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Thursday, February 28, 2013

Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run

I normally put all my book reviews for a month together, or that is what I intended to do so I could quickly go back and look at what I read each month of the year.  However, this book was just so amazing and I wrote so many different quotes down that I decided it needed it's own post. 

 
 
This book was on my Christmas list last year and my mom bought it for me.  I somehow had put off reading it until this month- a year later- and found a GREAT Read!
 
I really enjoyed her writing style and her dedication of each of the 26.2 chapters to a certain topic/subject/thought (i.e. warm up, beginnings, friendship, healing, play, mothers, etc).  I found so many different quotes that really struck a chord with me.  So here they are with some of my own feedback or thoughts on her comments. 
 
page 4 "I am not a good runner because I am me.  I am a good me because I run."
Hello- love this line- totally makes sense to me and I can pretty much guarantee I'm a better "me" because I run.
 
page 14 "How often in life do we place undue emphasis on our performance and fail to appreciate the pleasure of our accomplishment?"
As with so many lines in this book, that I loved, this one can be applied to all of life.  I think many of us, myself included, look at our failures more than our accomplishments.  If we all looked at all we have accomplished I think we would be pretty proud of ourselves. 
 
page 15 "Going physically beyond yourself helps you understand that there is some thing bigger and mightier than you."
Yep- there is something definitely "bigger" out there- we all have different ideas about what that "bigger" is and I don't really think it matters that we agree on it, but I think it makes you understand when you physically go beyond your boundaries that's when you realize there is something "bigger".
 
page 38 "Clarity comes to me like this: I need to be living my life in such a way that if I knew my expiration date, I would continue living just as I am."
Good goal to live up to- basically the live life to its fullest and if not change it up so that if you left the world you'd be o.k. with the way you left it.
 
page 49 "Maybe this casual pace works best for me.  Maybe I can go farther and enjoy more fully when I just go and let go, leaving the planner in me home in bed."
I'm a planner and I think this quote hit home with me, because sometimes it is nice to go out and do something and just fully enjoy it not thinking about all the "to do's" or the "what ifs" but just enjoy the present, at a nice casual pace.
 
page 53 "Katharine Hepburn said ' Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, only with what you are expected to give... which is everything".
This is on the first page of the chapter titled "Mothers".  Giving your everything is a theme many moms and mother runners deal with on a daily basis.  It has nothing to do with what you are going to get in return, but giving your all to your kids.  Don't mother to get back, but to give.
 
page 69 "When we run we are showing our children, teaching without words, that we value ourselves, our hearts, our fitness, our health, our friendships, our clarity and our balance".
AMEN!
 
page 81 "When it come down to it determination has a greater impact than giftedness."
Definitely agree with this.  I've said before there are many people who could run laps around me very easily, but give us both a goal of 26.2 miles and those faster/more fit/athletic people just might not make it, but little old me who has this need for goals will finish because not being a fast, fit, athlete, but just having the will to finish and train to get there.  I truly believe we all have the ability to get to the start and finish line- we just have to want to.
 
page 107 "Thank Goad for running.  It is the ultimate detox for me, whether my poison is champagne bubbles, a foul mood, or a bad attitude."
Running is a great way to sweat away the bad stuff. Other than barfing or with fever I try to run threw colds, because I normally feel better.  I don't do as well as she writes with running after a night of "the bubbly" though, however if I have a long run or hard workout the next day the running will deter too much "bubbly" consumption.  Lastly, I think if more people were active in some form on daily basis and sweated there would be less depressed people on this earth.  Now don't get me wrong-  I totally don't think depression is a farce or a "whoa is me" thing- it is real and medication is helpful for treating, but if people added running or swimming or bike riding- anything to get their blood pumping and sweating they may find their moods to improve.  I did and do feel much happier/balanced emotionally when active on routine basis. 
 
page 114 "There is something about women that permits us to vie for a better impression of and for ourselves by belittling someone else."
I've never understood this, but see it is true almost everyday.  Wish we women could be nicer to each other, less judgemental and just more supportive.   I think women have had so many different hurdles to deal with that we get defensive about losing our position in life and so think by belittling someone else we will bypass others.  Don't know how we can improve this amongst women.  Ideas?
 
page 122 "Today I live peacefully (and gratefully) as an 'I am'.  I am a mother.  I am a writer. I am a runner.  It has taken me awhile, but at last (thank you, God) my identity ties directly into who I am rather than an action I perform.  Even though I mother, I write, and I run; these verbs are less important to me than what the nouns signify".
I like the thought of describing myself as a noun instead of as an action.  Sounds like you are stronger and more powerful when you say these words as a noun.
 
