Category Archives: Uncategorized

Whole Lotta Waiting Going On

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Waiting…sucks. I tried to think of a way to put it nicely, but really, it just sucks. I know, patience is a virtue, yada yada. I have no patience. None. I don’t enter contests. I don’t know what date movies are scheduled to come out. I don’t play the lottery. I’m an immediate gratification kind of girl and I DO NOT like to wait.

Yet, here, I am, impatiently waiting.

For what? Why, I’m waiting to for the chance to run seven miles, of course.

With hills, of course.

In August, OF COURSE.

Speaking of the course…

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wRx7DkjS0&w=560&h=315]

Yeah, those were hills you just saw.

Including this one, right at the end.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnBG-VNIZww&w=560&h=315]

I’m officially entered into the lottery for the 2013 Falmouth Road Race. And clearly, I’m insane because I’m actually hoping to get in.

I entered on the opening day of the lottery, which was a week ago, May 8th. They will notified the people that got in on May 24th.

I’ll do the math for you. That’s sixteen days of pulling my hair out. I’m going to (maybe) run (run/walk, let’s not kid ourselves) this thing bald at this rate.

This is my first lottery, and I kind of love/hate it. I know that there’s a good chance I won’t get in, being that it’s my first year and all. And I hate that, because I’m already attached to the race, in a way. But, IF I do get in, that’s going to feel so cool. And scary. Scarycool.  Still, there’s a lot of ‘if’.

BUT…

IF I get in, my girl Anne is going to come run with me. (We registered as a team, so it both of us or neither of us). She has plans to time her collapse on Ben Affleck’s lawn. Clearly, she is the brains of this operation.

IF I get in, I’m going to have to train all summer. In the disgusting humidity instead of my air conditioned gym.

IF I get in, I’m probably going to have a full blown panic attack and wish it had gone the other way, at least for a couple of minutes.

But IF I get in, I’m going to run Falmouth, one of this country’s premier races, which since its initial run in 1973 with 100 people, has grown to over 10,000 runners per year.

And I might be one of them. That’s nuts.

Since I’m a total newb at race lotteries, I asked a couple of my fellow Scooters about their experience with them.

Vic: More often than not, I’m a lottery loser. I’ve thrown my hat in the ring at least half a dozen times and was only accepted once (thank you Broad Street Run for picking me so I don’t have a complete complex). But New York City Marathon rejected me three straight years. The only positive from that denial was that it ultimately gave me guaranteed entry to the road race this year.

I’m not a fan of lotteries because they toy with my emotions. Lotteries build me up and fill me with hope, then usually dash my dreams and continue to send me charity and race emails to mock me.

Yep. I’d rather just register.

Meri: Generally speaking, I’m not a huge fan of lotteries. A dollar and a dream? How about work hard and get things done! I’m not a gambling type of girl so I have a love/hate relationship with running lotteries. I love them when I get in (Broad Street Run). I hate them when I don’t (Nike Women’s Half DC). 

I understand that lotteries even the playing field for runners who are unable to sign up at a specific date and time but I suppose since I’m always able to make that happen with other races, I just feel bitter and resentful when I don’t get into a race via lottery.

Also, I don’t like waiting. I need instant gratification. Don’t toy with my emotions, running lotteries!

I think Meri is my spirit animal. And clearly, Vic and Meri have both been through this enough to make an informed opinion. I still have that babe-in-the-woods, hearts and flowers, ‘of course I’ll get in and I’ll finish in amazing time and I won’t even break a sweat’ newbie hope. Ask me how I feel if I don’t get in. (Don’t ask unless you want to hear curse words).

So, if you need me for the next 9 days, I’ll be sitting here wringing my hands, hoping the running gods smile down and let me in.

What shall I do to pass the time?

Freaking out will work quite nicely, I think.

Have you ever entered a race lottery? Did you get in? Did the waiting nearly kill you? Are you in the lottery for Falmouth this year? Tell us about it! 

A little bit of this…

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I’m the first to admit it. I love sample packs. Some might even say I collect them. There’s something about trying new products that you never even knew existed.

