tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12698422792888770302024-03-06T01:06:49.810-05:00I'm a Sleeper Baker...striving for balance in all things. Including chocolate.Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.comBlogger622125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-60059300346235842642019-01-01T14:14:00.000-05:002019-01-01T14:14:11.051-05:00If it's a New Year, then I write a blog post!This morning on Kathie Lee and Hoda, they asked if you would rather repeat 2018 again, or skip directly to 2020. I thought about it for a bit, then realized that I would be okay with repeating 2018.<br />
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Everyone says how quickly time goes by, but when you look at the events of the year (the Olympics were last January, which seems ages ago!) then the time that passes is mighty full.<br />
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My goals for 2018 were to sleep more and to stop looking back. Well, I was better about my sleep, and taking care of myself in general. I lost a bit of weight, and was happy with my performance in the Mountain Goat 10 miler, a race that is not easy! I trained on my own and ran it on my own, which was different from how I train for the Boilermaker. I <i>almost</i> signed up again for the Goat, I think I'll wait another year or so. I'm still working on staying in the moment, and not looking back, which I think everyone struggles with at some point in their lives.<br />
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Mike had to have major surgery in April, he was pretty sick leading up to it, and it was a relief when he found out what was wrong and had it fixed. He's still dealing with some adjustments, but compared to how much pain he was it, it's a world of difference. I enjoyed my first colonoscopy - NOT! <br />
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We continued to have adventures with L & E, we took them to Boston, NYC, the Jersey Shore and the Adirondack's. No big trip this year, but we are planning a trip with the kids this year, to celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversary! Holy cow, I don't know how that happened. Half the time I have to ask Mike how old I am, if I'm 46 or 47! I have a month before I actually turn 47.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EVlYAaStNxmwgmkkzIfPPamdfQS3KxLV9k_zZ672BAEFXAMBuBEDvsV7D_qRUJt0FEFT9t9K3wx41JFs4LXJN-538Ow6w1CRmaG8I2QZUSxNtT3CyBSWrHPmMM-z8pazb5tmpjrOiZI/s1600/njbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="960" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EVlYAaStNxmwgmkkzIfPPamdfQS3KxLV9k_zZ672BAEFXAMBuBEDvsV7D_qRUJt0FEFT9t9K3wx41JFs4LXJN-538Ow6w1CRmaG8I2QZUSxNtT3CyBSWrHPmMM-z8pazb5tmpjrOiZI/s640/njbeach.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I still enjoy my job, although at times working at a high school can be both a blessing and a curse, seeing the issues the students deal with. Academically speaking, I know what the kids need to do in order to be successful at school and to prepare them for college. But I end up putting unintentional pressure on the kids. I look back at my high school experience, I played field hockey, was a cheerleader, belonged to clubs, and compare it with what L & E do. <br />
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One thing I need to work on is to let L & E just BE. To do the things they want to do, and not fret about it. Parenting is hard, you do whatever you can to raise a happy kid, but at times it can backfire. I realize that sometimes we have to let them make mistakes, so they can learn lessons themselves. <br />
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I'm thankful for all I have, and I'm ready for 2019!! Happy New Year!!!<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-51709306075110637232017-12-31T10:20:00.001-05:002017-12-31T10:20:21.187-05:00See ya 2017<br />
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We've been in a deep freeze all week, with temps below zero at night and hovering in the single digits during the day. My daily uniform has consisted of leggings, jeggings, a cute vest that Mike gave me for Christmas, uggs and a warm hat. At night (which sometimes starts at 4:30) I rotate between three new sets of pajamas. I have been torturing my family with a song that I made up and sing over and over "In my Christmas jammies" which is reminiscent of Will Smith's "Welcome to Miami."</div>
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I am so ready for a New Year. 2017 has given us some great moments, but also some struggles and loses. We lost my dear 97 year old great Aunt Betti, who passed away the day after Thanksgiving. She was smart as a tack and lived alone in her apartment in Queens. She went to mass every day with a group of friends who I met after her funeral. She leaves a huge hole in our family. I was able to see her this summer, I brought the kids for a visit where they swam in her pool and we had pizza from her favorite place (she liked to put butter on the crust).<br />
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In March we had to say goodbye to our best friend and good boy Frank. I'm never going to get over losing him.<br />
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In the spring Mike's Uncle Bobby passed away after a battle with cancer. Bobby was a musician and loved golf and at family gatherings you could find him on the couch watching whatever game was on TV. <br />
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In the spring my friend and Fleet Feet coworker Brendan passed away unexpectedly after finishing a leg of the Seneca 7 relay. I think I worked almost every single shift with him during my years there. He was older than me and we were older than the majority of our team and he loved to talk, about everything! When I picture him I think of him walking out of the store room, with his glasses dangling out of his mouth, boxes of running shoes in his hand.<br />
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Luke and Eliza both started new schools this year, E to middle school and L to Junior High. E is doing well academically, and learning how to deal with drama and mean girls. I do worry about Luke, I remember being 13 and I hated it. He is doing well with grades too, but I get anxious over his navigation of friendships, social media and all that goes along with it. Parenting is hard.<br />
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On Father's Day we welcomed a new friend to our family, Gary the plott hound lab mix! He came from a rescue in Texas. He's been an easy addition, LOVES to cuddle on the couch, and if he hears you open a bag of potato chips he comes running. Gary likes to run about three miles with me, there is a noticeable difference in his puppy energy when he gets to stretch his legs! </div>
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Speaking of running, 2017 has been good to me! After dealing with some foot issues, in January I got a new set of inserts, between those and my Saucony Hurricane's, my feet have never felt better! (Knock on wood). When I ran my 10th Boilermaker in July it was probably one of my best! But for the first time in five years I didn't run a half marathon, which was weird, but I needed a rest. I put my Y membership on hold for three months this fall, I knew I wouldn't get there since it's a busy time of year for us, and I like to run outside. In true form one October day I went for a run, made it a half mile and wiped out, and sprained my ankle. After a few weeks I was back at it, and registered for the Mountain Goat 10 miler next May, a race that I once said I was done with and would never do again.<br />
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In August we took our third trip to Disney World. We can't help it, we love it there lol. We went for six days, rode the Avatar ride twice (which is worth the wait), watched the lunar eclipse, and caught up with my friend Christopher, who has been my friend for probably 30 years! We celebrated Eliza's 11th Birthday while at Epcot, after we rode the Frozen ride, we headed to Paris for pastries, where the servers sang Happy Birthday to her in French!<br />
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We escaped to the Adirondack's as often as we could, and made a couple trips to NYC, and spent lots of time with family!<br />
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We welcomed two new additions to the family, baby Phoebe in November, and baby Theodore arrived just in time for Christmas! I think he's blowing me a kiss here:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2017 has given me much to be thankful for. </span></b></div>
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Now it's time to look forward to 2018. I want to be better to myself, and the most important thing to do is get more rest. I tend to stay up too late, because after I get everything done each day I like to have some time to myself. I must realize that the time to myself must be spent sleeping. I also need to stop looking backwards at times, to let that stuff go and move on. </div>
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I am very lucky to have a family, friends, home and job that I enjoy. </div>
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The possibilities are endless. </div>
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<b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!</b></div>
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-31160950856999863232017-11-07T21:39:00.001-05:002017-11-07T21:39:49.709-05:00Be Mindful, even when your mind is full<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">There are times when I am in the midst of my day, driving home on a pretty fall afternoon, thinking of the next thing that needs to be done, and I look around and realize, I am in the life that I hoped for. How lucky is that?</span><br />
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I recently attended a session at work on mindfulness, where you try and be as present as possible in each and every moment. To appreciate and absorb all that is around you while life, quickly goes on.</div>
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When you have children, you notice how fast time passes even more, as Luke is now a teenager, and Eliza is in middle school. This phase in their lives has been the hardest so far. Looking back at the time when Eliza had colic and didn't sleep for seven months, was a cake walk compared to these teenage years. I have had memories of my own junior high experience, of mean girls and boys and pressures to do well. My kids now deal with the same thing, but with the addition of social media and all the crap that goes along with it. I'm trying to figure out the line between helping them out with things to having them learn to advocate for themselves, or just put their dirty clothes in the hamper. My problem is that it's easier for me to just clean up after them, because I feel like I sound like such a nag, or a broken record. I gave up reminding Luke to put on deodorant or putting his rubber bands on his braces, instead I made a check list of what he needs to do in the morning and stuck it next to his bedroom door. </div>
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I guess my whole point is that Mike and I are trying hard to raise good kids, while stressing the importance of family. There are so many layers to life, school doesn't last forever, and you always have your family behind you.</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_979448001" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">In two weeks</span></span> it will be Thanksgiving, with a new year rapidly approaching. 2016 has had it's own set of challenges, and ups and downs, but I really want to end it on a high note. I need to focus a bit more on self care. When school started in September I put our YMCA membership on hold until December. I can't tell you how much stress that relieved as we got into new routines, I didn't have to rush to the Y to fit in a workout. Instead my plan was to run with our new dog Gary after school and enjoy the fall weather. Of course in true Molly style, one <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_979448002" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span> I went for a run, made it a half mile before I wiped out, rolled my ankle on the side of the road, cut open my knee and bruised my hand. It's been a month and I think I'm ready to give it another go, I've been keeping up with getting over 10,000 steps a day, but that's about it. </div>
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So it's Monday, and time for another re-set. I went back to intermittent fasting when school started, and I think that has prevented weight gain since I couldn't run. But after sampling Halloween candy all week, I'm cutting sugar, just until Thanksgiving. Things work better for me if I make small goals, one at a time. But I do need to get more sleep, I've been going to bed way too late for someone who has to get up at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_979448003" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5:45</span></span> each day. I feel like a completely new person when I get a decent night of rest. Now that daylight saving time has arrived, it's time to hit the treadmill in my pain cave. Get back to planks, squats and all that jazz. </div>
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I miss this blog, so I'll be back, and let you know how it goes. </div>
