Mamas In Training

Who wants to roll in the mud?

ME!!!! This event looks so fun I can't stand it! The basic gyst is that there is an obstable course which is seperated into 5 legs of obstacles (cargo net crawl, a wall, monkey bars, hay bale obstable) and you are switching with your partner between biking, running and crawling all through the MUD! You can even wear a costume! At the end-- they hose you off! Check out MuddyBuddy.com! Anyone want to meet in Boulder or L.A.????

What is Muddy Buddy? Make sure to watch the video!
When and where are the events?

- Rachael

Splitting the Week

For all the reasons the other guest mamas have mentioned, my husband and I both desperately need to get in good workouts.  I also need to keep shedding baby weight and inches.  For the summer months our solution has been to trade off days since it is still quite hot in the evening.  I get up and out the door early on M,W,F and he takes T,Th,Sa.  By splitting the week we both get that literal breathe of fresh air.

After a long sleepless night with our 3 month-old or middle of the night drinks or bathroom trips with our 3 and 4 year-olds, it's torture to get up when the alarm sounds at 5:30am.  However, I have found that it's even worse if I don't get in a good workout.  Then I am tired, cranky, and feel like a lazy dead-weight.  After a good run, at least I'm just tired and blame it on the hard work-out.  Maybe it's a mental thing.

I've registered for the Share-a-Smile triathon in late August.  It's probably the last pool tri of the season and a small event.  I've been pretty good about running 3 times a week, but have only been to the pool once and haven't yet hopped on my bike.  Nine other friends and I have also signed up for the Marathon Relay at Thanksgiving Point in early September.  Since I'll be 4 months post baby then, I'm hoping to do my five mile leg at a decent pace.  Having these events to work toward makes getting out the door so much easier.  Next summer I hope to get in more tris, oh, and much more sleep.   

Running For Kate

Today's guest blogger is Carolyn Hansen from Atlanta, Georgia.  Carolyn is the busy mom of three children and works as an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant at Gwinnett Medical Center in Atlanta.  Her five-year-old daughter, Kate, was recently diagnosed with Leukemia.  We'll be following Carolyn through her training for the upcoming marathon.

          I have thought a lot lately about what motivates me to train and I think I've come up with the answer.  It is something that I control.  As a college student I remember feeling overwhelmed by all that I had to do just to take care of myself.  I now laugh at the teenager I was as I take care of my three children, volunteer at their schools, volunteer at church, and work as an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant.  Where is my time?  The only sacred time, where it is all about me, is when I train.  That time is precious.

          Ever since I ran my first half-marathon 4 years ago I have really wanted to run a marathon.  Even before my daughter, Kate, was diagnosed with Leukemia (on April 23, 2007) I had decided that I when I did a marathon I would run with Team In Training (TNT) and raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Last fall I sent away for information on the program and went to a meeting but then had second thoughts.  I realized that training for a marathon while building a house wasn't realistic.

          So, a month ago I decided to contact the society again and inquire about upcoming marathons.  Two weeks ago I made a committment to run the Disney World Marathon on January 13, 2008.  While there were many other more exotic locations (Dublin, Hawaii, San Francisco, etc.) I thought that this would be a perfect destination for my children and a way for them to enjoy the experience.  They are so excited for the race and hopefully my absence on Saturday mornings will be easier to take knowing that a trip to Disney World is at the end of it all.

          For each marathon the team has a child dubbed their Team Hero. For people who haven't been touched by a person with a blood cancer this person serves as motivation, if you will. They will have met an actual person with the disease, who is fighting the cancer. TNT explained that when a teammate is running and hurts, is tired, or wants to quit the Team Hero is someone to think about and to give them strength to press on.  Well, this morning I got a call from the Leukemia and Lymphoma society in which they asked me if I would be willing to let Kate be our Team Hero. Tears sprang to my eyes while she was describing what Kate would mean to our team and how she will be such a big part of the event. Of course, I would have been thinking about her every mile of the race but it is going to be that much more meaningful, knowing that everyone of us is running for her and her fight against leukemia.

