3 children under the age of 13, so if this makes you want to run for the hills, be my guest. If this doesn't bother you, then read on." It worked. I got numerous comments from guys who appreciated my forwardness, and they got my sense of humor, btw, feel free to use my line!
So back to getting yourself out there...Who are you? After you've established you are a parent or not, tell me a little bit about you. Here are some great examples I found on an online dating site:
For the Guys: "I am the father of three wonderful children (18, 16, and 16). One in college, one in boarding school and one who splits his time between his mother and me. Their lives and my light work schedule, give me plenty of time for fun. In the summer, I golf, fish and love cookouts..."
"All around good guy who loves his kids, works hard to make other people's lives better, and enjoy life. Pretty simple really. I'm a busy tech startup founder looking to truly change the world..."
"I am a sitting here having a beer while watching the olympics thinking how I would describe myself and it basically comes down to this. I am a very easy going fun loving guy who enjoys the simple pleasures in life. I love to laugh and can be laughed at... all in good fun of course...
For the Girls:
"I am open minded, thoughtful and always try to do the right thing. I am also disorganized, a procrastinator, and probably too straightforward, but to counter those annoying traits I am reliable, cheerful, and drama averse..."
"In a nutshell, I live a pretty happy and fulfilling life. I do my best to balance work-life, home-life (2 daughters) and play-life, and live life to the fullest. I practice yoga regularly to try and stay young physically and mentally. I spend a lot of time on the shore in the summer..."
"I teach writing (poetry, fiction and expository writing) at a local college. I am a poet/writer, have two kids, am making it through the years in the burbs, though deep down my heart belongs in Cambridge ...or maybe Paris! I'm ideally looking for someone to share my life with..."
What works with these profiles is that they are personal. They didn't just list words like; I'm passionate, creative, fun to be with, happy, caring...Instead they all described how they are passionate and creative without just randomly listing adjectives to describe themselves.
Keep it Short.
No one likes someone who rambles on and on and on. Get to the point.
Be Honest.
If you say you're training for a marathon, you better be training for a marathon. If you say you love the outdoors, be ready to go rock climbing. If you say you love to travel, be ready to tell stories of where you've been, and I don't mean within the state you live. Bottom line (see I even use this myself) if you fib about who you are you will attract the wrong person. If you're honest then there are no surprises.
PICTURE THIS!
That's Me! This was my profile picture, I wanted it to be
different than all the rest...it worked!
What will get their attention to read your profile? A selfie? Please, no! Check in tomorrow for examples of do's and dont's! I used this as my profile...would it get your attention? xo
My Race BFF's! I have been running with these beautiful and strong women every Saturday for the past 4 months. They are my TEAMmates and forever in my heart. xo
Uta Pippig! Uta was our inspirational speaker at our TEAM in Training luncheon Saturday before race day. Uta is the only woman to win the Boston Marathon 3 consecutive years!
Site of the 2nd Boston Bombing.
Boylston Street, Boston, Ma
Boston Marathon Scarf Project: 36,000 scarves made for every runner of the 2014 Boston Marathon. Mine was made by Michelene from Illinois.
Photo Gallary! Friday Expo and Saturday Inspiration Luncheon
Friday April, 18
I find myself wandering around, not really doing much of anything but doing a lot of pacing. Going in one room, into another, picking up a sock here, a towel there...I have so many thoughts racing through my head, mostly about...race day, ok, ALL about race day. After 4 months of training for this moment it's hard to believe it's time. I've waited for this weekend for more than 4 months although I think I've waited for this moment for years actually.
I don't know why, but I think I am supposed to be doing this. I've run a marathon before, I've run more half marathons than I can count...but why do I feel so different about this one? Aside from the obvious, I think it's what I've learned along the way, something about me has changed. More on that later, for now I am off to teach my fitness class! And then off to Boston for the Expo and pick up my race Bib!
I will tweet more later so follow me @MIWBetter and @susanhogantv
Last Run, 8 Miles Saturday April, 12
20 Mile Run, March 29th...
If you ever run the Boston Marathon for a Charity, then you will soon hear all about the "20 miler". This is the day we build up to during our training run for Boston...in fact, if you are training for ANY marathon, you build up to 20 miles then taper (a word we so happily love to hear at this point in our marathon training!)
There are a number of sanctioned charities that are allowed to run in the Boston Marathon, Team in Training (for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) Boston's Children's Hospital, Dana Farber, just to name a few. We all run the 20 miler together on the same day and we all start in Hopkinton, Ma., the official start of the Boston Marathon. We were bused out early in the morning, mind you, we were on the bus for awhile which made us all a little nervous, because it's a long ride out, which means only one thing...it's a longer way back on foot! When we arrived there were thousands of runners, all anxious to get started but also very aware this was NOT Marathon Monday, this was simply a training run to be ready for Marathon Monday. From what I hear, this "practice" run was nothing like it will be on Marathon day. We could easily move around, the porta potty lines weren't hundreds of people deep, police presence was light. There was so much energy in the air, lots of it. I think when you are a runner, especially long distance, you are naturally charged. You embrace the moment and own it. We all know how lucky we are to be able to run.