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M. S. B.</div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-14390706965632640392017-04-05T16:58:00.001-04:002017-04-05T22:34:05.782-04:00My Frank<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">F</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">rank was a huge presence in our lives, mine in particular. I found him on a rescue website, he was 12 weeks old and came from a kill shelter in Georgia. I was drawn to him right away, I went to meet him at the foster home with my sister in law Jeannine. As soon as I walked in, he broke away from the other dogs and came right to me. I picked him up and he immediately stuck his nose in my neck, like he was saying "You. I choose you." </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was love at first sight.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I never thought I would feel a loss as hard as I feel this one. Mike said to me last night that he keeps thinking that Frank is going to come back from where ever he is. Everywhere I look I expect to see him, and it's impossible to go for a run or walk in my neighborhood. The other day the dog down the street stood at our driveway, staring at the house, looking for Frank.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Frank had been a bit off the last two weeks of his life. One day he didn't want to go on a walk, I had to pick him up to take him home, which had never happened before. That boy loved his walks! His appetite also went down, but he kept drinking water. Just when I was about to call the vet, he was his normal happy self. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The second weekend of spring break, we went to the ADK, a place that made him so happy. He was not himself, and I got nervous. Looking back I wish I snuggled with him more, we were there with my niece and brother and sister and law, and he snuggled with us all. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2042398476" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> I decided to call the vet, but when I went home for lunch, he was much better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He got better as the week went on, we went for walks and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2042398477" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Thursday</span></span> Mike grilled him a chicken breast, and I took a video of him barking and running out to the deck. I sent it to my niece and sister in law and said "Frank is back!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2042398478" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> morning I let him out like I usually do, and as Luke walked out the bus I couldn't find him. I ran around yelling for him for a few minutes, and I got nervous. I finally went back towards the house, and h<span style="color: black;">e was sitting at the front door, wagging his tail and watching me run around the house yelling his name.</span> I texted Luke that I found him and everything was okay. I didn't go home for lunch that day since Frank was doing better. I regret this so much. When I came home from work at the end of the day, he was his normal self, so we took a walk. For some reason I went a slightly different way than our normal route. We came home, and we got ready for Eliza's violin concert. Right as we were ready to leave, Eliza couldn't find her violin, so I was running around the house and yelling as we looked for it. Frank was laying down, but sitting up in front of the sliding glass door in the kitchen, just watching me. As we ran out of the house I looked back at him, and yelled out "Bye Frank!" I usually pet him goodbye but I ran out of time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A couple hours later we came home, Eliza stayed at school to watch a movie. The house was quiet. We are always greeted by Frank barking. We came inside and couldn't find him anywhere. Luke and I ran outside, Mike checked everywhere, and he finally found him laying in the downstairs bathroom. He wouldn't move but he was awake. I kept yelling to him. I think he might have been drinking out of the toilet, and had some kind of episode. I called the vet, and since it was <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2042398479" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:00</span></span> they said to call the ER, which I didn't realize was close to our house. Mike carried him to the car, and I held him in the backseat and kept talking to him. He was completely limp. I knew something was horribly wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Once we were at the vet, we quickly learned that he was critical. The doctor said he had a belly full of blood, and what looked to be a tumor. It looked like it had spread to his brain, or that he had a bleed on his brain. They were not able to operate. I asked the doctor if I had called two weeks ago when he was first acting weird, if it would have changed anything. She said no. We look at those two weeks as a gift.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We decided to end his suffering. Mike went to the school and got Eliza so she could say goodbye. I felt horribly that Luke had to see everything from start to finish. I stayed with Frank to the end. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As we work through our loss, we decided to write down everything we could think of about Frank. We miss him so much, and always will.</span></div>
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=625579b20a&view=fimg&th=15b3fe755da75edd&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ8gwFDOCOw0nMsUvSwFNPSqh2KUbXJ02FbofuqsdAcAyLbSuCM--nPkiZKkx0UlZpeeT6s7_AGgzmNDfz0djoL_3BNZkiXVFq5I-UVu2a1FZZ_Uwd3k5yRhVEA&sz=s0-l75-ft&ats=1491425781015&rm=15b3fe755da75edd&zw&atsh=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=625579b20a&view=fimg&th=15b3fe755da75edd&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ8gwFDOCOw0nMsUvSwFNPSqh2KUbXJ02FbofuqsdAcAyLbSuCM--nPkiZKkx0UlZpeeT6s7_AGgzmNDfz0djoL_3BNZkiXVFq5I-UVu2a1FZZ_Uwd3k5yRhVEA&sz=s0-l75-ft&ats=1491425781015&rm=15b3fe755da75edd&zw&atsh=1" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When I would come downstairs in the morning, he would be curled up in the corner of the couch like a deer. When I would come close to say good morning, he would twitch his tail, then slowly tap it in greeting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He would come running out to the car when I came home and run up to the open car door before I even got out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved to lay in front of the heat vent under the kitchen sink, I would do the dishes around him so I wouldn't disturb him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When Mike would come home from work, his tail would wag rhythmically, tapa tapa tapa against the cabinet door and it would beat along with him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I would sit at my desk and type with him sitting next to me. Then I would feel him staring at me, which meant he wanted to go out or go for a walk. If I kept ignoring him, he would reach out and pull on my arm, to let me know It Was Time to Go Out!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We would run during the summertime at camp, or run behind the golf course, and black flies would swarm around us and his ears in particular. I would take his leash and sort of swing it around in a small circle around his ears, and try to get them to fly away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we ran and it was hot out, if we reached a patch of grass, he would dive into it and lay on his side to cool off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He was lazy about kisses. He would give them to Daddy easily, but I would have to ask for a kiss right in his face, and then he would give me one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We sang two songs about him" Franka Frank, Franka Froo, Franka Fank, Franka FRANK FRANK FRANK FRANK!" And the He's a Dog Song, which got louder and louder with each verse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Luke and Eliza's friends called him Frankie Doodle. Uncle Chris called him Francis. Uncle Rob called him Frank The Tank. He has such a shiny coooat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He would rest one paw on your foot if he felt like it. He had to touch some part of you if he was next to you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He had a nick taken out of his right ear, and it would stay down when the other ear would go up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I loved to smooth them both down at the same time as I petted him,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved to eat. He loved the sound of the opening of the deli meat bag,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Every night at 7:00 he would let us know he was ready for his peanut butter bone. Mike and I both had to give him one, he would trot off to the living room with his tail wagging. After he was done, he would come back into the kitchen. Mike would ask "Did you want to Show Me Something?" He would walk you over to the treat box, and wait for you to give him one. When Daddy gave him a treat, he had to go over to the living room rug, and lay down, if he had a paw on the hardwood, he had to back up. When I gave him a treat I would say, Sit, Shake, Lay Down! And he would do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When he was a puppy, we had people over, and I looked in the dining room, and he was standing on the dining room table, and his face was in the bowl of greek salad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Another time we had two blocks of cheese on a platter on the table, he jumped up and ate them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Another time he took a chicken thigh off the counter and swallowed it whole. We fed him a bunch of rice so that it would pass through his system okay.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved pizza crust. As he would watch me eat, and I got near the end, he would shift himself and get impatient because he knew his chance to get something were coming to a close.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He was the Bacon Bandit! He once ate a whole plate of it up at camp, one minute it was there, the next it was gone. He loved steak, but his favorite was Filet Mignon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He once got into the box of treats and we had to put a hand weight on them to keep the box closed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved to lick the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Another time he ate while so excited, and inhaled so much food Mike had to give him the Heimlich.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He used to make Rmmrmm noises as he ate. He would drop his food on the floor and eat it that way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved the sunshine. He would politely wait at the sliding door, and when I would go to open it, he would look up at it and wag his tail so happy to go outside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved to lay in patches of sunlight, especially the front door.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved to stretch out and lay on the deck on the bench in the sun. He would sigh with contentment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Up at camp I would go outside to read and he would go with me. If I went inside for water or a snack he would bark to come in. Once he was in, after a bit I would go back outside and sit down. Then he would bark to come out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved to run with me in the campgrounds, he loved to drink the cold stream water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He LOVED to swim, I can hear the splash/clomp as his feet went into the watter,and he would try to eat it. When he was deep enough he would use all four legs to swim and his nose above the surface of the water made a sound as he exhaled. Once he got out of the water he would walk a bit, then puke all the water out on the road.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When he got off the couch to stretch, he would then lay on the floor and sort of throw himself down and roll to the side, exhale and sleep.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved to stand in the middle of whatever game the kids were playing. He would stand there wagging his tail and just look at me if I asked him to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He followed me into the bathroom. If the door was partially closed he would look in, then nudge it open and come in. If it were my bathroom, he would turn around and jump on my bed and wait to see what I would do next.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved Daddy's blue and grey suede work gloves, he would find them and run off with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When Daddy was on the deck with him, he would say to Frank every night, "you know you make me very happy."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We would sit and wait for the school bus in the afternoon, I would sit on the step, he would lay down at my feet. Sometimes I would bring him to the bus stop. If he was inside he would lay down in front of the screen door with his head level to look out and watch us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we were on a walk and a dog would come up, he would sit, then lay down as they walked by. Little dogs made him nervous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I loved the bone at the top of his head, I would pat it down, and rub under his chin that was going grey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved to lay on the deck at camp, his head would make a thud as he laid himself down. He also would dig a hole under the deck so deep that he could stand up underneath. