Homesteading // Zero Waste Family

I got very much off track from my original posting plan for this week. I hope you don't mind if I skip around a bit. I get compelled to go in different directions depending on what's pulling me most in my everyday life. Right now, it's simplification and minimalization. I am pretending that's a word. And actually, these have been homesteading goals of mine for several years. Executing them with kids, though, proves difficult in my book.

I'm sure you've noticed that I've flirted with zero waste in the past. It's a goal of mine that I keep highly regarded in my head. And when it comes to actually doing it, I make good efforts. But it falls flat because life is hectic and -- let's face it -- cutting down on garbage and other waste is really difficult.

Strides we've made:

• Bringing our own bags for grocery and other shopping. Including produce bags. (Here are more ways we've tried eliminating plastics.)
• Buying produce from a CSA where we fill a huge bag with the foods versus getting them packaged in the store.
• Using DIY "plastic" wrap to cover goods in the refrigerator.
• Trying to buy foods in bulk when possible. But I'll get to that in a moment.
• Cloth diapering -- at least some of the time. Again, I'll get to that.
• Using or fixing the things we have versus always going out and buying new.
• Carrying our own water bottles (always) and coffee mugs (when we remember).
• Using a cloth towel system versus paper towels.
• Making many of our own cleaners, like laundry detergent, dish washing detergent, and all-purpose spray.

Even with sticking to most of these changes most of the time, we still have way more recycling and garbage than I'd like to admit. I am happy that we have made the efforts and at least lessened our impact. That's a start. So, in 2017 . . . I'm looking to keep this conversation going. I'm looking to do better. And I've love hearing from you.


Here are the three areas we struggle with the most.

• Buying all or even most of our foods in bulk isn't possible. I did visit some local mom + pops, and the prices were too high. The ingredients are high-quality, that's for sure. I have to stick within our budget AND try to lessen waste. And sometimes these things are at odds. Aldi, for example, has such great deals on food. But it seems like everything is packaged up in boxes upon boxes. When I come home, I always feel like our recycling bin is bursting.
• Cloth diapering is a love/hate thing over here. I wrote about it yesterday on Instagram. We actually had stopped doing cloth in Eloise's third month because life got crazy. I am attempting to start back up, but I have trouble committing because she doesn't seem as comfortable in the diapers. I also cannot seem to get the best wash process down with our extremely hard water. That said, diapers are SUCH an awful thing to keep tossing in the trash if I have cloth diapers just sitting in drawers. I hope to do an update after this month's trial goes.
• Being out and about just seems to invite waste, like coffee cups, takeout containers, and etc. I am thinking some of this stuff will naturally lean out once we're making most of our own meals again and not spending as much on entertainment money. (Yup! This is the month we are finally starting to make sense of our debt!)

I've decided that my best bet is to set one goal each month to see if we can smash it. This month, I'd like to work on meal planning in such a way that we aren't using as many foods in packages (pasta, cooked beans, frozen veggies, etc.). This includes baby food, which I have definitely gotten lazy about. I've been buying tubs of it versus just mashing my own. It's so easy and would save a lot of money.

Anyway, accomplishing this goal obviously won't eliminate all our waste, but my goal is to see if we can go a whole week before filling the garbage and recycling bins.

I'll give an update in March along with my next goal!

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Blaming My Weight Gain On My Family

I mean, I'd like someone else to blame besides myself when it comes to these extra 7 pounds I'm carrying around. Yesterday I may have discovered I lost one whole pound over the course of a week, but the scale bounces back every other day it seems. (Which is why I hate using it to measure in the first place. PS: Have you seen this 5 pounds of fat versus muscle photo?)

OK. So, one of the hardest parts about trying to lose weight now versus when I was younger is -- as mentioned in the title -- having a family. Well, having a husband was enough, too -- but now I'm responsible for making sure my toddler's belly is full with good foods at all meals. I no longer stock the refrigerator entirely for myself. I don't cook meals just for me. I can't necessarily eat meals when I feel like eating or shift according to my particular schedule on any given day. Or cater randomly to my own mood or feelings.

Yeah. Call me a whaaambulance. But balancing food, diet, and family is difficult.

Don't you agree?