After all, that’s how I found my hot iron gel.

Lately, I’ve been hearing rumblings about niche sample boxes. They’re actually a new spin on an old classic, sort of like your modern wine, cheese or beer-of-the-month club, but with a bit more packaged flair.

Today’s specialty boxes feature samples in just about every genre – from beauty products to vitamins to canine treats.

So when I heard about StrideBox, a sample boxes filled with running accessories, gear and snacks last month, I was intrigued. My friend Cori had previously purchased (and loved) the box. She assured me I wouldn’t be disappointed by the product inside.

I plunked down my money ($15 per month) and ordered the May box. Two weeks later, a cardboard box stuffed with products any runner would desire arrived in my mailbox.

I danced a jig after I brought the box into my house. Really, I tore it open, eyed the contents and swirled in a circle, box in arms. There wasn’t one item I didn’t want to try inside.

Here’s what I found inside the May StrideBox:

box1My StrideBox!

The Klitch – a clip that attaches your (sometimes dirty) sneakers to the outside of your gym bag. Nifty and handy.

Honey Stinger Energy Chews – fuel for a long run. My running partner Gary swears by these when he ups his distance. I’ve been meaning to try them and now I will – in cherry cola flavor.

VFuel endurance gel – I’m always looking for a new gel! I’m traditionally a GU girl, but will always try new gels.

Betty Lou’s Just Great Stuff bar – the name alone wins me over. This is a vegan, gluten free, organic recovery snack bar. While I’m not on a restricted diet, I appreciate that there are fuel options for athletes dealing with this hurdle. Note: I just ate it and it was rather tasty!

Bonk Breaker Bites – a peanut butter and jelly flavored energy bar. I scarfed this mini bar down on day 1. Delicious!

Perfect Fit protein powder– vanilla (my flavor!) vegan protein powder. I’ll be trying this in my next banana berry smoothie.

Sports Beans – carbs and electrolytes in a jelly bean. Yes please! I’ve had these before, but only in rather odd-flavored sample packs received with race swag.

Clean Ethics Bottle Bright –  water bottle cleaner tablet. My fuel belt is in dire need of this product.

Pro-Tec Athletics Blister Bands – I totally could’ve used this item last week, right after my 10-mile race. But I can always use these after future longer races.

The catch? You don’t know what you’ll be getting before the box arrives. That said, you know that when you sign up and pay for your box. That’s part of the allure. In turn, you receive a box full of goodies which is akin to digging into your stocking Christmas morning!

I should note, my StrideBox purchase was my second attempt in as many months in the subscription box craze. My first box came from a different company and I wasn’t impressed with its contents. But I learned from that experience. I later realized that I wasn’t completely interested in the products I was signing up for, just the idea of the sample box.

My advice? When selecting a subscription box, make sure you’re in love with the  genre or you will never use the enclosed items.

According to StrideBox, the idea is to help runners try new products without having to commit to large purchases or the legwork of finding those products.

Each box also comes with an online shopping and price guide, to help you find the (and purchase) the products you’ve tested.

Or, if you’re obsessed with samples like me, you can simply wait for your next box to arrive!

Have you tried any type of subscription box? What did you think? What sort of samples would you want delivered to your door? Have you later purchased items you first tested in a subscription box?

My Heel Won’t Heal in High Heels

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For the past month or so, I’ve been sidelined by Spring Break, sick kids, and most recently, a foot issue. Three weeks ago, I had a minor foot surgery on my right foot. Since then, I’ve been trying to cope with pain while doing my every day activities (this was typically accomplished by limping, because I am a big baby, apparently) and figuring out how to exercise and wear the appropriate footwear while still looking cute.

I had some pain on my heel for a while- I’m embarrassed to admit how long I just dealt with the discomfort, but it was about two months- but it had begun to feel like a piece of glass was stuck in my foot. It was time to call the podiatrist.

It turned out, I had a plantar wart on my heel. Without going into too much detail, because ew and also Google, a plantar wart is caused by a virus and grows in moist dark places. Like the sweaty sock of a runner.