Benefits of Exercising With Your Kids

I have started to really enjoy exercising with our kids.  Our son is 3 and our daughter is 6.  I think I have finally come out of that difficult phase…you know when your toddlers don’t care about the fact that you desperately need to get the baby fat off or that you have a triathlon coming up that you need to train for.  I can remember begging my children to please sit quietly in the stroller for just 30 more minutes.  Or the other plan of action was stuffing them full of goldfish and water so they would stay in the jogging stroller.  Then there’s the separation anxiety at the gym nursery.  You are in the middle of a great workout and they call you to let you know that your child will not stop crying.  Bummer there goes that great runners high.  Don’t get me wrong I loved those years just not working out during those years.

I am happy to report that there is hope and that you will be able to enjoy working out with your kids, yes I said with your kids.    It has gotten a little easier since our youngest has started to ride a bike (with training wheels).  I take them out a few times a week and I either ride my bike with them or I speed walk/run while they ride their bikes.  We also go out with dad as a family on the weekends.  They think its fun and its also great exercise for them.   We can now take fairly long bike rides around the neighborhood and our youngest hangs in there and enjoys it.  He has gotten so strong from riding his bike all summer.  We are now seeing all the positive things that are coming from our summer bike rides.   Not too mention our family dog, an 8 year-old lab, is also benefiting from all this family exercising.  She was about 6 lbs over weight and now she is back in shape and she looks forward to our family rides.

Our family is exercising together and we are instilling a love of exercise in our children that will pass on generation after generation.  Since including our kids in our exercise regime it has become a lot more fun and a lot less of a chore.  We have lost weight and strengthened our bodies while enjoying positive time with our children.  The other day my 6 year-old daughter told me that she wants to do triathlons just like her mom one day.  That was a really neat thing to hear and I am so proud of who she is becoming. 

Jodi Carcamo

, 32 year-old mom of two, resides in

South Jordan

Mama In Training

Just over two months ago, I ran across the finish line of my first sprint distance Triathlon. I’ve never felt like a bigger stud in my life (the feeling was short lived). For the three days preceding my first Tri I felt very nervous – even to the point of being nauseous. Nine days after crossing that finish line I found out that my nausea wasn’t nerves – it was morning sickness!

Imagine my surprise. If you go WAY back to January of this year to read my first post, you’ll see that preparing for a healthy pregnancy was one of my goals. But here’s the thing…after 4 years of trying to start a family, I wasn’t putting a whole lot of hope into this “Tri your way to a baby” plan, but I could not be happier!

I’m now at 12 weeks and quite frankly I absolutely MARVEL at the fact that two months ago I competed in a sprint Tri – at this point I don’t think I could walk around the block right now with out getting winded. In my mind, I was sure that when I finally got pregnant, it wouldn’t change me – I’d still hit the gym and I’d live strictly on organic produce, yogurt, whole wheat pasta and lean protein.   

Riiiight. Nausea and exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks in late May. I had odd food cravings AND aversions. All of a sudden food that I hadn’t eaten in years was the only thing that could satisfy me! My favorite meals repulsed me. I’m not proud to admit it but for a week straight the only breakfast I could stomach came from the McDonald’s drive thru…I’m not proud of that, but there it is.

However, I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I spend less time sick and sleeping…I can actually open the fridge without tossing my cookies…and I’m ready to get back in the ol’ pool for some lap swimming. I am approaching giving birth the way I approached the Tri, as something that I need to train for and prepare for…only I find myself once again in the “first timer” category, so PLEASE share your tips and your recipes in the comments section!

Erin

Rice and Vegetable Salad

I've often wondered how to get more nutrition and variety in each meal.  Awhile back I found this recipe on Runnersworld.com and it has become a favorite.  The best thing about this salad is you can make it ahead of time, and have a great meal awaiting you after a busy day.  The kids, however, don't so much like it.

