·:[ The Healthy Mom ]:·
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    My parents are now residents of Colorado Springs!  Yippee!   

Mom and Dad left NJ on May 22.   I went to all this trouble to plan their itinerary, with my dad’s condition of driving just 8-10 hours per day.  Well, what he didn’t mention was that he was going to start driving at 4:30 AM.  They were at my first planned stop by 1 PM their first day!  Thanks to cell phone coverage, our high speed internet connection and TravMatix, I was able to adjust their itinerary on the fly - their one requirement of a hotel that accomodated parking their U-Haul fulfilled.

The first night they stopped in Indiana, the next night, they were already in Hays, KS!  They arrived a full day earlier than expected.  I heard some vehicle noise outside, and ran out to open the garage door.  As the door lifted, I see my mom standing by their Mercedes, with my dad backing up their 26′ rented UHaul truck.   Right into the rear passenger door of the Mercedes.  My mom and I both screamed for him to stop - unbeknowst to my dad who HAD HIS WINDOW CLOSED and couldn’t hear it.    He punctured the door with a good size hole.  Once we told him what he had done, it was the first time I ever heard my dad drop the F-bomb.   

Despite that, we had a warm welcome all around.  The kids were great - reaffirming my parents decision to move here.    

THURSDAY
On Thursday morning we had a walk-through at the new house, and hired a guy to steam clean the carpets.  We met the current owners, a nice couple.  The husband grew up in the house.  His mother has passed away 2 years ago, he worked on fixing up the house to sell since then.  His wife took care of his mom until the end.  They were thrilled to know that grandkids would be playing in the house. 

My parents went to Denver to visit my sister, who is on bedrest at 35.5 weeks.  That night, Doug, Zander, Zevan and I met up with John, Tiffany and Eli at the zoo for opening night of the Wallaby Walkabout.

FRIDAY
On Friday, we had the closing!  The house buying process, especially the mortgage application, is grueling.  I didn’t do this much work when Doug and I bought either of our homes.     That’s a whole other story.  Thankfully, our realtor/buying agent, John Hauber was a trooper through the whole process.  He nearly always answered the phone when I called, and if he wasn’t available, he called me back right away.

During the closing, while waiting on the call from the bank that the funds were there (another long story), my parents recounted their story of coming to the US and how they had to fight deportation.  Stuff I never even knew.  I think I need to start recording an oral history from my parents.

After the closing, we went over to Colorado Springs Utilities to transfer the services.  I have to admit, their customer service was quick and easy that day.  I was impressed.

After that, we went over to the house to start moving in.  Dad and I picked up the truck while Jeff, Kristi and Kylie waited at the new house.  Doug came and we started unloading around 1 PM.  Dani and Auri came by to help out for a while, too.    After helping with the huge treadmill, Doug had to leave to work at the comic book store. which left dad, Jeff and I to finish unloading.  There were just 4 really BIG pieces, my dad’s treadmill, the dining room hutch and top and the headboard unit of my parents bed.  Thankfully my dad rented the appliance dolly - that’s a back saver!  We only had one near disaster when my dad almost dropped his end of the dining room hutch, but I was right behind him and helped him catch it before it hit the ground.  We took a short break around 3 PM to eat pizza and fruit.  We were done before 4:00 PM.  I couldn’t believe it went by so fast. I thought we’d be unloading for a lot longer!  Especially with such a small crew. 

Side note: Yes, Jeff rescued those kids after 3 hours of heavy lifting!  Even more reason he’s a HERO!

My parents had tons of stuff in storage and furniture that was living at various relative’s homes which they recollected and loaded onto the truck.  It was like a time capsule.  The dining room hutch and top were among the first pieces of furniture they bought, right after my brother was born in 1970.  There WAS a matching table and chair set which my brother threw away (yes, Fran, I think Dad’s a little bitter about that still  ).  I remember eating at that table as a child.   The best was the pictures.  Two huge formal family photos…one from the mid 80s (the hair!) and one from a few years later.

