Stop and go.

The rainy, windy, raw weather put the kibosh on this evening's scheduled group run. Boo! Hiss! But, we're rescheduling for tomorrow and I really hope most of the runners can still make it. The weather is supposed to be much nicer and more conducive to a fun group run tomorrow.

In other news . . .

I posted a review and giveaway over at my other site. It's for Run Like a Mother, the new book by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea. Great book. I suggest to head on over and enter the giveaway right now! You want this book -- for you or the running mama in your life!

And still more, less exciting, news . . .

I had a really good doctor's appointment this morning. Yay! Since my mom was watching my son, I extended my outing and ran some errands, which included a trip to the grocery store. Not a good idea. I was in a different (and, I guess, wealthier) area and the prices in the store were insane. Yes, the store was lovely. They had some items that my local Hannaford does not carry. But, why were the avocados so pricey? And did the yogurt -- the same Stonyfield Farms yogurt I always buy -- have to be that expensive? Yikes-ola. Glad I don't shop there regularly.

That's it! That's all I've got!

Except for this: VOTE FOR fellow running, blogging mama AMANDA!!!!

Thanks!

~ Felice

The runners.

First, I'm back for real. Owen and I wiped the computer clean and reinstalled the operating system and most of the parts over the weekend. It's not completely back to where it was, but at least the computer works. So, I can function in this computery world we live in. Phew! At some point, I'll make my way through the many, many posts in my reader. It may take a while, though . . .

Second, it's week three of the running group. Woo hoo! I've had one runner drop out and one runner join, so we're still going strong! Tomorrow is the second group run and I'm excited to get out there with these mamas. They are doing great. More than just being proud of their progress, though, I'm proud that they are developing a love of running and that they are seeing themselves in different ways.

They've sent me emails and notes in their training plans and I love reading what they have to say:

"I can't believe that I actually like running!"

"[My run] felt good!"

"I can't believe I can do it and I'm so glad I decided to join your running group!!"

Yay for new runners! Yay for new runners enjoying running!

I love their excitement, love that they are proud of themselves and love witnessing them realize how strong they can be.

I posted this on my FB page and I think it is particularly appropriate for today so I'll share it again:

"Few of us know what we are capable of doing . . . we have never pushed ourselves hard enough to find out." – Alfred A. Montapert

Push on!

And have a great week :-)

~ Felice

You walk, you sweat.

As a runner, I'm not much for walking. Family walks? I'm all for those. Walks with friends? Sure. But, just walks? Walks for exercise? Not really my thing.

Except now. There's just something about being pregnant that brings out the walker in me. It happened with my last pregnancy and it is happening this time around, too.

Yes, I am still running and enjoying it but there are days when I just want to walk. And so I do.

But let me tell you -- this whole walking thing, especially when done at a quick clip, is making me one sweaty mama. Nothing like running (oh, wow, do I sweat when I run), but more than you would expect. Or at least more than I would expect. So, I guess I know I'm getting a good workout, huh? Guess so.

Some days I need to run; I have the energy to run and I do. Other days, though, I don't. And walking is proving to be a good substitute. Come summer -- you know, the super-sweaty season when I'll be huge -- walking will probably become a trusty friend.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

~ Felice

Quickie

I'm a bit at the end of my rope with my computer. It still is barely working -- I get about three minutes at a time on it before something goes haywire and I have to shut down, try to figure out what is wrong and run yet another time-sucking system scan. Only to learn that, yes, of course, I have another virus.

It's lots and lots of fun.

So, I haven't been posting. And I haven't been commenting. My computer won't open blogger, or google reader, or yahoo. Forget about Facebook.

Fortunately, I have a free moment on Owen's computer. And, instead of productively researching the root of my computer problems, I'm blogging. Of course! It is very important to let the internets know that I am alive and not ignoring anyone. My computer just hates me, that's all.

