Tag Archives: family

Memorial Day fun – and then some.

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I cleaned lobster parts off the ceiling yesterday. I also scrubbed little bits of lobster off the front door, the sofa and our kitchen cabinets.

You see, my husband smashed our big holiday weekend dinner open using a typical hammer. It was hilarious at the time, but as we I cleaned up, I found more and more stray pieces. Choice words were spoken.

Oh, and the hammer? It’s a bit…fishy.

Typically, hubs and I spend Memorial Day weekend tackling a season’s worth of yard work and chores. We clear out the flower beds. We till and plant our vegetable garden. We decided to skip the big gardens this year and focus only on herbs. So with less yard work on the docket, we had more time for fun!

We spent Saturday showing my cousin Keith and his wife Laura around Rochester. Stops at the Public Market and Ontario Beach Park were no-brainers.

20140526-164540.jpgOntario Beach Park, from the pier. That’s right kids, that’s Lake Ontario.

We also visited Rochester’s Turning Point Park, and its impressive boardwalk over the Genesee River. This city park is one of my favorite hidden gems in the area. (It’s also one of my favorite running paths in the area.)

20140526-164835.jpgLaura and Keith loved the boardwalk

And of course we had to stop at the Genesee Brew House, where we had lunch, some beer and a brewery tour.

20140526-165133.jpgWe enjoyed $2 flights at the brewery. Proceeds go to charity.

highfallsThe view from Rochester’s High Falls, from the brewery, of course.

As hubs and I ran errands on Sunday, we found ourselves renting The Home Depot’s hourly pickup to bring home a new grill. (J loved his birthday gift this year!) I found myself in the bed of the truck holding onto the base of the grill as he rounded each corner. Yep, I was perched right next to the “no passengers in bed” sign. Oops.

Monday brought us to another lakeside park where we walked along Lake Ontario the second time in a weekend.

20140526-170422.jpgHubs enjoys the view

We wandered, without really any predetermined plans, and those who know me best know I’m not a good wanderer. Like, Meri, I’m a planner. It’s something I’m working on. But this weekend, I went with it more than usual.

I agreed when he suggested we drive along the shoreline without a destination in mind. I agreed when he changed course and headed for the Erie Canal path, where we enjoyed some ice cream. And I agreed when I jumped into the back of the pickup for a bumpy but fabulous 9-mile trek to our house.

I’m getting better about living in each moment and enjoying them for what they are.

But I can promise you, cleaning up lobster bits will never be among them. Ick.

How did you spend your holiday weekend? Are you a hiker or a beach-dweller? Have you ever had Genesee beer? Tell me all about it!

Tales Of The Boot: Making Plans to Exercise (Get Me Out Of This Thing!)

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There are five days of school left. FIVE. In five days, I will have a first grader. In seven days, I will have a kindergartner (Her preschool ends two days later). In seven days, I will have three kids at home for the entire summer. Whoa.

It was both easier and more difficult last summer, because little dude was a baby. He wasn’t walking, so he was easier to cart around, but he also slept more, needed more breaks for changing, nursing, food, etc. This summer, he can walk, eat big kid snacks and he enjoys things- but man, he is into EVERYTHING.

Right now, our days are fun and a little exhausting, so I know that with my girls home, our summer will be more of both. Like Meri, I’m a planner, and I’m using these last several days to work on my calendar. We’ve got camps scheduled (Frozen musical theater camp, holla!), playdates in the works, our summer learning checklist (Big girl- tie her shoes and ride her bike. Middle girl- read. Little dude- sleep through the night. Haha. For real. Me- chess.), and a family vacation. It’s got me wondering though, where will exercise fit in?

When I trained for my first half-marathon, I did most of my runs at night. We had a treadmill in our bedroom and with a busy husband and a full daytime schedule, it was easier to wait until 8pm to get moving.