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He drank out of the stream. He loved to wander in the woods.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When he ran his ears would be back and he would trot along in a perfect rhythm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He got so excited when I started to get ready for a run, especially my shoes. He would hear my garmin turn on and come running.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved all our shoes, he would knock you over and kiss your face as you tried to put on your shoes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He loved to look out the guest room window, and Luke's bedroom window, and the couch so he could keep an eye on outside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Daddy blew the deck off with the leaf blower, and cleared a path so that Frank could have somewhere to go in the snow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If he laid on the leather couches in the dark, you couldn't see him because he was a black doggie.We loved how he smelled, and his coat was so shiny and soft. He had a very shiny coat, he smelled like Frito's sometimes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes if you let him out, he would stand in the front yard, then just lay down like that' where he was going to hang for a while. He would go in the bushes in the front yard and chase whatever was in there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When he needed to go out, he would sit patiently by the door to the garage until we noticed him, he would look up with just his eyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Frankie want to go out? go OUT? and he would look at us sideways. To get him to come back in I would say Frankie want some ham?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I would tell him to go get that squirrel to get him to go out, he would bark like crazy. He loved to run around the house outside as fast as he could in a circle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I called him Mommy's Baby, Mommy's Last Baby. "Say hello to Frank" Hello to Frank!! I would pet him and say "He's a baby, he's a baby dog!" Mike would say "He's a good boy Mommy" I would say "yes he's a very good boy Daddy!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He would get between us when we would kiss, he would nudge us or jump up on us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He would bug out when we were packing up for camp, he would jump in the car before it was time to go so that we wouldn't leave him behind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He could smell deer as we got closer to camp and would get worked up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He liked to lean into the front seat of the car and see where we were going. He would be asleep in the back and if Mike slowed down he would come up front to see what was going on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If a doorbell rang on TV, he would freak out. When someone showed up at the front door, he would start barking, we would say "Bathroom!" he would go in there and keep barking, and watch us as we closed the door.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We couldn't say "here" or else he would bark, we had to use code words. If we came home and saw our shoes all over the place, we knew someone had come over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He would be a bit unsure when we dropped him off at Kountry Kennels. I would go in his pen and set up a bed for him, I always felt sad leaving him there, even though it was only once or twice a year. When we would come and get him, he would hear our voices and start barking, and be so ready to come home. On the way home, he would fall asleep in the front seat because he was exhausted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When I was going downstairs I would say "Frankie lets go" and he would come next to me, and run down the stairs with me. He had to go down the stairs with his back right leg up in the air, that leg used to bother him sometimes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Aunt Ali, Uncle Chris, Aunt Meagen, Uncle Darrell, Erin, Juliet, Caroline, Grandpa Sleeper, Donna, Uncle Rob, Aunt Jeannine, Alyse, Aunt Tina, Uncle Norm, Nate, Olivia, the neighbors on the street, my running friends, my Fleet Feet friends, and so many others, all loved Frank.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Grandma and Grandpa Baker loved him, Grandpa especially. He wasn't keen on too many dogs, but he liked Frank. He once took Frank on a small hike at camp, which was a big deal. After his stroke, Grandpa was fine with Frank jumping up on him to give him a kiss.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We would ask if he wanted to go for a ride. If he saw Mike getting ready to go somewhere he would hover and when Mike would say, let's go, he would race to the car. He loved to go and drop the kids off at summer rec.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He once jumped out the living room window when religious people rang the doorbell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He jumped into the trunk of Daddy's new car right when he brought it home</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When I would turn my garmin on, it would beep and he would come running,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He chewed the metal around the window on the deck, there are teeth marks from where he ripped it off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He always found a pillow, and would flip it around until he got it just right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If we were outside, and he was inside he would bark and bark because he wanted to be out too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We would go in the garage and he would come with us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He didn't like the cold because he was from Georgia,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He didn't like the rain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He didn't like the wind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He liked the snow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we heard his toes tapping on the floor while he walked, we knew it was time for a nail trim,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He was so funny at Petsmart when they put the collar on him to trim his nails, he would keep his ears back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He would come into the kids rooms and jump on their beds as we said goodnight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He would always lick the inside of Luke's mouth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whenever daddy wanted to relax Frank would jump on him like a maniac</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Frank would always snuggle with Grandma Rohan, she always gave him a slice of American cheese.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Frank ate grass and threw up after.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Frank almost ate a cicada but it buzzed in his mouth before he let it go</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He did not like the owls in our backyard, and he didn't like the vacuum. The UPS man and postman drove him nuts!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We have dings on the floor where he dropped his bone, and toe scratches on the bathroom door.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Frank was the best dog in the whole world.</span></div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-75037565068416815442017-02-05T17:04:00.000-05:002017-02-05T17:04:33.139-05:00Intermittent Fasting: Weeks One Through Seven<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipJrVRhBuOkvuXM8yRwEmx9eYCXZyxYxmqs4C3hijjHMZqYqSNJVz_imkL2K-hAHBWKJ1Y8c5PjWqEG4yHGVdIfI4LOH7zHd7EGMKz9ZJq8oxcKkV3Pv6_ifq7BAp_LR9MPqDI7vgnrw/s1600/SU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipJrVRhBuOkvuXM8yRwEmx9eYCXZyxYxmqs4C3hijjHMZqYqSNJVz_imkL2K-hAHBWKJ1Y8c5PjWqEG4yHGVdIfI4LOH7zHd7EGMKz9ZJq8oxcKkV3Pv6_ifq7BAp_LR9MPqDI7vgnrw/s400/SU.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockin' the pants for Boeheim's 1,000th win</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is the first time I have attempted Intermittent Fasting to lose weight. I have tried: low carb, low fat, no sugar, cabbage soup diet, writing down what I eat, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, watching what I eat, and exercise. Over the past two years I have put on almost 30 pounds, due to family and work stress, early menopause, chocolate, and wine. I finally got fed up after Thanksgiving, and really wanted to feel good for my 45th Birthday. A friend of mine has had success with IF, so I figured, What The Heck, lets try it for a few weeks and see what happens.<br />
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At first the idea of not eating for several hours at a time was daunting. Then I looked at what I ate for breakfast, and brought to work for lunch. My bag was full of snacks for when hunger struck, carrots and hummus, trail mix, cheese sticks, apples. This is in addition to the turkey sandwich I ate at lunchtime. Then the piece of chocolate I had in the afternoon for a treat. <br />
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The funny thing is, even with all this food, I was really hungry in between. Then a light bulb went off, and I figured, if I'm going to have a grumble in my stomach, just let it grumble, and not feed it.<br />
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The week before Christmas I decided try to IF. I googled and went on Pinterest and read about the three different methods to fast. Fasting has been practiced for various reasons other than weight loss, during a fast insulin levels drop, human growth hormone increases, cells repair themselves, and hormones regulate. <br />
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I decided to fast for 16 hours and fit my food into an eight hour feasting period.<br />
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The first thing I do in the morning is drink water, followed by one cup of coffee. I put a tablespoon of natural creamer that is 30 calories in my coffee. Apparently if you stay under 50 calories, your body will remain in a fasted state. There are recipes to add grass fed butter to coffee, to help the body feel full as you fast, but I haven't tried that yet. I drink a great deal of water, between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m I drink 50 ounces.<br />
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I tend to break the fast around 2:00. Mike and I eat dinner late, a habit that we formed when we were living in NYC, So if we eat at nine, I don't eat again until 1:00 the next day. Every day is different, it was tricky to try this type of eating during the holidays. The first few days I was really hungry. But I kept busy and during my lunch hour I went to the library or did errands. As my co-workers brought in treats, it was easier to avoid them completely, instead of having a little taste that kept me yearning for more. <br />
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After Christmas break I looked forward to getting back to a routine, it was easier to be at work with no temptations. When it's time for lunch, I have an apple or a salad to start, then eat whatever leftovers we had the night before. I still have a cookie or chocolate for a treat, as well as wine with my dinner. I didn't restrict any foods, I wanted to see how my body reacted to fasting alone. My plan was to try fasting until January 31st, my birthday.<br />
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I started to feel lighter, less bloated. My skin looked clearer. I have been working out when I can, on the weekends I go to the Y before I eat lunch. If I can't fit a visit during the week, I walk on my treadmill or walk the dog. I am still waiting for my new orthotics so I can't run, but I have been using the step machine or the elliptical, followed by whatever weight machine that is available. This is a busy time of year at the Y!<br />
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Last week wasn't the greatest workout wise. We went to the SU game at noon on a Saturday, we had passes to the free beer and snack tent, which was fun. My birthday was a few days later, which meant not one, but two birthday cakes. I had PTA meetings and dinner out with a friend another night, so my Y visits and walking did not happen. <br />
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That said, I have definitely lost weight. I wore jeans to work the other day, not my size 12, not the size 10, but the 8. Granted I had a muffin top but I wore a sweater. I put out my clothes for work tomorrow, not the size 12 dress pants but the size 10. I wore a dress last week that I hadn't worn since Thanksgiving, it was noticeably looser, I'm not going to get on the scale, because I don't want anything to mess with my momentum. I have a long way to go, and I know slow and steady is better, so I'm going to continue IF until April Break. I usually go for my yearly check up then, so getting weighed then is unavoidable.<br />
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I am hungry during the day, and there are moments when I am STARVING, but I drink water or have decaf tea, and the moment passes. I thought my energy would drop, or I would feel lightheaded, but it hasn't. Although when it gets close to lunchtime, I am more than ready to eat, but when I look at the clock and see that I have a half hour to go, that time is nothing.<br />