page 128 "Because it's who you are when no one is watching that builds the confidence and the comfort to give your best in moments when it's time to be seen."
Many runners feed off running around others- you run faster/longer when around others (i.e. in a race, at the gym).  I agree though that it is how you are when no one is around that is more important to the character you are building.
 
page 146 "Sooner or later, we just have to own and enjoy who we are, the whole crazy concoction".
Taken awhile but I'm getting there.
 
page 169 "If you have a friend who has a gift, tell them, quickly.  It really matters."
We need to do this more in life.  Another way to help others see the good within themselves. 
 
page 202 "Usually I have one run each week that speaks to me on a metaphysical level, telling or teaching me something that I can't seem to get when I read, write, connect with people, or do the things that require doing in the rest of my life."
I have had these runs- don't know if they are weekly, but when I have them they are pretty powerful.  I think running makes you be in the present and that's when you go to a higher level of observation/thinking, etc.
 
page 207 "Do the same thing you have always done and get the same things you have always gotten... We parent the same way and expect more from our kids. We put the same old energy into our marriage and expect it to be more fulfilling."
Basically- if you want life to change you have to change what you are doing and not put it on others. 
 
page 211 "Wherever we are and wherever we're going, we won't break if we break it down."
Puts perspective on taking it day by day, step by step, looking at the picture in pieces etc- less overwhelming.
 
page 231 "I realized that I am out here, most days of every week, pursuing something that does not come naturally or easily to me."
I feel the same way about my running.   I don't have a runner's body.  I don't have a runner's diet.  Yet I am a runner. 
 
page 237 " It encourages me to gravitate toward people whose standards inspire me subconsciously to raise my own, just as the company of a particularly honest person elicits integrity, or a highly motivated person adds momentum, or a particularly funny person piques my sense of joy."
Who we surrounds ourselves with clearly has a bearing on what kind of life we live and experience.  I'm trying to focus on finding these very type of people noted above to spend my life with.  If I do I will have lead a pretty lucky/happy life. 
 
page 238 "Right now is a perfect time to consider the people who lift us up and to make a conscious decision to spend more time in their good company." 
Reiteration of the quote on page 237- but again reminds me to find my "peeps"!
 
page 251 "I train because I want to be someone better than I would be if I didn't train."
This is my hope in training- to be a better person not just runner.
 
page 265 "I believe gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.  It is underrated and underutilized, yet it has the power to transform people and perspectives."
Need to use this more in my life.  I need to do a better job of being thankful: vocally or outwardly to those who I'm so thankful/grateful for, but also inwardly to assess regularly the great life I have. 
 
Hope you enjoyed reading these quotes as much as I did and don't mind my take on them.  After I finished this book the one thought I just couldn't quite get out of my head was "Did Kristin Armstrong know her husband was doping?"I asked my husband and he answered "Yes" quickly and surely.  They are no longer together, I realize that, but her writing and thoughts seem to speak about being honest and living a purposeful/true life and Lance's recent admissions to utilizing drugs to enhance his athletic ability doesn't quite fit with how I picture her.  I also wonder if her children have felt the affects of their father's lies.  She talks about her children quite frequently throughout the book and how athletic they are.  I wonder how they have dealt with their father's coming out about his false boosting of his own athletic abilities through use of drugs.  This was the only thing I felt a little unanswered on who Kristin Armstrong really is.  That said I still really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone- runner or not!  So much of what she said can be applied to real life, especially being a mom. 
 
 
 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Comfort Food Meal

First off I was reading a blog the other day and the author of the blog site had entered a recipe and meal she had made.  It was great!  Anyways, I never seem to read the comments, but for some reason that day I read some of the comments.  There was a passive-aggressive commenter who first started with saying how much she liked the blog site, but then dropped the bomb and reamed the person a new "you know what" because the blogger had used a recipe from another person's blog/website and she thought it was plagiarism. 



Well I disagree with that "comment lady".  What could be more flattering than to have someone utilize a recipe you dreamed up and then share it with however many people go to that person's site.  So that said- the following recipes are not my own, but I give credit to these recipe producers so hope that counts for something.

 Spicy Whiskey BBQ Sliders: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/12/spicy-whiskey-bbq-sliders/



Ingredients
  • 2 pounds Ground Meat (beef, Bison, Turkey)
  • Salt And Pepper
  • 4 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1 whole Large Onion, Diced
  • 1/2 cup Whiskey
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Jarred Jalapeno Slices (more To Taste)
  • 12 whole Slider Buns Or Dinner Rolls, Split