When I was working outside the home, I had control over my breakfast and lunch because I ate these meals alone for the most part. I had a good, no, great routine down and certain go-to meals that worked, but since I started working from home (Video), this has all changed. I now cook almost all our meals -- save breakfast -- with the entire family in mind.

Stephen runs over 50 miles a week, along with some intense cross-training, so he eats like a college athlete and is rail thin. And somehow I'm surprised when I match his eating and gain weight. Hmmm. Ada, on the other hand, goes every other day with being super picky and I feel like I often spend much more energy paying attention to what she's eating and neglecting my own plate in the process. However, unlike a common mistake a lot of moms make, I'm not forgetting to eat. Quite the opposite. I grab whatever is most convenient and filling and pleasurable to fill my stomach and move onto the next task.

And with being so busy and distracted, I've also allowed my mental energy at meals to dwindle. I find myself rushing through meals, even when Stephen and I get a chance to head out to eat ourselves. The food is gone in two seconds flat because I'm so used to shifting my attention to the next thing. Food has truly become fuel, and I guzzle whatever gives me the most energy, even if it's candy.

It sounds like a bunch of excuses and I know I could be managing it better. I think it was important for me to pinpoint the whole family thing as an issue, though. Now I can try and move past it. So far, my non-dieting methods are working OK. I can't say I've been able to stick with all of them, but here's a check-in:

// Move More: 

I did three 30-minute moderate intensity bike rides in addition to my running last week. They were at a pace that would be similar to a brisk walk. I think it helped me not only get my body moving to burn some calories, but also got my energy up through nothing more than additional activity. So far this week, I haven't been doing as well, so maybe I'll get on that today.

// Drink Less: 

Geez.

It was a holiday weekend, and I feel whenever Stephen is home, it's not a weekday . . . even if it's, say, Monday. I would like to limit drinking to one drink maybe twice a week. But I definitely had drinks 3 or 4 nights in a row, probably because I was solo nervous about Ada's MRI. Back to sparkling water for me this week. I notice a huge difference in bloat even from just one drink.

// Challenge My Body:

I did a great interval workout last week, but then we got another snow storm, so it was difficult to get in some harder workouts running-wise. Once the clouds parted, I did head out and do a challenging hill-repeat workout on the snow-covered sidewalks/roads. It wasn't as fast as I would have normally done it, but I was proud of myself for doing the hills and not skipping them and making excuses regarding weather. I ran 29 miles outside last week.

// Add More Veggies:

I definitely did a good job with this one. I like making lunches using frozen veggies and topping with eggs. That's a really easy way to do it. Otherwise, if we made pizza, we topped it heavily with vegetables. And I put a nice dose of greens on the side of most meals last week. Adding more protein for breakfast has helped my mornings, though.

// Skip Dessert (On Occasion):

I did OK for a couple days, but then I was back again with those "healthy" Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites . . . and that sort of did me in. I need to work on this area this week. I used to make chocolate greek yogurt, like this "recipe" here, and maybe that will be my new go-to, at least for a while.

// Wear Real Clothes: 

Yup. It's not as comfortable, but wearing my jeans and regular shirts sure does keep me aware of how my body feels. I'd be lying if I told you I like wearing my real clothes right now. They are tight and actually put me in a bad mood. I wish I could be more motivating and positive about my current body image, but it's the truth.

// Write it Down:

I started the week trying to track some stuff using MyFitnessPal, but honestly -- I don't like entering numbers. I get too caught up in it -- so I stopped. Instead, I think I might try something written out versus on the computer. I like the idea of this weight chart and a little incentive system (yeah, apparently we use bribes for Ada . . . and I think they might work for me, too!).

POUNDS LOST: Looks like 1 lb in a 1 week. At least that seems sustainable.

Are you trying to lose weight? How is it going for you?

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(Sustainable) Fitness Goals

This blog has changed dramatically since it first began, hasn't it? Beyond food, I used to write post upon post about all my training -- goals, races, injuries, all of it. Slowly, that talk has faded to everything else going on, including a load of stuff about parenting.

I run quite a bit, actually -- if not for exercise, for my sanity.