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I do need to be much more consistent with my workouts. I get up at 5:45 so there is no way I'm working out before work. After I get E off the school bus, I'm heading back to school to get L from swim practice which narrows my workout window even more, as I have to make dinner and so forth. But there is a way and I will figure it out.<br />
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I also need to focus on my diet. The daily chocolate (Christmas and Birthday leftovers...don't get me started on Valentine's Day) needs to be more of a weekend thing. I do feel fuller sooner than I used to, so maybe my stomach is shrinking. There is even more meal planning now, to make sure I fit enough of the right foods into that 8 hour window. <br />
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I feel good, which is more important than anything, and will keep in mind that summer bodies are made in winter. <br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-72222676514098430762016-12-31T16:03:00.002-05:002016-12-31T16:03:55.116-05:002016: It Was All About My FeetHere I sit, in sweaty gym clothes after working out, shoveling the driveway, and cleaning my house. I get a little OCD about greeting a New Year, so things need to be in order before I can relax, pop some champagne, and break out the 7 layer dip.<br />
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This year didn't fly by for me. It was full of all sorts of things, new and old, and as I look back I can really say I gave 2016 my all.<br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=625579b20a&view=fimg&th=159568b966a9785e&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ_SOrWsNuQUbFd4S9CMsl6qrBJUvAfUyVQQ2beYLiU0FqnzLNulxroqfoOGbpsqPj1o_AgJRDXNqMvURm6vehqvqJSs4SS76aCFWfV4Ag-xgoVNJZZl_Ara0Xw&sz=s0-l75-ft&ats=1483217677052&rm=159568b966a9785e&zw&atsh=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=625579b20a&view=fimg&th=159568b966a9785e&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ_SOrWsNuQUbFd4S9CMsl6qrBJUvAfUyVQQ2beYLiU0FqnzLNulxroqfoOGbpsqPj1o_AgJRDXNqMvURm6vehqvqJSs4SS76aCFWfV4Ag-xgoVNJZZl_Ara0Xw&sz=s0-l75-ft&ats=1483217677052&rm=159568b966a9785e&zw&atsh=1" width="298" /></a>The biggest change for me was to start a new job. I left the fitness industry and started subbing as a Teacher Assistant in my district. I mostly split my time between two schools, and I really got to know the kids, I still miss some of them. As spring arrived so did another opportunity, this one at the high school, I'm now in a full time position that I really enjoy. It's nice to be in an office setting again, to dress up, although there are times when I miss my sneakers.<br />
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Speaking of sneakers, I wouldn't be me if I didn't deal with some kind of running injury. The year started out well, I ran the Seneca 7 with 6 other friends, we covered 77.7 miles, my three legs added up to just over 11 miles. Running around Seneca Lake was beautiful, but I feel like I spent the day waiting on line for a porta-john, or eating! After that race I could tell it was time to update my Saucony Hurricane's, but a size 11.5 is hard to come by. I also couldn't justify spending $150 on new kicks when I have so many shoes from working at a running store. I ran the Boilermaker 15k, and kept swapping out different shoes, but none could compare to the Hurricane.<br />
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I stepped up my training for the Wineglass Half Marathon, which takes place in October. By August my right foot was really bugging me. After one long run in August, I came home limping, and kept limping for about a week. I figured it was plantar faciitis, and went to PT. Where I discovered that I had dislocated my cuboid bone, which was why I could barely walk! My right foot is very weak after breaking that ankle three times, my foot couldn't take the pounding anymore. I went to PT where they used the Grafton's Technique to break up all the scar tissue, and I went ahead with running the Half. Which was stupid, but I had my hotel reservation, and didn't want to lose my spot in a popular race. PT taped up my foot, and it was okay until mile 11, where I pretty much limped to the finish. I took my first visit to the medical tent, where they taped it again and told me it was time for a rest.<br />
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Rest I did, going back to PT, then the chiropractor, where I had gotten my orthotics made. The orthotics really weren't feeling right. Chiro didn't help so I sucked it up and went to the foot Dr. Where lo and behold an x-ray showed an enormous bone spur that was pulling on the fascia, and causing nerve damage. Whoo hoo!! I have to go back next week to get a set of new, rigid orthotics that should get me back to running. <br />
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Running?!? Yes, running! I've come to the conclusion that I can't run long distances anymore, my foot just can't take it. So no more 26.2 or 13.1, my longest is going to be the Boilermaker 15k. I figured if I'm smart, and keep mixing things up at the gym, then I can get back on track again.<br />
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Oh, and getting back on track also means to drop weight. <b>Again.</b> Early menopause is no joke, the weight comes on and stays on. I was taking hormones to give my heart some protection, but in April I stopped them completely. I was getting such bad migraines that I had to do something. I recently had a physical and blood work done, all my numbers are good so I'm going to do what I can to stay heart healthy. <br />
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Which brings me back to the weight issue. I tried something new a few weeks ago, Intermittent Fasting. The way I do it, is fast for 16 hours and fit my food into an 8 hour stretch. It's not as hard as I thought it would be. I'm hungry all the time normally, so I figured why eat something if I'm still going to be hungry? I skip breakfast but have coffee, eating my first meal at 1:00 p.m. December had it's challenges, I did have Christmas cookies and wine, but my clothes are feeling better. I'm going to continue for the month of January, and after the 31st (my 45th!?!? birthday) I'll reassess and figure out my next step.<br />
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My goals for 2017? Add some more adventure! A trip to the Outer Banks made me miss living by the beach so much, it prompted Mike and I to really think about where we want to be in the next 10 -15 years. We're getting the kids their passports and have our third trip to Disney World planned for this year,<br />
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I'm closing out 2016 with a new sense of optimism and hope for the New Year. I hope to be a good Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and Friend. I am thankful for my world and all it contains.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!</span></b></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-28489122025699887042015-12-31T11:37:00.003-05:002015-12-31T11:37:42.338-05:00What I learned from 2015 <br />
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I know that time flies, and every Christmas we ask ourselves, how is it December already? How is a New Year already upon us?<br />
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I'll tell you how. Go through your iPhone and delete 530 photos to free up some memory, and you will see all the moments that made the year fly.<br />
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Every year I have good intentions to better myself, and I can finally take a deep breath of satisfaction knowing that in 2015 I did just that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLEFwO9UP3WwV-nh8Crt1KlRkOgTrTMaj8Xy_ciphCKhOG0zkdihlBqECXr0g_KLpsCmB2OmcbuAKeQqf55KKcBG-IYmMWnH6ZWo6sM2o-7qSZBPImQp5C1yr3Egc5Y2h1iuzFb2LNh0/s1600/IMG_20141121_090952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLEFwO9UP3WwV-nh8Crt1KlRkOgTrTMaj8Xy_ciphCKhOG0zkdihlBqECXr0g_KLpsCmB2OmcbuAKeQqf55KKcBG-IYmMWnH6ZWo6sM2o-7qSZBPImQp5C1yr3Egc5Y2h1iuzFb2LNh0/s400/IMG_20141121_090952.jpg" width="400" /></a>Since I blog mostly about running, I am happy to say that I got back on track, after healing a broken ankle and bulging Achilles tendon. I conquered my favorite Tipp Hill Shamrock run without incident or pain. Which lead to a hot but happy Boilermaker 15k, then to my first dusty, tricky, yet successful Old Forge Half Marathon trail run. <br />
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Since the half I took some time off from running, and after joining our local Y, focused on mixing things up. The one rule I have for myself is that I need to do something different every time I go. I am focusing more on strength training, and less on the machines. It takes great effort for me to limit times on say the elliptical for only 30 minutes and challenge myself with other things. I must say I absolutely love the star climber, 20 minutes on that and I am a puddle. <br />
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After four months of this, my fat jeans are falling off me, and I had to return my Christmas presents for smaller sizes. I have yet to get on the scale, and I don't want to. Putting on my 2 sizes smaller skinny jeans are enough proof that I'm doing well. The key is, to keep up the activity whenever I can. This isn't a short term thing, it's going to be for the long term. I would like to drop ten more pounds, which I'm confident I can do.<br />
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I do have a bridesmaid dress hanging in my closet for my sister's wedding in March. I plan on trying it on a month before the big day to see how it looks. It's in my bigger size. I'm hoping to have to pay to have alterations done, which I will happily do!<br />
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My fitness goals for 2016 are to tackle my first relay with some friends, the Seneca 7 in April. Then hopefully my 9th Boilermaker in July, then the Wineglass Half Marathon in October. That will also be a first, but I've head good things about it, and it's a beautiful time of year. <br />
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Family wise, we had some tricky months. My doctor finally confirmed that I went through early menopause. When I say early, I mean ten years early. It took a while to figure out which hormone replacement therapy levels that work best for me. HRT is needed to prevent heart disease, but when I'm in my 50's I should be able to stop taking them. Now I'm learning what thinning hair and dry skin is like, but I'm happy to finally know how my body should be acting. And how I should act in response.<br />
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Mike and I had a lot of stress due to outside forces. I won't go into details because it doesn't matter, but we finally had some resolutions to those stresses. It's amazing how much the burdens we have carried have been lifted. I am cautiously optimistic. I am very aware of the hardships that others in this world face, and our problems are minuscule in comparison. But I feel like we are coming out of our difficult space, and I am thankful and grateful.<br />
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I did some soul searching career wise. I enjoyed my time at the running store, it was an interesting place. I was fortunate to have flexibility with my hours there, but I was ready for something new. So I took a leap and a chance and landed a position that will give me the same schedule as the kids, with new challenges in a new environment. After an interesting two weeks, I am taking a deep breath and am looking forward to a true fresh start on January 4.<br />
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I learned a lot about people this year. Friendships are an interesting thing. I am still amazed at how high school seems to have never ended. One thing that I need to remind myself is that people are the way they are mostly because something inside them causes insecurity. I have no one to impress other than my husband and my kids. My true friends are my friends because they genuinely like me. I need to focus on that, to appreciate them, and be a good friend back. <br />
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I truly feel like I appreciated every moment of 2015, and I lived every moment, good and bad. I am thankful and grateful for it all. I don't like to make resolutions, because that means I have something negative about myself that I need to change. I want to focus on the most important things to me, That means to be a friend and partner to my husband, and a positive role model for my children, and to love them to pieces.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!</b></span></div>
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-21618107078374197912015-08-21T10:14:00.001-04:002015-08-21T10:14:51.965-04:00Review Time! Sigvarus Compression Socks from BrightLife Go!<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I'm a fan of compression. </span><br />
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I've experimented with socks and sleeves, wearing them during a long training run, or after a run for recovery. While training for my first marathon I hadn't discovered compression yet, but I did use the socks for my second, to great effect. I honestly felt a huge difference in my recovery and performance that time around. </div>