Preparation Instructions

Form the meat into 12 (or so) miniature patties and salt and pepper them on both sides. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties until just about done in the middle, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of grease, then return the skillet to the stove.
Throw the diced onions in the skillet and stir to cook, about 3 minutes. Pour in whiskey (be careful if you're cooking over an open flame; turn it off momentarily to be extra careful) and stir. Allow the whiskey to reduce by half, about 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in jalapenos and the barbecue sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and place the patties in the barbecue sauce, turning to coat. Allow the patties to simmer in the sauce until everything hot and bubbly.
Place the patties on individual buns and be sure to spoon extra sauce (with the jalapenos!) over the top of each one before topping with the other half of the bun.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

2 cups uncooked multigrain elbow macaroni
Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 ounces light processed cheese, cubed
4 ounces reduced-fat shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1. Cook pasta in boiling water 8 minutes, omitting salt and fat.  Drain and set aside.
2. Coat 5 (8 ounce) broiler safe ramekins or baking dishes with cooking spray.
3. Preheat broiler.
4. While past cooks, combine milk and flour in a large saucepan, stirring with a whisk until blended.  Cook over medium-high heat 1- minutes or until thickened, stirring until cheese melt.  Stir in pasta.
5. Spoon pasta mixture into prepared ramekins; sprinkle evenly with 1 ounce cheddar cheese.  Set on baking sheet and broil for 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

Finished Product- Super yummy!
 
Addendum: So I couldn't find multigrain elbow macaroni so I just used regular.  I was trying to the burgers and mac n cheese at the same time so I put the baking dish in the oven on warm and while I finished the burgers and then I broiled it at the end.

I added green beans to this meal and then for dessert- The Mother Load: Molly's Cupcakes (got 5 and we all shared, except hubby who ate the granola bar instead :). The cupcakes are great- a lot of high end cakes/cupcakes look beautiful, but don't taste great- however, Molly's are so moist and yummy and look beautiful. 


From top Right to Left: Cookies n Cream (real chocolate chip cookie to top it and the filling was cookie dough), Ron Bennigton (sorry don't know who that is, but this was YUMMY- peanut butter mus filling), Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese frosting, Chocolate Decadence- what more can you say, Boston Cream Pie (you know what the filling was)
 
 
So great meal- well work the work and my kind of style- COMFORT FOOD!
Please don't be passive-aggressive with me- if you think it is inappropriate for me to share these yummy recipes with you chattynatty's let me know.  
 

Almsgiving

remember that word from the "lent" post- as you know I utilized good old Wikipedia and it means: involves giving materially to another as an act of religious virtue. The only thing I have a problem with is the "religious virtue"- I like to think it is an act of who you are/because of who you are. 

Anyways- I have had so many different "to post" blog ideas lately I figured I should get going so please don't think I wrote this at 8 in the morning- I wrote it last night during Oscar's viewing and just didn't want to overwhelm you all in one night with too many posts...

So back to Almsgiving- giving materially to another- here are some great close to home ways to give to others.

Project Prom:

East Side Recycling Center (education center) 2401 Scott Blvd. SE, Iowa City
  • Is your formal wear gathering dust? Donate it to Project Prom 2013 so it can be reused by others in the community! Items accepted include prom dresses, tuxedos and accessories including handbags, jewelry, dress shoes, etc.

    Donations will be accepted on Saturday, March 2 (1-4 p.m.) and given away on Saturday, March 9 (1-4 p.m.).

    Items will be given away at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. We'll also have prom-related door prizes from local businesses!

    Questions? Contact Mary at palmberg@avalon.net or 319-400-0388 or post a message here!


    Side note- I am totally willing to pick up any my peeps dresses to donate to the event- how great would it be to know that some high school girl's prom was made possible by your donation!
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    So this morning during my kid's Sunday School hour I had the opportunity to go listen to Mary Palmberg speak on the 1105 Project.  I had no idea what this project was going to be about.  As you can read the details/summary of the project and how you can get involved I will write and tell you why I felt drawn to this talk/way to give back...

    When I was in elementary school, sorry can't remember exact age, there was a man in our church's parking lot one Sunday asking people for money. He was a homeless man wanting some money.  I was very confused on why no one would give him any money. Big surprise- I remember shedding a tear about the fact that no one would give him money.  I wanted to give him my quarter for Sunday School offering (o.k. remember this was back in the 80's- so 25 cents was something).  I asked my parents why I couldn't give the man my quarter and they tried to explain, as politically correct as possible, that giving money i.e. my quarter may not really go to food, but something that wouldn't help the man (now a realization to me- alcohol or worse).  Still not sure what he would have been able to purchase with a quarter, but the moment sticks with me and I have wondered since that moment: How Do You Help the Homeless? 

    Mary's presentation today hit a chord in my childhood heart- she spoke so easily about giving to these people and how you have to be at ease with who they are.   I liked the presentation, because she really didn't ask for money or financial support, it was education and story telling- which I think does a better job than asking for money does when actually getting the money.