Usually between 20-30 miles a week, depending on the weather + sidewalk conditions these days. And I think I may have divulged in the past that my fitness goals are just . . . well . . . different now. For example, I only run a few key races each year. As in, like, 3 or 4. I used to race every other weekend, but would rather save my money and time for other activities/things.

Strangely, I'm still setting PRs. I'm finding that I can still be an athlete without it completely taking over my entire life and identity (and bank account). I love that I'm finding such balance, because it's something I struggle with in all areas of my life.

As I look to the new year, I know I'm going to feel inspired to draw up new goals, including fitness resolutions. Perhaps I'll sign up for new/different races, try some new sport, or even set new weekly mileage goals. Some of these things I'll meet, while others will just end up being pipe dreams.

I'm sure many of you are in the same boat. So, next week, I'll be writing a few posts (much like the Automatic Healthy Eating series) about setting sustainable fitness goals. How to fit working out into your busy life. What to do when your once athletically driven mind shifts + how to find motivation. How to embrace the quality versus quantity mindset. And all that jazz.

What are you interested in reading? 
What fitness-related questions do you have? 
Anyone with a particular goal in mind? 

I'd love to incorporate different stuff you want to hear in these posts.

Either leave a comment below, email me, or send me a tweet!

Psst: Be sure to check out our gift lists!

Gifts for the Active Family
Fun Gifts for Foodies
Active Gifts for Women
On Stephen's List
On Ashley's List
On Ada's List + 80 toddler gift ideas split into 20 fun categories!

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Training Seasons + My Winter Running Goal

Exactly two years ago -- when I was around 34 weeks pregnant with Ada -- I dramatically slowed my running. I decreased the frequency of my workouts, the speed, and the distance. All of it. At the time, I had mixed feelings. Running was so much of my identity. Seemingly one of the few things left that was mine and mine alone as my body had changed + softened and my mind had filled with thoughts of baby 24/7.

However, running had also become progressively uncomfortable at this stage. Not painful, but the pressure on my bladder wasn't pleasant. The energy I had in the second trimester had waned. My muscles and motivation didn't recover so quickly. I could have pushed harder, yes, but ultimately decided to give my body the break it was telling me it needed. I jogged barefoot miles on our treadmill and favored long, brisk walks and prenatal workout DVDs.

Somehow my mind transformed to the maturity of a 12-year-old about this change. I worried I'd never EVER be fit or fast AGAINNNNNN. That taking a break would somehow be the end to something I had fought so hard to continue, to prove to myself that I could maintain. I worried I'd never regain the competitive spirit or stake claim to the activity that allowed me to think, to feel strong, and to exude body confidence.

So, it's been a long journey, but here I am today, having gone through varied seasons with my training -- from not running at all after birth or very little due to discomfort/newborn sleep to PRing at all distances from the 5K (22:18) to half marathon (1:44:25). I'm happy I've reached a good balance with training/life, but sometimes I wish I was more motivated. My younger self could stick to training plans 99.9% because I had the drive and (all the) time (in the world) + limited responsibilities outside my desk job.

Honestly, it also seems when I became a mom, my competitive spirit took a back seat, for which I have no excuse other than not putting as much value on it. I don't necessarily miss the urge to push myself to the max or that distinct craving for new PRs. To prove to myself and, of a strange, chief importance, to others that I'm a badass athlete.

I guess you could say I've mellowed. Maybe it was the mom-factor or perhaps it was turning 30. I'm aging like a fine wine. I sort of revel in this new sense of centered-ness that comes from within. What I do miss, though, is consistently making time for something that is mine, and that's what running is to me.

I knew a new goal was in order, but after years of training for half marathons with the same old plan, anything else seemed too much/risk of injury (marathons are murder for my IT-band) or too little/too intense (hello, my love/hate relationship with 5Ks!).

It's hard to break out of a rut, isn't it?

Anyway, I guess this post is just a long-winded way of declaring that my new goal is to run a winter 10K in 46:30 or faster. I'm going to follow a more advanced plan that's challenging, but far different from the plans I've grown accustomed to. That photo above is from my run last night. I'm ready for speed. I'm excited to try something new. I'm also looking forward to carving out more time for myself as a runner and mom. I don't do enough of it. And I'll write more soon.

What are your cold weather training plans?

