Unplugged

Between being me being sick, my computer being sick, preparing for a trip to visit my family and Thanksgiving, I've been a bit unplugged. And to tell you the truth...

It's been nice.

I tend to be a bit OCD.

I tend to be an all or nothing kind of girl.

I can spend way too much time with the computer.

Not enough time with anything else...

It's been nice to not feel like I needed to check in.

And now, we've got a new little miss.

Because 5 kids just wasn't enough.

Between potty breaks, snuggles, cleaning up messes, and playtime, I feel like I've got a new baby and will have little to show for my day.

Thinking the computer will be on the back burner or I REALLY won't get much done!

Here's what I've been up to while being unplugged...

Running on the treadmill - Love that I can do it whenever I want! When it's dark. When it's cold. When I'm by myself. I woke up early before we left on Wednesday, popped in The Santa Clause movie, made sure my kids were snug on the couch and took off for a quick 4 miler... in my shorts! Loved being able to run AND watch a Christmas movie with my kids at the same time!

Decorating the house - Yes. It's all done. We did it before we left and it was so nice to come home to a decorated house. Now, we just need to get our tree. That should be interesting with a new puppy...

Enjoyed an 8 hour icy, snowy drive, with 5 kids to Spokane. It left me wondering why we don't just celebrate Thanksgiving in the summer when we don't have to worry about the roads...

Seriously enjoyed visiting my parents and my brother, his family and my sister. It snowed almost the entire time we were in Spokane and by the time we left on Sunday, there was 11" on the ground at my parents. My kids had a ball!

I did not run in Spokane - Between the frigid temps and the seriously slick roads and savoring my moments with my family it just did not happen. And while I had serious runner envy as we left on Sunday and drove by several runners, I'm glad I just enjoyed the moment with family.

Got a new puppy - Holy cow! She's sweet. She's fun. We're just loving her!

And with all that said, I've now spent way too much time downloading pictures and updating...

Happy running!

Two Things

As I lay in bed the other night a verse came into my head that the Lord had given me a few years ago...

“For You are my lamp, O LORD;
The LORD shall enlighten my darkness.
For by You I can run against a troop;
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the LORD is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
“For who is God, except the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?
God is my strength and power,
And He makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places..."
2 Samuel 22:29-34

He gave me this verse one morning when I was barely keeping my head above the water. When I often referred to my children as my "troop". When He knew that I needed a laugh. And a pick me up. When He made it clear that with Him, I can do it. Without Him, I cannot. He is my strength. He is my power.

And. Quite frankly. As He reminded me of this verse, I realized how much I truly missed Him. I curled up and fell asleep in His arms.

Life has been busy. Husband. 5 kids. Friends. Running. Life. God has taken the back burner. He has. And, I miss Him.

I've also missed running. I spent much of last week feeling like crap. One run was done on Monday afternoon to lower my blood pressure... a little free therapy. One run was done while sick and left me feeling worse... spending the rest of the day unable to get off the couch and keep my eyes open.

Each day since then has contained a little talk with myself. A little evaluation of my lung function. And, a little disappointment when I make the smart decision to put off running for another day. And, I've missed running.

Feeling jealous when I see and hear of others' runs. Longing for my Garmin to show me my pace, my distance, my total time. I've missed it.

Two things.

And I've missed them both.

But, sometimes, the two can compete.

Truly.

Rather, they can become unbalanced. Running can take up more of my time. More of my thoughts. And, it shouldn't.

When it does, I lose sight of God and what He has for me.

Someone asked me once if I really thought God cared about my running.

Yes. I do.

I think He loves watching me run as much as I love watching my daughter twirl in her new Christmas dress. As much as I love to hear my children giggle with glee over winning a game or coloring a beautiful picture. I think, that as long as running does not become an idol, that God gets joy from my joy.

I think, sometimes, I need a little attitude adjustment. That sometimes, I need a reminder. That sometimes, an unwelcome break becomes welcome.

Thankful for God. For His grace. For His gentle reminders. For His strength. For His gifts. For joy and giggles.

Note To Self (and others!) and Giveaway Winners!

I wanted to try to sweat it out yesterday with a short run and as I contemplated out loud, my sweet 5 year old said, "but, Mom, you're sick!!"

Leave it to my 5 year old to be the voice of reason...

