Inspiring Others

Last year I used this blog as an outlet to create accountability for myself.

I knew that it would be too easy to make excuses for myself as to why I couldn't exercise "that" day - you know things like - too tired, too busy, too many things to do around the house, the kids were driving me crazy, etc etc etc. I could go on and on with all the excuses I could create.

I didn't start a blog for any other reason. If I knew people, even strangers, were reading my blog, then I knew I would have to follow through with what I said I would do. And do you know what? It worked.

My 90 day challenge last year did more for me than I ever thought possible. I inspired myself. I inspired others. I realized just how great it was to feel good about myself and what a crappy self image I had before that I never realized I had.

So....as I begin to exercise after being pregnant and on activity restrictions for 9 months, I want to do something to help others.

I want this blog to be an outlet for others who are just like me and wanting to change their life.

I want this blog to inspire others, complete strangers, to work out, to continue working out and to achieve the goal they set for themselves.

This is my challenge.

In the meantime, I want everyone who visits/reads my blog to comment below and give me ideas on what they'd like to see on this blog.

(If you look on the top of the right hand bar, you will see a "community" - click on that and chat/discuss there)

We can learn so much from each other from diet ideas to exercise ideas to questions to helping each other continue with our goals.

Should we have a weekly post about our goals?

What about some sort of chat application on here?

What else? Let's help motivate!

It actually happened...

I no longer have an excuse about not exercising.

Our sweet little prince, Callum John was born on Friday, April 8th at 4:05pm. After a fast (like 15minute fast) labor, he was born weighing in at 6lbs4oz. He was born perfectly healthy, but soon after birth he developed respiratory distress that only continued to get worse. He ended up being transferred to a NICU where he was intubated and diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. If you're interested in his story, you can read it here. Thankfully after 12 days in the NICU, he was discharged home and has been doing very well. 

Of course his NICU stay delayed my intentions of getting back into shape, but, there were more important things! Now that Callum has been growing and doing everything he should, I finally got the energy to start working out....wait, have I mentioned that I foolishly signed myself (and Kevin) up for the Mother's Day 5K? Yeah. Crazy...and thinking that I would actually have time to try and prepare for it was even more foolish, especially after having a critically ill newborn in an intensive care unit! 

Today, I finally broke down and worked out. I know I had every intention of starting to exercise during the last month or two of my pregnancy, but it just didn't work out. I ended up having a fairly rough last few weeks of pregnancy. I had strep throat, shingles and a stomach bug - not to mention a few family stresses thrown in there, too! Oh yeah, and just being pregnant with three small girls at home made it tough, too....so, while I am not trying to make excuses, I had every intention of exercising lightly.....but, I didn't! 

I did level 1 of the Shred. I did a light to moderate work out, and definitely didn't break that much of a sweat. My heart rate never went above 155 the entire work out and I still burned about 170 calories. Because I am nursing a newborn and just 3.5 weeks post partum, I have to make sure I am consuming plenty of calories, drinking a ton and not pushing myself...I just want to start.....slowly. It isn't about losing weight right now.... it's about taking time for me and feeling good about myself. 

The workout felt amazingly good and definitely gave me that urge to keep doing it and want to get moving...so I will! 

I have to say I am amazed at how fast my body has jumped back after having a baby. When I started my 90 day challenge I believe I weighed about 130lbs......and when I got pregnant with Callum, I weighed 112lbs. Today, I weighed in at 122lbs at just 3.5 weeks post partum. My max weight during pregnancy was close to 140lbs. 

Here I am the day before Callum's birth:

Here I am this morning at 122lbs:

So, here I go.......I will start to relearn how to run and hopefully I will enjoy it as much as I did last year at this time! I can't wait to feel amazing again! 

If anyone else is interested in joining my exercise challenge, comment below.........it's great to have support of others! 

Preparation - Are you ready?

I am moving right along in this pregnancy, and each day, I become closer and closer to putting in a Jillian Michaels DVD to get started. At 29 weeks and my history of preterm labor and oligohydramnios (low fluid) I have to be cautious with my levels of exercise, and pay particularly close to how my body reacts.

