Vegmom Moments

8 Minutes Run, 2 Minutes Walk

I was talking to a friend the other day that finished her first FULL Marathon.  She told me about how they did it.  Ran for 8 minutes and then walked for 1 minute.  At least I think that is what she did....

And so I decided to give that a try.... On one of the Hottest Freakin' Days of the year!!  No - Not a marathon, but the method.  She explained how easy it was on her body and she didn't get as tired.  So I thought?  Why not?

Well I can tell you, after the first set, IT WASN'T EASY!  HA!  *smile*

I switched my one minute walk to a two minute walk.  And that did the trick.. By the second set, I almost said FORGET IT!  It was toooooo hot!

But just when I was about to Quit, up comes a US SOLDIER!!  My favorite kind of soldier by the way.  He was in FULL Gear on our little trail, chugging along... I mean Everything... Long sleeve everything, even his boots.. and he was smiling!  Toting a back pack bigger then me up and down the trail....

I said Hi to Mr. Soldier as I'm red faced and soaked with sweat....He was laughing at me...  Then I Said "Thank You!"  Because by golly we should thank them more!

And then I finished my Run/Walk.  8 minutes run and 2 minutes walk for a total of 4.5 miles.  Never saw Mr. Soldier again...But I wish him well with what ever he was training for... And hope to see him back on that trail real soon!

Foot and Exercise Update

About 3 weeks ago I broke my toe... the little baby toe took on a corner of a wall and Slam.... The Wall won...

My toe was hanging sideways (gross but true) I'm pretty sure I did some foot damage.  The top of my foot was actually worse then the toe in the pain department.  But doc didn't see anything else on the Xray.. The top of my foot took the brunt of swelling and bruising...

My friend the first few days, was A cold wet wash cloth soaked in Apple Cider Vinegar... This immediately took the throbbing away.  Stunk YES!  but felt soooo good!  Also helped with the swelling....  My other friends during the first few weeks were Green Foods and Pineapples.  One for the anti-inflammatory properties and the other to help with the bruising and healing... 

I kept the toes taped, as instructed, and elevated the foot sometimes. 

Those first few days, I stayed off the foot as much as possible.  The next few days I walked with a gimp, only wearing Crocs and only to and from a destination.    By the end of the 1st week, I couldn't take it anymore and HAD to get out of the office..I walked with my crocs, slowly around the parking lot.  Or slowly around the block at home....

Between the 1st and 2nd week, I was lifting weights at home, working the abs on my exercise ball, and using the cross trainer at the gym. 

At exactly week 2, I felt my toe, actually attach to my foot again.  It was moving all by itself, and the top of my foot was feeling good enough to wear a somewhat normal shoe.

I increased my walking outside, adding little hills by my house.. One day this past week, I decided to try running on the tread mill, and went just a 1/2 mile

Then this past Wednesday was the Third week, I walked more each day, and yesterday walked 1.8 miles with a friend and no pain... Foot was hot and tired when I got back so I elevated it and went shoe-less for a couple hours.  But otherwise, the foot was happy.

Which brings us to today... I'm not sure how far I went, but I walked "fast" as I could for a total of 70 minutes.  It felt GREAT!!  (was going to be 60 but I took a bad short cut that added 10 minutes)

Considering THREE weeks ago, I was unable to move, had bruising from my toe to my ankle, and swelling so high that I couldn't fit in my crocs, let alone normal shoes.... It is pretty darn cool that I'm able to walk as fast as I used to for 70 minutes with only so much as sore spot when I get home....

If someone would like to try and tell me that diet, and greens don't contribute to a bodies ability to heal, I will listen... But I will have to DISAGREE!    And did I mention, no pain pills used in the making of this healing foot!! 

I'll wait another week or two before really trying to run again, but for now, I have a happy foot... which makes me a Happy person!

Me and My Shadow

I have posted through the years on this blog about my Exercise Journey and the love/hate relationship I have with my Shadow...

One of those posts here   and another here:

But since losing some poundage getting truly healthy with more raw foods and exercising consistently, I don't mind my shadow following me as much.

Today, I was cruising along for a quick "before" dinner run... and I noticed my shadow...