After my little guy was born, I became an early morning runner. He was (and is) a terrible sleeper, and if I was already getting up at 5:30, why not just get up at 5 and go for a run? I was lucky to have a friend in my neighborhood who was willing to join me.

This spring, I joined a gym. My best running friend had moved, and I really wanted to spend some time on the treadmill to work on my speed. (My home treadmill died two years ago and we haven’t replaced it.) My running time began after school drop off and I was again fortunate to find some pals to exercise with me.

Now I’m injured. I don’t know what my doctor will say on Tuesday about resuming activity, but I hope to be in the gym again next week. At least on an elliptical or bike. Timing-wise, I’m not sure what will work best. Early morning, mid-afternoon…I have no idea how crowded the childcare is and I don’t know- I hate to think of my kids spending their summer at the gym, even if it is only for an hour, a few days a week. Then again, we have a lot planned and that ME time will probably be necessary. Mommy guilt is a powerful thing, so we’ll see, I guess.

I do know that I’m going to ease back into things, even if the doctor clears me to run right away. I want to try the spin classes at my gym (Never done it! Any tips?). I’m both impressed and inspired by our friend, Megan’s, daily yoga pics on instagram, so I definitely hope to do more yoga and do it regularly. I still want to run, but I want to be cautious. I don’t want to be back in the boot anytime soon. Or ever again, really. I have a half marathon on my calendar in December, and I’m waiting to hear from the doctor before I add one in October. I’ve got time to figure it all out and get back on schedule. My exercise time will just have to go with the flow of summer. (Yeah, right. I will totally have a plan in place as soon as Dr. Fink gives me the go ahead. Ha.)

Morning, Mid-day or Evening runner? Do you find you’re more productive one way or another? I love early morning because then it’s done. But sleep! If you’ve been injured, how did you get back into your routine? How long did it take? Parents- How did you teach your kids to tie their shoes? I don’t even tie mine the right way! (I make two bunny ears and tie them together. It’s just what I’ve always done.)

Celebrating Virginia

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I’m blessed to be surrounded by a family of smart, strong and motivating women.

Typically, I chat about my fabulous mother. But last weekend, I headed downstate with my in-laws to celebrate my mama-in-law Virginia, for her 50th birthday.

V and I joined the Sebastiano family about the same time and have lots in common. We always enjoy baking together, shopping, hiking, chatting and visiting, even if we do absolutely nothing when we join forces. She is a joy and has a pure heart. Thank you for being you, dear Virginia! Happy 50th!

old sebFrom left, my father-in-law, sister-in-law and mama-in-law back in 2005.

Last weekend, my generous father-in-law treated Virginia and a few of her favorite family and friends to a weekend at Mohonk Mountain House, a stunning 150-year-old resort in New York’s Hudson Valley.  I had a fabulous time with my family, and the outing really reminded me how lucky I am to have such impressive and strong women in my life.

We ate, we hiked, we rowed on the lake. We toasted Virginia, and we celebrated one another. And of course, we were pampered at the spa, which is apparently the top spa resort in the country! (We do things right in our family.)

Mohonk is a stunning setting for any relaxing getaway. It reminded me of the resorts of yesteryear, when emphasis was placed on family activities and spending time together. There are no televisions in guest rooms, and I only saw one on property – which was playing a family friendly movie each evening. A high tea was offered each day. Nearly every activity is included – minus spa treatments and anything involving horses.

Here are a few images from my weekend. If you ever have the chance to visit Mohonk, even for the day, GO! It’s incredible.

mohonk7View from a hike around the resort. Wow, just wow!

mohonk6The gang’s all here to celebrate Virginia (center, front row) The candle might give her away!

mohonk1Me with my sister-in-law Lauren and Aunt Maria at dinner. We three shared a room and had a great time together!

mohonk9I love this side shot of V and her sister Dot. You can feel the love and joy

mohonk10Check out the view from our room/balcony.

mohonk8We spent a lot of time at the spa, and the gym, and we three also hiked a bit around the stunning property.