My doctor scooped out the wart and some of the surrounding skin and tissue (which basically left a hole in my foot) and gave me strict instructions for cleaning (and soaking. Twice daily. Which was actually kind of a nice break.) and proper footwear: a thick athletic sock and sneakers. Oh, and it would probably take a month or two to fully heal.

Getting prepped for minor foot surgery. Also? I need a pedicure.

Getting prepped for minor foot surgery. Also? I need a pedicure.

The only thing I asked was if I could continue to run, and he said that I could if I felt up to it. Well, he must have had a good laugh when I left the office because once the anesthesia wore off, I didn’t even want to stand. I hobbled around for a few days before hitting the elliptical at my gym.

Watching "My Drunk Kitchen" while I work out. I think I love the elliptical. Also Hannah Hart.

Watching “My Drunk Kitchen” while I work out. I think I love the elliptical.

I knew the shoe thing would be a problem. I adore my shoes. Not sneakers. Heels, sandals, ballet flats. You know, pretty shoes. And definitely not sneakers with skinny jeans, which are the only jeans that fit me right now. Still, I wore my sneakers most of the time.

Es-shoe-ing the rules. Get it? Okay, that was lame. Almost as lame as this looks now that I think about it.

Es-shoe-ing the rules. Get it? Okay, that was lame. Almost as lame as this looks now that I think about it.

We traveled to NYC last week, and I pushed myself a little too hard the first day (we walked about 3 miles, and I carried a 17 pound baby and a diaper bag), so we had to cab it for the rest of the trip.

Enjoying the city with my girls. (and look, Dr. Fink, I'm in sneakers!)

Enjoying the city with my girls. (and look, Dr. Fink, I’m in sneakers!)

Yesterday, I checked in with my doctor. I don’t have to clean and soak my feet any more, and I think I can wear other footwear (he didn’t say I couldn’t! And I didn’t ask. Oops.). I’m also ready to get back to running this weekend.

Have you had a plantar wart or other foot problem? What’s your favorite cardio when you can’t run?

Don’t Call it a Comeback…yet

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Yeah, it’s an LL Cool J kind of morning. You’re welcome for the earworm!

This week, I restarted C25K in preparation of a race next month and eventual half marathon training (11 months, holy…). Typically, my C25K starting point is actually the C/couch, where I have been perched for several months. And it’s hard. It’s so, SO hard. That first one minute run feels like an hour.

This time around, I had only been out of commission for 2-3 weeks, so that first one felt… good. And the pace was… pretty decent, actually. And immediately upon finishing, I made plans with my running pal, Sara, to go running again.

And then we did! Last night, I did my Day 2 run and it was still good. Pace was slightly slower, but still well below my usually Week 1 pace. And yeah, I was out of breath. And yeah, my calves hurt (I blame the wedges I was rocking at work yesterday). But it was just… good.

I like good. I would like to keep having it feel good. Because good feels good!

Here’s the thing. I’ve never made it past Week 6. I think this is because Week 6 sucks, but it could be because I am a habitual non finisher*.

And this time, week 6 coincides with my first race since the October, in which I finished last in my age group.

Last.

Yeah.

That was not a great feeling.

This journey has been full of plenty of great feelings (the first time I ran a full mile) and a whole lot of not so great feelings (last year’s Diva Dash). But it is always full of feelings. Always.

Right now, the feeling is anxiety. Not a lot, but I can feel it growing. I get ridiculous race-day anxiety, every time, to the point where I panic as soon as I start running and can’t continue (I can walk, and I always finish the course, but I CANNOT run). And it happens most days when I run at all, although not at the same level. I’m always anxious that I’m not going to be able to do it. (I’m not sure what my brain thinks happens if I can’t do it, but it is definitely scared).

Clearly, anxiety does NOT feel good. And I need to learn how to work around it. Which, in fact, is actually the point of the race I booked next month – to start getting used to it again so that next April, I don’t have a heart attack on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and run into a casino to hide.