Hello, there good buddy! 

The flat side, for ONCE in my life is the back side of me and the front fluffy part is my shirt blowing in the wind..

NO, I'm not really that tall.. But my shadow is some what straight.... Which was NOT the case in all my years past....

For now, I like my shadow... It can follow me as much as it wants.....

Weight Loss Challenge Day 1

Well, I'm not sure if friend is still participating... but hoping so... regardless, I started my part of the challenge today :-)

And I'm thinking it went pretty well...  I Had two full Big Glasses of Green Goodness, one was for breakfast and one for a mid day snack:

 

For lunch I had a great big salad with Romaine, Carrots, Peppers, Dried Cranberries, Raw Asparagus chunks and a home made vinegar based dressing.

I got through 1 & 1/2 big reusable Water bottles during the day. A couple bites of Dark Chocolate and some Raw Macadamia Nuts for snacks.

For Dinner, I had a tiny bowl (very tiny) of left over pasta with tomato sauce and packed with veggies (not raw), Some more asparagus, and some more salad with Avocado thrown in.

For Dessert I had some of Mr. Vita-Mix's finest...  Banana, Dark Chocolate and Spinach Frozen Creamy dessert (without the cream)..

And lastly, I made it for a 3 mile walk... This means I've done Something physical every day since Sunday... Woohoo...

Sooooooooooooo, I must confess....I did do something bad though... Hey, nobody's perfect right???  *wink*  There was a coffee beverage thrown in to the mix.... Shhhhh, don't tell.....

Confession two... I wouldn't have done anything different with or without the challenge, so I'm not sure this is really fair for friend?? 

All in all, I think it was a pretty good day, healthy wise??  Actually, everything made this a pretty good day!

I can't complain a single bit... *smile*  Hope you had a good day where ever you are!

Green Goodness and a Challenge

The challenge has been named!  The date has been sent...  How it will happen???  I have NO IDEA!

Friend - will loose 8 pounds

Me - will loose 5 pounds

Date... By June 15th 2010

Prize???  I dunno actually, haven't gotten that far?  Maybe the prize will be success....

But for now we challenge....  this means eating healthier for friend and more exercise for both of us...

Can we do it folks???  I have no idea!

What I do know, is that I will be drinking A LOT of these:

And to my other friend that always wonders how I get my Smoothies soo green??  I have no idea about that either.  This pic is right out of the camera... Green, Nutritious and Delicious!

OH MY YUM!!!  Can't wait for the morning... 

Anyone else want to take a challenge??  Throw it in the comments, will be fun to track!

A New Challenge???

Could it be??  A Friend and I are talking Challenge... But what could it be??  I'm already eating healthy and mostly Raw/Vegan foods.  So nothing to change there?

I could drop the coffee drinks?  But um... there would have to be a VERY good prize for me to try that one.

I've lost 20 pounds and 2 pant sizes... And exercise several days a week... Of course ALL OF this started with some challenges... But that is how I live now and I FEEL GREAT!!

So what could I possibly challenge...  Dropping 5-15 more pounds, possibly!  Lifting weights and toning?  Maybe!  A running challenge, since I've been walking so much? 

Hmm!  Stay Tuned!!  It could get interesting!

Scolded about the Bananas

Hubby froze me some banana slices last week which is a huge help.  I always have frozen bananas for things like making my own "ice Cream" and other Raw Desserts.  But taking time to slice and freeze them is sometimes difficult.

Lately, this week, I had to dip in to the frozen stash because our fresh stash had been depleted.  As in Gone...  We use A LOT of bananas in our house. 

So I came home after working a 10 hr day, then grocery shopping, and the first thing I hear is "Have you been using the frozen bananas?"

Why Yes, Yes I have...  "Those are for desserts" he scolded me... "Not for Smoothies"....    Ahem... Excuse me... There are more.. The store had more...  "But those were the frozen ones" .....  Yes, Yes they were...

And I needed them for my smoothies, because bananas are great for cramps and muscle aches...  Did I mention that I haven't a single pain from the Marathon on day two.  I feel GREAT as if I never even participated... 