But on the positive side of life --

I had a great 4 mile run yesterday where I gained a new appreciation for hills. Um, why didn't anyone tell me that hills were going to be H.A.R.D. when running with a little bun in the oven?

Holy. Mackeral.

All I know is that if hills are this hard now when I've gained about 3lbs, what are they going to feel like when I've gained 13? 23? 33?

I probably won't find out because my guess is I'll be walking up them by the time I get to 13. I mean, wow. They take my breath away. And I'm normally a hill lover!

So that's running. And my computer news.

I hope you all are having a great week! I wish I could read all about it. Sigh . . .

~ Felice

5 miles away.

On Saturday, I ran . . .

• 5 miles away from the stuffy head that threatened to explode into a full-blown cold;

• 5 miles away from the fritzy computer that makes me want to kick it around the yard, Office space style;

• 5 miles away from the afternoon pregnancy fatigue that really needs to go away already;

• 5 miles away from the blahs;

• 5 miles away from that annoying voice that says, "You can't do it";
  

• 5 miles away from responsibilities and to-do lists;

• 5 miles toward a better me.

Where did you run this weekend?

Have a great week!

~ Felice

Five things Friday, ep. 17.

1. I am absolutely, positively in love with this weather! Sunny and warm -- just terrific.

2. My computer is all fritzy. I'm not going to go so far as to say it is actually on the fritz. Just close. It's been infected by who-knows-what and I spent the better part of a day trying to fix it. My hope is that all of the problems were related to the weird-o trojan that decided to settle in and wreak havoc.

3. Yesterday (another perfect weather day!), I helped a friend from the running group run/walk for 2.5 miles. That's longer than we went during the first group run. There were a few times when I had to change up the day's plan on-the-fly and it felt good to respond to her needs and make it so she was able to complete the full 2.5. After the run/walk, she told me that the last part "really sucked, but in a good way." She was proud that she stuck it out and I think she did a great job!

4. After shouting from the rafters about how great I've been feeling so far in the pregnancy, I'm feeling a little wiped out. I almost feel like a cold is coming on, but there is no way I'm going to let that happen. I'm resting, getting some sunshine, loading up on vitamin C and I will keep whatever it is away.

5. I'm a bit of a crusader when it comes to Lyme disease. The areas that are at risk are growing, which is scary to me. When caught early, the severity of the disease can be reduced but, unfortunately, symptoms aren't always caught. You can read more about steps runners can take to reduce their Lyme disease risk here.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

~ Felice

Time to run.

“I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.” ~William Shakespeare

Yes, indeed. Thank you all SO much for your kind words, congratulations and well wishes on my last post. I should go through life-changing events more often -- I feel so loved! :-)

* * *

I got a little taste of things to come on Tuesday. It was one of those full days that, on paper, has no room for a run. And yet, the weather was terrific and I needed to run. So I made it work. The morning was filled with getting ready, posting to my blog, washing dishes, writing an article, playing with Conal, urging him to hurry up, etc, etc. Then we headed to my mother's house so Conal could spend the afternoon with her while I went to a kids consignment sale (a twice-yearly sale -- it's a big deal with the moms around here). I shopped with purpose, scoring some outfits that still had the tags on them and some key additions to Conal's growing Thomas the Tank Engine collection.

I had played it right and still had just enough time to sneak in a 4.5 mile run before meeting some friends for our monthly night out. Oh, man, am I glad I ran! It was sunny and warm and I ran in shorts and a t-shirt. It felt great. After my run, I followed the lead of some other sneaky runners and washed the sweat off with wet-naps and made myself presentable and -- dare I say, not too stinky -- for dinner.

Dinner with great friends and then home to crash.

It was a jam-packed day (granted, with good stuff but jam-packed never-the-less) but I made time for my run. Days like that make me feel confident that I'll be able to balance life with a toddler and a newborn and my running. I think I can, I think I can, I know I can!

And on that note, I'm off to run in the park (while pushing the toddler) with one of the new runners from my running group!

Have a great day, everyone!

