Thrashing around wildly!

So I ventured out for a run this evening.  I will be honest I was a little nervous.  Nervous that all of my girl parts would fall out, or just nervous that my sports bra wouldn't "hold the girls in" or simply that I wouldn't be able to do it.  Well, luckily, I did it!  I ran 1.5 miles and I felt great.  My breathing is still in tact, meaning... I still can breath and not pant, or fall over.  So I know I will be able to have a conversation while running, this makes me happy... it took me a long time to get to that point.

I felt heavier during my run.. which I guess is to be expected.  Over time as I slowly take off weight this will get better.  It was just nice to get out and run... to listen to my breathing and enjoy each moment putting one foot in front of the other.  My goal is to get up to three miles in the next couple weeks and then I will start increasing from there.  I am also doing some speed walking, boot camp and weight loss yoga... I'm feeling great! 

Happy Running!

My First Date with "BOB"

Finally, my infant car seat adapter that I had been waiting for arrived two weeks ago, via UPS. My husband gave me the heads up the day before, that it had been shipped; although I was a little skeptical considering we had gotten this notice before and it turned out to be a mistake. A mistake which literally made me go from normal purchaser of goods at Amazon, to FREAK. I made friends with the company that was supposedly shipping my adapter over 2 weeks prior to receiving it, and talked them into overnight shipping for free. Anything to get my adapter that was on back order; sooner. I did however have faith, that this time, was the real deal. I know it may sound quite pathetic that I reacted so enthusiastically about this adapter, but I have to tell you… this little piece of metal allows for freedom! Freedom to bring my little one outside, on the trails, with the ease of a stroller. It also marks the official beginning of my journey to get back into shape after having a baby 7 and half weeks ago.

I am the type of person to get oddly excited about little "things" that have a tendency to motivate me to get out the door. A new pair of running shoes is a good example, or a new tank top to exercise in. I know these materialistic goods aren’t what’s important, however it makes my routine feel fresh and new. I also tell myself, “I paid money for this, so I better use the heck out of it”. This also rings true with signing up for a race. If I sign up, I am in; no turning back. This “state of mind” if you will has worked for me over the past seven years, which is why I was SO excited to get my infant car seat adapter for my BOB.

After the kind UPS man delivered the “Oh so precious” package to my door step, and after he received a few licks from Miss Wenzyl, I found myself having an extra bounce in my step. I started planning my day, figuring out when would be a good time to head out for my “first date with BOB”.

I find it interesting how much my life has changed with regard to my spontaneity. I have an inner need to be spontaneous. It’s something that I enjoy. My husband and I are not planners by any stretch of the imagination. We prefer to just pack a bag for the weekend and take off with no destination in mind. This has changed drastically as you can probably imagine with a little one. with feeding schedules, napping, temperaments, weather… all of these things that need to be taken into consideration before going anywhere, my need to be spontaneous is now... well, I try.  I hope that as time goes on, it will get better, however I'm getting the feeling after reading "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" that this will not ring true.  Maybe I will just have to "be spontaneous during certain hours, like between 9 and 11 or something... wait a minute, that won't work?  I'm laughing at myself right now....  
 

While thinking about the timing of it all, I decided to finish cleaning my upstairs bathroom and bedrooms. Ruby was napping oh so sweetly in her little easy fold bassinet, (which by the way is wonderful) while I ran the loud vacuum oh so carefully around her. The loud noise didn’t seem to bother her any? It was a beautiful day to allow my laundry to dry on the line outside, the smell is oh so amazing.  After all of these little projects were complete it was time for Ruby to nurse. She was content looking at her butterfly that is littered with black and white polka dots for time being, so I took this opportunity to pack up the things I needed for my date with BOB. Water bottle…check, blanket and burp cloth along with a few other diaper bag necesseties…check, phone…check, camera…check, doggy doodoo bag… check, Wenzyl’s leash… check, camera…check, sunscreen… check. After nursing Ruby and changing her diaper, I packed up BOB, baby and Wenzyl and we were off. Wow, I got a workout before my workout!