I thank my Green Smoothie Goodness for the quick recovery... And those bananas......  Oh but he was not happy with me for using them up!!

And then we both started laughing... as in really really laughing.....  What has become of us, that the worse thing we argue about these days, is who ate the last of the frozen bananas....

Ah well, it could certainly be worse!  *smile*

1/2 Marathon Complete 2010 2:57

Last Year my finish time was 3:17...and the story was very different... See the whole thing here!!  My goal last year was to finish and not die... I succeeded with both.

This year, My Finish time was 2:57 (I think)  All I know, it was before 3 hrs..And I finished at least 20 minutes before my time last year. I finished BEFORE 3hrs, with mostly walking, and only running the down hills.  I was Cruising!  ha ha

Didn't have to stop at a Single porta-potty  (Thank you Bladder), Only hit one water stop, Only needed two little Luna moons from my secret pocket, and didn't touch any of the sports drink or gel that they offered....  I never stopped moving...

Was hydrated and full of energy, all thanks to my Green Smoothie morning start.

My walking Buddy showed up at the finish line to cheer me on with her family, And drive me back to the car, which was extra super cool..  I saw a few people I knew from work along the trail that were cheering others on, that was fun..  And even went without my music for 1/2 because the buds were hurting my ears.

When it was over... I felt GOOD!  I mean really really good!!  My feet a little sore and glad it was over, but NOTHING like last year.  I had NO PAIN!   I stopped to get my self a Coffee Treat, and drove my self home... Took a Wonderful LONG LONG HOT shower with some minty soaps to help my muscles... 

And then a LONG LONG NAP!!!...  With which I woke, and stood, and sat back down! ha ha... OK, I'm more then a little sore right now!  A little part of every bone/muscle in my body is angry with me at this moment.  But ONLY if I move... So I just won't move... That's easy!

Heading back upstairs (slowly) to fix me some green-ness... by tomorrow, all my aches will be history!!

What a GREAT DAY! 

Its Raining

Its Pouring, the old man is snoring.....  Race Day morn, and it is storming outside....  Hmmm? 

And I quickly realized that I DON'T HAVE A RAIN JACKET!!    Prepared?  I think NOT!

Off I go on a very wet adventure!

1/2 Marathon - Lets Roll

Another Mama over at Letsrollmama is also running a 1/2 Marathon tomorrow... For some reason I can't ever leave comments on her blog as much as I try, they don't go through...

So I wanted to send a shout out to another Running Mama and wish her ALL THE Best on her big day!!!

As for our house... I'm as ready as I can be...... I think.....  We ran a Mile with the Vegman tonight and he did great.  Hubby actually ran with us, and did great too *wink*  But then Hubby got us lost going back to the car and I'm pretty sure we walked another 2-3 miles.  So much for Resting before the race!  HA!  Why do I bother?  I dunno!

I've already got my Smoothie made for morning, my iPod charged, cell phone charged, clothes almost laid out (still washing a couple bits), Kleenex, Identification, Insurance card, car snacks, water bottle, parking money (just in case), and my race bib all next to the door.... 

I think that's everything?  I hope that's everything....  If not?  Oh Stinkin' Well, it will have to do!! *smile*

Happy Saturday Night!!!  Hope your having a great one wherever you are!!

1/2 Marathon Countdown

I had a 3.5 mile trek today as I continue to taper down from the 12 miler a couple weeks ago, and decided to see how far I could run without stopping... **Reminder, I haven't been running, I'd been walking during my training...... So I really hadn't run more then a mile at a time off the treadmill since last year.   Now I'm running bits, because I have to stay on pace since my Walking buddy is out.

But today, I made it two miles and still felt good...

Maybe this had something to do with Hubby saying before I left...... "You know, you ain't no spring chicken anymore" ....  He is so full of support I tell ya... Good motivation, I'll show him... ha ha... This spring Chicken Booked it! 

Then walked as fast as I could back home for 1.5 miles.... to keep ahead of the pace I need to be at.  Tomorrow I have 2 miles, and then I'm supposed to be done until race day!

