Crazy Stroller Lady

Why does running with a double stroller elicit such interest? I run the same path around a lake about 3 times a week; I do 4 miles round trip most of the time. On any given day I am running people crane their necks, turn and comment to their walking partner, say something to me or just smile.

Now really, I'm flattered. They are usually encouraging and act proud to see me pushing 100lbs of kids and stroller while running. But is it such an anomaly? Today people were especially impressive. I got a "you go girl," "wow, there is a little one and a big one" (referring to my 4yr old and 10 month old), a comment in Chinese, several grins and long glances.

Fitness is important to me. I really enjoy running outside. I don't want to pay for a gym membership and gym childcare...well, I wouldn't mind, but I can't afford it. I think that it sets a good example for my kids. My 4 yr old always gets out and walks about 1/2 mile at the end of my run. She even has her own running shoes, shirt and capri's. (love Targets line of little girl exercise gear).

What's interesting is that my pace isn't even a minute slower with the jogger. I think I push myself more with it because I know it's harder. I do look forward to the day when at least my 4yr old can ride a bike alongside me. I figure that's probably a year away. I'm thankful my baby is a lightweight becuase that stroller does get heavy!

I know, it's a silly rant. And not a big deal. But I just wanted to share. I guess I'm just a bit curious why people are so fascinated. To me, it's natural. I'd rather spend the time with my kids, while getting exercise and setting a good example for them.

And it helps that there is a drive-thru Starbucks right outside the lake entrance, and our favorite frozen yogurt shop is up the street. If the juice and snacks don't entice...a small reward after always helps!

The last 5 pounds

You always hear that "the last 5 pounds are the hardest." Why is that? I'm less than 5lbs from my goal now and it's sooooo slow. I feel like my eating hasn't changed much. I am on track probably 90% of the time. My exercise has dropped maybe 1 session a week due to my schedule. But I compensate for that with my eating. It's like I need to be 100% on track and exercise more to just lose even 1/2 lb a week.

And how is it that my body "knows" it's the last 5lbs? I could choose a goal 10-15lbs less--and it would still be in the healthy range for my height. But it's like my body knows what number I'm going for and has decided to slow down to turtle pace. Heck, it's like a snail on valium pace.

I am thankful though because my clothes fit and I'm pleased with my size. I've thought about losing a bit more--but then my clothes would be to big again and I just got several new things and I can't afford to replace them!

I need something to kick this metabolism into high gear.

For now, I'll just keep trucking along. Going for a long run today. Maybe that will help.

It's Coming

A new blog is coming soon...I promise!

Thumping Along Behind the Wagon

I've learned something about myself this week. Eating well and exercise go hand in hand. Actually, exercise really is the key ingredient. Without it, I don't eat well.

It's been cold and rainy this week. Since 99% of my exercise takes place outside, it hasn't happened. I did a DVD on Wed. afternoon, but that's been it since Sunday.

I haven't eaten well one day this week. Not that it's been terrible. Just not good enough to lose weight. Eating out, cupcakes, ice cream. Not good.

If only could get myself up early to work out. Or do it at naptime. If the weather continues, I will have to figure it out! Either the eating part or the inside exercise. And since we have a few more months of sketchy weather, I'm sure I'll need to figure it out.

So meanwhile, I'm hanging on to the wagon with one or two hands--depending on if a cupcacke is in the other hand-- thumping along behind it.

The price you pay

So last Saturday I had some major overindulgence to sweets--my weakness anyways. I hadn't eaten a good lunch and was at a function with tons of homemade goodies. I went way overboard, and I knew it.

I've been weighing myself almost every day just to observe the flucuations, try to see how my body works etc. I went up several pounds after that incident (even though the rest of the week was pretty good and I exercised too). It took me a WHOLE WEEK to get down the weight I was the morning of the overeating. For someone losing weight--that's just ridiculous.

I really learned my lesson with that. If I was just maintaining--it wouldn't have been so bad. But I lost a whole week. It was a good lesson for me, but a costly one.

Now that I'm just a few pounds away from my goal, I'm getting a bit concerned with maintaining. I only stayed at my lowest for several months after losing the weight from baby #1. I ended up staying several pounds more than I wanted to be. I don't want to do that this time. I want to be able to wear ALL my clothes, comfortably!

So beware weight-losers...that day of binge eating costs more than you think!

$88

Why is eating and feeding your family so costly? I went to Trader Joe's today with a few things in mind to pick up. Well, I obviously picked up a lot more...and $88 later. I did get things that should last a while--and a few multiples of things we eat often. And what's amazing is as I was picking stuff up, some of it I felt was good priced.

Hopefully these items will last me most of the month and then it will be worth it.

In my efforts to streamline my life more and make workdays/weekdays easier, we've stocked up a lot at the beginning of this month. Hubby is having a heart attack at how much we've spent thus far...so I need to make it last and use what we've got.

I want to find a good "mom planner" with meals, events etc.

On the exercise front, I am making myself take 2 days off in a row. Lately I've been running on Sundays--but not tomorrow. It might be raining anyways. My legs are paining me--I think they need a rest. And I think I need new shoes.

I'll let you know how I do with cooking good meals this week!

2008 Odometer

I'm going to keep track of my mileage for 2008. I think it will be interesting to see how many miles I run this year. And hopefully it will help keep my motivated for 2008. Ever since I started running I've yet to complete an entire year where I've ran consistently. Getting out of the habit, getting pregnant etc.

It's 4 days into the year and I've run twice for a total of 7.75 miles!