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Changing of the Goals

It's funny how we can get so fixated on or dedicated to something, like training, we think is terribly important. Then in an instant, it all seems insignificant and even silly that it mattered so much in the first place. That's sort of where I am with my half marathon training right now (and life in general). I had an awesome week of exercise -- complete with running, swimming, and biking -- and even ran a comfortably fast 10-mile race. I was starting to feel invincible, which is a way I haven't felt in a very long time regarding running.

And then last week I didn't break 10 miles total.

Some of you might know what's going on with us these days. I don't mean to dwell, but it is what it is, so it's hard to ignore. I don't like to be a quitter, however -- I'm almost certain I'm dropping out of October's half marathon. It's just too much to add to the schedule right now and I've made my peace with the ever-changing thing that has now become our lives. We'll get through it and be stronger, better people for it in the end. (I'm starting to think the Wineglass Marathon is jinxed anyway -- the last time I ran the course, I DNFed.)

What I'm taking the time to focus on with my running and myself is just getting one foot in front of the other. Not so much for my physical health (though keeping it up during rough times is certainly important), but more for my mental well being. There have been days when even the thought of lacing up my sneakers and jogging down the street makes me shudder. When I have absolutely no energy to give to anything but stewing and worrying about things I can't control. When looking outdoors and thinking of taking time for myself -- even 20 minutes -- seems far too selfish.

What I realized on tonight's extremely labored and uncomfortable 4-miler (that should have been 12) is that there's nothing selfish at all about taking care of myself. That the number of miles and the pace don't matter. That walk-breaks when I get too inside my head are necessary and welcomed. That just moving along and getting nervous energy out in a positive way is important for me and for those around me.

Those 4 miles hurt more than I'd like to admit, but what hurts more is that overwhelming feeling of paralysis when I do nothing. I need motion to move forward both physically and metaphorically. And I feel lucky to have running as a coping mechanism. In the past, I'd turn to other things to get by, whether it'd be junk food or one too many drinks on a given night or simply not coping at all and letting issues swallow me whole.

So, for the next however long, because at this point we really don't know, I'll get in miles however I can get them. If that's a single mile every other day -- great. If I feel like doing more, fantastic. I know a 1:40 half is in me somewhere, but it will have to wait. I will keep moving with the only goal being momentum.

And perhaps my sanity.

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Healthy Living Week: Amy's Story

Amy writes:

Before the Vancouver 2010 Olympics started (image credit), I had decided that I was not going to get sucked into all the hype. The advertising for it seemed so overdone ("Do you believe?" Ugh, gag!), and I wanted to experience the Games for what it was -- not for what the ads promised it would be. Little did I expect that, despite my skepticism and cynicism, I would be completely inspired.

I can't exactly remember the "light bulb moment," but sometime during those fourteen days a revolutionary thought entered my mind: "Why shouldn't I be a fit person?" I suddenly realized that my lack of enjoyment for physical activity wasn't caused by the fact that I just wasn't "one of those people" who was born for it, but by my own belief that I just wasn’t one of those people. I have always had a thin-to-average-sized body and never really felt the need to exercise. I took gym class because I had to. I thought that people who enjoyed exercise must be of a completely different species. I was the girl with perfect grades who liked to read, make art and play music; I couldn’t relate to them. But it wasn't a big deal. I just wasn't one of them. That was fine; I had my own special talents and interests.

Something did bother me though. As someone who excelled at nearly everything she tried, when it came to physical activity, I felt completely inadequate. I imagined that everyone was shocked by my poor endurance, that they looked down on me, that I was slowing them down. They all made it look so easy and yet, try as I might, I could never keep up and was left dragging behind, uncomfortably hot and gasping for air.

But that was before. Once I realized that nobody was stopping me from being fit, I started exchanging those thoughts for more encouraging ones, and imagining what it would be like to finally go running, rock climbing, or hiking with friends and not spend one ounce of energy beating myself up for not being fast enough or strong enough. I could actually start to focus on enjoying being active. I knew that to get to that point, I would have to have a goal in mind and see relatively quick results in order to stay motivated and inspired.

Here's a little something about me: I love curling. (I'm a big Canadian nerd like that.)