EXCEPT... my Vegman has HIS Mile run on Saturday and of course I will go with him... So at least Friday will be an OFF day!  Or that is the plan...

You know what is so great about the whole thing this year?  I am healthier then I've been my whole life.... Eating a mostly Raw Vegan Diet has given my body some energy that I didn't know I had.  My bones, my muscles, they are thanking me.  I'm watching my fat go down while my strength goes up...

Exactly a year ago, this same week I was 20 pounds heavier.. TWENTY POUNDS!!!  I'm wearing a pair of shorts right now (comfortably) that I couldn't get above my knees last year...

I just completed 3.5 miles and nothing hurts... 2 of those miles running strong, and NOTHING HURTS!!  I can't say the same will be true for the 13.1 miles on Sunday.  I know I will be sore after... But going in to that day, I haven't a single ache.  And that is way different then last year!

I'll keep pumping myself full of green goodness, fruits and veggies..... I will be prepared... I WILL DO THIS!  (at least that is what I keep telling myself)

And for more good news... I just received some of Kristen's Raw "No cook" books in the mail....I can't wait to try new things..... Especially with the Farmer's Markets coming soon!

So exciting!! 

1/2 Marathon Almost Here

So its that time of year again... Last year I was getting a tad nervous and just hoping I would finish before the gate closed and that I didn't get lost.  That was actually my biggest fear, that I would get away from the pack and be lost in down town... I don't do down towns very well.... Especially those one way streets... tisk tisk...

Soooo.. its that time of year again.  I was motivated, I was pumped, I was training to WALK with a buddy this time and KNEW we would finish... There was no doubt about finishing, we'd made it 12 miles after all... what's one more!!  And there was no fear of getting lost, because I learned last year, that is next to impossible.  Besides, my friend is a directions pro.  

Going in to this year, I had NO FEAR!!  Not even of the disgusting porta potties, because if I walked then I didn't need them.  Only when I run, does my bladder cry fowl.

And then the worst of the worst happened.... My Buddy can't go!  She won't be there!  I'm solo again!  Just me and my iPod... strutting along, trying to keep pace!!!  I have to go...

I have to represent!  But it will be soo different then our training... It will be just Me!  

And by the way.. Hubby still won't come to watch (2 years in a row, can you tell he is getting no points this week)...  he says "Its just a race, whats the big deal"...  Well phooey on him... I shall walk 13 miles and then another mile + back to my car, and I shall do so proudly!  Heck, maybe I'll walk to the "after event" and find me a banana...

Because I have to do it now... For ME, for my Friend!  And for my Vegman! 

I WILL FINISH......But no guarantees on the time!!! 

1/2 Marathon Training Update

We are hitting the big walk weeks before tapering down...  Last weekend we completed 10 miles, and this weekend we will be at 11 miles...

Admittingly, I'm beginning to feel it a little bit on those longer ones.  Anything over 8 miles and feet get a little sore.  

But the short walks, 6 miles and below are a piece of cake... Doing 3 miles is like a cupcake....  So easy now, you would think we've been training a while or something.... Oh yeah, we have!

Why I like this year (walking) vs. last year (running):

• Last year I was alone, no running partner (sigh sigh sob sob)
• Last year I wasn't eating all the right foods, and green smoothies were not an every day occurence
• Last year I was 18 pounds heavier
• When I ran, I bounced!  And I learned that I had a lot of things bounce...  Especially when the elastic snapped in my boulder holder.  THAT was fun!
• Last year I was trying to run, figuring out the shoe/sock situation, through blisters and shin pain, and hip pain, and not moving very fast.
• I didn't stay hydrated properly
• The bouncing of running, made bladder need to find bathrooms every couple miles
• Trying to find the time last year to train properly seemed hopeless.

AH BUT THIS YEAR!!!

• I'm a new me!  happy, healthy, feeling GREAT and eating what my Body needs...
• No bouncing for walking, so I can even put my cell phone in a pocket and not worry about it flying out and hitting me.
• My Bladder is solid, No bathroom stops
• I have a walking buddy that I'm so proud of for sticking with it through the cold and soreness
• And I happily make the time to get out and do something for ME!!!