We went back to my house to relieve Vikki and check in with the boys.  My mom cooked us beef sinagang for dinner while dad went back to his new house to unpack - his computer, of course!  We all had dinner together and then my parents went back to their new house to spend the night.

SATURDAY
Saturday morning, after breakfast, the boys and I went to their house.  The boys ran around while we spent some time unpacking.  After lunch, my dad set up the TV and we turned on PBS for the kids.   We went downtown and had lunch at Acacia Park, visited Uncle Wilber’s fountain and stopped by the comic shop where Doug was working.  We ended the day trip with a trip to Coldstone Creamery.  My parents went home so my dad could pack for his trip back (he has to go back to NJ to finish his Diaconate classes until June 17).  Around 8, my mom and I drove him to the Denver airport for his red eye flight to NJ. 

SUNDAY
Mom’s staying the nights at our place until dad gets back.  Mom got up early to go to Sacred Heart Mass at 7:30 AM.  Thankfully, she let me sleep in.  That morning, after breakfast, Mom, Doug, Zander, Zevan and I went to Territory Days.  We ran into Lindsey and her family at Bancroft Park, and met up with Candy & Misha over by Meadow Muffins.  It was a HOT day!  We took in the sights for a couple of hours and then headed home. 

We have been busy!  My house is a wreck, and I’m barely keeping up with laundry, but for now, it’s all worth it.  I’m SO excited and thrilled that my parents live here!   

After helping Doug and Andy load the freezer into Andy’s truck, I ran from my mom’s house back to our house, up that *#(@! hill. Man, that hill is killer. It was all I could do to run at all after that. I ran about 1/4 up the hill and fast walked the rest of the wayAfter the hill, I ran/fast-walked another mile (half mile out and back).

After the run we went to Territory Days. No wonder I was so tired that I fell asleep at 9 PM!

I ran 2 miles today in 21:38

Afterwards, the boys and I ran up and down our little road for fun

Tiffany and I had a GREAT work out Saturday night dancing at Eden.  We danced our booties off.  Now, there’s a workout!        For a good part of it, we were the only ones on the dance floor, and even got up on the little stage to dance for the hubbies.   

It’s been a LONG time since we’ve been out.  The last time I went dancing was the last Mom’s night out (we need to do that soon!).  Even more fun - one of the go-go dancers was like a past version of my skinny self, and invited me to come dance on the stage with her   

     KISMET ALERT     
On Friday, Tiffany’s husband John, who is our realtor, dropped off some paperwork for me.  While chatting, I mentioned that we had a babysitter the next night, and John said that he and Tiffany did, too.  That NEVER happens, so I took it as a good omen.  To add to that synchronicity, I called Tiffany from the restaurant at the very moment she was reaching for her cellphone to call me.  Then, when Tiffany told me at The Ritz that she had mentioned going to Eden to John, I told her that I mentioned the same club to Doug during dinner. 

Doug and I had dinner and drinks at Metropolitain  before we met up with John and Tiffany at Sonterra Grill for Stoli Dolies.    We briefly walked through The Ritz before we decided to check out Eden instead.  Much better choice.

Of course, I paid for the late night drinks and dancing on Sunday morning.  I was a little hungover and dehydrated in the morning, so my run didn’t go as well as I hoped.  I ran the first two miles of my run, but walked the rest of the way (a little over a mile).   

I’m wrecked today.    I took a nice long nap with the boys this afternoon 

So, I went for my run Thursday evening, after Doug got home from work.  I ran 2 miles in 20:20…that felt good!  New shoes, new shorts…  it’s all good. 

Today I went climbing with Rachel - nothing too crazy, I was already tired when I got there.  We did climb for an hour, one route after the other, so it was a good work out all around.

So far, so good.  I need to get into the rhythm of things so I can consistently work out.