Yesterday, I'm glad I listened to her.

I don't know that I've ever had a cold like this. Usually, they start in my head. I then go on to lose my voice. Then, the cold will head to my chest. By the time it's in my chest, I'm feeling a bit better and although it will stick around for a month or so, I can function just fine.

This cold. This darn thing. Is in BOTH my head and chest. And, I don't really know what to do with myself.

So, this morning, I decided to see if I could sweat a bit of it out and clear some of the congestion.

I took it nice and easy. I did not let myself push it.

Nice. And. Easy.

During my run, I felt I could take on the world. My sinuses cleared. I felt better than I had in days. Wonderful!

Then, I finished.

While I could breathe through my nose. My lungs weren't so happy. My chest felt like it might explode and I felt like I might puke.

It took a good 15 minutes for my chest to feel better.

Now, my nose is back to being plugged.

Off to try some yoga poses suggested by a fellow RLAM'er on the RLAM Facebook page. Praying to feel better soon!

So, here's the PSA - don't run when you have a chest cold. I now know why it's not recommended. Trust me. It doesn't feel good!

And finally, the winners of TMB's amazing Endurance Bands...

Heidi from How I See Things

And...

Lesley from Racing It Off!!

Congratulations Ladies!!

Contact me at meremcna at hotmail dot com with your address and I'll get those to your right away.

Heidi, you were the first winner, so let me know which one you want and Lesley, I'll get the other one to you!

Finally, remember, custom order and group discounts are available AND Christmas is coming! Make sure to visit TMB's Etsy shop and when you make a $35 or more purchase, Miss Tonia will throw in a free Endurance Band when you enter the code "RUN35" in the notes to the seller. (valid through 12/31/10).

Sick

I'm sick...

My computer's sick...

Scanning for viruses and barely able to get online...

I'm behind on blog reading and have no idea what is going on in running blogland...

I'll hopefully catch up soon!

Don't forget about the giveaway!

You still have time to enter!!

Hoping I can get on here tomorrow and announce the winners!

If not, you can still enter until I do!

And finally, hoping everyone feels better that I do and is happily running!!

New Running Partners

For those that have read my blog for awhile, you know how I feel about my running partner... LOVE her!! I'm pretty sure I've also explained that she doesn't LOVE running. So, as the days have gotten darker, wetter, and colder she has wanted to run less and less. Add to that working more that full time and busy life with 3 kids and we're only getting out there together about once a week.

Which is fine.

Fine, because I can just head to the track where I feel safe and sound.

Fine, because I'm a big girl.

No worries.

However, this last weekend was pretty big for me and I ended up with 2 running partners by the end of it...

Our friends are moving to Alaska and needed to get rid of the treadmill. A beyond amazing price and a little test run brought this sweet girl into our home!


And the other sweet girl? We went to see our friends/old neighbors on Thursday night. Their sweet springer, Zoe, had her puppies 6 weeks ago. We thought it would not only be nice to see our friends, but to also let our kids see the puppies.

I fell in love!

Little Miss Betsy was one of the three pups left and she crawled into my lap and right into my heart! Oh my word!

Have you heard the saying, "Heavens to Betsy"? She's coming with the name Betsy and I thought we'd go with the "Heavens to Betsy" thing. Kind of. Her name is Betsy Nevaeh (Heaven backwards. Pronounced Na-vay-uh.

I took the treadmill for a spin yesterday. I started late so I only had time for 5 and I must admit, running while my kids asked me questions the whole time was a bit hard.

"Can you go faster, Mom?"

"Why aren't you going faster?"

"You're sweaty!"

"Are you tired?"

But, I can say, running inside and getting all hot and sweaty sure was nicer that being cold and running in the rain by myself!

I Commit Friday

If you're looking for happy and sunny, look away.

It's been a week.

As I posted Wednesday, I was choosing to embrace the blessings.

It worked for a bit.

One such blessing of the week?

A night in a room full of women who all get it.


They get the love of running.

They get the excitement over finding a good deal on running gear.

They get waking up early to fit a run in.

They get it.

SBS, from Run Like a Mother, came to a little town near my house. She came with books and shirts and goodies to raffle. She read. She answered questions. She chatted.