Last year, finishing the 1/2 marathon was a HUGE accomplishment for me.  I felt so good to have completed something that I worked so hard for.

But This year, finishing the 1/2 marathon will be just as rewarding... only this year, I will feel good because I feel good!!!  The accomplishment will be just a bonus... Oh and the free shirt... EXTRA Bonus!  *smile*

TODAY WE RUN

We went to the kids run today and found 3 kids from Veg's school there... They were soooo excited to see each other and had a blast running... I mean running...

Those little whipper snappers took off, and it had some serious hills.  It would be about 1/2 mile before mine slowed down.  He gave me quite a work out. 

Then he fell... but it wasn't like a "crash" fall, it was like a "Look out, the bottom of the hill is slippery".... and so he did use caution, and still slid, caught himself with his hand and jumped back up.  I was quite impressed.  No drama!  Just kept on trucking... 

Until he realized he had a rock stuck in his hand....Then there was drama!!!  

"Mom, I think I have a rock in my hand".... Really?  A Rock?.... "Yeah, see"

Well Yes, yes you do have a rock in your hand... Hmmmm??  Good thing I had some nails to fish out the rock... but he was not having any of that running stuff after the rock thing...No tears or anything, just decided he was done!!  Walked most of the rest, but sprinted at the end.  And got the bestest Goody bag ever...  Even the bag was nice!

Had an entire colored pencil set, folders, Ruler with all the presidents on it, whole pack of ruled paper, ++++ more... and they even had bananas after the race!  Which I think is a requirement, of any good race, by the way.... Gotta have bananas at the end.

Now the real fun begins, he has to start logging his miles... Oh but they gave them pedometers.  How cool is that?? 

So glad we went!!  It was great fun!

1/2 MARATHON TRAINING CONTINUES

Such a difference between this year and last.  No pain, no struggles, no "pushing" myself... Well being 15 pounds lighter will do that.  But also I'm convinced that my Food choices are making a huge difference.

Helping my body to get what it needs, and fix when it doesn't.  I'm looking forward to every exercise day, today contains a 6 mile walk and can't wait!!!  Its a little rainy (who cares)

As mentioned I'm walking it this year with a Walking Buddy and we are doing it right... taking break days, starting slow and increasing both distance and speed as we progress... This is our 3rd week, I think, and so far soooo good!

Tomorrow is a special day though.. My Vegman has a One Mile Kids run that kicks off his marathon... He'll need to log 30 minutes (1 mile) worth of exercise for 26 days over the next 2 months... And that will get him to finish his marathon goal..... OH IS he excited this year....  He knows what to expect, and is wanting that certificate, that medal, that completion.....

I'm looking forward to it also!   What a great way to get kids motivated.. And how fun when what we do positively affects them....  Makes it all worth while!

ICY FUN

Sure, the ice is dangerous.... Sure, it is Darn cold out... Not just cold, but DARN cold... But I have a mission.. and a little ice won't get me down... No Sirreee!

So I met my walking buddy for our first Saturday walk toward our 1/2 Marathon goal.  Today was a 4 mile trek and across the icy trail with out ski's on was quite tricky... Our Walking shoes just didn't cut it, but we did good and finished without hurting our selves.

After a warm up at home, the boys and I went to a yummy Veggie lunch and then a stop off for some Icy Fun..

Being from Michigan, Hubby had lots of fun on or near Icy Lakes... I however was a chicken and as far as I remember, never ventured out on to one... (I don't think)  Anyway.... Hubby had the great idea to show the Vegman what it is like to throw rocks on icy patches of water and see what they do.

So we found a cove of a lake that was totally iced over... And spent lots of time with the rocks...  Poor Fishies under there thinking "What the heck was that?"

The rocks either slide on the ice or plop through and the holes close up quickly. It was a great lesson in freezing/water and different sounds too. We had so much fun.

Also showing why its so dangerous to walk on water that you think may be froze.. Not so much underneath.  "If a rock can penetrate, what do you think would happen to you"  Very good lesson!!

And how the temp changes as you get closer and further from the water.

Then we looked for snow drifts that had higher then normal snow, so he could stomp around and see what that feels like!