I sent the last of the paperwork to the lender today for my parents house, and, surprise! my parents sent me a power of attorney, so that I could do the closing for them if need be.  I just want to be done with this whole house business.  It takes up way too much of my time.  My parents are loading up their UHaul this weekend (with the help of family and friends), and will head westward on Monday morning. 

Anyone want to help unload a truck next weekend?     It’s good exercise!  According to Balance Log, one hour of moving boxes and furniture burns 368 calories and one hour of unpacking boxes burns 215 calories.   

Last week, the day after I started my period, I weighed in at 137! That’s right, up 5 lbs!   A week later, at the end of my period, I’m back down to a respectable 132.8. 

So…where’s my motivation squad?!  I need you!  I need help back on the wagon, pronto!  All the stress of being the mortgage/agent/buyer for my parents house here is taking its toll on me.  UGH! 

I’m STRESSED!   

Zevan’s birthday was April 18.  My parents came here April 24-29.  Doug’s mom’s birthday was May 8.  DEEP BREATH

Doug’s birthday is May 17 (tomorrow!).  Doug’s parents are taking us all out to dinner.  This weekend I hope to take Doug on his birthday date night.  We hope to close the house on May 26, which is the day my parents arrive with all their stuff, which means unloading and unpacking.      Calgon, take me away!   

As for me, I took a week off from running, to heal those shin splints.  The boys are pushing my buttons today and I can’t even begin to describe how my afternoon has been.   

So… 

I bought new running shoes today!     And I’m going to run right now.

I slept in until 8 AM…  I got to take a shower without interruption this morning.

The boys helped my husband make banana pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream on top for breakfast.   

I got a wonderful card they created on the computer and lots of flowers. 

Then we went to the zoo today as a family.   On the way there, the boys told me “I love you THIS much, mama” and stretched their arms out wide.  So cute!   

When we got back, we all napped together.

It’s been a great day!

Frackin HIGHlarious! I love it!

From John Bingham’s biography

Through running, I create myself as I have always wanted to be.
Nothing in my experience was as powerful as crossing the finish line of my first race.
With that single step, I overcame a lifetime of unkept promises to myself.

From A Perfect World by John Bingham

Our running shoes are really erasers. Every step erases a memory of a past failure.
Every mile brings us closer to a clean slate. Each footstrike rubs away a word, a look,
or an event, which led us to believe that success was beyond our grasp.

As it turns out, many penguins weren’t running to anything. We were running from
bad habits and bad relationships; from the worst of ourselves in a desperate attempt
to find the best of ourselves. Ultimately we discovered that running was the means to that end.

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” I know I keep mentioning this quote. It has really stuck with me. I went to John Bingham’s website today and felt more and more in tune with this Penguin credo.

I am just so deeply touched by the passages above. Somehow they have struck a chord in me - I get emotional just reading it. Just like climbing, it is just for me. It is a chance to do something I thought I could not do.

Looking back now, I have often used physical accomplishments to get through a bad mental time.

While trying to conceive, it was my list of things: Sing with a band, Run a 5K, Tandem skydive, Take acting classes…

After my 2 miscarriages, I was in the dojo 2 hours a day, 5 days a week.

After becoming a mother of two boys, in order to find myself again, I started climbing again - twice a week, just for me.

So, what is pushing me to run now?

My parents are moving to town, Zander starts preschool in the fall, Zevan is already 2 years old and no longer a baby… the next leg of my journey is starting soon.

The first 5K was really just a fluke. When I finished, with a decent time and still feeling good, I got that same rush of accomplishment of when I get to the top of a solid 5.10 or finally finish a V2 route.

And, other than a good pair of shoes every 3-4 months, it costs nothing to run. I can do it anytime anywhere. I don’t need a gym membership or special equipment. I don’t need a partner.

When I get my run in for the day I feel like I accomplished SOMETHING. For ME.

Wow. I just figured all this out while I typed this. You have just shared in my new discovery, my epiphany, even.