There was no official "gun" to start our run, we all simply walked to the starting line (which was faded from last year and not repainted yet) and then we just starting to ...run!
These 4 wonderful ladies are my running partners. We've run countless hours together, and miles. We've learned about each other's job's, lives, travels, life's ups and down's...Sometimes we can chat for minutes at a time, sometimes we run in silence, lost in our own thoughts, or focused on what pain is jabbing us in our limbs, or trying to time out when we need to take our next "gu". I have always run with music, but on these long runs it's encouraged to run without, and let me tell you, I haven't missed it.
Whitney, Nora, Me and Carol in Hopkinton
This is us after running our 20 miler! Still smiling!
Here we are on the bus to take us back to Wellesley!
This is my TEAM right before our 20 mile run!
And this is PROOF! I did it.
March 25
I almost didn't look at my phone this morning to see what the temperature was...but a difference of 10 degrees when your running at 5:30am is the difference between wearing 2 under armour shirts or one. I wore 2 for the record. My run sucked. My GPS watch was frozen, really! It couldn't locate a satellite so it wasn't registering my intervals. I had to guess at .50 miles and .25 miles over the course of 6 miles! I also wore a Go Pro on my head to record a portion of my run so that was a little top heavy, my earphones didn't work and I somehow lost one of my favorite mittens!
But, a little over halfway into my run the sun started to come up along my favorite road. It was absolutely beautiful! It was at that moment I forgot about the cold, my mitten, my frozen watch and just took it all in. No one said "you have to run" no one is forcing me to run before dawn, this is my choice. I'm healthy, I have legs that are strong enough to run for miles at a time.
Training for Boston isn't about me at all, I'm just the one running it. It's about the thousands of people who I'm raising money for. My run is about raising awareness. Raising money for research to find a cure for blood cancers. It's about the stories I hear every Saturday morning in Wellesley before my long run with my TEAM. Personal stories of survival, stories about a husband AND wife both diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma within years of eachother, now they're training along side me. They're not complaining about the cold, the pain in their joints, they're alive!
I am so blessed that I can get up when my alarm goes off at 5:15. I am so blessed I haven't gotten frostbite, I am so blessed I have another pair of mittens. I am blessed I have a GPS watch that can help me track my runs, I am so blessed I have the resources to document my journey.
I am just blessed.
Thursday, March 20 2014
Love daylight savings time, but I totally misjudged the time on this run!
Tuesday March, 18...it's cold, again.
MARCH 8, 2014
BACK HOME IN BOSTON ...But today, I got to strip down to 1 layer of clothes! 54 Degrees! Bring it! 15 mile run with my Team in Training. Each Saturday we meet for these long runs and each day I feel more and more a part of this TEAM. Love them for life. We all are running for differnet reasons, but in the end we are all connected forever.
FEBRUARY 29,2014
GOODBYE STUPID COLD...HELLO SAN DIEGO! While I was out visiting I still had to get in my runs, including muy 13.1 miler!
Saturday, February 15th.
This was 90% of my run today. Frozen icey roads all along Commonwealth Ave in Newton. 15 miles of treachory! We had a guest speaker who came to chat with Team in Training today who discussed nutrition leading up to a marathon. Bottom line, I can eat what I want, a lot of carbs, a lot of calories, coffee is ok and alcohol is, well, ok as long as I stay hydrated!!
NUTRITION FOR TRAINING
Here are some topics our guest speaker chatted about with us. My Coach Kelly Flynn nicely recapped them for us. I thought I would pass them along to you!
Saturday Recap: We were very fortunate to have Nancy Clark give a nutrition clinic prior to our run. Nancy specializes in the nutrition needs of marathon runners. For those who couldn’t join us here are some tips for healthy eating:
1.Eat a Balanced Diet Each Day. To exercise consistently, you need to provide a good supply of high-quality energy to your working muscles. The easiest way to this is to eat a balanced breakfast and continue eating a variety of high-quality foods throughout the day. Carbohydrates are important. Carbs are the form of glycogen is the fuel that makes exercise possible, so adequate carbs must be eaten each day if you hope to train consistently. Protein and fat also have a place in your diet and should be consumed daily. In general, each meal should contain a varied combination.
2.Several Hours Before You Workout. Make sure you are eating before you workout, this includes in the morning. We’ve heard from many of you that you find it hard to eat in the morning before the long run, but that you are also finding you don’t have enough energy for the long haul. Eating a well balanced meal early in the morning before you run will help tremendously. Give yourself enough time to digest so you don’t feel like your breakfast is sitting in your stomach. Also, eating a small snack 30 minutes before the long run will help. Try brining a banana, energy bar or some pretzels to snack on to the Community Center to top off your tank before heading out to run.