horseHorses! I need to stop laughing at this sign. I know I am misreading it, but I still find it hilarious. #imaybite

mohonk5Row, row row your boat! Lolly and I shared rowing duties. We loved it so much we went out twice!

mohonk11View from the water

mohonk12Group outing on our final morning

Tell me about your favorite family weekend getaway! Where do you go to relax? Would you hike, row or hit the spa? Have you been to Mohonk? Tell me in the comments!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things…

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Girls in Oiselle tanks and white satin sashes,
Taffy that sticks to my teeth, not eyelashes (because that would be weird),
Frigid cold air that does not feel like Spring,
These are a few of my favorite things!

(Okay, not the weather. Florida native here. I had a minor freakout last Sunday morning when Mer told me it was 28 degrees on the boardwalk in Atlantic City.)

It was a wonderful weekend of running and even more laughter, and now I’m home to my most favorite people and a mountain of laundry to fold. (Not a favorite, if you are taking notes.)

Since the AC half was already covered by Mer and Vic, I only want to tell you a tiny bit about my experience, and also share some other things I’m loving right this second:

First, the AC half. I know you are Meridith’s, but if she were willing to share you, we could be sister-wives. (Did I just imply that Mer is married to a race? I guess I did. I’m really tired, you guys.) I only ran once last week because of my shin pain, so I think rest, plus KT Tape, plus the oh-so-forgiving boardwalk helped me achieve a pretty sweet time for this race- I finished in 2 hours, 7 seconds, which is 11 minutes faster than my Princess 2014 time. (Still not a PR for me, blah blah blah. I get so tired of saying that. I get so tired of thinking it. But we runners love to focus on the numbers. Anyway, now that I’m thatclose to a sub-2, I am more than confident that a personal best will happen this fall.) Of course, if I hadn’t been texting my friends while running, I probably could’ve shaved off 8 seconds- but, no regrets.

The best part of this race was seeing our dear friend Anne finish her first half-marathon. The thing about a half-marathon, and running in general, really, is that no one can help you do it. You have to put in the time. You have to do the work. But when you finish? The accomplishment is all yours. Seeing a friend triumph like this is so powerful; for me, it feels as good as it does when I achieve my own goals. I’m lucky to have been there when a few friends crossed that half-marathon finish line for the first time, and the emotional impact hasn’t diminished. I guess I’m a marshmallow. Congrats, Anne!

While in NJ, we went to Target. As one does. Vic and I found these super cheap hoodies on clearance in the men’s section. This kept me so warm, post-race. Bonus- we were matchies.

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I love makeup. A lot. My favorite fun thing right now is this blue mascara from Butter London. I think there are a few other colors- I know there is purple and I’m definitely planning to buy that one. With this, I do a neutral face, and then coat my lashes in blue. It’s very noticeable in the sun and less so indoors and I just love it.

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How excited am I that OVERALLS are in style? Well, I’ll be honest. I’ve been waiting for this moment since 1999. Last Spring, I bought some short-alls because it was way too hot for long ones, but these Madewell overalls made their way into my closet recently and they are the best. More tapered than your 90s overall and I think you are supposed to wear them with cute flats or heels or booties and not birkenstocks (but those are back too, and you can’t see me right now but I’m wearing my EXCITED FACE.)

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I just finished taking another class on Conscious Discipline at my church and I cannot say enough good things about it. We’ve been working on implementing CD in our home for the past few years and it has helped all of us. Without getting too much into it, because this is a running blog, not a parenting blog, and I’m certainly not an expert- CD teaches emotional and social intelligence. You can read more here and here.

This book has finger plays, songs and games to increase your connection to your child- and their connections with each other. I’ve taught the girls a few things that they now do regularly with their brother and us, and we’ve also developed a goodbye ritual that the girls enjoy.