So until I can afford martial arts instruction again, it’s running for me!

I have a new training program… I used SmartCoach at RunnersWorld.com to create it. I used my time from the Garden of the Gods 5K race as my current race time.

I modified the last week so I could get in two rest days before the race. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to run more than 3 miles, but I am going to try.

I think I’m going to run the trails at GOG for my Sunday runs. Notice how I don’t have my running days on the same day as climbing anymore?

I need to buy my new running shoes so I can get started!

LEGEND
Workouts: All runs are Easy, Long, Tempo, or Speedwork
Dist: Total miles for the day
Dist/Time: 9mi @ 9:11 means “Run 9 miles at 9:11 pace.”
Warm/Cool: Warmup or Cooldown. Generally 1 mile each. However, on some days, you must run extra Warm and Cool to reach your distance for the day.
Speedwork: “6 x 800m @ 3:47 + 400m jog” means “Run 6 repeats of 800 meters each, with a 400-meter recovery jog after each repeat.”
Rest/XT: Take a rest day, or do moderate cross-training activity.

Race results have been posted!  Check it out! 

Take 5 In The Garden - 5K Results
Place Div/Tot  Name                  Age Time    Pace   Bib 
===== ======== ===================== === ======= ===== =====
  9    3/24    May Chan              39   26:10  8:26    62
 12    4/24    Tiffany Hauber        37   26:32  8:33   554
 80   16/24    Maida Scott           37   32:53 10:35    85
 89    6/11    Lanel Welsby          47   34:03 10:58   125
101   26/28    Kim Everhart          31   35:41 11:29   382

Remember, the Take 5 in the Garden course is a grueling one, and the St Pat’s course is flat and straightforward.

Quote from: Maida on March 14, 2006, 05:18:39 PM

St Patrick’s Day 5K Results

Place Div/Tot  Name                  Age Time    Pace  No.   
===== ======== ===================== === ======= ===== =====
  45    6/69   May Chan               39  24:35   7:55   201
  81   14/69   Tiffany Hauber         37  26:12   8:26   736
  82   17/72   Jennifer L Bognar      33  26:14   8:27    54
 281   44/69   Maida Scott            37  32:31  10:28   227
 307   52/70   Megan Schwartz         28  33:42  10:51   228
 384   66/69   Candice Jackson        35  39:06  12:35   218

I am actually NOT a runner. Never have been. Doug (we’ve been together 14 years) says, “I can’t believe you are actually running.” I dread it before and while I’m doing it. But I *love* the feeling I get when I finish. Weird, huh?

I saw this t-shirt on someone during the race: “The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” It has stuck with me since then. I googled it and found the book it came from.

Now I’m trying to track down a copy of “The Courage to Start: A Guide to Running For Your Life” by John Bingham. The library doesn’t have it, and neither does my favorite used book store in town, The Book Broker. So, I might have to just pick up a used copy on eBay (because I *hate* to pay full price on anything, even if I could afford it).

Anyhoo, it’s written by a guy who started running when he was an out of shape, overweight, smoking forty-something. His first “run” was down his driveway because that’s all his body could handle. Now he runs marathons.

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”

Take your first step toward fitness and a happier, healthier life.

Has the idea of running crossed your mind, but you haven’t acted on it because you don’t think you have the body of a runner? Have you thought about running but quit before you started because you knew that you would be breathless at the end of your driveway? Well, put aside those fears because you can do it. John Bingham, author of the popular Runner’s World column “The Penguin Chronicles,” transformed himself from an overweight couch potato who smoked into a runner who has completed eleven marathons and hundreds of road races.

Forget about the image of a perfect body in skintight clothes, and don’t worry about how fast or how far you go. Bingham shows how anyone can embrace running as a life-enhancing activity — rather than as a competition you will never win. In an entertaining blend of his own success story and practical advice, Bingham provides reasonable guidelines for establishing a program of achievable goals; offers tips on clothing, running shoes, and other equipment; and explains how anyone can prepare for and run distances ranging from a few miles to marathons.