I couldn’t help but smile once I started heading down the hot sidewalk that had random pine cones and sticks littered on it. This is what I have been waiting for. Taking in all the little details. Granted, I did have the wonderful opportunity to get out and about before receiving Bob thanks to Miss Carrie Thorvig. She borrowed me her stroller that was infant compatible, which was so nice. I made my irritations known about not receiving the adapter on Facebook, therefore she felt my pain. Thanks again Carrie, you’re awesome!

Around the lake we went, venturing over to the boat landing so Wenzyl could take a quick swim. She immediately darted for the waters edge and looked at me with eyes that said, “Well, aren’t you going to throw something”? I searched for a stick on the grassy shore being sure to keep an eye on my legs for wood ticks crawling up them. It appeared all of the sticks had been taken by other dog owners. Once in a great while we will be lucky enough to find that "perfect throwing stick" for Wenzyl, but with disappointment, we furthered our adventure into the fairgrounds to enter the Mesabi Trail.  We were sure to find a stick there.

We enjoyed a four mile walk that afternoon, Ruby pretty much slept the whole time, Wenzyl got in her swim, and I felt amazing.  I felt motivated and excited to utilize my "new toy".  I enjoyed just listening to all the sounds of the wilderness... taking in all of the details.   Ruby did wonderfully, I'm so blessed to have such a good little baby.  She slept the whole time and as you can see from the picture, she didn't even want her "Nippy".  For future adventures, I have to add a tennis ball and the bug net to our packing list... the mosquitos were horrifying.  I found myself swatting myself while at the same time trying to protect Ruby from the blood sucking monsters.  A net around the stroller would be helpful.

Until next time,

Happy Trails!

Over the River and Through the Woods

Grandmas Marathon has come and gone and I must admit I feel that a piece of me is missing this year?  After 7 years of taking part in a world class race, I find myself wondering what this year would've brought.  As I look at my precious blessing sleeping on my chest I know that this void is now filled with another kind of joy.

I'm looking forward to having not only Wenzyl running by my side, but little Ruby can partake in the fun as well.  I realize that this is going to involve some planning and packing.  With feeding schedules, naps and diapering... I realize getting out the door will be a little more work then before.  Taking her on adventures to see the wilderness and to feel the wind on her little face excites me.  I would only hope that she would enjoy it as much as I do.  My body is still healing, and I realize that I can't jump into running a 6 miler right off the bat, I am however looking forward to some speed walking to get my body jump started. I went for an 8 mile bike ride yesterday, which felt amazing... although my pelvis was yelling at me near the end.  Training for a race this time around may be more difficult with the extra pounds I have on my body and pushing a stroller up hills will be a challenge.  I am ready for the challenge.  Exercising makes me feel human, and releases so many stresses in my life.  I am anxious to start sweating!

I've been awaiting the arrival of my infant car seat adapter for my Bob Stroller... and today marks the 7th day of the 5-7 day delivery timetable.  I feel like a kid waiting to open a Christmas present, actually that's a lie.. I feel like a freak stalking each UPS truck that drives by our house, peering through the curtains, hoping and praying that the boxy brown truck is headed for our house.  I have never been so excited to receive something in the mail.  I can't wait to be able to get out and get some fresh air, all the while saving my back from carrying Ruby in a sling. 

I am looking for running partners!  I know Miss Kerry Wester mentioned she would run with me (Yes Kerry this is an evil ploy to get you to commit), but more the merrier!  I find that having someone to keep you accountable is key.  I plan to start slow... running ,2,3,4 milers... so if you want to start, this is a perfect way to do it!  Let me know!

Happy Trails

Thrifting in the Mud

I have to admit, these days with my belly growing over the size of a basketball, I really appreciate getting called off from work, and put on an "on call status".  Granted, every time the phone rings, I can't help but think, "Please don't call me in".  Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but I also love a day off with no specific plans in mind. 

When I got the news that I was now on "on call status", I decided to use this opportunity to do some thrift store shopping.  I will admit, I love sifting through piles and racks of used clothing, bags, and purses, and things that I don't need; in hopes of finding a treasure that I will pay next to nothing for.