I need to do something though. It's hard to believe we are just 9 days away from March 1st - my original start day of my 90 day challenge. To say I am pumped up to start up again is an understatement. I am determined to look good and feel comfortable in a two piece bathing suit this summer. My due date is May 9th (though all three of my babies have been 3-4 weeks early), and for me, getting ready for summer and getting my body back on track is a huge undertaking, especially with four children - all of whom will be exactly 5 years and under (My oldest will be five in May). It will definitely be a challenge, but I am ready for a challenge. A bigger one. 


The way I felt last year after completing my challenge was unreal, and I cannot wait to start feeling that amazing again! Getting that taste of health, fitness and feeling good about myself is just making me want to exercise! It is the best addiction I have ever had.


So, on March 1st, I will start my challenge, while it will not be as intense or may not be as regular as it was when I began all of this one year ago, it will be a start, it will help lay the foundation for the real stuff to start post baby #4. I haven't come up with a "plan" yet, but my goals will be:

To excercise (walk - as weather permits, yoga, shred - very easy, and probably only level 1, cardio max, etc) at least 30 minutes, three times per week.

I am going to do some research on exercising while pregnant and see what I can find. I am not looking to lose weight or anything serious, I am just looking to lay a foundation for restarting a real exercise regime once the baby is born.

So, who's with me? Who wants to join my challenge with me again this year? You have two weeks to prepare!

Anyone have any resources on exercising while pregnant?

I will be looking into information regarding alternatives to any type of squats, abdominal exercises, and any particular yoga exercises that require you to lay on your belly.

If you're new here, click here to learn about how I got started!
A blog about what I use and don't use. (during my challenge, surely not now! ha!)

Maybe not the best choice? But...it works!

Sorry everyone for the lack of blogging here on my 'melting the muffin top', but this pregnancy thing really has put a damper on my exercising! I am not complaining though, I feel very lucky to be able to get pregnant, carry a child......and avoid bed rest thus far in my pregnancy!

I am 27 weeks tomorrow...less than 10 weeks until I get my cerclage out, and let the flood gates open. It's hard to believe, but, it's going to come quicker than I think! I have to say, I'm not so sure how ready I am for baby #4, but, I can tell you how ready I am to really start getting down and dirty with exercising again, particularly running. I am surely getting that itch, especially after getting a registration for the annual Mothers Day 5K - which was my very first 5K EVER last year...it's May 9th this year, one day after my due date. With our three girls, they were born 3-4 weeks early, so I am banking on this little prince doing the same.......so, that gives me some time to train a little - even if I have to walk, I figure it will be a great kick start to losing the baby weight! Who's game with me?

So, like I said above, I am really starting to get the itch. While I haven't been running, lifting weights or hanging with Jillian Michaels, I have been.....ummmmm..skiing. Yes, downhill skiing. Yes, pregnant. Yes, I may be crazy. Hey. We've had a lot of snow, and being home with three small children makes me go a little insane, so skiing has really, really made this winter go by fast. Don't worry though, I haven't been skiing any bumps, or crazy hills, just good times with our young girls, who are 4.5 and 3 (our 17mos old is with a sitter usually). I call it granny skiing - it's just nice, easy skiing....teaching our girls, spending quality family time while getting some vitamin D and exercise. Having gone skiing 6 times in the last 5 weeks or so has really gotten me back on the bandwagon so to speak...

I need a little more motivation to turn my quiet time into yoga or exercise time, but at this stage of my pregnancy, I just need time to sit. I think once I hit the golden time of 30 weeks, I will start to shred with Jillian a few times a week, and then once I get a bit further along, 34+ weeks or so, I will start to do some walking - hoping the snow is gone, or close to gone by then! Better be.

So, that's where I've been. Hanging out. Skiing. Avoiding insanity.

How is everyone else spending this crazy, snowy winter?

Before & After (well kinda...)

Two years ago, before I got pregnant with Clara, I weighed about 128lbs (the same weight I was when I started my 90 day challenge).

Last week, we went to a "Martini Madness" and silent auction fundraiser at a local camp. Being pregnant, I didn't want to buy a new dress, so I ransacked my closet for something that would fit.

I came across this dress that I wore two years ago at a Coast Guard Christmas party. I chose to wear that dress........about 15lbs lighter.

Here I am two years ago:









































Here I am last week and about 16 weeks pregnant with baby #4 and 15lbs lighter:

Unfortunately, I haven't exercised since I found out I was pregnant, and now that I have spoken with my OB, I have been cleared to do very light activity, like yoga. No weights and walking if I don't have any cramping or contractions.