    I had to ask her my burning question: "how are you at peace with not being able to help all these people change their situations"- she had a great answer- she said "I too am a 'fixer' but have learned  'The best we can do is provide what they need on a daily basis". 

    So here is the info for the project.

    The 1105 Project - Stronger Together!

    The 1105 Project represents a unique opportunity to have a lasting impact on the delivery of essential community services in Johnson County, Iowa. The Crisis Center of Johnson County, in partnership with the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Free Lunch Program, and National Alliance on Mental Illness of Johnson County, will create a collaborative campus to better serve our clients and the community at large.

    How the 1105 Project Began

    The Crisis Center began exploring the idea of establishing a human services campus with DVIP, Free Lunch Program, and NAMI-JC in fall 2011. Very quickly it became apparent that our common mission - to serve those in our community struggling with emotional turmoil, facing hunger or compromised personal safety - made this collaboration special.
    Each agency provides unique-but-related services; offering clients access to all of these services under one roof creates efficiencies for both the individual and the agencies. Our intention is to move from meeting immediate needs separately to mutually supporting clients in ways that foster greater healing and health and prevent further crisis. Together we expect to meet 45,000 individual service needs on an annual basis.

    Join the Efforts to Bring 1105 to Life

    An 1105 Project Building Fund has been established with the Community Foundation of Johnson County to accept financial gifts toward the 1105 Project capital campaign. You can make an online contribution at their website and designate 1105 Project as the specific organization. If you would like to discuss giving opportunities, contact Jeff Barta, campaign chairperson, at (319) 430-0373 or by email at Jeff.Barta@edwardjones.com.
    As the 1105 Project progresses, there may be volunteer opportunities to get involved. These could range from helping prepare mailings to assisting with light construction activities. If you would like to be on an email list to receive notices about our volunteer needs, please contact Mary Palmberg at (319) 400-0388 or by email at icfreelunch@gmail.com.

    It is not only money, but time- think about giving!



     

  • Sunday, February 24, 2013

    Happy Anniversary ChattyNatty!

    Yep- it is the anniversary of my blog site.  I can't believe it another year gone by and what a great year of blogging.  Thanks to all of you who read my blog posts and send me comments.  I do it for me, but it is like a piece of French silk pie (my favorite pie) when someone sends me a comment. 

    So- since it is the anniversary of my blog starting you also know what day it is- one of my favorite days of the year- no really- Oscar Night! It beats out Easter, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Groundhogs day :).  I really enjoy Oscar's Day/Night- I start watching the pre-show as soon as possible.  It is like my own day of watching as much TV (mindless as it is- what dress is so and so wearing, and the "mani-cam" addition to this year's walk down the red carpet- yep walk your hands down the red carpet and show your mani off.

    So I hope everyone who loves movies, loves music, loves the arts has a blast watching the Oscar's.  I'll have my follow-up on what I thought of tonight sometime this week.  So of course because it is "my night oh fun" here is a preview of the food I've already consumed during the pre-show party (some veggies, some chips and my two favorite dips: Buffalo Dip and Spinach Artichoke)- later on a martini or glass of wine and some chocolates, maybe even a thin mint or two. 

    Yep- this is a cafeteria tray of the kids- best thing to hold my snacks and dips.
     
    Goodnight friends- enjoy the Oscars- and again thanks for reading and supporting me- chattynatty!

    Monday, February 18, 2013

    Random Thoughts from Monday...

    Why do people litter?

    I was driving home from work today and this car in front of me rolled its window down- passenger side front window- and threw a banana peel out it's window.  I felt like honking or more so felt like getting out of my car and knocking on their window and telling them they dropped something.

    Seriously- I don't get it.

    My Lenten goal of no WT yelling is actually going pretty good so far.  It is so strange how when you make a concerted effort not to do something it really makes you think before acting- Like tonight when my daughter was melting down after I cut her toe nails and finger nails (seriously- you'd think I was torturing them when I cut their nails, in fact it became such an ordeal with my son now husband does his mani/pedi needs).  Anyways- between the cutting nails and brushing the knots out of her washed hair- or so she said- I felt like yelling Stop Crying- which is such an oxymoron right- STOP CRYING- it is almost like you are asking for more CRYING by yelling STOP CRYING.  Anyways, we calmly went downstairs to the awesome tent we built as a family last night for some reading/game playing.  Well the tears didn't stop so my son started his 20 minutes of reading for the night followed by our Bible reading out of the Beginner's Bible (check that off my Lenten list for the day :)) and she was almost asleep when I started in on Harry Potter.  Well her eyes flew open and she wanted to know when we were going to play games.  I couldn't believe it- she really must not have wanted to hear Harry tonight, plus what was she thinking we were so not going to play any games after her 20 minutes of off an on screeching/sobbing/snot blowing. So long story short- no yelling and 15 minutes later after "The Bearenstein Bears and the Sitter" was read I was able to read about 15 minutes of Harry- she fell asleep and my son and I cuddled up reading about Harry, Hermione and Ron. 