After all, in running and in life, the difference between success and failure sometimes comes down to a single step. Waddle on, friends.

I need this kind of attitude for running. I’m looking for a little inspiration.

It’s good for me to have concrete goals to work towards. The first two races I have run are part of the five-race Colorado Springs Grand Prix Short Series.

5K on St. Patrick’s Day (March 11)
Garden of the Gods 5K (May 6)
Sailin’ Shoes 5K (June 17)
Grand Prix One Mile Race ( July 1)
Grand Prix Classic 10K (July 29)

It culminates with a 10K run - the jury is still out for me on this one. The idea of running for over an hour daunts me. But, I could add it to my list of things to accomplish before I turn 40. And I *could* walk part of it if I got tired. The idea is to just finish it. I have committed to Sailing Shoes. One step at at time.

Since the race, I’ve slacked a bit.  No exercise on Sunday, but I am climbing tonight.

My eating has been mostly bad.  I haven’t used BalanceLog since Friday.    Last night we went out for Doug’s mom’s birthday with his family, and I drank my fair share of 2 pitchers of margaritas  , plus ate some flan and bunelos for dessert  .  Today I had a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Smore.  The whole thing 

I am going to run the next race in the series, which is Sailing Shoes on June 17. But I’m going to change up my training routine.

I’m going to run on Sun, Tue and Thu so my cross training days will be my climbing days (Mon, Fri) by default.  I’m actually going to try to do some interval training at least once a week.

I’m going to climb now!  I’ll update more later…

I fell asleep last night with Zevan just after 9 PM, and woke up around 4:15 AM.  I worked on updating pictures on the boys’ websites, then started taking a leisurely, relaxing shower…
Mama!  Mama!  Zevan woke up at 6:15 AM, when I was right in the middle of my shower.  He whined the whole time I finished up.     So much for calm preparations for the race. 

After my shower, he wanted to eat, so I put him the high chair with a bowl of Special K Red Berries and milk so I could get dressed.  In order to leave, I had to plop him in front of Thomas the Tank Engine show (Doug was still in bed).  He usually sleeps until at least 7:30 AM, so I don’t know what was up with him this morning.  Apparently, he was inconsolable the first 45 minutes I was gone “Mama, come back!” he kept repeating.

Tiffany picked me up this morning at 7 AM.    So early…

It was so cold this morning that I had on 3 layers plus gloves when we got to the parking lot.    I decided to take off the third layer and keep the gloves.

We met up with May and her friend Kris, and hopped on the shuttle bus to the starting line.  We got our race packets, pinned on our numbers, and got in line for the port-a-potties.  I ran into my friend Lanel and her husband.  I also saw Kim (another West Side Mom) before the race.

May and Tiffany did a little warm up jog.  I just walked a bit and stretched my shins, calves and hamstrings.  I ditched the gloves before the race.  I was mostly worried about the wet pavement.  I *really* didn’t want to slip and fall.

Bang!  We were off!  The first stop sign came up suprisingly fast.  That first big hill, as expected, was the worst.  I fast-walked up the last bit of it, from the main parking lot to around the corner.

The course seemed to go by faster because of all the people distracting me.  I hit mile marker 1 at 11:11 according to my heart monitor (I also averaged about 175 BPM - way high!).

About halfway through the second mile, my shins started to ache.     I walked for a little bit.  Yowch!  I was getting nervous that I wouldn’t be able to finish the race.  I plodded on, running as much as I could.  There was a little jog out and back on the second fork of the course.  It was uphill for about a tenth of a mile.   I hit the second mile marker at 22:47 (avg 170 BPM)

The third mile is a blur of pain for me…my shins really hurt…the cadence now was “ow, ow, ow” with every step.  I fast walked up the hill by the south parking lot.  I remember looking at my heart monitor sometime after 26 minutes, thinking, “Oh, May and Tiffany are already done by now.”  I ran on the downhill, got to the last turn, and I could hear the music from the stands.