~ Felice

Round Two. Or, the Happy Runner's good news.

If you're a regular reader, you might have noticed that I've been a bit of a slacker the past few months, seemingly off-target for my goals. I've been running by feel, with no real training plan. I've been running lower mileage and slower paces. So if you've noticed, you're right: Based on my mileage over the past 2.5 months, there's little way I'm going to reach my goal of running over 1,000 miles in 2010. And while I'm at it, I might as well scratch that 2010 marathon off my list, too. And forget about a speedy 5K.

But Happy Runner, you may say, it's only March! Don't give up yet!

I'm not. Not really, anyway. You see, I have an excuse for my slacker-ish running. A big one: I'm pregnant!

That's right, come early fall, this happy running mom will become a happy running mom of two. Two kids . . .holy cannoli!

Let me say, I'm very excited. We've wanted to have another child for a while and, well, it's finally happening. I feel great! I'm still running, although definitely slower. But! I can tell you that I was pretty proud of my performance for the 5.7 mile leg of the marathon relay -- an 8:51 pace while in the throes of the fatigue-rific first trimester. To me, that rocked.

And it rocks in general to be out running this time around. My plan is to run for as much of this pregnancy as I can, listening to my body and just enjoying the movement. In the meantime, I get to focus on helping the new runners in my group train for their first 5K in June. Vicarious training, you could say.

So, there you have it. My good news. Pregnant.

Have a great week!

~ Felice

We ran on!

Today was the first group run for my running moms group.

And it was awesome. Awesome.

There were 8 of us for this first run (5 others couldn't make it). Fellow running bloggers Suzy, Amanda and Darlene showed up and led a brand new mom (her baby is only 15 weeks old), Melissa, to a speedier run than she expected. Rock on, Melissa! I lead Bridget, Janis and Jen -- who are all beginner runners -- on a 2.25 mile run/walk. They did a super job! Everyone finished and I hope that everyone was proud of what they did. I know for certain that I am proud of them!

I was nervous on Saturday: The weather forecast for Sunday did not look good. Ninety percent chance of rain and NNE winds with gusts of 30-40 mph. Not ideal weather for the first run of a training session, especially for women who aren't used to running outside.

Someone must have been owed a favor from the weather gods because the stormy weather skipped us by. Yes, the wind was strong at times but we moms were stronger and we ran on!

Here we are post-run (but pre-Starbucks, which was a nice treat!):

Bridget, Janis, Jen, me, Darlene, Amanda, Melissa, Suzy

I already can't wait for our next group run. But first, I need to come up with a name. Every group needs a name, right? Ideas are welcome :-)

Have a great week, everyone!

~ Felice

Five things Friday, ep. 16.

1. I've come to the conclusion that I love Benjamin Cheever. His Strideswas an enjoyable read and I always like his articles and essays in Runner's World. Last night, I finally read his essay in the March issue (I borrow the mag from the library so I'm always behind!) and it was touching. It made me tear up in up parts and chuckle in others. It left me with a hopeful feeling and a plan to go to the library and borrow every one of his books right now.
2. Dorothy the Dinosaur is weird. Watched accidentally, she's now a toddler favorite. What?!?!
3. My run on Wednesday evening was lovely. Truly a lovely run. Perfect weather, easy pace, fading sunset. Lovely.
4. On the trash thing . . . I'm making progress. I'm picking up one or more pieces of trash on every walk and run. It's gross but it is better than looking at the trash, feeling my blood pressure rise, and doing nothing about it. Yes, for real: When I drive around and see loads of trash on the side of the road, my blood pressure rises! I can feel it. Who needs that?
5. I finally got around to joining the Stonyfield Farms rewards program. I go through 3-4 of the big containers of yogurt each week (yes, I eat a lot of yogurt) so I might as well get something out of it. Will it be worth the effort of inputting codes? Not sure. I mean, inputting a code takes only a few seconds and one week in I'm already half way to a free container of Oikos . . . ha! So, we'll see.