I hope everyone is doing great exercising and keeping healthy!

I'm back..........well, kind of!

Wow! I can't believe it has been almost two months since I have blogged here! Lots of things have happened in this time that has kept me from keeping up with blogging and exercising...sometimes life just gets in the way!

In mid-August our family took a little staycation to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and when we returned, we learned my husband was being sent to Mobile, Alabama to work with the oil spill for 30 days. Needless to say, it put a HUGE damper on my running and exercising. Being home alone with three small kids, being the keeper of the house and all that jazz just didn't give me the motivation to exercise, even though I know it would have helped. Tremendously.

Halfway into Kevin's travels, I learned I was pregnant with baby #4 - whoa! Even though we had talked about trying for another baby once he returned, I never thought I'd get pregnant before! Especially after my first cycle since having Clara and still breastfeeding. Surprise! A welcomed one at that. So...all of these things have affected my ability and desire to exercise!

If you didn't know already - my pregnancies are high risk. I have what is called an incompetent cervix, so this will greatly affect my ability to exercise at all during my pregnancy. With my 2nd daughter, I was on bed rest for about 15 weeks, and luckily, with my 3rd, I avoided bed rest all together, since we caught my issue early enough this time. I am planning on getting my cerclage probably by the end of the month of first week of November. Once this happens...bye bye exercise. I am praying this time I will be able to walk, do light exercises and do yoga about three days a week.

I am going to shift this blog to exercising while pregnant and high risk pregnancy...it should be interesting. I am happy to say I am starting this pregnancy off 15 pounds lighter than I was with my third daughter and about 5lbs lighter than I was with my first baby! I am weighing less than I was when I got married, so I am feeling a lot better and healthier going into this pregnancy.

I hope to start running again after the baby is born, sometime in mid-late April!

How is everyone else doing with their exercising and healthy living?

Sometimes it just SUCKS.

After having two amazing runs last week of 4+ miles each, I was ready to run today. The weather was beautiful. A slight breeze. Cooler temperatures. I was ready to rock. Super energized and ready to go. My goal was to run 5 miles down to the beach and back today.

I started running and I felt pretty good. My first mile was right on target. I was feeling pretty good! Then around mile 1.75 I started having some cramping in my left hip. My quads started feeling really tired around 2 miles. I tried to let my mind wander and think of other things. I decided to turn around and keep  going, and then the cramping got worse. I felt like my legs were going to fall off. They were heavy and just hurting. I stopped to walk for a minute and then I tried again. It was worse.

I was pissed. Here I am, 2 miles away from home, and I am f-ing walking. I tried, and tried, but I just couldn't get there. By then, it was late, and I had to get home. I called Kevin to come get me. Something I have never done since starting my challenge back in March. UGH. I was so disappointed in myself. I know, some days just don't go as planned, but today, I thought would be the day that I would run 5 miles by myself, without a partner.

I am not sure what my problem was today. My guess is I probably did not drink enough water - something I fight with each and every day. I am not good at drinking enough. I need to work on that.

So, I will try again and just chalk today up to "well, at least I got some exercise..." - I could have just sat on my ass and ate bon bons instead!

Everyday can't be perfect. I guess. Until next time...

Six Months...

It is hard to believe it has been six months since I started my challenge (Mar01). I am amazed to look at myself and see where I have gotten myself. I never thought in a million years I would have succeeded with my 90 day challenge, let alone, continue running willingly.

When I started my challenge, I weighed in about 129lbs (give or take a pound), and today, I weighed in at 117lbs. I couldn't be happier. Honestly. I never thought I would have gotten to the day where I look forward to getting dressed. Putting on clothes. And fitting in them. Comfortably. I am at the weight I was when I married Kevin and found out I was pregnant with Mairead (remember, she was a honeymoon baby!).

This whole challenge has been more about weight loss. I didn't care so much about the amount of weight lost, but more about how I felt about myself. I had been tired of feeling crappy. Not fitting into clothes and not feeling comfortable in them. It sucked. I wanted to get my body healthy again for myself. I remember how energized I felt when I used to exercise and I wanted to feel that good again.