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One more book- The girls and I are currently reading Ramona the Brave. Last summer, we read the first two books in the series, in which Ramona is in preschool and then kindergarten, and now that my oldest will be a first grader soon, we decided to start the next book. I LOVE RAMONA. She’s so sassy and misunderstood and delightful. We still laugh about her singing the “dawnzer” song in kindergarten…you know, the dawnzer lee light.

BABIES. I’ve had more than a few friends have babies recently- three of them in the past three days! My instagram and Facebook feeds are filled with sweet, squishy newborn faces. Thank you, new mamas, for sharing your babies with me. I love seeing them!

Lastly, I love that I’m going to see my chicks in less than three weeks. DC, here we come! I hope you have enough cheese.

Talky! Do you text during races? How do I break myself of this habit? Best thing you’ve bought at Target recently? Overalls are amazing, right? What are you reading? By the way, The Sound of Music is always on my list of favorite things.

Mother Runner Giveaway Winner and Spring Break Fun

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Hey runner friends! Last week, I told you about the Mother Runner event in Orlando, and how I purchased some pretty sweet goodies for one of you. This morning, I picked a winner-

Congrats to Nicole, who won via Facebook entry! Check your email, Nicole, so I can send you your prize! Thank you to all who entered.

It’s Spring Break here in the Babbles house and our days have been packed with fun, fun, and more fun. This mother runner is very tired, but I adore having all of my babes at home with me. Here are some of the things we’re enjoying this week:

The Disney Infinity game. We all have our favorites, and Rapunzel is mine. (Shocking.)
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Movie Mornings in our pajamas. We don’t watch tv during the school week, so the opportunity to watch tv while eating breakfast is a welcome change for these littles. (Did Disney pick a good week for the Frozen dvd release or what?)

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Speaking of Frozen, of course we picked up our dvd yesterday! We stood in a pretty long line at the Disney Store, where I also bought this adorable coffee mug-

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The bowling alley and arcade, and time with their Uncle and soon-to-be Aunt. These girls love air hockey!

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These crayons. My older girl and I sat for over an hour and colored with them. The glide on the paper like an oil pastel, and then once you brush with water, you get the watercolor effect AND they sparkle brighter than Edward Cullen.

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I also love that nail polish (Deborah Lippmann She Bop) and the treadmill, because that’s the only way I’m getting to run this week. One thing we don’t love is sleeping in. The kids are all still a little off from the time change. Or they’re just early morning people like their mother.

Anyway- Happy Spring Break if you’re on one, and Happy Wednesday if you aren’t. Time to go pack lunches for today’s outing.

Any Disney Infinity players out there? Favorite Frozen character? Favorite arcade game? Favorite Spring Break activity? Talky!

Random Picture Post: Jess Edition

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I was so in love with Brooke’s post last week that I decided to rip it off and do the same thing. I am a random person at heart, so this is right up my alley. You can often find me wandering around with things in my hand while I’m doing another thing while thinking about five million OTHER things.

I don’t think I had a point to that entire paragraph, but that fits in nicely with this post.

First thing: last Friday was an epic mail day for me. One thing you should know about me is that I get really excited about checking the mail. Don’t ask me why, because 9 times out of 10 my mailbox is filled with bills and junk mail. But the possibility of it is so exciting!

Anyway, Mister Postman didn’t disappoint. I hit the jackpot with my latest Stitch Fix and three of my weekly magazines.  Earlier last week, I got my latest Birchbox shipment. Pretty amazing, right?! Another thing you should know about me: I love to shop, but I’m extremely lazy. Anything that delivers me awesome or pretty things right to my door is an automatic obsession.

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Hello, Stitch Fix!

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Hello, Birchbox!

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Hellooooo, gossip mags (don’t judge).