I haven’t really found a way to get rid of the anxiety yet. Maybe there isn’t one, but I have to believe there are at least ways to make it more manageable. And once I get that under control?

I’m gonna knock you out 😉 **

*Please note my not using the word quitter. I don’t want Meri to give me the look.

** Please pardon the cheese. It’s early and I’ve given up coffee. And cheese.

So, help a girl out? Tell Bec she’s not alone in the race anxiety. Tell her how you work through it. Tell her to suck it up and stop crying like a little girl with a skinned knee.

Guest posting

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Chick Vic here.

Today, I am a guest blogger on one of my favorite blogs, Heather’s Looking Glass, as Heather and her husband Bobby are vacationing on a Disney cruise.

Inspired by some spring cleaning, I talk a bit about the challenges of home organization, especially when you’re a clutter-monger like me! So please check out my post on Heather’s blog for some humor and tips. And I’d love to hear any suggestions you all may have!

Let’s talk about sleep, baby

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Everybody does it. Some of us get more than others. And if you’re getting a lot of it, well, I’m giving you the stink eye.

That’s right, people, I’m talking about sleep.

I like to think of myself as a sleep expert, in that I love it and I did it a lot. I took copious naps on the weekend. Mister Jess and I slept in until 9, sometimes 10 in the morning. Sleep was something that fell from a proverbial sleep tree into my lap.

(For those who are wondering, sleep trees are like money trees, only great sleep falls from them instead of hundred dollar bills. Also, they are fictional, but bear with me.)

I am sad to say that my sleep tree has withered away. The leaves are dying, the bark is looking rather sallow…and I’m out of metaphors. Suffice it to say, I don’t even know what sleeping in is anymore. It definitely isn’t 5:30 AM, which is when my beautiful little angel of a baby decides it’s time to get up and party. And when people ask if he’s sleeping through the night, which he largely is, I want to shake them and say, “forget about him sleeping through the night, what about ME?”

Hey, I am nothing if not selfless.

I’m obsessed with sleep and the fact that I’m not getting it for good reason. Besides being completely awesome, sleep is an important part of our overall health. There have been dozens of studies about sleep deprivation and its negative effects on the human body and mind, but let’s focus on the good stuff, shall well? As The National Institutes of Health points out, a good night’s sleep every night boosts your memory, improves your ability to learn new skills, and makes you an overall happier you.

I’m about 18 years away from sleeping through the night, if my calculations are correct, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Those who cannot do, teach. So, I looked up some tips and my good friend The Mayo Clinic has some great ones to get you started on the road to sleep success.

1. Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on the weekends and days off. It’s all about consistency where your bod is concerned!

2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Don’t stuff your face right before bed, but don’t go to sleep starving either. It’s also best not to drink a huge glass of water before bedtime either. It’s safe to say that alcohol, caffeine and nicotine will also interrupt a great night’s sleep.

3. Create a bedtime ritual. This is a great tip for babies and adults alike. Bug gets a warm bath, a nightcap, and sometimes a song before he hits the hay. Relaxing activities help your mind switch into sleepy-time gear.

4. Get comfortable. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and the right temperature. A comfy mattress and pillows are important, too.

5. Limit daytime naps (I cannot recommend this personally, but I guess Mayo Clinic is pretty legit). Long daytime naps can mess up your sleep for later. If you do decide to nap, try to limit it to 10-3o minutes. Good luck with that.

6. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular physical activity helps you sleep better, longer, and deeper. Scoot your doots, people!

7. Manage stress. Our lives are crazy, and sometimes when you lay your head on your pillow at night, your brain decides it’s a great time to think about all of the things you have to do the next day, or the things you should’ve done today. Write it all down and then set it aside so you can get some shut eye. It will be waiting for you in the morning. Trust me.

8. Have your newborn go live with Grandma and Grandpa for the first year.

One of those is mine. I’ll let you guess.

How much sleep are you getting at night? Do you have a nighttime ritual? Do you love sleep and naps as much as I do? Let’s talk about it in the comments. Parents of babies, we can cry together there. 

