26 Running Lessons Learned

I started running in January of 2013. I was set to turn 40 in August and I was motivated to set new fitness goals. I decided to work toward running a 5k. I ran a 5k that March and then I kept going. Much to my surprise, I discovered a love for running. In April of 2014, I completed my first marathon. A week before my marathon, I was asked to share about my running experience with my running group. I've changed and learned so much since I started running. I am a better person because I run. I am in better shape. I am more confident. And, quite simply, I am happier.

In honor of National Running Day and my 1st marathon, here are my 26 Running Lessons Learned:

1. It gets easier.
The more you run, the easier it is to run. Running 3 miles now is nothing like it was when I was working toward my first 5k.

2. Forget the past.
Being a runner is a mindset. If you run, you are a runner. Yesterday's run, whether better or worse, doesn't matter today. Focus on today’s run.

3. Do not underestimate the power of a good pair of shoes.
When I started running, I had an old pair of tennis shoes. They were probably about 10 years old. I ran my first 5k in them. Shortly after that, my knees starting hurting. Then, I went to a running store, had a running evaluation done, which determined that I pronate, and I found running shoes that work for me. About halfway into my marathon training, I started having a pain in the bottom of my foot. I decided the support in my shoes might be wearing out. I bought new shoes and the pain stopped. Do not underestimate the power of  good pair of shoes. A lot of pain can be caused by ill-fitted or worn out shoes.

4. All socks are not created equal.
Swiftwick socks rock. While I prefer Swiftwick, other runners prefer other brands. I bought some running socks at REI and they make my feet sweat. The bottom line is do not buy cotton socks; buy a good pair of wicking socks.

5. You can achieve what you want if you have a plan.
I was able to do a 5k, 10k and half marathon without a plan but I was clueless. I was fortunate. Having a plan to run a marathon made all of the difference in the world. I was prepared and I was confident.

6. Having a training schedule is good.
Following a training schedule gave me confidence. Even more important, my body was prepared for the distance.

7. Be flexible within your running schedule.
It is okay not to run, no matter what the schedule says. Life commitments get in the way. Give yourself freedom within your training.

8. Mix up your running surfaces.
My first trail run was a Lake Tahoe 4th of July 5k Run to the Beach. I thought I was going to fall and break my neck. My 12 year old thought it was the coolest thing ever. Since then I’ve learned that giving my legs a break from pavement is a very good thing. Now my favorite runs are trail runs.

9. Listen to your body.
All of the pains I had were related to something I was doing- like needing new shoes or needing to tie my shoes better. When you are in pain, rest and evaluate.

10. Don’t compare yourself to other runners.
There are faster runners. It doesn’t matter. You are a runner.
“Running is not about being better than anyone else. It is about being better than you used to be.”

11. Without a goal, you won't go anywhere.
For me, goals create benchmarks for me to measure my success and allow a sense of
accomplishment.

12. Nutrition matters.
If you eat junk, you will feel like junk, and you will run like junk. On one of my shorter long runs while getting ready for the marathon, I thought to myself, “I only have 12 miles so I’ll go to my book club, eat heavy food and have that 2nd glass of wine.” – I felt like I had a rock in my stomach during those 12 miles.

13. Judge the effort, not the run.
There are two parts to this-
a) You are never running “just” anything (“just a 5k”). RUN the run you are running.
b) It’s the effort that matters. I’ve felt amazing and had a slow pace. I’ve felt terrible and had a
great pace.

14. Warm up.
It helps me to take a warm up run (jog) before a race or long run. This does 2 things- I feel
the outside conditions and know what I need (long vs short sleeves, gloves, etc) and I can stretch
afterwards.

15. Ice baths are a necessary evil after long runs.
I hate them. They are great for muscle recovery. Adding bubbles seems nice but doesn’t help. A
martini helps a little.

16. Sleep matters.
The more I’ve run, the more sleep I’ve needed. It took me awhile to accept that.

17. Dress for 20 degrees warmer than the temperature.
I read this and learned the hard way that this is true for me. Running long distances with a jacket
around my waist isn’t my idea of fun.

18. Plan a Happy Ending.
End runs with something you enjoy. But realize that your desires might have changed during the
run. I liken my long run “happy endings” to pregnancy cravings. I plan for it- bring something tasty to enjoy afterwards but sometimes my cravings are unpredictable and intense. After one long run, I was literally scrounging around my car for change to get a specific candy at a gas station.

19. Rest days matter. A body needs rest. Rest days matter.

20. The only thing that holds me back is my mind.
I’ve learned that a tremendous amount of my running is mental. My mental state can make or break
a run.

21. Eat 2 hours before a morning long run and get upright (walk around).
Or else. I relearn this often. On my most recent vacation, I made it back to our place for a pit
stop but it wasn’t the most enjoyable run.

22. Sometimes it is more fun to run with someone.
Before joining a running group, I had not run with someone else (at least not since high school and that was 22 years ago). I didn’t think I would like it. It has been amazing to have the support. Long runs go by so much faster when you can enjoy a conversation.