(image credit)

(Not me)

Anyway, I remember watching the Olympics and the other big curling events when I was 13 or so, and thinking, "I want to do that!" But here's something else about me: I was an "all or nothing" kinda girl and I knew that I wouldn't improve enough to stay motivated by playing only one or two games a week. (I just recently found out that, if you're a member of a curling club and the ice is free, you can go practice whenever the hell you want! Let's just say that I'd be a much better curler by now had I known that at 13.) So when these Olympics rolled around and I got excited about curling all over again, I knew I had to join a club next season.

Despite how incredibly well both Canadian teams performed, I was still a feeling a little insecure by the fact that 22 seemed a little old to be getting all hardcore about a sport. Especially for someone who has always considered herself a non-athletic person. And then came Clara Hughes, speed-skater (and cyclist) extraordinaire! Her story is nothing short of inspiring. She had a rough time growing up, didn't get involved in sports until she was well into her teenage years, and she is the only Olympian, man or woman, ever to have won multiple medals at both the Summer and Winter Games. Not to mention her philanthropy work and all around bright-light-ness. I mean, what's not to be inspired by?

Long story getting longer, I just decided that 22 was going to be the new 7. Besides, do I even want to go to the Olympics? Probably not. I just want to make some nice shots on league night, really (on purpose, I should clarify – not by fluke). If I can do that, I’ll be a happy camper.

And so I ordered myself a copy of John Morris's Fit to Curl (a book that focuses on curling-specific training) and mapped out a realistic exercise plan for myself. I actually made it a little easier than I thought I could handle. I decided that I was going to enjoy exercise. I was going to do only what felt comfortable for me and my body. I was going to be a fit person (not just a skinny one). I was going to use my thoughts as a way to support and encourage myself. I was going to be "one of those people." Finally! All it took was a simple decision, a simple shift in perspective, a simple commitment to change my relationship to fitness for the better.

So here I am, 3-4 months into my new and wonderful life. I was surprised by how quickly I saw improvements in my fitness levels (and how little time and effort it took!). I truly believe that shifting my thoughts to support my desire for health sped up the process and has helped me to enjoy being active. Now I exercise for fun (most days). And I don’t follow my training plan to a "T" (not even close!). I don’t waste a second beating myself up for skipping a day (or two, or three). All we have is now. I'll even admit that I've been slacking off quite a bit this summer (as in, I haven't done anything on my training program in at least 3 weeks. And I'm okay with that because I no longer dread exercise. I think fondly of it, really. I don't believe that exercising because you "have to" or exercising when you don't want to can really yield that many benefits. A happy, healthy mind is a prerequisite to having a happy, healthy body. So, start with one positive thought today.

I love you. Do you love you? (Come on, say it!) :)


Thanks for reading!

Amy (from be.you.ti.fully, a.musing)

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Healthy Living Week: Jen's Story

Jen writes:

In the summer of 2008 I finally got tired of being unhappy and overweight. I was a chubby kid all throughout middle school and high school and entered college at a size 14. I never considered myself "fat," but just a bigger girl. During college, I tried sporadic diets but nothing ever really stuck. Instead of gaining the freshman 15, I gained the freshman 50.


I rarely exercised and ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. By the the time I graduated college, I was the heaviest I've ever been at 220 pounds, which is considered obese for my 5'4" frame. I hated looking at pictures of myself and often felt disgusted looking in the mirror. I knew I had to do something, or I would remain unhappy.


One day, I randomly picked up the book Skinny Bitch to see what it was all about. For some reason, the harsh words the book actually stuck with me, and I wanted to make a big change in my lifestyle. This wasn't a fad -- it was for real. I was going to do something about my weight once and for all.

I started going on daily walks, and incorporating small amounts of exercise every into my daily routine, along with completely changing my diet. I began with eating 1200-1400 calories day, mostly of which consisted of veggie burgers, and special K cereal. This worked for me! I gave up red meat and pork as well. I would eat lean chicken breast and turkey sandwiches, and big fresh salads. I finally found a "diet" I could stick with: Portion control and removing high fat foods from my diet. I started losing weight: about 2 pounds a week.

One day, while going for a walk at my high school track, I had a desire to run. I had flashbacks of coming in last place during "the mile" in gym class, but I ran one lap anyway. I was so proud myself! I kept going back to the track and increasing my running distance and eventually ran one mile without stopping. Running would soon become my exercise of choice, and it helped me lose the rest of my weight.