So, Stitch Fix is this awesome service where you get sent a box of fun clothing, jewelry and accessories each month that fit your style, based on a survey you fill out prior to your first shipment. When you get your Fix, you have three days to try everything on, decide if you like it, and keep the stuff you love. Whatever you don’t like, you send back. This month I kept an adorable zip-up cardigan and the PERFECT pair of skinny jeans. The other items – a sweater, a messenger bag (the absolute last thing I need), and a gauzy blouse – all went back to the Stitch Fix office! So fun. Thanks to my best friend, Ali, for signing me up as a Christmas present!

Birchbox is a more well-known service where you sign up, then get makeup, skincare, haircare, and other beauty-related products every month. They’re always sample-sized so you can try it out and decide if you like what they’re selling. I’m especially obsessed with this one, because I love love love trying out new beauty products. Thanks to my other best friend, Anna, for signing me up for that one! I have great friends.

In other news, while the rest of the country was freezing, we had some epically beautiful weather here in California. The whole fam took a trip to Crissy Field and frolicked a bit. Bug even dipped his toes in the water! Super cute.

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I said, brrrr….actually it’s not that bad.

Bug was 100% obsessed with the dog's Chuck It.

Bug was 100% obsessed with the dog’s Chuck It.

On the food front: last week, my co-workers and I discovered a food truck called Me So Hungry. I love that there are so many food trucks carrying so many delicious meals inside their wheels. They are crazy popular here and I was shocked – SHOCKED – when we came across Me So Hungry and it didn’t have a line around the block.

The food. Is. Incredible. I got the Flyin’ Hawaiian Sliders, which have chicken, crispy Maui onions, and chipotle aioli on them. I also got sweet potato fries, which were garnished with garlic and parmesan cheese.

Yeah.

Just take my money and put this food in my mouth.

Just take my money and put this food in my mouth.

On a related note, I started the South Beach diet, phase 1 this week. The no carb thing is not my favorite thing by a long shot. I think that carb rage is real. I want pasta. I want bread. But I’ve already lost a couple pounds, so I guess that’s okay. 

Related to running: I went to this great running shop called A Runner’s Mind and had my stride evaluated so I could find the perfect pair of shoes. I absolutely adore my Nike Lunarglides, but I figure since I’m going to be running the half in August, I might need to find a different shoe that offers a little more cushion and support.

Enter the Saucony Ride 6! I tried them on, along with a few others that I can no longer remember, and absolutely loved the feel of them. So cushy. So comfy. They only had an unattractive color option in the store, so I ordered the berry/coral/blue ones and am just waiting impatiently for them to get shipped to the store.

Finally, I made a quick trip to my favorite card store here in the city, the adorably named Avant Card. They have the best – and wittiest! – selection of greeting cards there. I could honestly spend hours there. I picked up this one because I loved the message. I decided I would buy it and just keep it for myself because everything written there are things I want to remember. But I am happy to share it with you all, too!

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TGI-almost Friday, everyone!

Do you subscribe to any fun mail-order services? Love gossip mags? Have experience with South Beach or the Saucony Rides? How’s your week going? Talk to me in the comments! 

Can I Place an Order for Pick-Up?

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I can’t tell you how many times I’ve uttered those words, or its close relative, “Can I place an order for delivery?” It’s more than I’d like to admit, but here’s the truth: my family eats out a lot. And by a lot I mean we eat out for dinner at least three times a week. The weekends are pretty much all about eating out.

I have many excuses for why I reach for the phone more often than I reach for a spatula. They include, but are not limited to:

  • I’m lazy
  • I’m tired
  • It’s a day that ends in -y
  • I’m hungry RIGHT NOW
  • I’m not a great cook
  • Mister Jess is a pretty good cook, but he’s tired
  • We have no dishwasher and our sink is small
  • We have an oven but it sets off the smoke alarm. Every. Time.
  • We have no counter space in the kitchen
  • We barely HAVE a kitchen
  • Bug is hungry RIGHT NOW
  • That place serves breakfast all day
  • The place next to the place has donuts. Built-in dessert.
  • The fridge is full but nothing looks good
  • It’s the weekend and weekends are for eating out, duh
  • I could go on
  • But you get the point

I try to make good choices for Bug and thankfully there are many places around us that serve delicious, organic, at least semi-healthy meals. But at the same time, I have friends with kids who manage to put food that didn’t come from a container on the table every night. This leads to one of my least favorite emotions: Mommy Guilt. I have it about a lot of things fleetingly, but this is one that sticks around. I make sure he gets his fruits and veggies and good protein. Am I a terrible mom because I buy him pancakes rather than making them?