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Since I work at a running store, I learned about the science behind compression. Basically, the material is tighter by the ankle, and gradually lessens as it stretches up the calf and to the knee. This helps force the blood back up to the heart, to increase circulation. This action helps keep the muscles fresh, to give support as needed and even help with injury recovery. </div>
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Thanks to the lovely folks at <a href="http://www.brightlifego.com/">BrightLife Go,</a> I had a chance to choose a pair of compressions socks from their vast selection of different styles, price points and compression levels. I had a hard time picking just one, some of them were really cute, like this pair from Zensah:</div>
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I ultimately decided to go with a pair from Sigvarus, which was from the Athletic category: </div>
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=625579b20a&view=fimg&th=14f507e6b0084173&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ8U90VH-iYwegxauh2stoaHh4rnJds_4AKWfkAkj45az-sJ2KWHlYES4ayO67r5eiiq4y4_EdprfUFcnBmLkF_OkZTm3pjpJTvKkFqQHbHFCjRKJdS1DDsuvZU&ats=1440165217411&rm=14f507e6b0084173&zw&sz=w1342-h523" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying IMG_1001.JPG" border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=625579b20a&view=fimg&th=14f507e6b0084173&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ8U90VH-iYwegxauh2stoaHh4rnJds_4AKWfkAkj45az-sJ2KWHlYES4ayO67r5eiiq4y4_EdprfUFcnBmLkF_OkZTm3pjpJTvKkFqQHbHFCjRKJdS1DDsuvZU&ats=1440165217411&rm=14f507e6b0084173&zw&sz=w1342-h523" /></a></div>
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The first thing that I noticed was how soft the socks were, with a cushioned bottom. They were definitely more comfortable that my other brand, and seemed more pliable, and easier to put on. Compression socks are a bit of a struggle to put on, like super tight panty hose, but these were a breeze. </div>
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I also liked the different panels, which you can see by the grey seams, one hugged my calf, the others, the arch of my foot. </div>
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I wore these a few times on the treadmill as I started training for the Boilermaker 15k, giving myself some extra help near my injured ankle. I was trying to be cautious as I slowly made my way back to longer runs. </div>
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I have a half marathon coming up on September 12. The other morning I ran nine miles, then spent the morning packing up the car for one of our trips to the ADK. I decided to put the socks on after my run, and wore them all day, until dinnertime, after we unloaded the car, unpacked, and made dinner. I happily woke up the next morning without any soreness or stiffness, just fresh feeling legs.</div>
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If you're in the market for compression (and I highly recommend it) head right over to <a href="http://www.brightlifego.com/">BrightLife Go</a> and get shopping!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Note: I was sent a pair of socks for the purpose of this review, the opinions on the product are my own.</span></div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-77485860180283226182015-08-04T10:43:00.003-04:002015-08-04T10:43:52.534-04:00Boilermaker 15k #8 Race Recap!<br />
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You know that saying, "Time Flies when you're having fun?" That seems to be an understatement, as it's suddenly August. <br />
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I have been feeling good these past several weeks. I have been running consistently, taking every opportunity I have to do so. The kids are now done with their summer camps, so this morning I forced myself out of bed and out the door to run six miles before Mike left for work. It was so worth it. <br />
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I know I have lost some weight, but I'm afraid to get on the scale, I'd rather go by my clothes than obsess about a number. I did put my skinny jeans on last week, I can button them, but if I sat down, I would blow the button off. My eating habits have gotten cleaner, it's so much easier in the summer with all the produce available at the farmers market. Now when I need a snack I try to ignore the chips and heat up some leftover roasted veggies, or pair them with hummus. I have figured out some minor things with my Doctor that have been going on with me physically, wich has also helped, and I'll go into more details about that in another post.<br />
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Post run, post shower, wet shirt, size 12 feet. </div>
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It's been almost a month since the Boilermaker, my eigth one! I trained well for it, my sister in law J and I tackled some pretty intense hills during our long runs leading up to race day. J and I ran it for the first time nine years ago, and in the past couple of years, ran with various groups of friends. This year, our friends had to drop out of the race for various reasons, so it came full circle, as it was just the two of us again this go around. <br />
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=625579b20a&view=fimg&th=14ef925a8d8a80ad&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9K0AXNOXLJSX2YQaJ5cMZYTkVlQ9Hu08AtZGYknLEiMEmqQrkgDBbHZKcHZnK4sKL6U8LYV1hOaT_TcT2PRGg_apfGGYZZyTN9niTJkpzKz2nvInYFghflIKI&ats=1438699227358&rm=14ef925a8d8a80ad&zw&sz=w1342-h523" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying IMG_0866.JPG" border="0" height="400" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=625579b20a&view=fimg&th=14ef925a8d8a80ad&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9K0AXNOXLJSX2YQaJ5cMZYTkVlQ9Hu08AtZGYknLEiMEmqQrkgDBbHZKcHZnK4sKL6U8LYV1hOaT_TcT2PRGg_apfGGYZZyTN9niTJkpzKz2nvInYFghflIKI&ats=1438699227358&rm=14ef925a8d8a80ad&zw&sz=w1342-h523" width="300" /></a></div>
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Race day was actually really nice, the sun was out as usual, but there was a breeze and no humidity, it didn't get hot until mile 8. I kept a consistent pace, drank water just when I was thirsty, and had a couple of GU chomps here and there. It's funny how my perspective on time has changed, unlike past years, I didn't even look at what my finish time was, I was just happy to run a good race. We didn't stay at the after party for too long, choosing instead to head home to a lunch of chicken from the smoker, courtesy of my brother in law.<br />
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I had a chance to try out Sigvarus Compression socks from the lovely folks at <a href="http://www.brightlifego.com/">BrightLife Go</a>, so check back tomorrow for my review!<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-11907645606204478402015-02-25T15:52:00.002-05:002015-02-25T15:52:39.445-05:00February Progress!<br />
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It is February 25, and in this month alone, we have had 20 days of sub-zero temperatures. The kids maxed out their snow days, our driveway is shrinking due to snow banks, and our family room ceiling has cracked and water has been leaking on the floor for the past week due to ice dams. <br />
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But Daylight Saving is next weekend, so Spring must be on it's way!<br />
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Since we last spoke about my health and fitness goals, I seem to be making some progress. I still haven't stepped on the scale, I have a tendency to obsess about the number so I decided to forgo it and continue to let my clothing be my guide. My "larger" sized jeans are fitting much better (ex: I can button them) so the weight I gained after breaking my ankle must be gone. <br />
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Food wise I've had my ups and downs, my birthday in January plus Valentine's Day ended up with cake and chocolate on my kitchen table. Now that it is Lent I've given up chocolate, which is what I usually do. I had a battle with a bag of BBQ Lay's chips, and ended up sending them to work with Mike to save myself. <br />
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I'm still eating my fruits and veggies, which has never been a problem. I've been making soup on the days I'm not working, besides a great lunch, a bowl at four o'clock when the snacks are calling to me seems to help fight the hunger pains. I do love vegetables, always have. The other day Mike came home from the store with a cabbage, he saw it and thought I would like it. Who needs flowers? Nothing says love like a head of cabbage. <br />
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Next weekend is the Shamrock Run, which I'm really looking forward to. Today I ran/slow ran on a high incline four miles on the treadmill, my longest post injury. My last three mile run, I tweaked my knee on the same leg that has the ankle/Achilles issue, so I must still have some weakness there. But today I felt great, rode the bike as well and did some planks and PT exercises. Great day in the pain cave!<br />
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I tried out a new pair of shoes that I got from work, they are the Newton Kismet. They aren't a true stability shoe like I usually wear, but my orthotics fit the shoe really well, and they felt great. They have five lugs under the mid-foot, and end right before your toes. It does take a bit of getting used to, my toes feel like I'm hanging off the edge of a box.<br />
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Plus they're pretty, and if you look closely at the above photo, Frank is practically standing on them.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-56550530481024210482015-01-20T13:39:00.002-05:002015-01-20T13:39:51.003-05:00I'm not dieting, I'm being more aware. <br />
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I don't usually enjoy January. It's cold, and all the holiday spirit has been packed away. This year is different though. My mind is clear and focused on what I want to accomplish this year, and hey, there is always something to look forward to. <br />
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On area that I have been working on is my fitness. I'm looking at my broken ankle and achilles tendonitis not as a blessing, but after healing, I now have a true clean slate to get my body back. Mike got me a bike trainer for Christmas, I set it up in the basement next to my treadmill, and moved some weights there too. Now I have my very own pain cave! I was good about going to PT, and was cleared for activity last week. As long as I stay on top of keeping the achillies healthy, I can start running.<br />
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Starting from the beginning again is hard, but I've done it before. Instead of weighing myself, I've decided to just put my head down and soldier through. When I get back into my favorite size 8 jeans I will then weigh myself so that I have a number that I need to hover around to stay healthy. I will say that I do need to lose 30 pounds. Ugh. It's one thing to know it in your brain, it's another to see it in print.<br />
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Instead of following a specific diet, I am going to make smarter choices. By now I know what I need to eat to lose weight, my problem is that I'm not disciplined. I need to be<i> aware of what I'm putting in my mouth</i>. I've realized that I eat mindlessly. At work I walk by the snack table and reach out to grab an m&m. It happened the other day, and I pulled my arm back when I realized what I was doing. As I talk to Mike in our kitchen after work, I watch myself turn from him, open the cabinet, then the bag of chips. Again, I stopped myself. It's little things like that. Taking a few bites of the kid's leftovers. Having just a couple of Mike's fries at lunch. A little bit of this and a bit of that adds up. To a lot!!<br />
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It feels really good to move again. In this area I have to keep focusing on cross training. Today I got on the treadmill and slowly ran two miles! I felt good, I kept my pace around 11 minute miles, but I have to be cautious until I get my ankle sleeve. After that I rode the bike for 20 minutes, which is going to be key, if I have only ten minutes I'm still going to use the bike to complement my running.<br />
I'm hoping to go to the pool as well, when my schedule allows it. Finally, every day I need to do the exercises my PT gave me for my injuries, and I've added planks to my sessions as well. <br />
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So that's my plan. I'm looking at it as a lifestyle change, that I will stick to long term, not a diet that will have an end point. I want long term success, not a short term fix.<br />
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Okay, here I go! <br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-50400637184575201702014-12-30T12:19:00.003-05:002014-12-30T12:19:59.980-05:00What 2014 Meant For MeI have missed writing my blog.<br />
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It seems that this year my creativity was used up by writing the intro of the newsletter where I work, since it's focused on running, it's a perfect fit for me. It's hard to believe I've had this blog for six years, but it has served me well. I started it as a way to find direction while being home with my kids, and morphed into something to keep me on track as a runner and food lover. I made friends with fellow bloggers who I "spoke" with on a daily basis, and counted as true friends. Then it seemed my blog filled it's purpose as I went about my days, I felt like I didn't have much to say. In the past there were times when my blog was a forum for sharing my frustrations. As I read about others who are truly suffering for different reasons, I felt weird complaining about my seemingly mundane issues. <br />