Now, six months later, I have passed my goal of 90 days and gone on to succeed for 6 months. I have been disappointed in how often I have exercised over the summer, but, I am continuing to do it and that is all that matters, right? I still have a long way to go. I want to tone my body and I don't care if any weight comes off. I just want to tone up a bit more - especially in that muffin top region. It's still there, much smaller, but still there.

When I started, I could barely run for 60 seconds without wanting to die, and today, I am running 3-4 miles regularly and not dying. I can finish a run and feel amazing. I would never have thought I'd ever feel so good after running. I never thought I would ever look forward to running in a 6 mile race! It has done wonders for my self esteem! Seriously, if you haven't tried the couch to 5K, I really, really think you should try it!

I have to get myself back on track with running! I am signed up for a 6.2 mile segment in a marathon relay in early October. I look forward to that getting me back on track. I look forward to training for that alongside my husband and food friends.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my challenge to get fit....we're not done yet!

Happy 6 months to me and to anyone else who joined in the exercise challenge with me.

Rejuvinated.

This humidity has killed my exercise 'mo-jo'. The heat doesn't bother me, but the humidity does. Big time. It just affects every part of me. It's so hard to breathe. For the past few weeks, I've been struggling to run more than 1-2 times per week, and the run I did on Friday just plain sucked. I hadn't ran all week and it was nasty outside. I even had to stop and walk for a bit, something I hadn't done in a really, really long time.

Then today came.

It was in the low 80s and windy with DRY air. No humidity. It was truly perfect. I wasn't in the mood to run, but I knew I had to. I started running and it just felt good. I ran across the marsh against the wind. I had planned on doing my usual 3 miles, but I felt so good, I kept going. and going. I turned around at mile 2.2 and had more energy than I've had running in a long, long, long time. I can't even begin to tell you when the last time I ran 4 miles was....and felt good doing it! I had been planning on running over 4 miles today, but I ran into Kevin and the girls on their walk, and of course, I couldn't just pass them by....so, I stopped.

Here was my run:
Duration: 43:14
Distance: 4.07 miles
Pace: 10:37 mins/mile

Honestly, I hadn't felt that good after a run in sooooooo long. I could have kept going! I wasn't even tired when I saw everyone. It put me in such a great mood for the rest of the even. Completely and utterly rejuvenated!

Who woulda thunk a run would make me feel so good!?!

Falling off the wagon is easy to do...

Now I know why I haven't taken more than a day off at a time since I started my 90 day challenge back in March!

It's been hotter than hell here in Maine, and to be honest, exercising without air conditioning isn't all that fun. I had been working out about 5-6 days a week (more like 6) since the start of my challenge, but recently, I've slipped down to 3-4. I find the more days I take off, the harder it is to get back on the wagon! I knew this would happen...getting lost in the hustle and bustle of summer. Beach days...long days and can't forget the hot & humid days. Speaking of humid, it's been so freakin' humid here lately, and honestly, that kills me more than the heat itself. So not fun. I come home from my run pouring in sweat - and that's saying a lot because I am not a sweaty person.

I have been trying to maintain my 3 days/week running, and that has been really tough to do. I haven't done more than 4 miles in a long time, but shit....I never even thought I'd be able to run 4 miles.....ever...or equate to 4 miles in a week total! So, I really shouldn't complain. I guess I could get up early and run, but that just wouldn't work since I co-sleep with our youngest.

I have also been limited in exercising at home. During the really hot days it has been in the mid 80s in our house. Did I mention we don't have A/C??? May I also add that fans don't help very much when it is that hot inside the house. I'd prefer to sit down and suck on a popsicle!

Thankfully, this week has cooled down a bit. I did level 2 of the shred on Monday. I kicked my ass and worked really hard. The next day, I was feeling it. It was a good pain though. On Tuesday, I did the OnDemand shortened version of No More Trouble Zones along with the Last Chance Workout. I am definitely feeling the two workouts today!!! I love that feeling though...it feels like something was accomplished.

I have reached my goal weight of 118lbs (I fluctuate between 117-119). I couldn't be happier. This is the weight I was when I got married (and pregnant with our honeymoon token)! All I want now is to tone up...and with that, I still have a ways to go. I need to step back up on my running and get back into a workout routine again. I feel like when I take days off, it just kills me, and it's so hard to start back up again.

It's easy to make excuses for not working out.....not enough time, too hot....etc etc etc etc etc. The list could go on and on some days. So, I need to suck it up and do it. Every little bit counts. So, I am going to get back on the wagon because it's a pain in the ass to fall off and try getting back on.

