Thursday, August 28, 2014
A Few Of My favorite Guys!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Long Distance Runs
With this heat it's been a bit of a challenge to do those runs outside, but I am determined NOT to use that treadmill until I absolutely have to! With the sunrise getting later and later in the morning I have been forced to keep my running on the weekday mornings in town which is not on my list of favorites, but I make it work. I love my weekend long runs that I typically do on Saturday mornings. It's a quiet time outside before my day starts. It's a great way to start my weekend on the right note.
Yesterday I thought I'd only do 6 miles or so with the air so heavy, but it ended up being more like 9.5 miles. I've been stuck right around that mile marker for awhile, and haven't done more than that since June, so I'm thinking it's time to up the mileage a bit. How do I do that? Alot of it really is mind over matter. If you think you can do it, you will! Having the right mindset when you set out helps so much. If you put our mind to it you WILL do it. That's what happened yesterday. Yes it was hot and humid, but I kept on going. That sense of accomplishment when you are finished is well worth it.
I've seen quotes that go something about the only person you should be competing with his yourself. So true. I think often times we worry way too much about what other people think and get wrapped up in that, forgetting about our sense of self. It's not always easy to do, but when you can focus on YOU and what goals YOU want to accomplish the possibilities are endless!
Once you have your mind made up to add mileage, you add one mile (or a half mile) longer runs each week or so to your running schedule. It's really a slow progression but you are adding mileage all along and it seems to work well. So, I am committed to be running at least 10 next week! I will continue to do two short runs (3-4 miles) during the week as well.
So, if you are contemplating upping the mileage on your runs, you CAN do it. Set your mind to do it and the rest will come!
Yesterday I thought I'd only do 6 miles or so with the air so heavy, but it ended up being more like 9.5 miles. I've been stuck right around that mile marker for awhile, and haven't done more than that since June, so I'm thinking it's time to up the mileage a bit. How do I do that? Alot of it really is mind over matter. If you think you can do it, you will! Having the right mindset when you set out helps so much. If you put our mind to it you WILL do it. That's what happened yesterday. Yes it was hot and humid, but I kept on going. That sense of accomplishment when you are finished is well worth it.
I've seen quotes that go something about the only person you should be competing with his yourself. So true. I think often times we worry way too much about what other people think and get wrapped up in that, forgetting about our sense of self. It's not always easy to do, but when you can focus on YOU and what goals YOU want to accomplish the possibilities are endless!
Once you have your mind made up to add mileage, you add one mile (or a half mile) longer runs each week or so to your running schedule. It's really a slow progression but you are adding mileage all along and it seems to work well. So, I am committed to be running at least 10 next week! I will continue to do two short runs (3-4 miles) during the week as well.
So, if you are contemplating upping the mileage on your runs, you CAN do it. Set your mind to do it and the rest will come!
Even a bad run is better than no run at all!
School Dayz
We are back in the school routine, like it or not! Alarms are sounding off at our house bright and early at 6:30 am and groggy kids are emerging from their rooms. All in all it's been a pretty good first week. The bus is a bit earlier this year so we had to slightly tweek our morning routine, but it's all working out just fine! There's been minimal homework but I am sure that will change in the coming weeks.
Derek is patiently waiting his first day in a week or so. With the help of his big brother he has a countdown going on the fridge. He had a home visit from his teachers this past week. He was shy with them but I have no doubt that won't last for long once school starts!
Derek is patiently waiting his first day in a week or so. With the help of his big brother he has a countdown going on the fridge. He had a home visit from his teachers this past week. He was shy with them but I have no doubt that won't last for long once school starts!
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| Middle school attitude! |
Last Minute Summer Fun!
I had good intentions of a blog post before school started, and obviously that didn't happen. Too much to do and too little time I guess! At any rate, we enjoyed the last few days before having to get back into that school routine!
We took a little road trip one day and stopped in my hometown of Lawler to visit the Veteran's Memorial. The kids had fun looking at the statues and finding their great grandpa's name!!
Then it was off to New Hampton for some play at the park and some swimming! The kids really like that pool, and Derek LOVED the slide! We had a great time and what a fun way to wrap up summer vacation!
We took a little road trip one day and stopped in my hometown of Lawler to visit the Veteran's Memorial. The kids had fun looking at the statues and finding their great grandpa's name!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
HIIT workout #1
I've been switching up my workout routine a bit. The elliptical and running just gets old after awhile, ya know? This workout incorporates full body moves as well as abs so it's a good one! Give it a try! I have a feeling I'll be coming up with more of these especially as we get into colder weather.