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Although I am generally a happy person, I feel like a part of me is missing. I no longer run the way I used to, running used to be an almost daily occurrence, one that made me feel like I could take on anything. After I ran the NYC Marathon and my father in law had a debilitating stroke, I still ran, but it was less frequent. I was very sad, and supporting my husband and family through this time. I started to put on weight but I still ran, swam, walked, biked, and did races.<br />
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Fast forward to today. In 2014 I didn't race much at all, mostly because I work at a running store and it's hard to get a day off for a race. I can't believe it, but I only ran the Boilermaker, and for the first time in years, didn't run a single Half Marathon, or Marathon for that matter! Then in September I fell and broke my ankle, breaking it for a third time. After the bone healed, it was determined that I have pretty bad Achilles tendinitis and have started PT. It's feeling so much better, but I can't tell you how much I want to go for one last run before the New Year! So back to the bike I go. <br />
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This year I have had some lovely highs, and some bumps in the road. I learned who my true friends are, and who are not. My family supported me but like all families, I got frustrated a couple of times. I love the area I live in, but realize that there is always going to be something in my house that needs fixing. I'm lucky to have my children, husband, family and friends.<br />
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I'm looking at 2015 with optimism. I have decided to not make resolutions, although I do resolve to focus on being a better person, physically and mentally. I have decided to look at what makes me happy:<br />
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<b>Now I will look forward to 2015, wishing for peace, love, health and happiness, Happy New Year!</b></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-38128492759542661302014-12-16T19:02:00.002-05:002014-12-16T19:02:50.423-05:00What Made Your Dog Great in 2014? Photo Contest and The Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Sweepstakes!Frank spent 2014 doing some of his favorite things. <br />
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Napping:<br />
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Riding in the car:<br />
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Relaxing in the yard:<br />
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Dressing up for Halloween:</div>
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We feed Frank Purina One Smartblend for Large Dogs, but he's going to give <a href="https://www.proplan.com/">Purina Pro Plan</a> a try.<br />
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Each variety targets your dog's exact needs; Sport promotes strength and endurance, Focus offers specialized nutrition for unique needs, Savor has outstanding taste for everyday excellence, while Select is formulated for skin and digestive health. <br />
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Purina Pro Plan is currently holding their Incredible Dog Challenge Sweepstakes, where you can win the grand prize:</div>
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<li>2 round-trip plane tickets to Huntington Beach, CA for the Incredible Dog Challenge® Western Regionals</li>
<li>A 3-day, 2-night hotel stay</li>
<li>Ground transportation and spending money</li>
<li>Plus a $500 PetSmart® gift card</li>
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You can click <b><i><a href="https://petsmartproplan.ryan-adsi.com/">HERE</a> </i></b>to enter, there is no purchase necessary!</div>
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In the meantime, I'm sharing a giveaway for my fellow dog owners, three winners will receive a Purina Pro Plan coupons valued at $17.99, each (that means a free bag of Purina Pro Plan for each winner).</div>
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So what did your dog do in 2014 that made them great? To enter the giveaway, use the hashtag #GreatDog2014 and share the photo on Twitter (tag me @MollySBaker) or Instagram (tag @sleeperbake262). I will choose three winners on Tuesday December 23, 2014.</div>
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Good Luck!</div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-18970379958001794412014-12-03T10:46:00.001-05:002014-12-03T10:46:05.355-05:00A Healthy Holiday Season<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
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Yes, it's that time of year again. A time of lights and snow, cold and crowds, friends and food. All the extra excitement and activities added to an already busy schedule, make me want to grab a blanket, head to my couch and sip eggnog in a Marty Moose glass.</div>
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A side effect of all of this celebrating is the dreaded holiday weight gain, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. There are ways to enjoy this time while still being good to yourself, and staying physically sane through the month of December.</div>
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Track your activity by wearing a pedometer, especially while you shop. Turn it on after you park your car, then start counting your steps as soon as your feet hit the parking lot. You'll be surprised at how many miles you can cover trekking from one side of the mall to the other. Check it from time to time, when you're close to ticking off another mile, speed walk away from the food court and get it done. Don't forget, hauling around those heavy shopping bags helps to tone the biceps!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;">I'm particularly sad this year because my next-door neighbors have moved away. In past years, in exchange for their gift of potato latkes, I would send over a plate of Christmas cookies. Over the next few weeks, the treats and special dishes will be coming out in full force. When faced with a buffet, I take a look at all the offerings, focus on a special dish that I don't have very often, then take a pass on the usual fare. I can have mashed potatoes anytime, but green bean casserole comes around just once in a while. At dessert time, I snag a bite of my husband's pie, or a nibble from my son's cookie. Yes, I'm still eating a treat, but it's a sliver, not a slice.</span></div>
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Lastly, like every other activity on the calendar, schedule time to work out. Write down that you're going for a run, and then check it off the list when it's complete. Take advantage of outdoor activities that you can do with family or friends, such as ice skating, skiing, bundling up for a woodsy hike or a walk around the neighborhood and enjoying all of the festive decor.</div>
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Move when you can, relax when you get a chance, and just enjoy this time. That way you can welcome 2015 on the best note possible.</div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-63408390453901707412014-11-10T09:58:00.001-05:002014-11-10T09:58:28.925-05:00What Makes You Move?<table bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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The other day my sister sent me a link that led to a short film called "The Runners" which takes place in Victoria Park, London. Using a bike with a cart attached for the cameraman, the directors interviewed groups of runners through the changing seasons. </div>
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It's a moving video, as the runners shared bits about themselves, it made me think of the different reasons we run. I decided to ask my fellow employees about what gets them moving, and this is what they said:</div>
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From Marcia: <em>"I am always thinking about what motivates me to run. Some of the things are socializing with my friends, and never regretting my run once it is complete (a great coach told me that). The thing that really motivates me are my daughters. I think it is so important that they see that I make time for myself and exercise and push myself toward a physical goal. I want to lead by example and show them that it is always important to do something you love. It is even more rewarding when you work very hard to achieve that goal."</em></div>
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Bill shares that: <em>"Running has truly changed my life. Not only has it improved my health, but I've met hundreds of people through running. I have also run in so many beautiful places such as Lake Placid, N.Y., Central Park, New Orleans, Ottawa, the Napa Valley, Costa Rica and San Francisco, just to name a few. There is no better way to see a city then to run it." </em></div>
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Fred says: <em>"My biggest motivator is the camaraderie that is created when we train and race with a group of people who have all trained so hard together to accomplish a goal or finish a race. We become part of something that is bigger than just our own goal when other peoples' accomplishments become more important than our own."</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Liz's motivation is: <em>"Knowing my running partner is waiting there for me early in the morning. It's easy to cancel when it's too cold or we're too tired. But those miles before the sun has come up is the time we solve each others' problems, share our good news and support each other. For me, knowing I need to meet my RP (running partner) is what makes me get those feet out from beneath the covers and into my running shoes."</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />Mary shares that: <em>"My niece is my motivation and my hero in all things. Last year she was diagnosed with cancer shortly before her second birthday and although she has a pretty clean bill of health now, it was a tough road at times. Watching her strength gave me so much perspective on life and every time I think I 'can't' I think of her and somehow what seemed impossible suddenly gets a lot easier."</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">From Naomi: <em>"The quote that gets me is '<strong>One day I will not be able to do this anymore, today is not that day.</strong>' "</em></span></div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-87130232335750680302014-10-27T10:29:00.003-04:002014-10-27T10:29:50.832-04:00#MollysFall<div align="justify" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>#MollysFall</strong></span></div>
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I don't think there is a person out there who doesn't like fall. The humidity is gone, the air is crisp, the sky is blue and the colors are vibrant; perfect weather for outdoor activities. My family took advantage of a nice day last weekend by hiking in the Adirondacks, climbing a new trail that rewarded us with a view of Sis and Bub Lakes and the changing leaves. We weren't too far from the trail head when I said what a great hike it was, then immediately tripped over a root, wiped out, and broke my ankle.</div>
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I'm rather clumsy and have broken this ankle twice previously; my friends have created my very own hashtag #MollysFall. I know how to deal with this injury; so luckily I was fitted for a walking boot instead of a hard cast. It could have been worse, but I'm not thrilled by the fact that I can't walk the dog, ride a bike, or run for two long months.</div>
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Frank isn't happy either; he's not a fan of the boot. </div>
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I can't run, but I can think about my favorite places to run. First up is Limekiln Lake in Inlet. The elevations along Route 28 in the Adirondacks from Inlet to Old Forge are great for hill training; it's nice to go through town and be a part of the activity. But I really enjoy a four mile trek in a nearby campground that offers hills, plus beautiful views of the lake. </div>
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My second favorite is right outside my front door. My neighborhood offers paved trails that lead me through woodsy areas, along a golf course, past small lakes and playgrounds. There is always someone else running or walking, even in the winter!</div>
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Beaver Lake in Baldwinsville offers trails of various lengths, the 3 mile lake loop is scenic, and it's easy to make a run longer just by adding more trails. Plus they have restrooms!</div>
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Finally, I have to give a shout out to my treadmill. Depending on my mood or weather, I can run long or short, fast or slow, hilly or flat. Having a television or music helps to pass the time but only so much. Along with physical training a treadmill run really helps with your mental training. </div>
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See you out there.....in two short months!!</div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-90372725783420824582014-09-16T13:46:00.002-04:002014-09-16T13:46:12.441-04:00Early Mornings<div align="justify" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">