I'm going to try and blog on here more often! How is everyone else doing? Any goals set? Races to be run? Complaints???

What I use...and don't use.

The truth is...

I have lost about 10-12 pounds since March 1st and I have not stepped foot in a gym. I don't have time for a gym. You see, I have three small children who are now 4, 2.5 and 9 months. I am a busy momma. Since making the commitment on March 1st I had to find a way to exercise. Take time for me. It's been tough, but I have done it. I knew there would be no way I could commit to driving to and from a gym every time I wanted to exercise, so I vowed to do it on my own. I have succeeded, and I continue to succeed. There are days where I wonder when I am going to exercise and some days I just can't. Some days (actually most) I don't exercise without some sort of interruption from the girls, and that is okay, any exercise is better than none. I've learned that you do not have to join a gym to be successful in losing weight and bettering yourself. With a small investment, you can do it at home, on your own. You just need a few things...

A commitment: You have to be ready. You can't exercise for anyone else but yourself. You have to want it. Bad. If you aren't serious, you won't succeed because it is just too easy to make excuses as to why you can't or don't want to work out. Commit yourself to a period of time, I did 90 days. Set a goal that you know you can reach (like a 5K). Starting a blog was the best thing for me because it made me accountable. If I knew people may be reading, then I had to do it.

Hand weights: When I realized I'd be using DVD's here at home, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and bought a case filled with sets of 3, 5 and 8 pound weights. Very handy and cost about $50. Honestly, I didn't start using weights until a few weeks into my challenge. I was so out of shape that even using NO weights made me sore!

Cushy Mat: Floor work on a wood floor is NO fun. I went to Target and spent $10 on a cheapo Yoga mat. It sucks. I recommend buying a nice mat - don't be cheap!

Polar HRM FT7: Kevin bought me this for Mother's Day. I have to say it's pretty cool. It's a heart rate monitor and calorie counter. I like to see how good (or bad) my workouts are. It gives me a good idea of what is going on and how hard I am working. Definitely a cool tool, just not a necessary one!

Asics Gel-Nimbus 12: My running shoes. I had been running on old Nikes - but they got uncomfortable so I went off to get my feet assessed at a local running store. I had a neutral gait, so they fitted me with some shoes. I chose Saucony. I ran in them a few times and my God, they hurt. Bad. So, I took them back and have been in my Asics ever since. They're pretty good. I definitely recommend heading to a running store to get your feet measured and assessed if you plan to run! Worth the money.

The videos I use:

Everyone has different opinions on what is good or bad for exercise. Some like kick-boxing, some like Yoga, some like circuit training, so my opinions may not mean too much :). At first, I started off with OnDemand Exercise TV - it's free and it gives you a great glimpse into videos you may want to purchase. Some of them are full length, and most are only a portion of the real video.
$9

The 30 Day Shred: Jillian Michaels - Target, $9 - completely worth it. Three levels, all 20 minutes each. Anyone has 20 minutes. This is my go-to video if I am short on time. It's challenging and burns a decent amount of calories for only 20 minutes! Level one is easy, two is difficult and three is....well twice as difficult! It uses the 3-2-1 technique - 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs.

No More Trouble Zones: Jillian Michaels - $9, Target - Absolutely my favorite. It is a true ass kicker. Seriously, an intense work out. 40 minutes in length of circuit training. The AB circuits are amazing! I love the challenge of this workout. I wish I had time to do this more often. It is my go-to video for when I have a bit more time.

CardioMax: Biggest Loser - $9, Target - A pretty good cardio workout that allows you to pick and choose the intensity as the workout goes on. Very versatile. I like this one for the days I can't get out running, but feel like I need a good cardio workout. I also like the fact you can do short or long workouts. Some times, I will do a 20 minute work out after Trouble Zones. This one is really worth it!

Boost Metabolism/Banish Fat: Jillian Michaels - $9, Target. Not my favorite. If you like kickboxing type exercise, then you will enjoy. It's definitely a good workout. It is 40 minutes in length, so like Trouble Zones, if you are limited on time, you may have a tougher time doing this. I like this workout for when I feel like I need to "mix it up".