Couch to Excitement/Nervousness

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So, the C25K posts have been pretty lean the last few weeks. Which makes sense because the C25K has been pretty lean the last few weeks. And by lean, I mean I’ve gone running once.

There was a trip to NY, family out of town, date night, doctor’s appointments, prom dress shopping and well… there was also some laziness. I’ve been working very hard on my diet for the last few weeks, changing things and researching, so I’m not in a bad place.

Bec and Bffl, in New York. Not running.

Bec and Bffl, in New York. Not running.

I’m just not running.

Bec and the boy in Central Park. Still not running.

Bec and the boy in Central Park. Still not running.

But all that is going to change. It has to change. And this isn’t one of those ‘I need to get out of my own way and stop making excuses’ posts. Oh no. This is one of those ‘well holy cannoli (which I no longer eat), what the heck did I just do’ posts.

What the heck  did I do, you might ask? (I know you are insanely curious about the minutiae of my life, folks).

I SIGNED UP FOR A HALF MARATHON.

Yeah, I don’t know how it happened either. But it happened. I am officially registered for the 2014 April Fools Half Marathon in Atlantic City.

And what’s even stranger? I’m actually excited about it. Nervous excited (nervouscited, it’s a word), but excited nonetheless.

I’m going to get to run with some of my fellow Scooters – read: behind my fellow Scooters – and with the Chicago-style Bec, Anne. And I’m going to accomplish a goal that I’ve had, running my first half before I turn 40.

Well… I’m going to accomplish my goal if I prepare.

So, that’s why there has to be running.

Delicious food Bec made while she was not out running.

Delicious food Bec made while she was not out running.

There has to be consistent running, at that. And since it’s been anything but, I’ve decided to go back a bit.

I’m going to reboot C25K. I took so many days off that the one run I did in the last three weeks? It was a horror show. I very much run ‘in my head’, meaning even when my body feels like things are okay, my head convinces me that it’s most definitely not okay. But in this case, even my body was not okay.

And that’s not okay.

So, bright and early Saturday morning, it’s C25K Week 1, Day 1 all over again. If you’d like to cheer me on, please do! That 30 seconds is going to feel like a full minute!

And we’ll go from there. And then we’ll keep going. And then we’ll run a half marathon.

What are your half marathon experiences? Have you run one? Do you want to? Do you think Bec is insane? Tell us all about it! 

New York City, here I come!

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It’s official. After three straight years of lottery loss, I am finally registered to run the ING NYC Marathon in November.

Honestly, I’m freaking out just a bit.

About 45,000 people run the annual 26.2 mile course that spans New York City’s five boroughs. I’ve been itching to run in my home state for years! Plus, it’s incredibly hard to get into. I managed to snag my guaranteed entry for 2013 after being rejected via lottery for three consecutive years.

There are several ways runners can qualify to run NYC  — qualify based on time (really, really fast!); run for a charity, run through the NYRR’s 9 +1 program and through the race lottery.

nyc3

So yesterday, when I got my entry confirmation e-mail, I danced a little jig. You see, after 2014, runners can no longer qualify for guaranteed entry if they’ve been rejected three straight years. Alas, the lottery will remain and runners can submit for a spot through May 24 this year. Go to www.mynyrr.org to apply for the lottery.

Training for the Nov. 3 footrace will begin in July, with several fantastic running partners.  And let me just say an extra thanks to my Jennifer, who inspired me and encouraged me to run marathons in the first place.

nyc2

Jen, after the NYC Marathon in 2010.

Have you run the New York City Marathon? What tips do you have for a first-time runner of this race? Will you be there to run or cheer on a loved one? Please tell me in the comments.

New York City, here I come!

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It’s official. After three straight years of lottery loss, I am finally registered to run the ING NYC Marathon in November.

Honestly, I’m freaking out just a bit.

About 45,000 people run the annual 26.2 mile course that spans New York City’s five boroughs. I’ve been itching to run in my home state for years! Plus, it’s incredibly hard to get into. I managed to snag my guaranteed entry for 2013 after being rejected via lottery for three consecutive years.