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I'm not a morning person and I prefer to ease into my day after staying up late the night before. My internal clock is set to go to bed at night around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1817665" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">11:30</span></span> or <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1817666" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">midnight</span></span>, after watching a few more minutes of a movie or reading one last chapter of a good book. I'm also prone to insomnia and there have been plenty of mornings where I listened to the birds chirping outside, not because of an early alarm clock, but because I never went to sleep the night before. </div>
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However, there are times when I happily wake up early for fun reasons, such as a race. I don't have a problem because my excitement propels me out of bed. Aside from my dog Frank, I have the downstairs to myself as I gather my gear, drink my coffee, listen to the quiet and watch the sun rise. </div>
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One of my other favorite places to be in the early morning is the Regional Market on Saturdays. I really enjoy the energetic atmosphere. Everyone is supporting our local farmers and vendors with loaded up reusable shopping bags full of healthy fruits and vegetables. Some days my family goes with a grocery list, other times we wander along the rows just to see what is available. My kids are allowed to bring a couple of dollars each to buy Pokemon cards or gaudy blue nail polish. </div>
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My brother-in-law has a produce stand and sometimes I'll help him out, which calls for a <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1817667" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6 a.m.</span></span> wake up, and is a whole different experience. Most shoppers who come along are focused, some are chatty, such as the gentleman who explained to me how to make ketchup, and some are picky. On a recent cold rainy <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1817668" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> everyone seemed to be making chili or soup, and the onions and carrots sold out rather quickly. </div>
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My husband and kids did the shopping on their own that day, and I came home to a kitchen counter heaped with the last of the peaches and silver queen corn of the season, zucchini, heirloom tomatoes, cauliflower, ash ripened goat cheese and something called a Kohlrabi, which is a cross between a turnip and cabbage. </div>
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Before we even started to eat all that bounty, I felt healthier just by looking at it!</div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-46592302911217629572014-05-06T15:31:00.005-04:002014-05-06T15:31:54.421-04:00Prepping for the Disney Parks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Running a race takes planning and preparation. You choose the location, time of year, budget for the registration fee, then train for it. Kind of like a trip to Disney World. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We made a second pilgramage to The Happiest Place On Earth in February. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I prepared for our recent trip to the theme park as I would for a half marathon: starting with our feet. I made sure each member of the family had on their Brooks, Asics, New Balance or Nike sneakers. Since "cotton is rotten," we paired them with a synthetic weave sock to keep our feet cool and dry. Instead of my Garmin, we took turns wearing a pedometer to track our steps each day. Nutrition was very important; at any sign of fatigue or crabbiness, I had water and granola bars ready for consumption. My sister's bunion started to give her trouble, so I handed over a blister bandage. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">During longer races, I tend to watch the feet of the runners around me, to see what shoes they wear or how they run. On longer waits for rides such as Space Mountain, I caught myself doing the same thing. I would point out that one person wore a particular shoe because they were stable on their feet, another because the person probably overpronated. My husband did roll his eyes from time to time, so when I noticed that one woman's shoe was too big for her, and she would probably end up with blisters, I kept the thought to myself.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">We even dealt with injury when my husband broke his toe on the ottoman in our room. But he soldiered through the pain for one last 9 hour day at the parks.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">At the end of the trip, we logged just over 100,000 steps. I decided to reward myself not with a medal, but with a pair of retro Mickey Mouse socks.</span></div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-31119775767891288592014-04-28T09:44:00.001-04:002014-04-28T09:44:09.963-04:00Find Your Spark!<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Well well well, what do we have here? A blog post????</span></div>
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Six months ago I started working at a fantastic place......a running store! My co-workers are athletes, I help people find just the right shoe for their feet, work on securing race sponsorships, and write for our newsletter. </div>
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I'd like to post regularly here again, but I thought I would start by sharing some of the pieces that I've written for the store. So I'll start with the story of how I found my running spark.......</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Every once in a while, due to my footwear, someone will ask me if I'm a runner. Last week it was when I was in the dentist chair getting a cleaning - a time when it's particularly hard to answer due to the suction thing stuck under your tongue. I most often hear the runner question while I'm fitting someone for new shoes, which was the case yesterday. As I helped a woman who had recovered from foot surgery, she asked "Do you run? I can't run, I could never run. I would like to run, but I can't run." My answer? "You'd like to run; you've got new shoes, so you must think you can run." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There are so many reasons why it's hard to try something new, but when you find that motivation, you never know what can come of it. I used to be a gym rat, when the number of calories burned was my focus. I wasn't on a journey to a goal. That is, until after I had my children. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I had a different sense of motivation after they were born, partly because I wanted to be a good example. However, I also felt a sense of empowerment (making it through 36 hours of labor will do that to you I guess.) I thought, "What else can I do?" So when my daughter was six months old, I started to train for the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0016e7q2MKAAtt2BCi_lt5BVZViHSKlqfnrhZfdkR85mVeQk1FuGoEz4K_-zLuRBGRFs4ZaCpprPBLNbRTQ3EBZCKeYGkd2A7MaeDNu5yIRzTwmqY4fHbbKT6__7d1EFuxF-MQR89BA3m0pu36CA2jAhBBuDgPYqXIwsn5rvgdzxMk=" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: grey; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Boilermaker 15k</a>. That went well, so I figured "Why not try a half marathon?" Which turned into a marathon, then the Iron Girl. Before I knew it I had gear, clothing and accessories for every season and every activity. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Since I started, I haven't stopped.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">If you can find your spark, light it up, and keep it burning. </span></div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-46286433364406007352014-01-23T13:45:00.000-05:002014-01-23T13:45:40.393-05:00Review Time: Reds All Natural Burrito's<br />
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When I eat lunch, I'm usually starving after a full morning of various activities. Half the time I eat leftovers, and if I'm at work, it's a turkey sandwich. Which gets boring after a while, and when it's freezing cold out (hello polar vortex) a hot lunch is comforting. <br />
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I recently had a chance to try "clean" burritos by <a href="http://redsallnatural.com/">Red's All Natural.</a> What makes them clean? Their products are 100% natural, preservative free, non-GMO, made with antibiotic and hormone free meat, and rBGH-free cheese. <br />
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Mike and I love Mexican food, but it's not the healthiest choice, and when I think of frozen burritos I'm reminded of the kind they used to sell at the convenience store in my college town. They get hard in the microwave and are pretty much the worst thing you can eat. So we were happy to give Red's a try.<br />
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They have several varietes, including chicken, steak, bean and cheese, even BBQ, in 11 oz burritos, and a<br />
5 oz snack size. There is also a line of Quesadilla's, made with buffalo chicken, pulled pork, and steak.<br />
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The first one I tried was bean and rice, which I had for lunch on a No Meat Monday. You can microwave them, but since I had time I put it in the oven, which I made the tortilla crispy. </div>
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As you can see, the beans were whole, and not mushy, with a nice mix of corn, onion, tomato, cheese and brown rice. I usually put a side of salsa on mexican food, but I didn't need it here. </div>
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Mike had the chicken, then steak burritos for lunch two different days while he was at work. He didn't take a picture, but he said it was quality meat, not like the mystery meat you usually find in frozen products.</div>
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Next up was the Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas. </div>
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Once again the quesadillas were filled with real, quality ingredients. This time I added some salsa for dipping, and paired it with a salad to complete my lunch. </div>
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The verdict? I shy away from frozen convenience foods, but I'll keep a supply of Red's in our freezer for when we need a quick lunch that is actually good for you, and tastes great too!</div>
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You can find Red's in most major grocery chains, including Target.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Note: I was sent samples of Red's products for the purpose of this review. The opinions of the product are my own. </span></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-92028319982303146742013-12-31T13:59:00.001-05:002013-12-31T13:59:30.649-05:00Rewind, Rehash, Reflect, RenewI was doing the dishes earlier, amid the noise of two televisions, one turned to Lilo and Stitch, the other to the local news, with one sick kid, a barking dog, all of us still in pj's, and thought how I haven't had a time to reflect on the past year, much less set goals for the new one rapidly approaching. <br />
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Then out of nowhere, I heard Joni Mitchell's River, which is the type of song that perfectly fit my mood. I located it's source, an ipod sitting under a book on the kitchen table that someone forgot to turn off, listened for a bit, took down the calendar, then sat down to think about 2013.<br />
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I feel like we've come a long way since last January, Mike and I were both unemployed, but happily, we are ending the year in jobs that we both enjoy, and hope to stay in for a long time. <br />
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I got out of the habit of writing down how many miles I run on my daily calendar, it seemed like since I had different races going on throughout the year, I didn't need to keep doing it. But now I'm curious as to what the final total was, so I'm going to start keeping track again.<br />
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There was the Shamrock Run:<br />
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Then I fell down some stairs and wrecked my ankle.<br />
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During the summer, I made some great new friends and we ran in the early morning, training for The Boilermaker.<br />
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Then came the Empire Half:<br />
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I tried Cross-Fit, and my arms blew up.<br />
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My fitness goal for 2014 is to get planking again, and I want to add more half's to my schedule. I really like that distance, the training is manageable, and it's long enough to feel accomplished at the end.<br />
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We spent lots of time in the Adirondacks, a place we truly feel like we can escape to.<br />
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Although there is a bench on the lake where you can get WiFi, just for a minute or two.<br />
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We were reminded again of how life can change in an instant, and how fortunate we are in so many ways.<br />