Yoga: Meltdown: Jilian Michaels - $15, Target. If you think of yoga as a quiet, serene workout, think again. This is another one of Jillian Michaels ass whoopin. She's got you holdin' poses for 15 seconds in poses you never thought possible! It's a great workout, I really, really like it. Definitely great for the beginner all the way up through the ladder. If you like yoga, try it out. Very cool.

So, for a minimal investment, you can set yourself up pretty nicely at home! You don't need a lot. The biggest thing you need is a commitment to be serious about bettering yourself. What are you waiting for? Set yourself a goal and strive to achieve it. You can do it.

Never give up.

Father's Day 5K

Today, we celebrated Father's Day by running in the Sea Dogs Fathers Day 5K race here in Portland. This would be our second 5K race since the start of my 90 day challenge. This race was a bit different! We were not alone in running the race. My parents decided it was time to run in their very first 5K race! Not only did they run but our good friends Kristen & Enrique and Kim & Mike were there, too. It was different this time. I knew what to expect and being alongside Kevin, my parents and friends made it a bit more exciting.

Look at those hot mammas! (Kim, Me, Kristen, my mom)



The weather was the complete opposite from the Mother's Day 5K last month. Today was HOT and HUMID where last month it was COLD and WINDY. I definitely preferred todays weather! My goal for today was to run it in under 30 minutes. Here were my stats:


Distance: 3.12 miles
Duration: 30:08
Pace: 09:39 mins/mile

Yeah. I improved by about 40 seconds or so, and I was psyched I kept my pace under 10 minutes....but I would be lying if I told you I was psyched about my time. Yeah, I was only 8 seconds over my goal, but I did not run it in under 30 minutes. I don't know where I went wrong...by the time I realized I missed my goal, it was too late to make the time up. Bummer. Big. Fat. Bummer. Overall, I am happy, just not psyched! I felt a lot stronger and in tune with myself than I did previously. I improved. I don't have regrets. Next time, I will do better! There will be a next time!

I was so impressed with Kevin! He blasted his previous time, and I am so proud of him for that. He worked hard for it! Last time he ran the 5K with me in about 30:40, but today, he ran it in just about 28+ minutes! He had originally planned to start off slow, but when he took off like crazy, I knew he was on a mission!

My parents did an awesome job, too! I couldn't be more proud of them. My mom, who was nervous a few days ago about "not liking to run" or "not sure if she'll do it" - finished in just over 32 minutes! Whoa! She was wanting to be under 40 minutes...she certainly blew away that goal! My dad, who never runs, beat me by 9 seconds! He took off at the start and I thought for sure I'd be seeing him on the ground up the road, but nope! I caught up with him, and he beat me! Whaaaaaaaaaat!?! Then, my girlfriend Kristen, who I don't think really wanted to run did an awesome job! She finished a minute behind me! Everyone did a really great job!

Today wasn't as "emotional" as my first 5K, but it left me wanting more. It left me wanting to run another race. It feels great! It makes me feel so good inside that I have inspired those close to me to do such good things for themselves. This is about bettering ourselves. Making ourselves feel better and live a healthier life! It feels good! It sets such a great example for our children - it sets a great example for our friends and family, too! I love that those close to me are jumping on the train with me!

The goal for everyone was to finish with no regrets. Never give up. 

And we didn't. 


Good job everyone! I challenge you to sign up for a 5K - whether it be your 1st or 100th. Challenge yourself to just finish the race. You can do it.

Running - Hills & MotionTraxx

I have been running since the week of March 1st. I never thought in a million years I would be able to successfully run 6 miles without dying. Remember, I was the anti-runner! I used to joke about getting winded running to the end of our 100 foot driveway. If someone told me they just "ran 5 miles", I'd laugh at them. I'd laugh at them and say "HA! I hate running" - That was me. That was me, then. This is me now. I run 3 days per week. I run about 3-6 miles per run. I run about a 10 minute mile. Sometimes I run alone with my music. Sometimes I run with a friend. I don't like to run while I am running, but I absolutely adore the feeling when I am finished. I feel strong. I feel motivated. I feel good.

A week from today, my husband and I, along with my parents and some great friends will be running in theSea Dogs Father's Day 5K here in Portland. It will be my 2nd 5K. Ever. My first was on Mother's day. I am really, really looking forward to this race. I think because it isn't so new to me. I know what to expect. I know the excitement that goes along with it. I know the course. I am hoping I can run in under 30 minutes this time!

