Wind

The wind is blowing. Today's training run required me to run 8 miles with 6-600's (that is one and a half times around the track) at my 5k pace.  Running in the wind is absolutely no fun.  Sprinting in the wind is even worse.

Lucky for me, the 1.5 miles to the middle school track was a breeze (no pun intended), the wind was at my back.  It felt cool on my wet overheated skin.  It brought a lovely scent of cherry blossoms...spring!  It caused the blossoms to fall off the trees and "flurry" about, making it look it was snowing pink.  It gave me a gentle push toward my ultimate goal, the track.

This track is located totally out in the open, giving the wind free reign of its powerful influence.  An American flag blew furiously in one steady direction, signalling to me which part of my sprint would be easy and which section would be a fight.

The first 600, I started at my normal spot...which happened to be directly into the strong wind.  Because of the starting point, I had to run against the wind, more distance than the wind was at my back.

I quickly changed my starting point to give me 400 meters of wind pushing at my back and only 200 with the wind fighting me every step.

The wind literally pushed me along at a faster pace during sections. It was during those times, my heart didn't have to work as hard, my body could keep a steady rhythm and pace. 

When I turned into the wind after rounding the top of the track's corner, it immediately blasted me with its power...pushing me back, trying to get me from reaching my goal.  In order to keep my steady pace, I had to push against the wind with bigger body movements thus increasing my heart rate. 

After one 600, I almost quit.  After three, I felt stronger.  After five, I knew I could beat "the wind."  On lap 6, I was determined to get my fastest split.  Already tired, wind kicking up its strength, and goal in mind, I started to run. 

With the wind at my back, I took advantage of its power and let it push me.  As I turned the corner into its overwhelming strength, I dug, I focused and beat it...by 5 seconds.

Simple as that.


BTW...here are my latest and greatest "Get YOU moving," songs:

TTYLXOX by Bella Thorne
Bang Bang by K'naan and Adam Levine
Knockout by Lil Wayne and Nicki Manaj
Sandstorm by Darude
Part of Me by Katy Perry
Brokenhearted by Karmin

My Hunger Games Review

Sommer and I hit the Hunger Games midnight show last night!  I have never been to such an event, and although I was a bit concerned about the late night and the masses of teenagers...IT ACTUALLY WAS A BLAST!

At 9 pm, Sommer insisted we leave for the theatre.  She was concerned about getting a seat (or missing any of the hype) due to huge amount of texts and twitters from friends who were already camped out (ugh).  I didn't want to dampen her young teen excitement with my old cranky ways, so we compromised and headed out at 9:40.

After picking up my friend Robyn and her girls, we headed to the big event, arriving TWO HOURS BEFORE SHOWTIME! Thankfully, I had Robyn to chat away the time with me (and begin eating our large popcorn).

I loved seeing so many die-hard fans decked out in garb depicting everyone from Katniss to the people of Panem, the Capitol City where the Hunger Games take place.

Excitement was in the air as the movie finally began at 12:01 am...no wait, we first had to watch what seemed like 100 previews that lasted at least 30 minutes.  Not my idea of enjoyment with the late hour!

And then the crowd, roared, "Let the Games Begin!" It was at this point, the camera, while following Katniss on her adventures beyond the gate, was extremely shaky and quite irritating.  I don't know if it was supposed to be an "artsy" moment but geez, it made us all dizzy.

For those that have read the book, the movie followed most of the details without missing a beat.  What did lack was the emotion felt when reading Katniss' feelings.  The movie, went with little dialogue and depended on sullen and concerned faces and few words. This made the movie feel a bit "slow" and let my emotions remain pretty stagnant throughout the movie. 

The actual games were well filmed. I was grateful they didn't take an extremely gory or graphic route with the deaths of the children . But similar to the beginning, I wasn't feeling enough raw emotion that I had felt while reading the book to really "lose" myself in the movie.

Unlike the Twilight series, I LOVED the actors they picked to portray these characters.  Katniss was indeed beautiful but it was understated. She was strong but she was still vulnerable (and believable).  Gale was very good looking. And Peeta...well let me just say...I am now a fan. In the book I pictured him a goofy chubby kid. In the movie, he was strong and handsome.  Both Woody Harrelson and Stanley Tucci gave wicked funny comedy relief! 



I have to take into account that it was after midnight when I was watching the film, I could have been overlly tired thus leading to a "slow" feel. Maybe I will just have to see it again!

What did you think?!