As of today, I've lost over 80 pounds. I've completed five 5Ks, a 3.5 mile race, a four mile race, and a 15K. I've discovered a passion in life and I feel better than I ever have. I started my own blog, where I've found a community of people who have the same passion as I do. I'm currently training for my first half marathon. Through healthy eating and fitness I've truly found myself and I know I'm capable of anything, and can do anything I set my mind to.

Thanks for reading!

Jen (from Jen is Green)

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Healthy Living Week: Maissa's Story

Maissa writes:

So I’ve already written a post about how I went from 214 pounds to my current 160 (I’m tall, 5’7, and build muscle easily, so this is actually a healthy weight for me), for Healthy Tipping Point, but for the (never home)maker Health Living Celebration, I want to talk about how I became a runner. While learning to run happened as a part of my "journey to health," my love for running deserves its own moment in the spotlight, because in a way, in helped me more than losing 54 pounds ever did.

Let’s back up to age 12. To those dreaded middle school years where girls either start getting gorgeous, or go from cute to, well, awkward. I went awkward. (Me too, Maissa!) What had been adorable as a kid (curly hair, chubby cheeks, and a healthy layer of baby fat), now turned me into an outcast, made even worse by my complete lack of sports-related-talent. I’m pretty sure I’m the only kid in history who got a note sent home saying I was failing PE because I refused to run the mile. When my mother confronted me about I replied that did complete the mile . . . I just walked it . . . in roughly 15 minutes. I hated running. I hated feeling out of breath, the burn, and the way it made my legs hurt. I hated how the kids in my class used to make fun of me as they lapped me over and over again.

Yet, perhaps because running was my nemesis, I dreamed of being a runner. How amazing would it be if I became one of those long-legged gazelle types, flying across the pavement with an easy, breezy smile on my face as my ponytail swung back and forth? Running was a far off dream, something I would get good at when I finally managed to lose the weight. It was on that list. You know, the list. The one that includes all those things you’ll do after you lose the weight. My list included shopping at a normal store, buying a pair of designer jeans, and wearing a dress that came above my knees, and becoming a runner.

Finally, after several failed attempts, I started to lose the weight and keep it off. I had lost about 25 pounds when I started running. I was working with a trainer at the time and he casually suggested that I try running for a fifteen minute stretch on the treadmill. If that felt OK, he continued, I should take a five minute walk break and then run for another fifteen. Apprehensive and excited I gave it a shot. I’m not going to pretend those first fifteen minutes were easy. My lungs burned. I think the treadmill was set to 4.5 mph (a slow jog, really), and my calves started aching almost immediately but I got through it. Then to my own surprise: I got through the next fifteen minutes.

I felt euphoric. I was going to become a gazelle!


Well, of course, that’s not exactly what happened. My stride is hardly graceful, and my hair is far too short to be pulled into a swing-y ponytail. What did happen, however, was: I fell in love with running. I remember the first time I ever ran for an hour straight. I finished out of breath and floating on air. For the rest of the day my face was covered in a stupid-grin. Around that time I decided I could probably run a marathon right? I mean running 26.2 miles when running one used to be impossible would be the ultimate tribute to my middle-school self.

So I started small. On November 19th of last year I ran my first 10k. It rained, and it was windy. I was cold, wet, and I loved it. I loved the energy, crossing the finish line, making my time goal (under 1-hour, 59:44), getting a race shirt. The race bug bit, hard. So it only made logical sense that I turn my sites onto a half marathon from there, right? I ran the Fort Langley 1/2 Marathon on February 21st, and then turned around and ran the Vancouver 1/2 Marathon on May 2nd three minutes faster.

Now I’m training to run the Victoria 1/2 marathon in under two hours (current PR 2:04:36) on October 10th. From there, I’m looking towards the Eugene Marathon on May 1st 2011. Yes, it is a long way off, but I love running too much to risk injury. I don’t really think my body is meant for running, I carry my weight in my hips and rear-end, and am prone to hip pain. I’ve never been injured, but I think that’s more because I know when to back off. So, I’ll build to the full slowly, so that when I get there I can run, not stumble, across the finish line (though a stumble-run will be acceptable).