    Sunday, February 17, 2013

    Running- have I told you it is humbling...

    This past week I continued with a wonderful sinus cold.  However, after my week off last week and that not adding to rest and relaxation, but instead started this whole wonderful relationship with my friend "Feb Cold", my running wasn't too hot. In fact my longest run in February thus far- 4 miles.  This past week I did 13 miles total. Two runs outside and two on the treadmill.  I was hoping to do more like 16-20, but "Feb Cold" had some other ideas like the 1 1/2 hour nap yesterday afternoon.  So the cold has me down in the dumps with running, but other things do too....

    I normally totally enjoy listening to either music, audiobooks, or podcasts during runs and lately I've been struggling with all three.  One major issue are the ear buds I purchased at the Chicago Marathon and was told they were super great for athletes/runners/ triathletes, etc are now only giving me sound to my left year. When I listen to audiobooks I feel like the connection is piss poor and book jumps around- don't know if that is IPod issues or my 50% working earbuds.  So, yes, I definitely need to look into getting those working 100%, but the audiobooks, music and podcasts selection I think needs a change up.  I need to make new playlists and stop listening to stuff that is driving me nuts- hence dropped "Once a Runner" by John Parker, because I just couldn't listen anymore and today I stopped listening to this annoying allergist/pulmonologist that was brought on to talk about asthma, allergies, etc and running for AMR Podcast (The doctor wasn't a runner so that was my first annoyance and then he kept on referencing Pediatrics and so I figured he was more pediatric focused than adult focused, which no offense AMR is focused on adult mom runners.  Lastly- music- I need to switch things up.  Get back my beat pumping, heart thumping music to get my feet moving and my head dancing to the music. 

    Lastly, I consider myself a "runner" for many reasons, but I also think it is funny when I talk to other runners or former runners, some happen to also be moms- and we talk about weekly mileage- my weekly mileage when not training for something in particular (aka 1/2 or full marathons) is around 15-20 miles/week.  My highest mileage yet I believe is around 40 miles (aka 20 mile long run with 3 or 2 other runs within that week before the 20 miler).  I've never done more than 20 or 22 miler when training for Chicago (this is a little odd considering most people who have run more than one marathon step it up and do 2-3 longer runs: 20-22 milers in their training schedule).  So this past Saturday when another mom/runner I ran into was telling me about her hip issues and potential redo surgery for her complaints/issues (can't run without severe hip pain) and stated that once she started doing consecutive 50's that was when she had the issues.  I said 50's?  She said 50 miles + a week.  "You know like when you are training for the marathon"- she said to me.  I paused and answered just as I normally would and said I've never been a 50+ miler/week. It sometimes bothers me that I call myself a runner but yet other people I know in the running community, who are moms and most of them working like me,  run around 30-40 miles/week. 

    It bothers me, because I wonder why can't I run that amount of mileage/week.  I wonder how do they fit it into their busy schedules and how could I redo my schedule to accommodate higher mileage.  How do their bodies tolerate the higher mileage?  What could I do differently with my nutrition, cross training, and overall running schedule/taining plan.  

    But then it hits me- I am a runner.  I've run 5 marathons, a handful of 1/2 marathons and shorter distance events (5K and 10K).  If I wasn't a runner why would I have done the training or toed the start line?   I am my own type o runner.  I need to embrace this and move forward continuing to want to better my power, strength, speed, nutrition and form, but with the purpose being to enjoy running that much more- not with a crazy idea that I'm going to be winning race or qualifying for Boston.  I'll keep on running- trying to make the quality of the runs just as important as the quatity and of course with the overall goal being not just health and wellness, but happiness.  

    So onto another week- not sure what "Feb Cold" has planned for this week, but if I try my best and enjoy the runs in the process (good music, audiobooks or podcasts) I'll be a Happy Runner!  
    This past week I continued with a wonderful sinus cold.  However, after my week off last week and that not adding to rest and relaxation, but instead started this whole wonderful relationship with my friend "Feb Cold", my running wasn't too hot. In fact my longest run in February thus far- 4 miles.  This past week I did 13 miles total. Two runs outside and two on the treadmill.  I was hoping to do more like 16-20, but "Feb Cold" had some other ideas like the 1 1/2 hour nap yesterday afternoon.  So the cold has me down in the dumps with running, but other things do too....