But here’s the thing: I don’t know how I can fit the life I need to live into the life I have. There are only so many hours in the day and when our days – and especially our evenings – are dictated by child-led timelines and a bedtime of 7pm (Bug’s, not ours. I wish), it’s so much easier to pick something up on the way home. It’s one less thing I need to worry about, one thing I can check off the never-ending list of To Dos.

I want to be healthy. I need the food I eat to fuel my fitness, especially once I get full-swing into my half marathon training. I just don’t know how to balance it all out. I need your help, Scoot readers!

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So, tell me: is there an easier method to all of this that I’m missing? A way to capture the ease of take-out without actually taking out? Or should I just come to terms with the fact that we are a take-out family and try to make the best food choices I can when we do order it up?

My Year in Pictures

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To say this year has been an active one for me is a bit of an understatement. My 2012 ended with a newborn baby- my third- and I began 2013 with some pretty specific fitness aspirations.

First, I wanted to fit into my jeans again. (Is that really a fitness goal? Well, I wanted to fit into my running shorts again too. That counts, right?) I wanted run a half marathon before the end of the year and I wanted to train smarter and more broadly- to begin lifting weights and try different kinds of cardio instead of just running.

I’ve done the postpartum return to fitness before, obviously, but never with this much determination. Never with specific goals (Okay, with each babe, I have wanted to fit into my pants again. But it was super easy with the first two kids and really hard work this time around. I’ve been told it’s because I’m over 30 now. Sigh.).

At first, I walked a lot. Once I got the all clear from my doctor (6 weeks post-baby), I eased back into running on the treadmill and began working out with a trainer. I also tried barre workouts, zumba and returned to my favorite hot yoga class. When summer arrived and the baby grew bored of sitting at the gym with me, I began running in the early mornings with Sara- we ran longer and faster; each of us chasing our own goals.

By fall, I had some sweet definition in my arms. My pants fit again too- it took 10 whole months- and I was ready to tackle that half-marathon. Timing is everything, and I was grateful that this year was Vic’s year to run the NYC marathon because that meant she could run with me for Wine and Dine. I could have run it alone, of course, but it made it easier to have a friend cheering me along for those 13.1 miles.

I decided to do the run streak during this holiday season because I thought it would be fun (“Isn’t this fun?” is basically my motto for all things fitness.) and I love a challenge. Some days have been awful. Just yesterday, I sent Meri the following text: “I don’t want to run. I’m so tempted to stay in my jams and drink coffee all day.” Like any good, bossy friend, she told me to just get it done. Most days have been wonderful though, and while I don’t think I could ever be an every day runner, I’m glad I ended the year with all this running.

I’m excited to see what next year holds for me. I have three races on the calendar already- the Glass Slipper challenge and the Nike Women’s half in DC, and there are a few more I really want to run.

I’ve been thinking about my goals a lot lately, but since I’m not quite ready to commit to them here, I thought I would share some of my favorite fitness photos from the past year.

My first post-baby run. My warm-up walk included a nursing session.

My first post-baby run. My warm-up walk included a nursing session.

My view from the treadmill.

My view from the treadmill.

J and I attempted a monthlong wall-sit challenge. Yeah...we didn't complete it. But I got this cute picture!

J and I attempted a monthlong wall-sit challenge. Yeah…we didn’t complete it. But I got this cute picture!