First stop Goodwill... I have to admit, it's hit and miss,but most of the time, when I make my way into Goodwill, I walk out with at least one good find.  A few weeks ago I found a bedspread for our master bedroom.  I had been searching and searching for a specific color bedspread forever (mustard yellow), having no luck in stores or online.  Who knew that I would find what I was looking for at Goodwill?  This bedspread is straight from the late 50's, 60's Vintage tassel ball, embossed with with a Victorian style pattern.  It was perfect, and looked as if it had been stuffed away in a storage bin in someones Attic for years until it made its way into Goodwill

$12.00, okay I'll take it.  I brought it home, washed it, and placed it on our bed, hoping my vision would follow through, and luckily it did!  With the Terracotta wall color, this bedspread just pulls everything together. 

Later, I made my way to a consignment shop and found a chair that had the same color!  Perfect!   This East Lake brand piece of furniture, a wedding gift given to "Grandpa and Grandma Swanson" on October 21st 1888. It matches our master bedroom perfectly and it was only $80!

So today, I found another little gem at a thrift store.  A Chiltern Satchel bag, in perfect condition and only $2.99.  I also found some children's books that were in great condition for the little one (4 for $4), a decorative piece for our spare room that we just refinished ($8),a Carafe that will come in handy next week for our dinner party ($.99) , a wooden key holder for our entry way ($2.00) and last but not least a unique German wooden decorative plate, called Rummelsberger ($7.00), I've been trying to find more info on this piece, however I'm not having any luck.  All of the pictures are below... 

I know this has nothing to do with my goal to keep active... however it does!  Upon coming home with all of my goodies, Zack, Wenzyl, and the two beasts and I headed out for a muddy hike on the trails.  It was so beautiful out, nice enough for just a t-shirt and jeans.  We're 30 weeks today!  The count down is on!

Happy Hiking and Thrifting!

Frozen Pussywillows

Wenzyl and I headed out for a hike before the snow fall last week. 

We made our way across the lake and enjoyed watching the weather come in.  

Here are some pictures from the day...

I love her

I'm enjoying the last days of winter as spring approaches.  Each season has it's own perfection, one that I embrace.  I can't imagine not having the drastic seasons like we do here in the Northland, I believe it allows us to get excited about each one. 

High Altitude?

It's interesting to me, that I can get short of breath hauling a large laundry basket up two flights of stairs?  Okay... I run marathons?  What's wrong with me?   I feel like I'm living at high altitude or something?

Today, I decided to do a quick clean on my house.  Something that I do quite often due to the accumulation of dog hair.  Most times find myself vacuuming every couple days.  Ever since I've grown this "belly" I'm finding it more and more difficult to do certain tasks; like the one I mentioned above.  I find myself getting short of breath, and my heart feels like it's going to jump out of my chest?  Really?  I'm only vacuuming, I'm only going up the stairs?  So today, I decided that my form of exercise is going to be cleaning and working my 8 hour shift at the hospital, along with some weight training.  Who knew that "cleaning" could be such strenuous work? 

Happy Cleaning!

Valentine Hike

A pair of Long Johns is all Wenzyl needs to see.  This dog is amazing, she picks up on everything.  She knows that we were heading outside to do "something" fun... and she knows that she IS and WILL be a part of whatever it is we're doing.  She was following me around the house like she was lost, and concerned about what we had going on.  She new we were up to something, and she was determined to be a part of it.  I giggled uncontrollably as I was attempting to put on my mukluks, (which has become quite the task these days), even more of a task when your 76 pound lab is kissing you uncontrollably while wagging her tail.  Have you ever noticed that when you're laughing you all of a sudden become weak?  It was almost like all of my energy was being sucked away from my laughing. I became weak, and had to go from the kneeling position to sitting down, as if I couldn't hold myself up?  Which made me laugh harder and made Wenzyl go even more crazy! 
We piled into the car and drove a little north to access a trail, the beautiful thing about living in Grand Rapids, you can be in the middle of nowhere within minutes.  There was only one other car parked in the lot, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.  The temperature gauge read 22 degrees, although I don't think the sunshine was taken into consideration.  I found myself unzipping my jacket half way through our hike, granted, I'm running a little "warm" these days.