Rice and Mini Veggie Salad

1 cup Forbidden rice (black heirloom rice) simmered in two cups broth for 30 minutes

2 cups total of mini vegetables :  zucchini, yellow squash, corn, carrots, green beans, eggplant

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 cloves crushed garlic

1/2 cup chopped roasted almonds

1/2 cup chopped parsley

3 tbsp Chinese dressing (soy sauce / sesame oil / vinegar type)

In a large skillet saute garlic with oil.  Add mini vegetables and brown lightly for three minutes.  Cover with lid and cook just until tender.  Place fluffed rice, vegetables, and remaining ingredients in a bowl.  Toss lightly and chill in refrigerator for two hours.  Six servings.

Per serving:  200 calories, 10 g fat, 29 g carbs, 7 g protein

From a Short Block to the St. George Marathon

I began running again after our second daughter was born.  She had some health problems as an infant and must have felt horrible most of the time.  She was a drama queen right from the start; her temperament being so volatile and unpredictable.  I was very tired, very overwhelmed, very discouraged, and very much in need of an outlet.  Running was the answer.  I'd run around our short block early in the morning, passing by our house about every six minutes.  My signal to stop came from my husband who would turn on the porch light.  That meant he'd done all he could with her and needed backup reinforcement.  That was the beginning of my first marathon training...just around our short block.  I gradually worked up to 50 miles a week.  To get in a long run, sometimes I'd start as early as 3:30 am in order to be home by 6:30 am so that my husband could get in a tennis match or get to work.  I know it was crazy, but training then gave me the same that it gives me now, thirteen years and three more daughters later:

• strength and energy
• a feeling of being in control...at least of something
• a feeling of accomplishment
• a peaceful time to myself to plan the day, solve problems in my mind, and look to and plan ahead
• more patience in working through a challenge or just getting through a hard day
• more confidence in myself

That same little girl, now thirteen, left a small note under my pillow while I was gone running the St. George Marathon last year.  It said, "I bet you got first in your race, mom.  I'm so glad that you're back!  I love you."  She now runs on her Jr. High School cross country team.  We're training together for our upcoming races this fall, including the St. George Marathon in October for me again.

Marianne is the mom of five girls, ranging in age from 4 to 15.  The family lives in California.

Selecting a Running Shoe

There's a little specialty running store down in Orem that's quite popular with several mamas we have talked with.  Runner's Corner isn't big, fancy, or intimidating.  Rather, it's a cozy place women can visit to receive expert help in selecting running shoes and gear specifically for their body and build.  You won't be pressured into buying the most expensive equipment; you'll be shown two or three shoes that will maximize your running workouts.  These people are really good runners and really nice people who want to share their knowledge.  Brian Beckstead, a store manager whose accomplishments include placing 10th in the 2006 Squaw Peak 50 miler, winning a 100K, and now doing ultramarathons, shares a few tips to mamas looking to buy a new shoe.

• Set aside time to visit a specialty running store in person to talk with a running expert.  We'll actually watch you run and do a gait analysis so we can get you the right shoe for your foot strike.  Foot strike, weight, and arch height are the main factors in determining which shoes match up to you.  Wearing the wrong shoe can lead to knee problems, shin splints, other injuries, and just make running a miserable experience.
• Before taking your new shoes for a run, break them in by wearing them around the house for an hour at a time.  You should have about a thumb's width between your toe and the end of the shoe; an almost loose feel.  Your foot should feel completely unrestricted. 
• Exect to pay $80-$100 for a good pair of running shoes.  These shoes will last anywhere from 400 to 500 miles.  Say an average mama is running ten miles a week, the shoe will last 50 weeks, or almost a year.  A twenty miler mama would need shoes every six months or so.  If you buy two pairs of shoe and rotate them each run, you will increase the mileage of both as you'll give them time to regenerate their cushioning properties.  Running shoes will still be great for other activities after their running life is over.
• Don't wear cotton socks or wear socks that are too thick.  Some assumed shoe problems are merely sock problems.