I teared up that night as I explained to my husband how thankful I am that she and Dimity got this whole Mother Runner ball rolling. Thankful that they created this tribe of women. Inspired us. Brought us all together. Of course, he doesn't get it, so I just looked silly with the tears in my eyes.

But, truly. I'm thankful for women who get it.

As for my commitments?

Jazzercise? Check!

Runs? Check!

Water? Not so much...

Core? What core?

Food? Let's just say I've been working really hard at committing to NOT jump into the bag of tortilla chips head first! I've been trying to say "NO" to the emotional eating monster!

How did everyone else do? Want to join in on the fun?

Christa?
Eryn?
Candice?
Tortuga Runner?
Raegun?

Choices

It's one of those days.

One in which I fought with my daughter over her desire to not get out of her warm jammies so that she could get dressed for school.

One in which I fought with my 14 year old son who insisted that I had the form that he needed to turn in today...

One in which he missed the bus while searching for it.

One in which I had to refill out the form. Reprint it. And sign it.

One in which he expected me to take him to school.

One in which I informed him he would just have to run since I would not be ready to leave before he needed to get to school.

One in which I walked into his room after he left and found the form in his crap pile by his bed in about 20 seconds.

One in which I was very late for Jazzercise.

One in which I would really like to now go for a run.

One in which I could choose to stay here and be incredibly crabby.

But, I'm choosing not to.

I'm going to choose to smile.

To snuggle my baby.

To get laundry done.

To enjoy the fire.

To look forward to a girls night out tonight.

And, quite thankfully and hopefully, be able to make you smile too!

Want to know how???

TMB so generously sent me a couple of her Endurance Bands to review.

Super cute. Super fun. And a nice splash of color that is always welcome in my workout wardrobe! (Not to mention my everyday running errands and doing chores wardrobe!)


TMB's Endurance Bands pass the test! No headaches. They keep all my little fly away hairs out of my face. They stay in place. Love them!

Custom orders are available as are group discounts and to top it all off, she also makes children's sizes! Which is fantastic since my little miss has been loving my Endurance Bands and has been wanting some of her own. She'll love seeing these on Christmas morning!

TMB also very generously sent me a couple to giveaway too!


Here's where your smile comes in :)

For a chance to win one of TMB's fabulous headbands, all you need to do is leave a separate comment for each entry...

- Be or become a follower. (1 entry)
- Go visit TMB's Etsy shop, take a look around and tell me what you love! (1 entry)
- Make a purchase from TMB's shop and let me know that you did! (5 entries!!)
- Post about this giveaway on your blog. (1 entry)

And because she's cool like that, you can recieve a FREE Endurance Band with your purchase of $35 or more. Write the code "RUN35" in the notes to the seller at checkout. Valid until 12/31/10.

You have until 11/17/10 to enter and the winners will be announced on 11/18.

So, I choose to embrace the day. Embrace God's blessings. And be thankful that I can feel oh so stylish as I enjoy the day in my Endurance Band!

Incredible

So, you've now all seen these babies (size small for all those who asked)...

You've now all read how I felt about them before running in them...

And now, I'm sure you're just dying to know how they felt while I ran in them...

Right?

Incredible.

Of course, it could be the Power Bar and coffee I ate before my run.
It could be the carb loaded nachos I had the night before (they did have black beans and tomatillo salsa on top. Protein? Veggies? Right?)

It could be the darn Ghirardelli chocolates that Tortuga Runner sent with the goodies that I won. (Okay. So food choices Saturday night weren't so great.)
It could be the extra hour of sleep.

Or, it could be that my Sugoi Piston 200 tights really are that incredible!

I ran 10 miles Sunday morning and since I'm always running late, I really had to pay attention to my time. I truly only had time for 8, but kicked it up the last 2 miles to get my 10 in.

And do you know what???

I could have ran more!

My body felt great after those 10. I truly felt like I had another 2-4 in me. My legs were not tired and I was really wishing I would have gotten out there earlier so I could have ran more.

Sugoi is the Japanese term for incredible.

And, incredible is how I felt.

Coincidence?

I think not.

From their site:

The PISTON 200 Compression Tight is part of SUGOI's Race + Recovery collection. Benefits of compression are equal for runners and cyclists and include muscle stability, improved efficiency of movement, improved circulation and improved recovery among other things. The PISTON 200 Tights feature a tight knit with a high stretch modulus made on an extremely fine 36 gauge machine, ensuring low weight, yet extremely strong and durable compression.