We hiked about 2 miles on uneven terrain.  Wenzyl ran about sniffing everything she possibly could, Zack and I just enjoyed the walk, chatting about our to do lists and enjoying the quiet.  There is something to be said about the crisp air of Northern, MN.  I have always enjoyed winter activities because the air almost feels like it cleans your lungs.  It's different from spring, summer, and even fall air.  I can't really explain the smell, maybe because I don't believe there is one... maybe that's why it seems so refreshing? 










We're enjoying the simple things on this day we all know as Valentine's Day.  Instead of spending money on flowers that die and chocolates that we would buy anyway, we just spend time together and make food in the shape of hearts.  That's sweet enough for me. We enjoyed the outdoors, came home, made some sandwiches and have no plans for the evening.  Probably a cribbage game and some netflix!  Ah, the simple things!  

Training for Delivery

After my last post, I took the time to search through my past archives from last running season.  All the memories motivated me and I found myself getting bundled up for a brisk walk around the lake with Wenzyl.  During my walk, I decided that just because I'm not training for a "running" marathon, doesn't mean I can't train?  I am after all going to be taking part in the biggest miracle/marathon a women can endure; giving birth.  I think I'm going to view this as my "delivery marathon".    I realized that I am craving the training, I want to be able to log in miles, to have stories to blog about, to be able to see each blade of grass grow as spring approaches, to have time to think and to spend time with Wenzyl.  Why can't I do this?  Oh wait, I can!  So, this is going to be my official "delivery training" . My due date is May 24th, I have about 3 months to "get in shape".  Up until now, I've been pretty active, although I will admit when I work an 8 hour shift on the hospital floor I feel exhausted when I get home, and the last thing I feel like doing is hitting the pavement for a walk.  This is just the motivation I need.  Up until now I've been keeping myself busy with walking, hiking, and working... now it's time to pick up the pace a bit.  To have more of a schedule.  I know this will not only allow me to keep my sanity intact for the rest of winter, but may also assist with an easier delivery. Bring it on!

Training for Motherhood

Usually this time of the year, I find myself getting all bundled up to head out for the initial training runs for Grandmas Marathon.  As I sit here with a growing belly that houses my first baby, I think to myself, "This will be worth it".  Instead of crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles, I will be crossing over into Motherhood.  This transition, as I can imagine will be one of wonderment, excitement, challenges, and a form of love that will have a different definition.   Similar to the experiences I've had with running.

This year in comparison to past years is a perfect year for training with regard to weather.  The pavement is exposed and the temperatures have been very "un-winter" like.  Runners don't have to "search" for clear roadways, and dodge icy sidewalks in hopes of not slipping.  I'm assuming there are many treadmills that have an accumulation of dust on them this year, especially for those runners who appreciate the outdoors and will do anything in there power to not hit the dreaded horror of the treadmill. 

I will admit, I blame this year on "Murphy's Law", of coarse the year I am unable to train, my belly is the size of a basketball!  I live vicariously through the runners I see in town, and the facebook posters who log their miles with so much pride.  I am looking forward to hitting the pavement as soon as I am able after the delivery of my baby girl.  I was given a running stroller from a dear friend (Thank you BJ) and I'm so excited to be able to "run" with my little one enjoying the ride as well.  I'm assuming my arm strength will be quite amazing from pushing the extra weight!  I am already starting to visualize how these "adventures" will go, considering I have to "pack" for an extra person and prepare for unexpected stops along the way, this in itself will be another challenge; one that I'm ready for!

I'm planning on running a fall half marathon, possibly a full; depending on time and my strength.  The Whistle-Stop has my eye, as I've ran this race in the past.  This will be a challenge training in hot temperatures in comparison to 30-60 degree temps.  I've always struggled with heat... although come race day, I know I will be thankful for beautiful fall temperatures.



23 weeks

In the mean time, I'm enjoying my pregnancy.  I smile every time she kicks, I dream about what she will look like, I'm obsessed with clementines and baking different forms of bread and cookies... (I will admit I'm obsessed with eating them too).  I haven't been concerned about the scale, I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing, however I was never concerned about the "scale" before I became pregnant.  I'm enjoying each moment, dreaming about the future, getting excited for the challenges that lie ahead of me. 



Happy Running, and or dreaming about running everyone!