The boy was totally tired of the gym at this stage. This was my last workout with him present. (which meant the beginning of very early mornings)

The boy was totally tired of the gym at this stage. This was my last workout with him present. (which meant the beginning of very early mornings)

Sara and I after hot yoga.

Sara and I after hot yoga.

The Bob got some love during the second half of the year.

The Bob got some love during the second half of the year.

My first postpartum race- the UCF 5 miler and 2 miler (I did both for the bling)

My first postpartum race- the UCF 5 miler and 2 miler (I did both for the bling)

Back at Wine and Dine again, and happy I got to run with my friend.

Back at Wine and Dine again, and happy I got to run with my friend.

Still working out with Trainer Jen. She makes me do all sorts of crazy things.

Still working out with Trainer Jen. She makes me do all sorts of crazy things.

Run streak! A long run last weekend with my friend, Dorothy.

Run streak! A long run last weekend with my friend, Dorothy.

What races do you have scheduled for 2014? Do you set yearly goals? Share your favorite fitness photo from 2013 with us on Twitter or Instagram! #favefitphoto

How Sweet It Is – Hershey Park, PA

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This weekend, Mer and Vic (and their fams) met up at Hershey Park in PA for a little holiday cheer! While the weather felt more like spring than winter, we checked out the holiday light display, visited with the Big Guy in Red, and had a great time together!

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hersheysanta

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Naturally, while we were there we discussed doing one of the races at Hershey Park. There’s a 10k in the spring and a half marathon in the fall. Have you ever run Hershey?

Lessons From A Streaker

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I’m almost 30 miles into this running streak and not quite halfway through. As someone who typically runs four times a week, this has been a challenging exercise. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

Running every day means not waiting until Christmas to buy new running attire. (Side note- did you know that Anthro carries activewear now? Shame on you for not telling me. I’ll take one of everything, s’il vous plait.) New shorts, new socks, new long-sleeved shirts- thanks, Vic, for introducing me to Oiselle– you name it, I’ve bought it. If I’m going to live in my running clothes this month, I’m going to do so in style.

These pants! Had to have 'em.

These pants! Had to have ’em.

I’m so glad that messy buns are still a thing. (If they aren’t, don’t tell me.) Who wants to blow out their hair only to throw it up again the next morning for a run? Not this girl. I’m rocking a bun and headband all over town. Stylish and a time saver= winning combination.

Does that "Messy Hair, Don't Care" shirt come in my size?

Does that “Messy Hair, Don’t Care” shirt come in my size?

If I know you’re a runner, I’ll invite you to run with me. On Thanksgiving morning, I looked at my husband and said, “You know what would be fun? If we all went on a run together. Doesn’t that sound like fun?” Never mind that it was the coldest day we’ve had here all winter (like 40 degrees. Typically it’s 85. Yes, right now.). We bundled up the children and took everyone out for a quick run around our neighborhood. Last week, my oldest girl rode her scooter while I jogged next to her. This morning, I took my friend out for a birthday brunch and when I invited her, I totally gave her the same spiel I’d given J on Turkey Day. “You know what would be fun?…” Running play dates are the next big thing.

Post-run on Thanksgiving morning.

Post-run on Thanksgiving morning.

Running every day means more holiday cookies, right? Because I’m using this streak as an excuse to eat all the candy cane-flavored things (except the peppermint yogurt raisins I saw at Target because that just sounds gross. And maybe a little too healthy anyway.)

These or the candy cane Oreos? Kidding, you know I got both.

These or the candy cane Oreos? Kidding, you know I got both.

All in all, I’m having fun streaking. It’s been good for me to switch up my routine a bit and run with different friends and in new locations. Some days are a challenge- I had to squeeze a mile in on a full stomach right before I left for carline one afternoon last week and I thought I was going to be sick. I’m also already planning my rest days. But there are plenty of proud moments too- that I’m pushing myself, that I’m making it work during a busy time of year, and that I’m taking time for me.

Roll call, Streakers! How’s it going? Favorite holiday cookie?