50 seconds work, 10 seconds rest x2=32 minute workout
skaters
side plank crunch
burpee
reverse hook crunch
squats
frogger
walking lunges (with or without weights)
temple tap abs
surfer
curtsy lunge L
single leg frogger (change legs at 25sec)
curtsy lunge R
plank leg lift
bulgarian squat L
bulgarian squat R
knee drop plank
50 seconds work, 10 seconds rest x2=32 minute workout
skaters
side plank crunch
burpee
reverse hook crunch
squats
frogger
walking lunges (with or without weights)
temple tap abs
surfer
curtsy lunge L
single leg frogger (change legs at 25sec)
curtsy lunge R
plank leg lift
bulgarian squat L
bulgarian squat R
knee drop plank
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
A Bit of This and That
My laptop is finally up and running smoothly again and I feel like I can write a good blog post! Yeah! The summer continues to wind down with 8 days until school starts. Yikes! We are trying our best to cram as much in of summer in these last days as possible.
Over the weekend we finished up our school supply shopping and the kids got haircuts. We made a trip to the Whippy Dip, thinking it may be our last as summer fades away. We took a trip to Lake Meyer, allbeit 5 miles from our house but we make one or two trips there a year. The kids love the playground as well as the trails to explore and to throw rocks in the lake. On this trip, however, a bird had different plans for Derek. Oops!
Derek also started riding his bike without training wheels. He was getting a bit too bold with them on trying to keep up with the two older kids, so it was time. He took off for the first time like nothing, so it won't be long before he's racing right beside those other two!
We also did our first batch of freezing corn this past weekend. I'm patiently waiting for our huge tomato plants (they are as tall as I am!) and those tomatoes to turn so I can get to canning! I've got plans for lots of pizza and pasta sauce, as we are down to 5 or less left of last year's harvest.
I did a long run on Saturday, about 9 miles. It was tough. It was muggy out. I think I need a challenge. In talking with some friends over the weekend I am contemplating doing the IMT half marathon this fall in Des Moines. Not sure...could use some guidance-- or a push:) I've been wanting to do a half all year and I keep chickening out. It may be time to put on my big girl panties and JUST DO IT!
Last night the kids and I ventured to Waukon to the Main Feature Movie Theatre. The kids were amazed at the set up of this theatre. You can eat pizza while you watch a movie! They had a great time!
Tomorrow I took off of work to see what other adventures we can get our hands on as the countdown to school continues. Stay tuned to see what we get ourselves into:)
On a much sadder note, I just want to mention a couple of things going on in our world in the past few days that really have me thinking. With the horrific tragedy of a Sprint car racer being run over and killed on the track, to Robin William's suicide, and the sudden death of a young acquaintance in our small northeast Iowa nook, I can't help but send extra prayers to people who are suffering, and stop to think just how grateful and blessed my life is. I have a happy and healthy family. I have a job. I have a roof over my head and food on my table. It's the little things, and we need never to forget that. Thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those whom I have mentioned as well as those who are silently struggling. Remember, you are never alone. God Bless!
Over the weekend we finished up our school supply shopping and the kids got haircuts. We made a trip to the Whippy Dip, thinking it may be our last as summer fades away. We took a trip to Lake Meyer, allbeit 5 miles from our house but we make one or two trips there a year. The kids love the playground as well as the trails to explore and to throw rocks in the lake. On this trip, however, a bird had different plans for Derek. Oops!
Derek also started riding his bike without training wheels. He was getting a bit too bold with them on trying to keep up with the two older kids, so it was time. He took off for the first time like nothing, so it won't be long before he's racing right beside those other two!
We also did our first batch of freezing corn this past weekend. I'm patiently waiting for our huge tomato plants (they are as tall as I am!) and those tomatoes to turn so I can get to canning! I've got plans for lots of pizza and pasta sauce, as we are down to 5 or less left of last year's harvest.
I did a long run on Saturday, about 9 miles. It was tough. It was muggy out. I think I need a challenge. In talking with some friends over the weekend I am contemplating doing the IMT half marathon this fall in Des Moines. Not sure...could use some guidance-- or a push:) I've been wanting to do a half all year and I keep chickening out. It may be time to put on my big girl panties and JUST DO IT!
Last night the kids and I ventured to Waukon to the Main Feature Movie Theatre. The kids were amazed at the set up of this theatre. You can eat pizza while you watch a movie! They had a great time!
Tomorrow I took off of work to see what other adventures we can get our hands on as the countdown to school continues. Stay tuned to see what we get ourselves into:)
On a much sadder note, I just want to mention a couple of things going on in our world in the past few days that really have me thinking. With the horrific tragedy of a Sprint car racer being run over and killed on the track, to Robin William's suicide, and the sudden death of a young acquaintance in our small northeast Iowa nook, I can't help but send extra prayers to people who are suffering, and stop to think just how grateful and blessed my life is. I have a happy and healthy family. I have a job. I have a roof over my head and food on my table. It's the little things, and we need never to forget that. Thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those whom I have mentioned as well as those who are silently struggling. Remember, you are never alone. God Bless!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Playin' at the Playground
Last week the boys and I made a visit to the playground. It's hard to be that in two short weeks they will be returning for another year...and my baby will be in preschool!
Iowa Speedway
Last Saturday we made our annual trip south to iowa speedway for the nationwide race. The weather was warm and sunny, and as always we had a great time!
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