    I normally totally enjoy listening to either music, audiobooks, or podcasts during runs and lately I've been struggling with all three.  One major issue are the ear buds I purchased at the Chicago Marathon and was told they were super great for athletes/runners/ triathletes, etc are now only giving me sound to my left year. When I listen to audiobooks I feel like the connection is piss poor and book jumps around- don't know if that is IPod issues or my 50% working earbuds.  So, yes, I definitely need to look into getting those working 100%, but the audiobooks, music and podcasts selection I think needs a change up.  I need to make new playlists and stop listening to stuff that is driving me nuts- hence dropped "Once a Runner" by John Parker, because I just couldn't listen anymore and today I stopped listening to this annoying allergist/pulmonologist that was brought on to talk about asthma, allergies, etc and running for AMR Podcast (The doctor wasn't a runner so that was my first annoyance and then he kept on referencing Pediatrics and so I figured he was more pediatric focused than adult focused, which no offense AMR is focused on adult mom runners.  Lastly- music- I need to switch things up.  Get back my beat pumping, heart thumping music to get my feet moving and my head dancing to the music. 

    Lastly, I consider myself a "runner" for many reasons, but I also think it is funny when I talk to other runners or former runners, some happen to also be moms- and we talk about weekly mileage- my weekly mileage when not training for something in particular (aka 1/2 or full marathons) is around 15-20 miles/week.  My highest mileage yet I believe is around 40 miles (aka 20 mile long run with 3 or 2 other runs within that week before the 20 miler).  I've never done more than 20 or 22 miler when training for Chicago (this is a little odd considering most people who have run more than one marathon step it up and do 2-3 longer runs: 20-22 milers in their training schedule).  So this past Saturday when another mom/runner I ran into was telling me about her hip issues and potential redo surgery for her complaints/issues (can't run without severe hip pain) and stated that once she started doing consecutive 50's that was when she had the issues.  I said 50's?  She said 50 miles + a week.  "You know like when you are training for the marathon"- she said to me.  I paused and answered just as I normally would and said I've never been a 50+ miler/week. I sometimes wonder if by calling myself a "runner" I'm fibbing or fabricating, because can I call myself a runner and yet don't run 30-40 miles/week.  Now some may say "oh but your a mom of two young kids, you work part time, your hubby is really busy right now with his job, etc, etc".  However  I know in the running community moms, and most of them working like me (some even full time with many more kid sthan I have),  run around 30-40 miles/week. 

    It bothers me, because I wonder why can't I run that amount of mileage/week.  I wonder how do they fit it into their busy schedules and how could I redo my schedule to accommodate higher mileage.  How do their bodies tolerate the higher mileage?  What could I do differently with my nutrition, cross training, and overall running schedule/training plan.  

    But then it hits me- I am a runner.  I've run 5 marathons, a handful of 1/2 marathons and shorter distance events (5K and 10K).  If I wasn't a runner why would I have done the training or toed the start line?   I am my own type o runner.  I need to embrace this and move forward continuing to want to better my power, strength, speed, nutrition and form, but with the purpose being to enjoy running that much more- not with a crazy idea that I'm going to be winning races or qualifying for Boston.  I'll keep on running- trying to make the quality of the runs just as important as the quantity and of course with the overall goal being not just health and wellness, but happiness.  

    So onto another week- not sure what "Feb Cold" has planned for this week, but if I try my best and enjoy the runs in the process (good music, audiobooks or podcasts) I'll be a Happy Runner (a little bit snotty and hacky, but Happy)!  

    Thursday, February 14, 2013

    Happy Valentine's Day!

    I really love holidays.  Valentine's Day is a good holiday, not one of my top 3, but I still enjoy it.  My favorite memory as a child was going to the breakfast table on Valentine's day and my sister and I finding at each of our spots a Russell Stover (mini sized) heart shaped box with assorted chocolates.  Whenever I see these boxes it just brings back memories of childhood. 
    So it won't surprise you that I had two of these type of boxes waiting for my kids at their breakfast spots before going to school this morning.  A day to remind us to tell those we love "Love You" is a great day in my book!

    Random other thoughts...

    Lent is going pretty good- day 2 and no pop yet and more importantly no WT mom yelling.  This morning we read the Bible passage out of the kid's Bible and had an interesting discussion about how the earth was created.  My son said, "so mom the Bible isn't right, right?"- "Because the dinosaurs came first and then people"- Yep some deep conversation at 7:45 this a.m.  Evolution vs. Creation... So I said sometimes we have to come up with what we believe and I asked "What do you think happened"- Son's response: "Well someone made the dinosaurs, and maybe that was God and then God made volcanoes that got rid of dinosaurs and then God made people".  So cool how a kid can make evolution and creation work together and let go that the Bible might be inaccurate. 