Happy Friday, everyone! Have a great weekend!

~ Felice

PS: Have you entered the Words to Sweat By giveaway? It ends on Monday!

Happy and proud.

So, some days you feel fine. Some days you feel blah. Other days, you feel awesome because things like this happen:

A friend has decided to take up running. She's going to train with my little running group for the Freihofer's Run for Women, which will be her first race. Our first training session is Sunday 3/14 but this friend is already all into it.

We were out last night and at one point she leaned over to me and said, "I ran for 11 minutes!" She told me how she was walking as a warm-up and then running for two minutes, walking for one. She's never been much for running but in a short period, she has built up to 11 minutes. She was happy and proud and I felt so happy and proud for her!

We talked about running gear and gradually extending her runs and how I'm convinced she'll start to love running outdoors more than running on the treadmill.

It was just . . . just great. It made me feel excited to see a friend become excited about running. Whenever any of my friends or acquaintances take up running, I remember what it was like when running was new to me. Starting something new, taking on a new challenge -- those can be tough things to do. I'm inspired by people who step up to the challenges that can change their lives, in ways small or large.

I can't wait for the running group to start. I can't wait to watch the runners accomplish what they may not have thought they ever could, whether they are attempting to run for the first time or seeking a better race time. These mamas are going to do it!

This is going to be good.

Enjoy the rest of the day, everyone!

~ Felice

PS: Another week, another giveaway! Fun, fun, fun workout towels -- check them out.

Wonderful weekend.

Happy Monday!

It was a wonderful weekend here in Happy Runner-ville. We had a lot going on, much of it fun, and we were all able to get in some outdoor time to enjoy the perfect late-winter (almost spring!) weather. My guys went to an RPI hockey playoff game. Owen collected sap from the maple trees he had tapped and boiled it down to make maple syrup. We had dinner with friends. Conal made a rain gauge at the (free!) Home Depot kids workshop. We cleaned and organized. And -- yikes! -- we moved Conal out of his crib and into a big boy bed.

Oh, mixed emotions . . .

Best of all, though, I had two gr-r-r-r-reat runs! A 5-miler on Saturday and, because I am just that exciting, a 5-miler on Sunday. It has been a long time since I have felt too warm on a run and this weekend I did. I ran in capris but would have been better off in shorts and a lighter top. Oh, well. The runs were energizing. They felt like spring.

They were also trashy. Since I extended my runs to the "main road," I saw a lot of trash: Beer cans, empty potato chips bags, coffee cups. It was gross. I wish I had been carrying a plastic bag so I could have picked it all up. I grabbed a beer can close to my street but that was all I could do. I may be an anti-litter kind of gal but I just couldn't run with hands full of trash. Plus, I didn't really want anyone to drive past me and think that my running beverage of choice is a nasty Coors Light.

Ugh. But now, of course, I'm planning when I can get back out on the road with trash bag in hand. Man, litter really gets me! I mean, it is really, really easy not to litter. Why do people do it? Ugh, ugh, ugh.

OK, enough ranting. I hope you all had a great weekend! Fun runs in the sun? Races? Trash pick-up? Yeah. Hope it was fun!

~ Felice

Five things Friday, ep. 15.

1. Only 11 days until I can embarrass myself with my poor picks in the March Madness pool (maybe this year will be different . . . ?).
   
2. This warmish weather and all the wonderful sunshine has given me a huge case of spring fever! Hope to enjoy some sunny running this weekend!
   
3. I'm doing some major cheering for Amanda from afar this weekend. She's running Disney's Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World this weekend. Go, Amanda!!!
4. Lots of giveaways going on: Inperspire towel at Tall Mom on the Run; Kalyx bra at Setting You Free; Win detergent and Olympics goodies at 5 Miles 2 Empty; KettleWorx Essentials at Running off at the Mouth. Good luck if you enter!
5. I should probably change this to Four things Friday because every week I struggle with my fifth thing. I must really be that boring! Or maybe my brain is just already in weekend mode. Yeah, that's probably it!