23. My body is incredible.
This pretty much sums it up: “The more I run, the more I love my body. Not because it is perfect,
far from it, but because with every mile it is proving to me that I am capable of more than I ever
thought possible.”

24. Have fun. I set goals. I try to get a personal record (PR) at a race. But, I can't forget to have fun. If I am too focused to enjoy the scenery around me on a run, I am missing out. If I can't smile at some point, even if it is just when I have finished a run that I didn't feel like doing, I need to check my motivation. Running should be fun. If it isn't, I need to do something different- slow down, get more sleep- something.

25. Running is all about me.
It’s sounds selfish. It’s the healthiest thing I have ever done. It’s my run. It’s my health. It is okay, in fact, fantastic, to be selfish about being healthy.

26. I am stronger than I think. If there's one thing that running has taught me, it is this: I am stronger than I think.

I am linking this post to Works-for-Me Wednesday.

40 Years of Fun

To anyone that knows me, it is no secret that I love to celebrate.
I am not all that great at buying or picking out gifts but I get really into celebrations. I get excited about holidays. It doesn't matter if it is a big holiday (like Christmas) or a little one (like St. Patrick's Day- after all, we aren't Irish). I love doing little things to make special days more special.

For my husband's 40th birthday, I was hard-pressed for time. I could not get to the party store across town. There wasn't time. I had to make due with what I had on hand and what I could pick up at the grocery store.

We had two celebrations. My husband's birthday fell on Wednesday. It was a busy Wednesday, complete with our 13 year old's middle school band concert at night. He was also leaving town at 6 the following morning. We did a little decorating on his birthday and then really celebrated the Saturday afterwards.

On his birthday~
I set out items that turn 40 in 2014 as a table center piece.
Connect Four, Magna Doodles, Hello Kitty, Rubik's Cube, Dayquil, and Postit Notes all turn40 this year. Pop Rocks do as well, but I forgot to put those out.

 

 

I also set some festive drinks out with a 40th birthday message. It was a fun surprise when he got up to make coffee.

Drinks: Old Soul Beer, Kudo's Wine, Rogue Dead Guy Beer.

We didn't have much time that night but I couldn't let him go without a cake on his 40th birthday. I made an "Older Than Dirt" cake. It was simple chocolate cake with crushed oreos and gummy worms. It made him smile and the kids loved it.

 

 

Birthday Celebration~
My kids and I had a grand time making signs for him. Our theme? "Life is a Highway and you better slow down after 40." Alternately titled, "Speed Limit 40."

I'm not even sure why but we already had some caution tape. The kids had fun putting it up around the house. Daddy was greeted with it at the front door when he returned from his out of town trip.

 

 

We made him a candy bar birthday poster. It was sweet.

Our decorations had a "Life is a Highway" theme. The kids helped me come up with some of the road sign names.

 

The Danger sign was the kids' favorite. It was really funny when Daddy just happened to be sitting under the sign. We laughed so hard. (I didn't plan that, I promise...)

The cake was a blast! I made a "Crap, You're Old" cake. I saw the idea on Pinterest (of course). There are several versions but I liked the one I found on Sew Totally Smitten the best. I made mine based on that cake. I was happy with how it turned out. The kids couldn't wait for Daddy to get home from his trip so he could see the cake. They were over-the-top excited. The response from my husband hilarious.

The "Crap, You're Old Cake"~

First, my daughter covered Daddy's eyes and I put the cake in front of him.

Then, he opened his eyes. His reaction was priceless.



Celebrating 40 has never been so much fun!

 

 

 

This post is linked to Works-for-Me Wednesday. 



Food Fight!

My son has asked to have a food fight since he was five years old. He doesn't even remember it but his desire started after watching the food fight in the movie, Hook.

We decided a food fight would be a good way to celebrate turning 12.

He agree to let his his friends smash his face in a cake to start off the fight. As we sang happy birthday, his friend treated him to some cake.

Then it was all out war.

My son was very happy.

When the food fight was over, we brought out a cooler of water balloons. This was an excellent way to finish the fight.

The balloons were fun but they didn't wash anything off the kids.
My husband had fun working on that.

Before and After:

(The boys thought the food fight was epic. My five year old daughter, on the other hand, said it was the "worst party ever." Getting splattered with food proved to be too much for her.)

Food Fight Tips and Lessons Lessons Learned:

• Be prepared for a lot of clean-up.
• Use drop cloths. We taped plastic sheeting for painting on our garage door and on the sides of our house. We also draped it over the bushes and flower beds next to the driveway.
• Expect the possibility of an impromptu block party. Our neighbors, even neighbors we don't know that well, came outside, laughed, and watched the fun. 
• If you have flour in your food fight, you should have the kids wear goggles. We considered goggles but my 12 year old did not like the idea. Getting flour in your eyes is not fun. 
• Spaghetti noodles are fun to throw. They are not easy to clean up. If you use noodles, they need to be cooked al dente. Even then, they will be difficult to wash away and clean up as they get soggy.
• Sodas are fun to shake up and spray at other people.
• Have a cake to start the food fight. One of my sons says it was his favorite food to throw.
• Water balloons are a nice way to end the fight. The food was gone, the kids were a mess, and there was a little lull in the mood. The water balloons were the perfect ending.  But note, they will do nothing (nothing) to clean up the kids.
• Have a plan for washing the kids. Have everything you need ready. If you don't think of everything (or even if you do) you may be washing smears of food off of door handles and door frames. (Washing hands before coming inside should be a must. I could still smell mustard in my entry way for a day.)
• Have a plan for washing the kids. Have everything you need ready. (Did I already say that? I was tending to my crying daughter and desperately wished I had been more prepared for cleaning up the kids.)
• Go to the dollar store for food. I bought ketchup and mustard and other items that are usually more expensive at our local 99 cent store.
• Raid your pantry for food. 
• Food we used in the fight: cake, spaghetti with sauce, jello, beans, whipped cream pies, soda, mustard, ketchup, mashed potatoes
• Cake- I made an extra cake just for the purposes of starting the food fight. 
• Spaghetti- we added some sauce to make it more fun. Cook noodles al dente. Be warned again, noodles are hard to clean up.
• Jello- I raided my pantry for jello and while it was colorful, it wasn't that fun to throw. (I think pudding would be better.)
• Beans- Baked beans and black beans. We had beans because I had them on-hand in our pantry. 
• Whipped cream pies- My son really wanted to throw pies. Pies are expensive. I bought several aluminum containers and the cheapest off-brand cool-whip to make our "pies." The boys reused the containers to scoop up other food and throw food pies at each other.
• Soda- Spraying soda is fun.
• Mashed potatoes. Use instant potatoes. Instant potatoes are easy to make. Plus, a box of instant mashed potatoes makes a lot of potatoes.
• Ketchup and mustard- I couldn't let the food fight happen without ketchup and mustard. The mustard stained the shirts (the only thing that did) and was hard to clean up (off of bath mats and the like). I might skip mustard if we ever do this again. 
• If you have stained shirts, you can bleach them and re-color them with color dye from a craft store. That is what we did and it worked perfectly for pink shirts to wear to local cancer benefit race on Mother's Day.
• Take pictures and video. Get pictures printed for the kids involved. All of the boys had a blast but seeing their faces when they looked in the mirror afterwards was priceless. Provide the kids with pictures so they can remember how much fun they had and prove it to their families and friends.

After the kids were cleaned up, we had my son's real birthday cake and a night of playing video games and wrestling ensued. More than once, I heard one of the boys say, "That was epic!" 

I am linking up with We Are That Family's Works-For-Me-Wednesday. The food fight was a blast. I thought it would be good to share what worked well. Email if you have any questions.

The House is Alive with the Sound of Excitement

My kids were delighted to find this countdown on the table this morning.

After spending too much time trying to print a free Disney countdown without success, I opted to create my own countdown. 

Feel free to use what I created. Here are the files as jpeg images. You should be able to right click and save the image. I created them in PowerPoint  If you'd rather have the PowerPoint file, send me an email.

I'm linking up with Works-for-Me Wednesday this week.  Please stop by and check out all of the other great works-for-me posts.

WFMW: Minecraft Party

This year my oldest son requested a Minecraft celebration for his 11th birthday.

Are you familiar with Minecraft? It has quite a following... but I figure you either know what it is or have never heard of it.
Minecraft is a game about placing blocks to build anything you can imagine. It is a game that is focused on creativity and building, allowing players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D world. Gameplay in its commercial release has two principal modes: Survival, which requires players to acquire resources themselves and maintain their health and hunger; and Creative, where the player has an unlimited supply of resources, the ability to fly, and no concept of health or hunger.

For birthdays, our kids wake up to a house full of  birthday decorations.

For the table setting, I made Minecraft plates and cups. I glued a Minecraft face on the cups. For the plates, I glued a Minecraft face on green plates. Then, I glued (hot glued around the edges) a clear plate on top. 

Minecraft blocks were part of the table decorations. I also hung some from the ceiling. 

 The kids loved them. 

Follow this link to  create the Minecraft blocks: The Ultimate Guide to Minecraft Paper Products.
They were surprisingly easy to make.


I made my son's creeper shirt using freezer paper stenciling.

 For a birthday sign, I printed some Minecraft images and then I used a Minecraft word generator to add the words I wanted to the Creeper signs. You can find that generator here: Minecraft MemeGenerator

I ordered the Minecraft pic ax and then used the packaging to make another decorative sign. 
I made the Minecraft Steve heads using paper, glue, and card board boxes.

The Steve heads were a huge hit with the kids. Here's a picture of my boys with them in the morning before school.

You can order Steve heads online but it was much cheaper to make them, especially when I was making four of them.

I found the Steve head template and directions here: SteveLange.net

As an afternoon snack, I made block brownies.

I made a Creeper Birthday Cake using green icing and chocolate bars.

It was a Creeper-filled Minecraft birthday. 

I am linking this post up to Works-For-Me-Wednesday.


My son's excitement about his party worked for me. I spent a lot of time searching the internet for ideas. If you have a Minecraft fan in your house, I hope you will benefit from these ideas and links. 


Be sure to stop by We are That Family to check out the other Works-For-Me ideas.