“Let’s get ready to rumble…”  doo doo doo deh deh deh doo doo doo doo deh deh deh doo doo doo doo…

My heart monitor said 29:something.  I really wanted to finish close to my St Pat’s 5K time of 32:31.  So I ran my little heart out.  I passed the woman with the squeaky sneaker.  I passed the bearded guy in shorts.  “Run, run, run!” I said to myself (and possibly out loud, I’m not sure).

As I passed the clock, it said 32:something !!!     Woo hoo!

When I got to the little gate where they take down your number, the woman in front of me stopped running cold.  I almost ran into her.  Silly woman!  I called out my number to the guy writing them down.  I don’t know how that all works, but if that woman cost me precious seconds, I’m going to be irritated 

May and Tiffany finished right around 26:something and they were waiting for me, eating bagels and oranges.  I was so psyched to tell them my time!  Woo hoo!!!  They were so excited and encouraging.     I felt really great!  My friend Lanel finished shortly after me, and then I saw Kim right after that. 

May took off with her friend Kris to hike the incline   Crazy woman!

After chatting and some wonderful cinnamon bagels from Panera, Tiffany and I got on the bus back to the parking lot.  On the way home, we hit the Starbucks drive thru for a treat  .

All in all, it was really great!  I’m so glad I did it, and I’m so happy that I finished in the time that I did. 

I still don’t enjoy running.    I just really like the way I feel after I do it. 

I need new shoes.  My shins only started hurting the last few weeks, so I’m sure that’s the problem.   

Oh, and we went to the zoo after I got home, so I got even more walking in.    I’m beat, but I feel very accomplished.  And glad it’s over 

My parents were here last week. In that short week, we found, put an offer on and are under contract for a house for them, found my mom a job at Penrose Hospital, and my dad started the process of diaconate training in the Colorado Springs diocese. They have the closing scheduled for May 26, and they will be here with a UHaul by June 1. Whew!

Meanwhile, I’m coordinating everything here…house inspection yesterday - all other pre-closing stuff, including liason between mortgage broker and buying agent (John Hauber of Hauber Realty).

I AM SO EXCITED THAT MY PARENTS ARE MOVING TO COLORADO SPRINGS!!!

I’ve got no shortage of website work with my current clientele. And the Take 5 in the Garden run is this weekend.

Zander is potty trained for peeing during the day. Not so much for poop. Zevan has been going on the potty on his own. It’s pretty cool. I need to make more effort to capitalize on this, but I haven’t found the time yet. Zevan is talking up a storm. Full sentences all the time. With his cute little voice. I find myself wanting to just hang on to the last vestiges of his babyhood right now. It’s all happening too fast.

Okay! I’m back on BalanceLog. I ran the course yesterday and went climbing in the evening. By watching my calories throughout the day, I was able to eat a slice of pie after dinner and still stay within my calorie budget (thanks to two workouts).

I’ve had my 500 calories this morning, and trying to figure out how to start my weight training. I guess I’ll just pick up those dumbbells and use my exercise ball as a weight bench - just to add some core training while lifting.

Here’s some exercises I found on www.selfmag.com that I am going to try:

http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2005/12/26/050125fiwo
http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2005/12/26/050221chawo_strength
http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2005/12/26/050418chawo_strength

I’m back on BalanceLog. I need to STAY on it.
Oh, and I will go and drink a full glass of water when I’m done typing this!

I’m rethinking my weight goal, too. While I was able to get down to 125 last year, it was a struggle and it wasn’t long before I was back over 130. So, it may not sound like a big change, but my hope is to get to 129 and stay there. I was 122 when I met Doug in 1992. I was 124 when I was body building. I think I’m asking a lot to get back down there after all the changes my body has been through.