There are several ways runners can qualify to run NYC  — qualify based on time (really, really fast!); run for a charity, run through the NYRR’s 9 +1 program and through the race lottery.

nyc3

So yesterday, when I got my entry confirmation e-mail, I danced a little jig. You see, after 2014, runners can no longer qualify for guaranteed entry if they’ve been rejected three straight years. Alas, the lottery will remain and runners can submit for a spot through May 24 this year. Go to www.mynyrr.org to apply for the lottery.

Training for the Nov. 3 footrace will begin in July, with several fantastic running partners.  And let me just say an extra thanks to my Jennifer, who inspired me and encouraged me to run marathons in the first place.

nyc2

Jen, after the NYC Marathon in 2010.

Have you run the New York City Marathon? What tips do you have for a first-time runner of this race? Will you be there to run or cheer on a loved one? Please tell me in the comments.

Stocking The Milk Bar

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Happy Wednesday, runners! So, I guess it’s (unofficially) boob week for the Scoot chicks. Today, I’m going to talk about breastfeeding. If you aren’t a nursing mama, or planning to be a nursing mama, this might not be very interesting to you. Just giving you a heads up!

Also, I am neither a lactation consultant nor a doctor. All advice is based on my own experience. If you have any nursing issues, please see a lactation consultant or a doctor.

Before I had my first baby, I set a goal to nurse for one year. We made it there- and beyond- and I was lucky, it was pretty easy. (Not a lot of sleep, but the breastfeeding part? Easy peasy.)

With my second girl, my goal was to nurse for as long as I had for the first- 17 months. I know it’s silly, but I wanted them to be equal. It was trickier at first (hello, latch issues), but nothing would stop me. Even though my pump broke on a cruise, which sent my supply on a downward spiral, we still did it.

With this little dude, my goal is the same; 17 months, at least. And to find all the adorable nursing-friendly clothing that Anthro has to offer. (Which is a lot! Strapless maxi dresses, friends. They’ve all found a home in my closet.)

I love breastfeeding. It’s an awesome way to bond with your babe. It’s amazing to see them grow and know that you are responsible for nourishing that development. It makes you feel good and for some (me, at least with the first two babies), it helps you drop all pregnancy weight and then some.

Nursing plus exercise, though? That was something I wasn’t sure about doing. I’d always heard that exercise could affect one’s milk supply, so with the Little Miss (my oldest), I proceeded with caution. I didn’t begin exercising until she was about seven months old, because my supply was well-established by that time. Turns out, my fear was unfounded. I’m sure there are mothers who see a supply dip when working out, but research shows that breastfeeding and exercise can mix with no ill effects to one’s supply. YAY!

Still, I have a few strategies for maintaining a healthy milk supply while working on my fitness.

Eat a healthy diet. I’m not talking about dieting. I’m talking about eating well-balanced, healthy meals and snacks. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, protein. I try to start my day with oatmeal because some say it can boost milk supply. It definitely doesn’t hurt it. (And I love oatmeal.)

photo-3

Triple berry oatmeal. My favorite breakfast!

Drink a lot of water. Not a problem, because nursing makes me thirsty ALL. THE. TIME. I carry my water bottle with me everywhere.

photo-4

The back of this bottle reads “Because I really really really like dessert.” YEP.

Nurse before and after workouts. I nurse on-demand, and all the kids were/are frequent nursers (snackers, ha) so this is an easy one for me. I also think it helps to prevent clogged milk ducts, that might start to form from my compression sports bra.

Yep, this happened. I'm a multi-tasker. (Or I forgot to do my wall sit before I started nursing.)

Yep, this happened. I’m a multi-tasker. (Or I forgot to do my wall sit before I started nursing.)

Let’s all enjoy this magical, sleep-deprived time. Drink your water, get your run on, and trust me, get to Anthropologie.

Sources: Kelly Mom and La Leche League

Any nursing mamas out there? What helps you maintain your milk supply while staying active? Where have you found cute dresses for Spring (nursing-friendly or otherwise)?