    Secondly- read this good running article about being a confident runner/women runner.  They had a 4 minute mental exercise to help you become more confident.  I think it could be used in more than just running, but in other life goals, etc.... So wanted to share it with you (taken from Women's Running Jan/Feb 2013 page 19 by Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter)
    1. Take a piece of paper and draw a vertical line down the center.
    2. Think of all the negative thoughts you have about yourself or your Running (substitute whatever subject here) (I'm too slow, I'm too old, I'm too fat, etc)- and write them on the left hand side of the page
    3. Look at first negative and ask yourself "How can I coach myself through that?"  On right hand side of page write down positive way to think about that issue/fear.  (I.e. if I'm too slow on left than on right "there are runners of all abilities and I get faster every day"). 
    4. Continue putting negatives with positive thought until you've finished the list.  Save the paper to look at whenever doubt creeps in.
    I thought this was a total quick/easy and applicable activity for many facets of life.

    Lastly, I love all these fun quotes/sayings I find on Pinterest.  Here are a few I want to share with you and of course where you can find them...



    Pinned Image
    From hammerpress.net

    lovely. could be a beautiful gift for the garden lover in your life who loves books :: print by dazeychic on etsy

    Tuesday, February 12, 2013

    Lent

    First off can't believe it has been 10 days since my last post- who knows what my deal is.  I will quickly update my week off from running didn't end up being the vacation I thought I was going to have (staying up late, enjoying plenty of movies/late night reading, drinks, junk food, etc).  Instead I got a cold from my kids, was exhausted, went to bed the earliest I have in long time- many nights in a row, and didn't feel physically or mentally my normal chattynatty self- Note to self-maybe taking a week off isn't a good/needed thing for me.

    So moving forward... Lent.  Now many of my favorite peeps are not overly religious so I take no offense if this post won't interest you and for those peeps that are religious I'm kind of taking my own take/plan for Lent so if my take isn't totally on par with your's again no offense. 

    Lent (per my favorite reference Wikipedia): traditional purpose "preparation of the believer through prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial".  O.K. so what does that mean for me...

    Prayer (action to bring you more spirituality or closer to God)- my kids, last week at Sunday school,  were given a list of different Bible passages that could be read during the 40 days of Lent from their children's bible (FYI- 40 days comes from Gospel of Matthew, Mark, and Luke talks about the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning of his public ministry- didn't know that one and wow no way I could fast even a day let alone 40). 

    Penance (repentance of sins or confession): O.K. so here is my confession- I'm not the best about not withholding from LOUD Talking (otherwise Yelling) at my kids aka- White Trash yelling at my kids.  I do this when:
    a. They won't listen to me (example- Please pick up your clothes. Could you please pick up your clothes, Pick up your clothes now, If you don't pick up your clothes there is going to be a consequence... you know where this is going- I bust out my WT yelling and they do what is asked
    b. When I'm tired I get short and don't handle my kids out bursts well- case in point- kids get picked up for school and immediately start in on the "what are we having for dinner, what are we doing after dinner, can we watch a show when we get home" and then if I respond with a meal they aren't excited about or we have to do any activity i.e. practice piano, etc  I WT yell at them and tell them how appreciative they should be for having food to eat at dinner.
    c. Lastly when they do something wrong or behave badly and I've just had enough I WT yell

    Repentance (I will turn away from my "sin"/bad behavior): I'm tired of yelling so my repentance will be to be more quiet and thoughtful with my kids and not WT yell for Lent (did I mention that is 40 days- this should be interesting).
    If I yell I'm thinking taking away Starbucks runs or even starting a dollar jar kind of deal.

    Almsgiving (charity towards those less fortunate): Last Sunday I attended an informational meeting about the ELCA Lutheran church's mission to help stop spread of Malaria. http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/ELCA-Malaria-Campaign.aspx This is the website you can go to if you want to learn more about the horrible numbers Malaria effect internationally.  I think the statistic that hit home with me the hardest was every 60 seconds a child dies of Malaria. 

    So how are people going to make a difference, well prior to this campaign that statistic was even more shocking (a child died every 45 seconds).  The goal is to educate,provide medication, increase numbers of healthcare providers for the Malaria patients, and even providing nets for those who live in malaria hit environments.  The benefit of mosquito nets are the mosquitoes that carry the Malaria come out after the sun sets- when people are sleeping.  Our church is getting involved in this initiative by even asking the Sunday school kids to get involved.  They are asking the kids to save a quarter a day for the 40 days of Lent-that will then add up to $10 which will be able to purchase a mosquito net. Some of the kids in Sunday School wanted to know why the people didn't just buy the nets themselves.  The leader than educated all of us that most of the people living in environments where Malaria is prevalent unfortunately only make $1-2/day. Anyways, so our kids are into it and we plan to add to this saving and donating funds at the end of Lent towards this initiative.