It was a Great Fun and Icy day!

 

1/2 MARATHON - WE WALK

I'm so excited to report, that I am going to do the 1/2 Marathon again this year.  But don't worry Mom.... This time, I'll be walking the whole thing.  No running!  Just Walking a Fast brisk pace with a walking buddy.

We have a 12 week training plan.. Starting with 3 miles, increasing speed and miles as the weeks go on.

Our first walk put us at 16 minute miles.  But it was also 14 degrees outside...  So for our first walk together of the season, that isn't so bad.   We'll figure out eachother's stride and pick up pace....  Also hoping the temp rises a bit before we get to our long walks (6-10 miles) but that is a couple weeks off.

In the mean time... I'm really excited about this.. And I think we will even be able to beat my "running" time of last year since I hurt my hip and foot hurt 1/2 way through last year.  This time, we'll be doing this RIGHT!  And hopefully keeping injuries at bay.  Not to mention, I'm at least 16 pounds lighter...  Woohoo!!!!

Happy Marathon'ing!

TODAY, WE RACE

A couple months ago my friend said she was going to do this 5K in honor of her Mom and asked if I would like to do it with her... Of course I said YES!  

Turns out my friend couldn't make it, but I was going to go regardless because I said I would..... And it was a really good cause.

But I didn't have to go alone.... Veg and his Dad wanted to go... REALLY... they came willingly... We walked (didn't run) and finished the 5K... Hubby's first one, but Veg's 3rd.  I think Hubby might be hooked.  He really really really enjoyed himself.

I was surprised at how many people were walking it.  I'm sure they had record numbers.  Looking down a hill, there were so many people that you couldn't see the road.

Here's proof that they were there... along with 1000's and 1000's of people... It was INSANE how many people.

 

Hubby gave this guy a High Five:

And when the race was over, we walked another mile'ish to and from a Veggie Restaurant... Mmmm Yum!!

It was quite a bit of fun, I must say! 

NICE WEEKEND

This post is a random one with nothing too exciting to report...  Veg enjoyed helping with chores today, we all had a nice lunch, a short walk, did our shopping together... And got some stuff ready for our trip.

The boys went to bed before I had a chance to Pre-Prep my food for the week and I don't want to make too much noise... this means tomorrow will be a busy one.

Yesterday I went to the Farmer's Market and sadly found NOTHING!... So bummed... Never been this time of year, but I was expecting lots of stuff..... Probably the same thing happened to their crops as mine.... 

Thinking the rain washed them away... My poor sprouts... Not so much happening in the garden now.  *sigh sigh*

We had a nice lunch yesterday too (do you see a theme here)... Went for a nice short walk, had some amazing pumpkin spice soy latte's at a small local coffee shop.  The best I've ever had actually....

We went to Soccer, where we sat for an hour because of pictures that didn't even grab smiles from ANY of the kids that we had to pre-pay before even seeing that no one smiled.  (can you tell I'm a little bitter about the pictures) 

Then the kids played... My boy's team was short 4 players due to the flu bug, So there were 7 on the field the entire time against 8 from the other team.. we tied 2-2 which isn't so bad considering we were down 4 players... 

My young one, blocked 2 shots as goalie which made the coach pretty happy.  Now, as long as he can stop playing in the grass, taking off his shoes, and doing cartwheels during the games, he may actually get to play a little offense sooner or later.  But at least he's having fun... and Coach said he was "hero" for the game because he stopped a ball and went up against a kid 3 times his size.  All was good...

When we got home, hubby was working out... "YAY HUBBY!!"  So I went for a 2 mile run "YAY ME!!", before it got dark!  And we both lifted weights when I got back....then I did some Balance Ball exercises... Veg joined in by jumping on the little trampoline thing... "YAY VEG!!"

We were an Exercising Family!  It was tons of fun to have everyone doing this together... I've been flying solo on this front for way too long.  Nice to have Hubby back in to the mix.

Here we go with the random'ness...

I was just checking out Endless.com with all their free shipping and shoes and bags... And while I'm not a "shoe" person per say, I like finding Vegan selections where I can...  So while searching, I found these:

Garmont Kiowan Vegan Hiking Boots  I haven't purchased them, but was having fun looking through all the selections.