Runner's Corner is owned by Hawk Harper.  Hawk has won the St. George Marathon, the 50 Mile Series in Utah, and also hold the state record in the Double Marathon (52.4 miles).  So while you mamas may not be running marathons, the experts at the store can help fit you for your own running preferences.  Runner's Corner also carries apparel, accessories, energy gel, jog bras, and even that sweet running skirt.  Bring the kids, you can also test out one of their jogging strollers.

Saturday Races

It all started last year when I was pregnant with my second daughter.  A group of ladies in my neighborhood exercised in the mornings together.  They ran in 5Ks, half-marathons, and entered triathlon events.  They were having a great time.  This spring I joined them in the morning work-outs; it's the only way to get me out of bed at 6:00 a.m. 

I participated in the Strawberry Days 5K a couple of weeks ago and also the Steele Days 5K on Saturday.  The best part is watching my time drop each race.  There are a couple more short races this month I plan to run.  I've also signed up for my first ever triathlon in August.  I just got a new bike and need to fit a bike and swim day(s) into my workouts now.  In September I am going to run with this group of ladies in the Garden Relay, which is a marathon relay.  Five people to a team and each person run 5.2 miles.  These Saturday races are something I look forward to and keeps me motivated.

Finding a running partner or group is essential.  We push each other, motivate each other, and just have a great time "hurting" together (5 miles uphill at 6:30 a.m.).  As painful as getting up so early can be, it actually makes me feel better throughout the day.  My girls are still asleep when I get home, so I can use the time to work in the yard, clean the house, or just have time to myself.  When they wake up, I feel more relaxed and can spend more quality time during the day with them. 

I also feel like I am setting a good example for my kids.  I took my daughter to the bike shop with me last week to pick up my new bike.  She then asked me if she could have a bike.  Kids always want to do what your doing, so it's good to have them watch you do active things.  And maybe the biggest benefit of this work-out/race routine is that I am not as self-conscious about myself.  I'm more willing to take my kids swimming because I feel more in shape, thus less worried about what I look like in a swimsuit.  A better mom many ways over.

Mindy Trimble, orginally from Highland, is a stay-at-home mom of two daughters. 

Just To Mix Things Up...

     Just to mix things up, here are some thoughts from a daddy.  I'm the husband of staffer Tanya Boyer.  We just had our third child.  For some reason this one seems to be a lot more draining physically and emotionally than our first two.  Maybe we're just feeling the effects of getting older.

     In any case my wife, Tanya, is passionate about her physical activity.  She loves to run, swim and bike.  After some prodding she finally got me to start running a few years ago.  Running used to seem so pointless to me.  If you're going to expend all that energy at least pick an activity that incorporates some intrinsic enjoyment, like hiking or skiing.  After competing in a few half-marathons though, I’ve begun to find a different kind of satisfaction in the sport. Maybe it comes from the thought, during a 10-mile run at 5:30am, that I’m doing something many can’t do, or maybe it’s seeing my times continually drop lower and lower.  It’s hard to describe, but running does give a sense of achieving something.

     I think for this reason, it’s difficult for Tanya when circumstances prevent her from doing her workouts.  During her pregnancy she really slowed down her physical activity.  Her body just wouldn’t let her do it.  Since the baby was born though, she’s slowly getting back into it.  This means, of course, that I’m sometimes home with three crazy kids demanding attention all at once.  Ironically, I admit I often feel like I’m accomplishing the least during these times.  I mean, I know spending time with your kids is important for long term growth and relationships, but sometimes it’s difficult to find meaning and purpose behind Thomas Trains and Snow White dolls.  While it sometimes feels like a sacrifice as Tanya walks out the door with her running shorts on, I remind myself, as I watch my three-year-old dump a box of Rice Crispies all over the carpet, that this is what moms do all day long.  For Tanya, who deals with the challenges and joys of raising children everyday, I can only imagine the benefit she gets from her workouts, and the small sense of achievement they provide, which somehow puts everything back into perspective.