Have a GREAT weekend, everyone!

~ Felice

PS: If you're interested, here's an article I wrote on running safety. So important to remember, especially in light of the recent Chelsea King tragedy. So, so sad.

Not even close to a running post.

Unless you count the tagline, "America Runs on Dunkin'" this is far from a running post. But hear me out.

I had the best morning. Since this was the day after a rotten morning, I needed it. I had nothing on the schedule (a good thing, after a few full days) so I decided Conal and I would take our time in the morning, get in some quality play and then head out to run some errands.

Our first stop was Dunkin' Donuts. We don't normally go to Dunkin' Donuts, especially just on a regular day, but two things drove me to go there: We were out of coffee (and I needed a cup, desperately) and Conal needed something special.

I got a medium black coffee and a glazed donut. Conal choose the chocolate frosted donut with the fancy sprinkles. We sat at a table and indulged in our sweet treats. And they were delicious.

Through lips covered in chocolate and rouge sprinkles, Conal thanked me and told me his donut was so, so good. "This a good treat, Mama."

I don't know, but I almost started to cry. It was just a little outing to the "donut store," as Conal calls it, but it was a big deal. A treat. There will come a day when he probably won't want to hang with his geeky mom and frosted donuts won't seem to be anything special. Today wasn't that day. And I loved it.

~ Felice

Flash!

This is fairly irrelevant but I'm sharing it anyway: I used to have an exceptional ability to identify dog breeds. Back in the day (my NYC, single, working girl days), I worked in pet book publishing and had to attend dog shows, pet trade shows, agility events and -- most of all -- I had to know my American Kennel Club dog breeds.

Most of that knowledge has since left my brain but I can still identify the obvious breeds -- pugs, poodles, westies, weimaraners, etc. And, of course, the lovable Golden Retriever.

Flash is a Golden Retriever and a wonderfully lovable one at that. She's not my dog (in fact, I don't really go for dogs. I've been attacked twice and have a hard time getting beyond that.); she's a neighbors dog. One who always seems to be out for a walk when I'm out for my run.

I like Flash. She doesn't bark. She doesn't jump up on me. When she sees me coming, she bounds over and gives me a little nudge, as if to say, "Hello!" I rub her head and say the same boring thing every time, "Hey there, Flash! Hey, good little puppy!" And then she moves on.

I like that. We have a nice little exchange and then we're done.

The problem is, Flash hasn't been around for months. She was at the doggie hospital and then she wasn't well enough to go outside and I just didn't see her for ages. I would see her owner out for his walks and he seemed a little glum not to have Flash with him.

Last night, though, she was back. I was about a mile into my slow, easy 4-miler when Flash bounded over to me, just like her old self! Her owner and I chatted for a minute and then we went on our way. Seeing Flash back in the 'hood put a little spring in my step and definitely gave my spirits a lift. I had missed her and didn't even realize it.

Welcome back, Flash. See you on the roads!

~ Felice

Leader of the pack.

My running group has come together. Our first group run will be on the 14th and I am very EXCITED about the whole thing! The group is a nice mix of friends, acquaintances and others whom I have never met. I can't wait to share my love of running with them and help them cross the finish line at the 5k on June 5th! It is going to be so much fun.

And now that the Olympics are over, I can actually get back to a normal bedtime schedule and stop staying up so late. This should help me pick my running back up, which really slacked off after the marathon relay (a combination of my body needing a break and my complete inability to turn off the Olympics telecast before it finished for the day, I'm sure). I definitely need to pick up the pace if I'm going to start leading a group of new runners! Well, since last week's mileage was so low (and I mean lo-o-o-o-w) I have nowhere to go but up! That's a good way to start the week, right?

Have a great day, everyone. Don't forget: Today's the last day to enter the Eggland's Best giveaway here. Good luck!

~ Felice