• 3M Scotchlite reflective accents for added visibility
• Prelaced stretch drawstring with moisture wicking signature elastic waist
• Lined crotch gusset
• 28 inch inseam
• Inside key/card pocket at waist
• Contrast flat lock stitching
• Articulated for increased movement

I first saw these tights when I clicked the Sugoi link from Tall Mom's site. I fell in love and blogged about them here. But I was very unsure of the price. Way more than I would spend.

Then, Tall Mom did a review on them. I ever so obnoxiously, I'm sure, emailed Tall Mom and asked her more questions. And then some more.

Bottom line, she felt they were worth it.

My wheels started turning and I found them on Amazon.com and the rest is history.

After yesterday's run, I ditto Tall Mom's opinion.

They are totally worth it!

I cannot wait to take them with me on longer runs!

Yesterday, as I hopped in the car to race home, all I could do was praise the Lord for the gift of running. I know there are good and bad days, and truly, I had had such a great run the weekend before that I thought I it was time for the struggle. And based upon the food choices the night before, I really wasn't hoping for much. But, I believe, those tights delivered!

And, if you're like me and still have more questions, feel free to email me at meremcna at hotmail dot com

I Commit Friday

What's working?

Jazzercise - 3 days

Running - 10 last weekend. One fast 5 and one easy 5. Crossing my fingers for 10 this weekend.

Water - Getting it done. So much harder when it's not so warm outside!

What's Improving?

Food - While I didn't journal my food (I'm too tired to figure it out!) I have been working really hard. I now 3 days no chips and salsa. Am really trying to make good choices. And am down 2 lbs. Sorry if someone else found them...

Working on?

Food. Still could use improvement.

Core work. Why in the world is it so hard to remember??

Attitude.

Christa? Hoping you're feeling better!
Eryn?
Candice?
Tortuga Runner?
Raegun? Really hoping you had a better week!!

What worked for you this week? Where do you need to commit??

Now.

Ignore the unmade bed.

Ignore the spots on the mirror.

Just look at what came in the mail today...


Is it possible to feel sexy in running tights???

Yes.

It is.

Is it possible for a pair of tights to make you feel like more of a runner??

Apparently.

And because I know you're just itching to see, here you go...

From every possible angle so that you can see exactly what they look like. (I always like to know!)

Seriously. They feel amazing. I can't wait to test them on a run!! I'll be sure to let you know how it goes...

And, if you're considering these babies, go here. It really is the best deal I could find. And if you head over to mypoints.com and sign up and start earning points, they'll be even less. Who doesn't love that??

Finally, one last bit of fun.


I got to go have lunch with my sweet 9 year old today while he ate with the district firefighters! He won an award for his fire safety poster and was so excited to have us join him. What a fun Friday!

Enjoy your weekend!!

Spectating

I'm guessing it was my freshman year when I met Kate and Colleen. Twin sisters who could make you laugh and warm your heart all in an instant.

Junior year there was a big group of us that would hang out at my husband's (then boyfriend's) house and laugh our heads off while watching Saturday Night Live, Monty Python or while singing a little karaoke. Kate and Colleen were always there.

We don't talk often, but it seems that life has thrown in some amazing conversations and there is really no way to describe how special these girls are to both my husband and I. Mention their names, talk about them a bit, and tears will soon be in my eyes.

Funny how a friendship can be so special when truly, we do not talk much.

In March 2007 my phone rang. I knew Colleen was in labor and was excited to get the call that her sweet babe had been born. My heart ached for her and her husband, Matt, when I heard the news...

Their sweet baby girl was born with Down's Syndrome.

My friend Janet and I made plans to meet up at Target and make the 45 minute drive to the hospital where Lilly had been born. When we walked in the door of the hospital, tears sprang to my eyes and all I could do was hug Colleen.

And when I saw Lilly, she took my breath away. She was one of the most beautiful babies I had ever seen. Completely breathtaking.


I wish I could say that I've been a better friend. That we've talked more often now. But, I can't. However, they are still near and dear.

Colleen's sister, Kate, who I could also go on and on about (talk about an AMAZING story!), has started a blog for her sweet Lil and Colleen.