    Self-denial (abstinence from various "worldly pleasures")- Now Pop is probably not considered a "worldly pleasure" but to me it is something I enjoy and giving it up would be a challenge.  I gave it up for a year and a half and then I went back to drinking the "bubbly" so for the next 40 days no pop.  I hope this will last longer than forty days.  I know all the reasons I shouldn't drink pop: no nutritional value, I spend too much $ on it and could use that $ on other things, dehydrates me- doesn't help staying hydrated for running. 

    Again- apologies for this post being so religious based, not a normal thing for me to write on, but it is part of me- chattynatty. 

    Hope those of you peeps that are participating in Lent enjoy the next forty days of quiet, thoughtful reflection, along with some changes in your everyday life patterns- if so desired.

    Friday, February 1, 2013

    Oscar's 2013

    So it is February and you know what that means- chattynatty's 2 year blog anniversary and Oscar's night 2013.  I feel like I've become less and less into seeing the movies during which year they come out- hubby and I can't seem to remember the last time we were at a movie together just the two of us.  However, I still love the movies and Oscar night.  Here is my ongoing list of Oscar movies that I have an haven't seen.  One of my motivators to run longer on the treadmill in the month of February will be to again see some more of these movies that have won "Best Picture" Oscars.  It helped me stay focused and see some great movies last February.   A smile was brought to my face when I spotted a new display at my local library honoring Oscar movies- Best Picture!  Some of the below were on display and I look forward to renting them this month.  Here are 2013's Best Picture Nominees: 1. Best Picture: "Amour," "Argo," "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Django Unchained," "Les Miserables," "Life of Pi," "Lincoln," "Silver Linings Playbook," "Zero Dark Thirty." Can't wait to see which one I get to add to my too "see" list.    Here's the ongoing list of Best Pictures movies I have and haven't seen:


    Year
    FilmYes/No 
    1927/28WingsNo
    1928/29Broadway MelodyYes
    1929/30All Quiet on the Western FrontNo
    1930/31CimarronYes- tried it but only got1/2way
    1931/32Grand HotelNo
    1932/33CavalcadeNo
    1934 It Happened One NightNo
    1935 Mutiny on the BountyNo
    1936 The Great ZigfieldNo
    1937 The Life of Emile ZolaYes
    1938 You Can't Take it With YouNo
    1939 Gone With the WindYes
    1940 RebeccaYes
    1941  How Green is My ValleyYes
    1942 Mrs MiniverYes
    1943 CasablancaYes
    1944 Going My WayYes
    1945 The Lost WeekendNo
    1946 The Best Year's of our LivesYes
    1947 Gentleman's AgreementNo
    1948 HamletNo
    1949 All The King's MenNo
    1950 All About EveYes
    1951 An American in ParisYes
    1952 The Greatest Show on EarthYes
    1953 From Here to EternityNo
    1954 On The WaterfrontNo
    1955 MartyNo
    1956 Around the World in 80 DaysNo
    1957 Bridge on the River KwaiYes
    1958 GigiNo
    1959 Ben HurYes
    1960 The ApartmentNo
    1961 West Side StoryYes
    1962  Lawrence of ArabiaYes
    1963 Tom JonesNo
    1964 My Fair LadyYes
    1965  Sound of MusicYes
    1966  A Man for All SeasonsNo
    1967I n the Heat of the NightYes
    1968 Oliver!Yes
    1969 Midnight CowboyNo
    1970  PattonNo
    1971 The French ConnectionNo
    1972 The GodfatherYes
    1973 The StingYes
    1974 The Godfather IIYes
    1975 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestNo
    1976 RockyYes
    1977 Annie HallYes
    1978 The Deer HunterNo
    1979 Kramer vs KramerYes
    1980 Ordinary PeopleYes
    1981 Chariot's of FireYes
    1982 GhandiYes
    1983 Terms of EndearmentYes
    1984 AmadeusYes
    1985  Out of AfricaYes
    1986 PlatoonYes
    1987 The Last EmperorYes
    1988 Rain ManYes
    1989  Driving Miss DaisyYes
    1990 Dances with WolvesYes
    1991 Silence of LambsYes
    1992 UnforgivenYes
    1993  Schindler's ListYes
    1994 Forrest GumpYes
    1995 BraveheartYes
    1996 The English PatientYes
    1997 TitanicYes
    1998 Shakespeare in LoveYes
    1999 American BeautyYes
    2000 GladiatorYes
    2001 A Beautiful MindYes
    2002 ChicagoYes
    2003 The Lord of the Rings: Return of the KingNo
    2004 Million Dollar BabyNo
    2005  CrashYes
    2006  DepartedYes
    2007 No Country for Old MenYes
    2008  Slumdog MillionaireNo
    2009 The Hurt LockerNo
    2010
    2011
     The King's Speech
      The Artist
    Yes
    No