And how cool are these Reusable Shopping bags... I have a feeling these will be gifted to someone this Christmas..  They had packs of 3 and 6... I could buy a multi-pack and throw one in every box.

Now, why was I looking at that site??  Because I found it, while going to Amazon.com  to look for this book that I wanted to show you here.

My Kid has Skipped the step 1 and step 2 readers.... He has gone straight to the big reads.....They are reading this at his school (the teachers are reading to the kids) and while at a book store yesterday he found one and HAD to have it...  Then I get home and look at Amazon at the reviews to discover some interesting facts about the Author and the book... hmmm?  (click on the picture to see what I'm talking about... whoops!)
 

FYI - I'm in a Quandary regarding how much to sensor now that he can read on his own.  Before, when he wanted to read World War 2 books for example, I was doing the reading, and could skip the parts that weren't so kid friendly... I'm thinking that has gone out the window... about as much as hubby and I spelling words to each other that we didn't want him to hear... HAHA... Do all parents do that??

He's read through the 3rd chapter in two days... Not me reading... HE READING... And even took it to Soccer with him.  Told the kids he'd read it to them before the game, but warned that their aren't any pictures.  The other kids weren't too interested.  *smile*  Which is probably a good thing, after reading the Amazon reviews.

***UPDATE***  Got a note from the teacher that content is NOT SO Appropriate... Great, Now What?  Apparently the teacher was filtering when reading it to the kids.... Not so much the case with him reading it to himself... oh my!

We also got one of these, its about dinosaurs though... I totally couldn't stand these as a kid, but Veg loves it... And he is so Silly as intended.  But cool because the Junior versions help teach nouns, adjectives,etc.  Plus writing and reading skills.   So he's had a blast the last couple days with this thing... And will make for a very good road trip toy.

Did you know Trex had a pig snout, 6000 arms and liked to eat bananas... Now really, what could be more fun? How could I not like this stuff before?

And so there ya have it... A weekend of a whole lot of nothing... But a pretty nice weekend at that!

Hope yours was great where ever you are!

UNEXPECTED EXERCISE

Yesterday, I wanted to break in my new shoes and go for a run... but then it started raining, and time got away from me.. But I did have to return some movies.  And so I stuck them in a plastic bag (waterproofing) and put them in my back pack, then rode my bike to the store in the drizzle rain.

About a 6 mile total ride, but 1/2 up hill and it felt good not having the Burly on the back.  Just me and a back pack....  Movie returning, and no car driving, can't beat that...

Today, was supposed to be a stay home day... but at some point Hubby suggests we walk to the park.  Veg says "No, its a stay home day".... Then Veg says "I will go for a walk but ONLY if it is a nature walk"....

Fine, his terms or not, we all wanted to go for a walk...  So out we go...

The same exact trail to the park, but this time we are calling it a nature trail.  I wore NOTHING of the jogging variety and not even my new shoes.  I figured we'd be lolly gagging for the next two hours looking at Nature.. (its a 2.5 mile round trip walk)

One street over and my Vegman TAKES OFF... I mean running... not jogging, not walking, RUNNING. 

FINE... So much for nature walk!  I give Hubby the back pack and take off with the Vegman.  My chest flailing about... I was really not prepared, my bra status was not handling the running stuff.  My hair clip falling (didn't have a pony tail)  And my jean shorts chafing my legs... But if the boy wants to run, I'm not going to tell him to stop...Even if I looked like a 30 something deufus. (then again what else is new?)

We went almost a mile.... before he started walking again.  Gooo Veg!!    He played at the park and we took a nice leisurely stroll back, where we saw a giant caterpillar thing, some bunnies, trees, leaves, squirrels, funny looking flowers and funny flower buds.. And then it rained...  We got Drenched!

And my garden got watered!  Can't complain one bit!   Especially with Unexpected Exercise two days in a row! 

DEAR BUG....

Dear Bug,

While I was running tonight you flew in to my eye.  Let me rephrase that, you crashed in to my eyeball as if it were a windshield...