As I sat reading it this morning, Kate, of course, made me cry. And, I couldn't help but want to share it here.

Lilly will have surgery tomorrow. I've read it over and over and in all my lack of medical knowledge I would only mess up the description, but Kate can tell you!

And in Kate's words, "Lilly, ain't nothing gonna break your stride. Remember to run this race at your own pace. We'll be there cheering you on the entire time."

As you go about your day today, as you may run tomorrow, as you may race this weekend, will you please say a prayer for Matt, Colleen, Lilly and Barrett (Lil's baby brother)? Will you cheer them on from the sidelines as she gets ready for her race?

Praying and cheering for you sweet girl!!

Bootie Buster

Not much to say other than...

It was beautiful today!

70 degrees and clear as can be!

I Jazzercised and ran errands today...

Wish I could have ran too!

Got a little something in the mail...

A treat to review...

A giveaway's coming!

I'm tired and have 3 sweet babes at my side.

My son just asked me what was on my face.

A zit.

Mama, how do you get so many zits?

Love that his voice sounds like Kevin from The Office.

It makes me laugh.

Just wanted to check in and share a challenge I joined today...



I think it's just what I need.

Want to join in on the fun??

Looking forward to 5 with Mandi in the morning!

Crabs

It's that time of the month where the tears are not far from my eyes.

Where self-doubt creeps in.

Where the 8 lbs. that TMB seems to have lost, found me.

Pretty sure.

And it's all. right. around. my. middle.

Jealous much?

It's that time of the month when I CAN'T seem to keep my face out of the tortilla chips and darn tomatillo salsa.

Oh, wait.

There's no special time of the month for that.

That seems to be an all month thing for me.

It's that time of the month that left me having a hard time paying attention to my tunes this morning.

That left me having to give myself a pep talk for my entire 5 miles.

5 WHOLE miles of pep talk.

That left me wondering how in the world everyone (yes. a little delusional.) makes it look SO easy.

I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

Around 2.5 miles I looked up and noticed a sliver of the moon shining through the fog.

Fog that was so thick that it made me feel like my contacts had been blurred from hours of crying.

5 miles.

42:00.

9:10. 8:38. 8:30. 8:16. 7:27.

A great run.

But, I'm still fighting the crabs.

Dumb hormones.

How do you fight the crabs?

A Beautiful Morning

My husband was helping at our church on Saturday morning and I was to go for my run when he got home. As I've mentioned before, watching the gloomy weather does NOT make me want to go for a run. Not. At. All.

Saturday was gloomy.

But, regardless, I still had to get out of the house when he got home Saturday. One of the kids had a prescription that needed filling. And, to be honest, I knew I needed a break. I had been cleaning all morning and the kids had been acting like kids. My fuse was getting shorter and I knew a run would be good for me in more ways that one.

I suited up. Capris. Hat. Jacket.

I was talking to Mandi on the way to town and realized that Sunday morning was now an option too. Our Sunday was supposed to be crazy, but some things got canceled and now, Sunday would work. We decided that we would meet up at 8:00 the next morning, do 4 together, then I would head back out for 6 more.

However, I still had to fill the prescription.

And, I was still dressed like this (minus the pack!)...

You know you're a Runnerd when...

I'm not kidding. People were staring. Was I blinding them? I don't know. But, walking around Fred Meyer for an hour dressed like this really made me dig deep to try to walk with some amount of confidence. I just kept trying to remind myself that I DID see someone walking out in their pajamas as I walked in. It could be worse...

Sunday morning I woke up and it was glorious outside. The sun was peeking through. It was cold and crisp. I headed out with a whole different attitude.

Mandi and I ran 2 out and I asked her if she was sure she wanted to turn around. Yes. She was :) We headed back to her house and I ate some blocks, drank some H2O and headed back out. Have I mentioned how gorgeous it was? Amazing.

It was one of those runs where you just cannot believe that you actually GET to be doing this. Perfection in every way. Cows to greet me in the meadow. The sun shining through the trees. Leaves so red they looked spray painted. Crisp air on my skin. Perfection. Praising the Lord.

I GET to run!

I ran comfortably and would sprint the last .25 of each mile. Reminding my body what it felt like. By the end, pushing it on tired legs. It felt amazing!

Then, this morning, my friend sent me this. Thank you Colleen!

Why do you run?