Balance for MEre

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Run-Anniversary

Tomorrow, Christmas Eve, is my running anniversary. Last year I was of the elliptical trainer and was jealous of runners. I decided to change things up. After my typical 30 minutes on the elliptical I decided to try running. I had no expectations. Previously I had decided that I was NOT a runner so there was no way I could fail. That day I ran 1/4 mile without stopping. And when I was done I felt so proud! I even told my mom and brother about it.

It was several days later that I returned to the gym (after Christmas and visiting Husband's parents) but I decided to get back on the treadmill and that day I ran a little farther. Within a several weeks I ran 2 miles and had the goal of a 5K! The day I ran a 5K on the treadmill I felt like a CHAMP!

Since then I ran a 5K race as a running buddy for Girls on the Run.

A week later I ran my first 5K race.

Then I ran an 8K race.

I ran another 5K race and won my age group.

I ran my first 10K race.

And yet another 10K race. This was my last race and I ran it the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I met my goal and completed it in under and hour (59:11).

So what I have I learned?

I have realized how therapeutic running can be. I love it! It clears my mind and relaxes my body.
I can do ANYTHING I set my mind to! The only limits I have are the ones I put on myself.
My body is powerful, strong, beautiful. It has imperfections and bumps and humps but it carries me and allows me to do amazing things!

These are the lessons I learned in 2009. I can't wait to see the lessons I will learn in 2010.

What have you learned this year?

Monday, December 21, 2009

Funny Pics, a Confession and an Update

Yesterday after a great run on the treadmill we came home to do some things outside. I took off my running shoes and put on my snow boots (it snowed Friday -- 4 inches... which is a lot of snow for us) and a fashion funny was documented! Don't tell Clinton and Stacy!

Earlier today I came across a lovely bag of white chocolate chips and before I knew it, I had consumed over 300 calories of white chocolate goodness. When I woke up from the chocolate-high I quickly threw the bag in the trash. I do not do well with temptation. They were left behind after a Saturday of baking with my mom. Have you ever trashed a perfectly good food because of it being too much of a temptation?

Last week I posted that we had entered Ella Blue in a Christmas Cutest Pet Photo Contest. Thank you so much for everyone who voted! I love this blogging community! Today they announce the winner. Even if Ella doesn't win, she's still my cutest pup.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Calling EVERY READER, One and All!

I need everyone's help! If you are a reader, a regular commenter, a stalkers (whatever), PLEASE HELP ME! We have entered our pup into a cutest Christmas pet contest and NEED EVERYONE TO VOTE! You all know Ella Blue is cute! You have seen this cuteness for months!

Vote now! Click the link, type in your email address and then select pup #144.

Please leave a comment if you vote! I'll love you forever if you link this post to your blog or send it out to your friends.

Monday, December 14, 2009

I LOVE My Gyno!

Yes, you read that correctly. I love my gynecologist!

Today I had my yearly lady-physical. And aside from the normal "procedure" everything went wonderfully. My doctor is a very straightforward, kind and honest lady. Last year we discussed the fact that I have PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome); I've mentioned that before. This is likely to make it difficult to get pregnant but she said the best thing I could do was to maintain my weight, work out and try to be as healthy as possible. That was my focus and mission this past year and will continue to be -- it is a lifestyle.

So after the physical we sat in her office and had a chat. My doctor was very happy with all I had done and even commented that I had lost a few lbs from last year. She said there was nothing else I need to do but continue the track I am on. These changes aren't going to mean I'll get pregnant without drugs or procedures but it could help. And of course the healthier I am, the better my pregnancy may be. She also discussed with me the plan and the steps that we'll take once Husband and I want to get pregnant... in about 1-2 years. Once we're ready the plan will begin and that is a such a joy for me. I have a doctor who understands my concerns and needs and it taking them seriously in order to aid in us having a baby. She is giving me hope and a plan. I need both.

Driving home it hit me. This past year I have met many milestones. I have lost pounds, ran miles, changed my eating and ran races. But even more exciting that those things is the joy and the acknowledgment that these changes will help me to be a Mommy and I don't think any joy but that can compare.

Friday, December 11, 2009

My Sick Day

For an idea of my activities today, see Ella Blue's picture.

As a teacher I think it is 10 times harder to miss a day of school. It is so hard to prepare for, get a sub and deal with the following school day's mess. I hate missing school. I know so much about my students and teaching that I don't like a stranger with them.

Yesterday (after a late night with Husband's work party on Wednesday) I developed a low-grade fever around mid-morning. So I called the doctor for an appointment. I rarely get fevers. They were able to see me yesterday and thought I had the beginning stages of Strep Throat. I then came home and went to sleep. By the time Husband came home I had developed a fever to 101.8. I decided then that I would not be going into school today. After calling some subs, I was able to secure one (a good one, thankfully) and went back to bed.

Today I have not left the bed much. There have been lots of naps, some medicine for the pain of my throat and of course a pill from a lovely Z-Pack the doctor gave me yesterday. I am feeling a little better. The most difficult thing that I have done has been input some typical meal and food items into SparkPeople which I started on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend our Young Professionals Christmas party tonight. It makes me sad because I was going to be cute in black tights, a shorter than typical gray wool skirt and a tight 3/4 length black turtle neck. And I was going to do some fun things with my hair using hot-rollers for a big, holiday party style. Too bad... PJs and a messy ponytail it is tonight (as it has been all day).

Back to napping!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Sparks and Sparkles

Today I decided to join SparkPeople. I have been having a hard time consistently tracking calories so I thought this may just be the "spark" to get me back on track. Any one out there who uses it? Any tips? I think it'll get much easier after all my typical food has been entered in.

Anyone watching the finale? The weight loss is amazing... almost too amazing and slightly scary. What do you think?

Here's my prediction back in September. I didn't predict the winner but did enjoy watching lives change.