3.During Your Workout. As a rule of thumb, if you are working out or running less than an hour, you shouldn’t need any additional food “fuel” during you run. If you will be working out longer, you will need to replenish lost carbohydrates. Make sure you are taking in fluids every 15-30 minutes and refueling after an hour or so of working out. This can be in the forms of Gus, candy, Honey Stingers, pretzels. Try the different products and candy we have each week and make sure you are finding what is right for you now, so you can carry it with you on Marathon Monday.
4.Hydration After Your Workout. After your workout, the general rule is simple: drink enough water to replace water lost through sweat. The best way to determine this is by weighing yourself before and after exercise. For every pound of body weight lost, you'll need to consume about 3 cups of fluid. Another way to determine how much liquid to consume is to check the color of your urine. Dark, concentrated urine may indicate dehydration. Your urine color should be a light yellow.
5.Eating After Your Workout. Try to have your post exercise meal within a two hours after your long run or an intense workout in order to replenish glycogen stores. Research shows that getting 100-200 grams of carbohydrate within two hours of endurance exercise helps you replenish adequate glycogen stores, but adding a combination of carbohydrate and protein seems to be an even better option. Studies have found that a 4:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein seems of carbohydrates, protein and fat.
As Nancy said your body is like a car. You put fuel in it, and it goes. Treat your body like you would your car and give it the fuel it needs to go. If you have any nutrition questions or need help with your fueling during the long runs, please let us know. We can help you come up with a plan. Lastly, Nancy has two great books on Sports Nutrition that are available for purchase on her website. If you are interested in learning more, you can contact Nancy directly or pick up one of her books at http://www.nancyclarkrd.com/
FEBRUARY 11TH, 2014
Tuesday, February 11th....Alarm went off and I couldn't get out of bed to do my speed workout, ugh. Kind of feeling tired and not great. Did a kick ass cross training Spin class last night for 55 minutes. I need to get in 10x400's today...that means I run fast for .25 miles then slow run for .25 ten times. Treadmill at the gym? Ugh. I really hate the treadmill. Have to teach my fitness class tonight which will be a great cross training session. I've got to get in this training run...when when when???
FEBRUARY 8TH
LOVE PINK! Saturday Morning, February 8th! Running 14 miles today in my new running gear, afterall, isn't all about how you look?? Needless to say, this gear is warm and pretty! Thermal Hat from UnderArmour, Running leggings by Marika Tek (performance athletic wear) I always look for gear that has high tech fabric for moisture wicking, which simply means as you sweat it takes the wetness off your skin so you don't get chilled. Off I go!
JANUARY 14, 2014
UGH. Another early morning run and this is what I am faced with! I've got to do a "track" workout today...this means I am running 8 laps around a track at various speeds, aka a "speed workout." Thankfully I don't have to go far, I run around a circle in my neigbhorhood! Yay me!!! Off I go!
JANUARY 18, 2014 This is going to be a yucky run! It's 7:15am Saturday Morning on my way into Wellsley to run 11 miles...It's cold, snowy, sleet, and just plain ick. Hopefully my warm weather gear will keep me warm and dry!
My training sneakers!! So that green tag on my laces is there for a reason. On our first day of training with Team in Training we were all given this tag, our name and an emergency contact number is on it just in case during our long training runs we get lost, disoriented, passout, hit by a car, die...So far I have avoided all of those!
JANUARY 11, 2014
Ok, so don't judge me!! I am cold and sweaty and I have no makeup on (ok, I lied, I do have mascara on, waterproof of course!) So, today I learned why they call it heartbreak hill...it's not that the hills are all that steep, it's where they are placed, at mile 20. Mile 20 can be the "wall" for many runners. Mile 20 is where you'll either "make it or break it" and to have a series of hills at this point can be a heartbreak...hense, "Heartbreak Hill."
JANUARY 4TH, 2014
8:00am Saturday Morning...Team in Training assembles in Wellsley,MA to get ready for our 9 mile run. It's another cold morning, about 17 degrees!!! I'm pumped and ready!! Heartbreak Hill here I come!
HERE I GO! DAY ONE. DECEMBER 14,2013.
TRAINING FOR BOSTON, MY STORY.
On September 19th 2013 I got a call that would change my life forever. I was accepted into the 2014 Boston Marathon. I will be running with Team in Training, for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Over the next 4 months I will log over 550 miles, not to mention countless hours of cross training.
I am running in memory of my Dad who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and passed away December 14, 2011. My Dad loved to watch me run, he was there to watch me cross the finish line for my first half marathon, and he will no doubt be with me as I cross the finish line in Boston on April 21st, 2014.
Of course, this years' Boston Marathon takes on a whole new meaning for everyone. For some it's to finish what they started last April before the Boston bombings, for other's it's to accomplish a personal goal we may never know. No matter why or for whom these runners are racing for, one thing is certain, it's going to be an incredible experience and challenge and I cannot be more proud to be part of history...Here is my journey...
Men’s swimwear by Hapari is the perfect gift for Dad as the warmer weather approaches. The line looks and feels great and offers many trendy styles that layer for comfort and durable style. These are fantastic, great fit and great fabric! Best of all, only $12.00!
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