The truth is, since losing weight I’ve been able to successfully check off most of the things on my "what to do when fit" list, but few of them have provided the satisfaction I thought they would. In fact, none of them has, except running. A year and a half after that first treadmill jog, I’m still in love with running. That’s not to say getting out the door is always easy. Nor does it imply I never have a bad run. I have, trust me. I’ve experienced miles and miles on end of painful slogging, but it is all made worth it by those good runs. You know the ones I mean, the ones that are easy. Where you get lost in the movement and feel like you’re flying. Everything clicks and you just flow . . . I run for those moments. Because, rare as they are, in those moments I feel like that gazelle I always wanted to be.

Thanks for reading!

Maissa (from Run, Rant, Realize)

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It's Marathon Time Again . . .

Last night, Stephen pointed out that it's already marathon training time again. Not only that, we've actually missed two weeks of it already. PANIC MODE! I can't believe how the time has blown by since our first marathon back in November. This year's race: the Wineglass Marathon in Corning, NY, is almost two months earlier than Philly was last year. So, training begins NOW.

I've written several times about how I'm in love with Hal Higdon's marathon plans and training philosophies. My second marathon training plan will also be one of Hal's . . . but a hybrid of sorts. Last year, I followed the Intermediate I plan. It worked well. Got me to the finish almost in one piece (and the whole injury thing had little to do with my training -- it was just my lucky day, I guess!). This year, however, I'm better prepared already. I have more time on my feet. I have several half marathons under my belt in the past couple months. I'm just used to higher mileage.

Naturally, I'd like to advance to the next training plan. But Intermediate II schedule looks too intense. I don't see myself working my 9-to-5, blogging, freelancing, AND running 10 miles on a Wednesday night. Not without compromising my sleep schedule -- which, in order to stay awake during the day, I must not fool with sleeping less than 8 hours a night. Intermediate II, well, it just isn't a possibility for me.

So, I blended the two plans into two Ashley-unique plans.

AMBITIOUS:


REALISTIC:


The first is harder, topping out at 50 miles one week in early September. It features longer Saturday runs. Oh, yeah. I also stuck a 22-mile run in there -- we'll see about that. The "realistic" plan, as I'm calling it, is basically the same plan I followed last year, just with the higher Sunday miles . . . and with three 20-milers instead of 2. I'm hoping to have a good time, not go too crazy when the miles pile atop each other. And I'm pretty sure I'll need to start toting my iPod around with some new tunes to keep me sane.

I'm not just writing this post about me and my own journey to 26.2. I'm writing it to show you that, though I definitely think following a plan is key to race success . . . you can bend the rules a little to meet your specific needs.

I think -- especially with the half marathon and marathon distances -- that having a backup plan is a good idea. You never know what kind of injuries you might sustain/develop. You don't know what kinds of random illnesses you'll encounter. (Remember the Swine Flu scare? Yeah, that had us both worried during training last year!) Anything can happen, really. And at least for me, if I missed a workout, I felt scared. Actually SCARED that I'd fail at the race. That I'd not be prepared to finish. I didn't have a hard-set time goal, but I was also scared I wouldn't meet what I thought I could easily do. (And I didn't meet that goal, but it was still one of the proudest moments in my life!)

So, what are my goals for this marathon? Oh, boy. I'm not too thrilled about having these out there. It's a very personal thing. But I'm hoping that telling you all will motivate me to keep striving toward them. I *think* I could finish the race at an 8:50 to 8:55 pace. This would have me finishing around 3:50 to 3:55. My more conservative goal is to cross the line in around 4 hours. But I'd love to break 4 . . . even if it means a 3:59:59 finish time. Those last 6 miles are killer, though. It seems, just like during training, anything can happen. So, ultimately I'll just be happy to finish.

What are your race goals? Any first-timers in the crowd? I was just thinking about the very first race I ever ran: a 5K back in 2003. It was one of my favorites. So, if you have a story to tell, let us know! Just shoot us a note at neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com. And don't forget to enter our giveaway -- a $60 shopping spree at CSN stores!