Cherry Blossoms In Washington DC

We are lucky to live so close to our Nation's capitol!  With multiple Smithsonian Museums minutes away (unless there is traffic), we are able to see first hand the history of our world.  It cracked me up on Sunday when my brilliant daughter, Sommer, kept saying that nothing could be real in these museums.  She insists everything has been recreated for our enjoyment.  She said about a 1700's gunboat in the American History Museum, "No way, that is the actual boat!  Who saves those?"  And when checking out the dresses of our First Ladies she said, "Why would Mrs. Obama put her dress in here? Now she can't wear it!"

Each spring, we have the opportunity to head to the Tidal Basin (with millions of other people), to see the Cherry Blossoms.  It is an amazing site, hundreds of trees lining the basin, springing forth radiant pink and white blossoms.

After circling the city for 45 minutes trying to find a place to park, racing other cars for the few we did find (and lost the race multiple times), we finally parked.  Walking toward the National Monument with the sprawling lawn leading to the Capitol is always an amazing site.

Although many of us have one or two cherry blossom trees blooming in our own backyard, we come together, to see the beauty that is created when hundreds of trees showcase their flowers at one time.  I love how nature can do that and even more so, how it brings people together from around the world. Rather amazing, such a simple thing, such as at tree, can unite so many.

It was a beautiful day.

Moving Through a Plateau

Today was a "hill" training run.  It is imperative when one trains for The Boston Marathon, she take some time running up (and down) hills. So today, me and a couple of my friends, hit the Battlefield trails, a perfect place packed with plenty of heart pounding, leg burning hills (and Vanessa made us repeat all of them).

Boston has a lovely set of four "Newton hills," which begin at mile 16 and continue through mile 20-21 with the final hill, and steepest known as, "Heartbreak Hill." 

It is at this hill, you find many runners close to "hitting the wall" (depletion of glycogen stores in the muscles, which manifests itself by sudden fatigue and the desire to curl up in a ball and cry), therefore forcing them to slow down dramatically or even walk their way up to the top of this difficult plateau.

To help those heading up, crowds of spectators line the streets cheering on the runners, loved ones have written words of encouragement on the steep incline, others hold signs, even fellow runners will pat one on the back who may be suffering while whispering a quiet, "You got this!"

Ironically, the first four miles of the Boston Marathon are completely downhill.  While the heart may think things are easy, the legs have been working over time.  And when those steep hills come, they are either ready to climb or ready to quit.

Isn't that funny?  

While many fresh untrained runners make the mistake and blast it during the downhill portion of the race in record time, these same people end up being forced to walk or even stop when the real challenge comes. 

Putting this uphill/downhill battle into real life situations, I wonder how any of us move ourselves along in life and make it to the next plateau.  We trot along, all comfy and cozy...many times unwilling to put in any extra effort to make our way to a higher plateau.  We seem pretty darn satisfied with our current views.  But we know deep down the amazing view we can have if we climb a little bit higher, then higher, and before we know it, our view is simply incredible. 

But yet, some of us aren't moving.

Do we want to simply run a faster race?

If so, we have to be willing to run faster (pump it up a hill, sprint around a track)!

Do we want to be more patient?

If so, we have to count to "10 (or 20, or 50)" more often before we blow our top.

Do we want to lose weight?

If so, we have to eat less, exercise more...

Do we want to learn something new?

If so, we need to take that class, ask that friend and practice.

Or do you want to stay comfortable on your plateau, remaining behind, while others make their climb?

Are we willing to start working so we can get off our current plateau and make the climb to the top of our steep hill?!

I know what it feels like to remain behind...stagnant (isn't stagnant water gross) on the same humpity bump.

And I know what it feels like to push myself and to know I have the ability to conquer each plateau.

Some may take longer than others. We will encounter obstacles, trials that may stop us in our tracks for a period of time.  We may even need a helping hand, someone to cheer, to encourage, possibly even carry us.

But we musn't ever give up...

or take for granted the view we see now, thinking that is enough for us.

Finishing the race is our goal...climbing each hill, even when it hurts and not stopping until we reach the top.

Circle of Mothering Little Ones

(little Ashton is growing in my tummy)

So many nights of babies waking up, feedings, diaper changes.  So many days of singing lullabies and rocking babies, hoping they will fall asleep...for a long time.  Crying, terrible twos, terrible threes (it's true), potty training. 

Reading every book on the subject of sleeping, potty training (EVERYTHING). Calling every friend for advice.  Finding out that each child worked differently...there was no magic answers.

Can't forget mastitis, cracked nipples, leaking, engorged. Clothes not fitting. Clothes fitting, not fitting, fitting, not fitting...so many times.

Waking sleeping babies from naps to pick up toddlers from preschool.  Carrying sleeping toddlers from the car to their beds (hoping they stay asleep during transport). 

Sick babies.  Now waking up at night again. Crying sick baby with four healthy children under 6 in doctor's office getting into everything while we wait upon the doctor.  Doctor explaining protocol for treatment while other children are very loud and disruptive. Gross tasting antibiotics forced.