Here are my runs from last week:

Monday - Running: 5.70 miles, 57:49, 10:08 mins/mile

Tuesday - Running: Speed & Hill training. 2.97 miles, 28:57, 9:45 mins/mile -

Saturday - Running: 4.77 miles, 49:39, 10+ mins/mile (mapmyrun didn't record pace). 

It's no lie, I have been avoiding hills. Running hills feels like you are running in place, except for one thing...it hurts. You just want the hill to end. You just pray there is a BIG downhill when you get to the top. I have been avoiding hills for this very reason. I don't dig the small ones, so why would I try and do big ones?

We live about .25 miles from a salt marsh. Scarborough has a massive salt marsh, and we are lucky to live in the middle of it. There is a bridge up the street that goes over a portion of the marsh. The hill leading up to the marsh isn't huge, but it's bigger than I've done. It's a decent incline, and thankfully, it isn't big at all, but just big enough to hurt.

Not only did I practice hills, but I tried a new podcast called MotionTraxx - it's free, and definitely worth a download! My pace had been slowing down a bit, and I have been trying to get it to under 10 minutes. I did the run/walk interval podcast, it was very, very cool. It was done in 30 second increments, and the music is slowed down or sped up depending on what you were supposed to do. It chimes at the marker, letting you know when it is time to speed up or down. Instead of walking, I jogged, and for the run, I ran at a much faster pace. The music was good, and it had the perfect beat for running. MotionTraxx has all sorts of different podcasts set at all sorts of different "BPM" or "Beats per minute"- depending on how fast you want to run or cycle. Look it up! It's pretty cool. There is also an iPhone application that costs $2.99 - no downloading, just streaming. You can't use it with any other program though, so I suggest downloading a podcast if you're using iMapmyRun.

So, if you're on the fence about running - why not give it a try? Challenge yourself. What's the worst that can happen? You decide it isn't for you and you go on to the next thing? At least you'll lose weight, get in shape and feel good while doing it...or you get hooked, and you are off and running! Meeting your goals and feeling great about yourself. Challenge yourself! There are always local races to get involved in, which help keep you going! I am commited through October to run. There is no stopping now. Try the Couch to 5K - you will be amazed.

Nursing & Weight Loss

I don't about many of you, but I am nursing my almost 9 month old daughter. Nursing is a definite pro to losing weight after pregnancy, but for me, I tend to hang on to about 5 pounds of weight with each child. When I found out I was pregnant with Mairead, I was about 118lbs. When I got pregnant with Lilah, I was about 125lbs (give or take) and with Clara, I weighed about 128lbs. Clara was the only child that allowed me to get back to what I was before I was pregnant, which was still not what I wanted to weigh!
I think I hold onto the weight because each time I have become pregnant (except for the first - haha), I have been nursing a child. So, in essence, I have been consecutively nursing for - count em - 4 years. Yes, four years.

According to Kellymom.com (a wonderful resource for breastfeeding mothers), mothers should wait until their baby is at least 2 months old before they start a weight loss regime. It takes this time to establish a healthy milk supply. You must also maintain adequate calories throughout the day. This has been one thing I have had to really focus on. There was a time earlier in my challenge where I was counting calories. I wanted to see where my calories were coming from. At this time, I noticed myself holding back a bit, and then, I noticed a decrease in supply. Once I upped my calories to about 1800-2000+ (I don't count anymore), my milk supply returned. I am also not a big water drinker, so making sure I drink enough fluids during the day also plays a huge role in my supply, too. So, if you are noticing a milk supply issue, pay attention to calories and fluids.

I eat what I want to eat. I don't want to have to restrict myself where I don't enjoy what I eat. I have made changes like eating healthier, more whole foods, cutting out foods with high fructose corn syrup, eating larger meals (I try to eat about 500 calories per meal) which leaves me with room to snack a bit, too. I will cut up fresh pineapple, have fresh berries, or grapes so when I have a craving to munch, I can munch on something better than junk. I have found that making sure I eat enough during meals will also limit my snacking. I eat a lot of eggs, Greek yogurt, fruit, tuna, fresh fish, salads, etc....and still love a bowl of ice cream at the end of a long day! 

An exclusively breastfeeding mother should take in 300-500 calories per day above what was needed to maintain pre-pregnancy weight.