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Although I got tired of picking rubber bands up from every corner of the house.<br />
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I loved watching the kids challenge themselves in different ways this year.<br />
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Luke flipping off the high board:<br />
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Frank thinks he's the third child.<br />
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Every night at 7:00 he brings his bone into the kitchen, and drops it at my feet, which means he wants me to put peanut butter in it. Every. Night.<br />
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Speaking of the kitchen, I once again cooked Thanksgiving dinner, and Mike mastered the art of deep fried turkey. <br />
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In 2014 I want to finally master marinara sauce.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ~</span></b><br />
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I really can't ask for a better ending to 2013.<br />
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I haven't made any major resolutions, aside from dropping some more un-wanted pounds before our next trip to Disney.<br />
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I'm going to keep moving forward, staying positive, hopeful, and grateful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHg-QL97tNtlV8jUbp3Iibz-ftjNlRYfBNF_sN5ZuL6pZkWdguJEB_LJAna9wMywBTbflgCTSTJUFLdn22Vodle_TVr-eyZMNbWYGiBCQzjM3c-jPmoVdh8dKLHNi2Gaq-wvPHFX5LjQ4/s1600/20131224_211748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHg-QL97tNtlV8jUbp3Iibz-ftjNlRYfBNF_sN5ZuL6pZkWdguJEB_LJAna9wMywBTbflgCTSTJUFLdn22Vodle_TVr-eyZMNbWYGiBCQzjM3c-jPmoVdh8dKLHNi2Gaq-wvPHFX5LjQ4/s1600/20131224_211748.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you a happy, healthy 2014.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!</span></div>
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-32961177107724766382013-12-28T09:53:00.005-05:002013-12-28T09:53:46.668-05:00Putting Out The Reindeer Food<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I hope your season was Merry, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">and that the New Year brings you joy!</span></b></div>
Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-25724884190388330302013-12-08T20:18:00.001-05:002013-12-08T20:18:29.633-05:00Cinco por Sunday 1. I'm a fan of cooking double batches of certain foods, like soups and stews, then freezing the leftovers. It makes a crazy weeknight that much easier when you can pull something of the freezer in the morning, put it on the stove at the end of the day, and you're all set. We even do it with certain meats, like grilled sausage, that you can add to pasta. Although it's probably a good idea to label the freezer bag, so you know exactly what you are defrosting.<br />
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Case in point, the other night Mike and I decided to have angel hair with marinara, mixed with a bit of a sausage patty which was already cooked, and frozen. I was on the phone when he was putting the meal together, and when I looked at my plate, I thought the sausage looked a little, soft. As we started eating, it reminded me of a salmon and pasta dish that I had once when we were in Amsterdam. It was good, just, weird. Until I realized......we had mixed a salmon burger into the sauce.<br />
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Not sausage.<br />
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2.The Christmas season is in full swing, and I have fully embraced the festive spirit. Although it seems like as soon as I cross one thing off my To Do List, another thing gets added. While I was shopping yesterday, I found a shirt to wear to an upcoming "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party:<br />
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3. Look! I have new running shoes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmc9TOXhGOU9X_S0haPEt0iGUeKeDrWcZmZYBrV2vYA2kdZev3pEZQA4N5E1R_gT_KIIx_Psue7yBA8irfJdrACsbIkY79t0fY4CkNm6xtwx1fRAqDfHAjeTSb2KF1nDklkHi_4oc6gI/s1600/20131208_194839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmc9TOXhGOU9X_S0haPEt0iGUeKeDrWcZmZYBrV2vYA2kdZev3pEZQA4N5E1R_gT_KIIx_Psue7yBA8irfJdrACsbIkY79t0fY4CkNm6xtwx1fRAqDfHAjeTSb2KF1nDklkHi_4oc6gI/s1600/20131208_194839.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited that Brooks decided to mix it up and add pink to the new Adrenaline, my last few pairs have been blue.<br />
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I have others in my closet, some Asics, Nike, and Mizuno, but the Adrenaline have been my favorite. Mike has been hounding me to toss some of them, but I like to keep them around, and literally see the miles, sweat, dirt and even some tears that those shoes have witnessed. <br />
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4. Tonight Eliza had a pajama party fundraiser for her Girl Scout Troop, it was held in the same place where she and Luke went to preschool. <br />
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I was feeling a bit sentimental walking out of the building with her, like we did so many mornings three short years ago. I asked E if she remembered those days, but she was more interested in finishing her leftover popcorn.<br />
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5. I apologize for not posting the winner of the Spartan Race giveaway sooner, but Congrats to <a href="https://plus.google.com/109006248980141401514/posts">Teresa,</a> shoot me an email and I'll get you set up!Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-74262832171622461872013-11-24T21:16:00.000-05:002013-11-24T21:16:38.224-05:00I'm using the Wii Fit U and Fit Meter, and you can too!<div>
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My kids, as well as Mike and I, are no strangers to video games. <div>
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Luke has had his fill of Minecraft, but is still a fan of Mario, Eliza plays various games on the computer, Mike plays an online chess game with friends, and I have a slight addiction to Candy Crush. I limit screen time for the kids, while Mike and I might play when we have a few minutes to kill, like on a long line at the grocery store, or in a waiting room. </div>
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A few years ago we invested in a Nintendo Wii for Christmas, along with Wii Fit, and it was a fun way for me to stay accountable while working on my New Years Resolutions. We've been happy with what we've had, but a couple of weeks ago we were given the opportunity to try out the new <a href="http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu">Wii U,</a> Wii Fit U, as well as the new Fit Meter!</div>
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Wii U is a High Definition Game System, the GamePad controller is a new way to play, by creating a second window into the video game world, the controller has a LCD touch screen, along with the traditional button controls and two analog sticks.</div>
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The GamePad includes motion control, a front-facing camera, microphone, stereo speakers, rumble features, a sensor bar, a stylus, and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The GamePad allows you to connect to the Internet, where you can download games from the Nintendo e-shop, which is where we downloaded Wii Fit U. </div>
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I will share more about Wii U, but for this post I will focus a bit on the Wii Fit U, and the <a href="http://wiifitu.nintendo.com/free-trial/?mkwid=lT4VJLpJ_dcs|pcrid|35369025509|pmt|b|pkw|buy%20wii%20u%20fit&pid=buy%20wii%20u%20fit">Fit Meter.</a> </div>
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The first thing we needed to do for Wii Fit U, was to create a Mii Profile, step on the balance board, answer a few question, let it do a body analysis, then look at our results. Mike and I knew we each needed to drop a few pounds, so it was no surprise when that was confirmed by the Wii. The Fit Meter is a pedometer, which records the number of steps you take, the calories you burn, altitude and temperature. We then linked each of our Fit Meters to our Mii Profiles, and were ready to go.</div>
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The next day we clipped the Meters to our waistbands, and went on with our days. I had a full day of Christmas Shopping ahead of me, (I know, I know, but I have to go when I can) I wanted to hit my goal of 10,000 steps, and throughout the day, I would check on my progress. At the end of the day, I simply held the Fit Meter in front of the Wii U GamePad, and my information was automatically linked to my Mii profile.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2djmvnWdF8IqbgwyYIFZgangodm7TKf3S9dtvTjfZL81_dQtpt8F9yo-GKGuB_jtfQt35TqXttJmkjZ62eLbV1iZAYm-kZdN2IDRqV2Fk8OcRgWhsw5vGYgZbwdT7zyKZjtdwBTeyng/s1600/130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2djmvnWdF8IqbgwyYIFZgangodm7TKf3S9dtvTjfZL81_dQtpt8F9yo-GKGuB_jtfQt35TqXttJmkjZ62eLbV1iZAYm-kZdN2IDRqV2Fk8OcRgWhsw5vGYgZbwdT7zyKZjtdwBTeyng/s1600/130.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can see I went over my goal!<br />
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Mike's job has him at his desk most of the day, but this is a sample of one of his workdays:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexzYR3zDDkntFtpiDxhZdGuljltF0QgJZTYA19wkvshx-_J-YL09dq99VbLe6lauhf9YU34HUs2kNlYRt82DGXSD5_1qcLlTYuwtbPpMq4rCb_I0Bs0Oe09xc1twVOidpVjWdX4omObw/s1600/20131124_203834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexzYR3zDDkntFtpiDxhZdGuljltF0QgJZTYA19wkvshx-_J-YL09dq99VbLe6lauhf9YU34HUs2kNlYRt82DGXSD5_1qcLlTYuwtbPpMq4rCb_I0Bs0Oe09xc1twVOidpVjWdX4omObw/s1600/20131124_203834.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I especially like how user friendly the Fit Meter is, with just three buttons it's easy to scroll through each screen. Plus when you sync the info to the game, it's fun to compare what Mike and I both accomplished in our walking day. There is a section on the game that allows you to choose a walk or climb from a part of the world, and "walk" it through the Fit Meter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDM6BPtgf42GvA3WTAIVj4uK2iT5u61YESVPsqj9orKQDXBp4UrJHBlrKbo_K78wwaJPRs0ArI1G5QK2x-lBW11n86jeH-kUdFP48poUj3fM4B3v7-gLU6vp6CEwUlS90EKJQQdF2_0I/s1600/137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDM6BPtgf42GvA3WTAIVj4uK2iT5u61YESVPsqj9orKQDXBp4UrJHBlrKbo_K78wwaJPRs0ArI1G5QK2x-lBW11n86jeH-kUdFP48poUj3fM4B3v7-gLU6vp6CEwUlS90EKJQQdF2_0I/s1600/137.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you currently have a Wii U and a Wii Balance Board?</span></b> If you download the game from Nintendo eShop on your Wii U between now and Jan. 31, 2014, enjoy the game for a full month, then go and purchase a Fit Meter ($19.99 MSRP*), then sync the Fit Meter with your free version of Wii Fit U at any time, you <b><i>can keep using Wii Fit U forever, at no additional charge. Click <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://wiifitu.nintendo.com/free-trial/?mkwid=lT4VJLpJ_dcs|pcrid|35369025509|pmt|b|pkw|buy%20wii%20u%20fit&pid=buy%20wii%20u%20fit">here</a></span> to learn more!</i></b></div>
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I will share more of our whole family's experience with Wii Fit U in another post this week, so stay tuned!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Note, I was sent a Wii U, Wii Fit U, and Fit Meters for the purpose of this review. My opinions, as well as those of my family, are our own.</span></i></div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269842279288877030.post-6665840051068921932013-11-21T19:46:00.000-05:002013-11-21T19:46:17.634-05:00Watch the World Championship Spartan Race, and Enter To Win A Free Race Entry!<br />
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Do you ever think that this could be you?<br />
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Spartan Race has been voted the #1 obstacle race by Outside Magazine and they've been the global leader in obstacle racing since 2005. This race gives you a chance to go back to your ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life.</div>
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To see the Spartan Race in action, make sure to tune in to the NBC Sports Network on Saturday December 7th, for the 90 minute Spartan Beast World Championship: </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/78198769" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
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A few months ago I worked with the folks at Spartan Race on a giveaway, and for those of you who entered but didn't win, here is another chance to win a <b>free entry </b>to any open heat in any 2013 - 2014 Spartan Race in the continental U.S.! To enter, simply leave me a comment, telling me how you plan to challenge yourself in the New Year......yes 2014 is closer than we think! </div>
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If you can't wait to see if you've won, you may click on this URL which will generate a code for 15% off your registration in a Spartan Race:<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/spartanwarrior" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/spartanwarrio</a></div>
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I will choose a winner on Friday, November 29th. </div>
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Good Luck!</div>
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00144512028031455208noreply@blogger.com3