Traveling on planes to Alaska from Virginia with young children. Spilling drink on only clean outfit on long flights.  Crying on plane while others stare (me and the kids).  Holding sleeping 2 year old while I am in complete pain not wanting to move a muscle so they remain asleep.  Changing a dirty diaper on plane, while you have two other toddlers in tow.  No movies to watch, electronic devices...

Pool trips with bags and bags of supplies. Children don't like snack but stand and stare at the lady's snack next to you.  In the water, out of the water...back in...just had a baby so I am fat.

Church.  Activities packed that resemble a toy store. Children fighting on bench over who gets the last goldfish.  Goldfish on floor smashed into a million tiny crumbs...multiple.  Husband sitting on stand asleep with Bishop.  I struggle to remain calm.  In the halls while 16 month crawls around waiting to turn 18 months....for years.  No nursing rooms. 

First child in school. Second. Third. Fourth. And then it happens...after years of waiting, the fifth finally takes his turn.  It becomes my turn for quiet, cleanliness and calm...and lunching!

Babysitters needed for couples dates, appointments, etc.  Dropping off, picking up, explaining, paying...

Then one child turns 12. Then another, then another.  The younger two can even stay home alone. No need for babysitters....ever again.

Bedtime is quick, enjoyable, easy.  I am now tucked in by two of my older children each night who come to my bedside for a good night hug.

No more children waking up at night, needing to be rocked, consoled or fed.

No more children to bath, brush or dress.

One will begin driving in July.  This will quickly be followed by another (and then 3 more).  A taxi service will be established.

Thinking about this circle of motherhood brings a smile to my face.  Happy because I actually did it!  So many years of tears (mine and theirs), hard work and yet complete joy.

As the circle of "little children mothering"comes to a close, I begin a new circle that will never end...

...their mother (and friend) forever.

Sommer's Sweet Sixteen Surprise

A month before Sommer turned 16, I asked her what she would like to do for her birthday. She immediately said, "I have always wanted a surprise party!  I would love everyone dressed up in fancy attire and dance!" 

And although I was a bit "concerned" because of that silly outrageous and totally over-the-top show, "My Sweet 16" on MTV, I was intrigued with the idea of a big party (we only allow the children a friend party option every other year and they then get the choice of  either planning a party with a $100 budget or $100 cash...lucky for me, I can usually get them to take the cash...especially after they see how much everything costs).

So the challenge was on (I love a good challenge)!  We were lucky enough that Grandma and Grandpa Gair had the perfect venue for our dance party (at their club). Trying to get a "secret" friend list without seeming to obvious was my next challenge. But my biggest obstacle was actually planning the "pretend" smaller party that would happen after her birthday to get her off my back while I was trying to plan the "real" party!

I reserved our spot, planned the menu, invited the guests, kept her off the "trail," worked up the pretend dinner with her grandparents the night of the party, bought her a "party" dress (to wear to the fancy dinner with Grandma and Pop-Pop), contacted my friends for ideas (and was so grateful so many offered their talents), organized the decor (with help), and on and on...I was completely spent (and totally EXCITED!).

I will consider this party as a complete warm up for Sommer's future wedding reception...

AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A LOT OF WORK....IT WAS SO FUN!

A huge thank you to Sommer's amazing Grandma and Grandpa for being the secret accomplices that got her to the party without her having any idea she was having this huge surprise.

And how lucky am I to have such talented friends willing to help me with EVERYTHING from pictures and centerpieces to cupcakes and candy (and everything in between).

Jean for taking fabulous photos that captured the moment perfectly....which Sommer will always treasure.

Jill for making the most delicious and fancied up lemon cupcakes (all 50 of them!) ever.

Holly for sewing table runners, cutting the tissue blossoms, making the Happy Birthday Banner and putting together the flower arrangements (see...it was just like a wedding).

Brooke Stark and Melanie for helping us decorate for the big event.

Kat for dropping everything and helping me print the lettering.

Lauren Pierson (Sommer's buddy) for helping me invite all of Sommer's friends!

And all of her friends for making her day so special!

There were a few times I truly thought she had figured it out and was simply playing along.  And the actual day of her birthday (the day of the big surprise), I felt bad we "weren't doing anything special" for her 16th birthday!

But it was worth everything, when the big moment actually came, all of her friends and siblings hiding, armed with streamers and party blowers, yelled out, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOMMER!" as Grandma and Grandpa escorted her into the room...

...for Sommer's Sweet 16 Surprise (and boy was she ever surprised!)!

Lucky Lady

On March 17th, seventeen years ago, I married my best friend. 

I am one lucky lady.