A friend of mine asked about lactic acid build up in milk after exercise.....well, I looked it up, and kellymom.com says:

Research has not shown a noticable increase in lactic acid buildup after moderate exercise (50% & 75% intensity). The lactic acid in breastmilk does increase somewhat if mom exercises to maximum (100%) intensity, also described as exhaustive exercise. This increase may be present up to 90 minutes post-exercise. There are no known harmful effects for the baby. 

Most studies have found no difference in acceptance of the breast, even after maximum intensity exercise.

Although a highly publicized 1992 study indicated that baby might fuss or refuse expressed milk from a mom who had been exercising at 100% intensity, the results were questionable because the babies were fed the milk by dropper (unfamiliar to these babies), and the mothers reported that the babies had not had problems with nursing after exercise in the past. A more recent study showed no change in infants' acceptable of mom's milk an hour after exercise, even for the moms who exercised at maximum intensity (and thus did have a slight increase in lactic acid in their milk).

Dr. Ruth Lawrence, in her most recent volume (Breastfeeding, A Guide for the Medical Profession, 1999 edition) says that there is no reason to wait to nurse after exercising. 

I have nursed Clara many times after a long, hard run, and she hasn't seemed to have a problem with the milk. I know some babies may have a problem because of the sweat and salty taste of their mothers skin, but for me, I have had no problems.

Have any of you had any experience with this? What have you learned?

Slacking! and Completion

Yeah, I admit, I've slacked majorly on this blog. Life has been very busy lately, and there have been many times where I have reminded myself to catch up, but I get distracted, and well, it doesn't happen.

I will say, I may have slacked on the blog, but I have continued to exercise and......run. Even beyond day 90!

You may have wondered, what happened to 90 days? Surprisingly, life passed me by before I realized, I had reached my goal of running for 90 days. On May 28th, I reached day 90 of my 90 day running challenge. It has truly been a life-changing 90 days. I never would have thought my life would have changed so much in such a short period of time. I'm not talking about family change, or life changing big event, but more like a personal change - an inner change. I have gone from feeling crappy about myself, not fitting into clothes, weighing the most I have ever weighed (129-130lbs), not being an active individual, to......the complete opposite. I am finally starting to feel positive about myself. I fit in almost alll of my clothes - size 4 pants. When I started this, I was a tight 6 and a loose 8.....now, I am a perfect 4 (in most pants) and a very loose 6. I don't feel like I have to squeeze into clothes anymore. I actually enjoy picking out clothes now. I actually enjoy shopping now. I have lost all of the weight I wanted to lose. I am now weighing in between 119-121. My ultimate goal is 115, but until I am done with nursing, I will not try to lose weight. If it comes off, then it comes off and if not, I am fine with that. All I want is to be fit and trim...and now, I consider myself an active individual. I feel lazy and gross when I don't exercise.

I now know that my past excuses for working out were not valid - they were just excuses. I hid behind those excuses. I have learned that I can do anything I want to do - anyone can.  I never in a million years thought I could run 3 miles, let alone 6. I never thought I would continue to run after my 90 days is through....but I am still running. You have to want to do something, and if you feel pressured or aren't ready for the commitment, you are setting yourself up for failure. I truly believe the fact that I was personally ready. I wanted to do it. I was ready to make the commitment. This is why I think I have succeeded. I have been planning for this moment since last spring. That is a long time to mentally prepare for something. I am so glad I did.

I look forward to continuing my challenge of staying healthy. fit. active. I look forward to teaching our girls how important a healthy lifestyle is. I love when our girls get excited about exercising. I love when Mairead asks if she can exercise with me. I love when she gets disappointed because I exercised without her. It's a new way of life for all of us, and I am loving it. I am glad our girls are young enough to not know any different. This is how it will be.

I am not going to stop this blog. I actually want to try to keep it up. I may not be daily, but I will update it. We are continuing to run, and I have commited myself to running through October. I am so lucky to have a supportive husband, family and friends. Kevin and I are scheduled to run another 5K on Father's Day, and I have a few others in the wings, too. It's amazing!

I hope whoever reads this will continue to be inspired. Will continue to see that anything is possible, and while there are always hurdles, you just have to work through them, and do the best you can.We all have to inspire and motivate each other. Support is so important, and I am so lucky that I have lots of it in my life.

How is everyone doing with their goals?