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Chase those Post-Race Blues Away

The streets are now full of cars, not runners. The water stations are torn down -- paper cups swept off the grass. Your race t-shirt is in the laundry bin. The results have been posted for days. And your muscles no longer plague you with that happy-soreness that only comes after running an awesome race. There's this feeling hanging over you. A feeling of accomplishment eclipsed by a feeling of -- what's this? -- sadness!

You've got a case of the post-race blues, my friend.


It's not uncommon to feel this way. In fact, I have a touch of it myself in the wake of the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon. Stephen and I trained our hearts out and devoted months to smashing our old PRs at this year's event. We were successful, but riding that high only lasted a few days.

It's difficult to define what the whole post-race blues thing is all about. But it's not just reserved for runners. In fact, I remember feeling this exact way after most major events in my life. After music festivals I participated in. The prom. High school and college graduations. Our wedding day. All of those big events in life require lots of preparation, hard work, and -- ultimately -- reward. But when the goal is finally met. When you've kicked some major butt at that marathon you spent years thinking about finishing, you're left confused and searching for that next big thing.

It's not totally unavoidable. But there are some things I do to help push through this feeling.


Reflect. Look up your race results. Analyze your performance. Enjoy those race day photos and articles posted everywhere. Look up race reports in Google to experience the day through the eyes of others (blogs, etc.). Write your own race report. Journal. Scrapbook. Whatever. Just take some time to reflect on the event and your success. Maybe you didn't get your best time, but you still put a lot of work into what you did. It's important to mentally recognize and process your efforts.


Reward. Treat yourself to something special for the mere purpose of rewarding yourself. I'm getting a new pair of running shoes after my PR on Sunday. But a reward need not be expensive or even a big deal. Maybe you've been wanting to take a vacation day. Let yourself. Or perhaps you've wanted to indulge in a nice piece of cake. Celebrate like it's your birthday, for goodnesssake! Do something -- anything -- to reward yourself for all that hard work.


Run. But not in the same way. And not in the same places. Physically, you may have pushed yourself to the max. Now isn't the time to push yourself harder. In the week or so after any big race, I become a "Zen runner" and refuse to take my watch with me. I refuse to map my routes. I simply run to run. To enjoy the outdoors. To stretch my legs. And now is an excellent time to enjoy some cross-training. Treat your muscles right and kick yourself a bit out of your routine. It'll help.


Redefine. Truth is, your race is over. I know it's sad. But now's the time to look toward the future. What is NEXT on your agenda? For us, we've signed up for two awesome races this summer: Lake Placid Half Marathon and the Boilermaker. We're super psyched for these events, and we've established new goals in response. For example, Lake Placid is going to be ridiculously mountainous. The goal at this race for me isn't time, but persistence. I just want to run it without stopping. And enjoy the scenery. The Boilermaker is another PR race -- I want to get lower in the 1:13s, possibly break into 1:12. Looking back at my recent performance, I feel confident. Plus, with these new goals in my mind, I'm looking forward rather than backyard. Just chasing those blues away. (Jazz hands...)


Redefinition can also mean making a goal outside running all together. Maybe you've always wanted to try and triathlon. Or get into yoga. Do something else active, like sailing or kayaking. Whatever it is, now's the time.

Whatever happens, don't let how you're feeling scare you. You will get better. You WILL want to run again. You may just be in a funk for a while. But it's entirely normal. Races happen all the time. Goals are fluid. You're constantly getting fitter, healthier, and stronger in the sport. And when all else fails, I find helping others get into the world of running is rewarding. I find myself getting excited about their goals -- and it rejuvenates my own energy and excitement.

Have you ever had the post-race blues? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Just leave a comment or email us at neverhomemaker@gmail.com.

OTHER RUNNING-RELATED POSTS:

• Great Expectations
• Everything in Moderation
• Run Your Best Race
• Ice Baths: A Somewhat Necessary Evil
• How To Rest Easy
• Treadmill versus Outdoor Running: Which is Better?
• Should You Run While You're Sick?
• How to Run Long: LSD for Beginners
• How to Stay Motivated
• Running for Speed: How To
• Treadmill Survival Guide
• No Workout is Too Short or Slow 
• Ode to my 17-year-old Self: The Mile 
• How to Suit Up to Set Out (And Other FAQs) 
• How to Run

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

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