There was no stopping your entry, you were even quicker then my blinking action.  I am so sorry that you died on impact though.  Had you lived from the view of my eye you would have seen some wonderful things.

The cutest bunnies eating off the trail and A bird flying out of some tall grass and scaring the begeezes out of me. 

You would have seen a beautiful Sunset and the greenest of trees, and the reddest of baby red roses...and  a pile of newspaper that someone left in the road that I thought was a dead animal and couldn't look.. (OK you wouldn't have seen that because I closed my eyes)  until curiosity got the better of me and when I looked it was a newspaper.  Shewww!!

Had you lived, you may have seen 1,000,000 of your little bug buddies still flying around because they were smart enough to avoid sudden impact with ones eyeballs. 

Sadly you didn't live... and when I got home I had to splash you out of my eye with water and watch you go down the drain.  I hope you had a good life before your flying accident and that it wasn't filled with things like landing on dog poo before landing in my eye. 

I also hope that  if you laid 1,000,000 eggs before your ending came near, that you taught all your baby bugs to NOT FLY IN TO PEOPLE'S EYE BALLS.....Its just not the best way to go, and believe me the eyeball doesn't like it either. (especially if dog poop is involved)

And so goodbye little bug, it was nice knowing you for that split second between blink and impact.

Sincerely,

Vegmom

EXERCISE TICKETS

*edited post to make it shorter and found a retro post to make it longer... you choose*

The Allowance thing had me Bamfoozled a couple years ago...I feel like in life we are paid for the work we do and not just because someone feels like handing over cash.  Unless your just a lucky person and someone walks up to you with cash on a daily basis for no reason.

In my world that doesn't happen so much.  And because I feel it is my job to raise him now as the adult I hope he shall be, then I figure, he should earn money if he wants it.

Insert Tickets... Retro Post - here

Well this past weekend he said "I have an Idea".... with his little finger that gets me every time...

"What if, every time I exercise I get a ticket?  I love to exercise" he says...

Hmmmm... Well.... Hmmmm.... Exercise is worthy of a reward?  Right?  After all, people do get paid for that kind of thing in the real world, and college kids get scholarships, and what better thing to reward then staying fit??  Besides, if he already loves it, then I'm not asking him to do it.

So we discussed, and in the spirit of allowing him to help make house decisions, came up with an agreement...

If he does exercise at least 4 days a week, he gets a ticket..... Of course there are rules, as any job description would contain.  Playground time doesn't count and things like that....

He is Happy that he came up with an idea that we implemented and I am happy that he is encouraged to exercise in his young life.  What a great way to start good habits.  

Win Win for all....

A DAY OF TREATS

And I'm not talking about the food kind... 

It all started when I was given that whisper wake up call by the Vegman... He is much better then an alarm clock... He comes in my room and climbs up to my head, sticks his face within nose reach and says

"Mom Mom, its a good time to be up right?  Its a school day?" 

Ummm Sure, except not for 2 more hours.... The kid LOVES his school....But what a better way to start the day even if 2hrs early?

Then off to school on time and happily, and off to work... Hubby called and asked to meet me for lunch... Sure Hubs.... So we did and then we stopped at a store so he could take groceries home and save me a trip later.   is he wonderful or what???   And And And... he picked up Veg from school so I could go for a walk tonight.... Sending happy thoughts to the Hubby!

Back to work and then off for the walk with a friend... About 4.5 miles with some pretty big hills and good talks...

Then on my way home, I called Hubby to find they were at a park within route... so I pulled in and there they were!!

Hubby did some fishing or I should say Standing on a rock with a pole that happened to have a fake bug on it... While the fish were jumping further out and mocking him continuously...

Veg and I went to the Basketball courts... We are having so much fun with that... And my old skills (of which I had none) are starting to come back to me.  As if 22 years hasn't even gone by...  This is only our third time but I'm hitting about 50% in to the hoop...  Not bad considering, The game is he dribbles then passes, and where he passes I have to shoot.   Needless to say, my arms are getting a good workout.

He's getting his "Technique" down on the throw and his dribble coordination is getting soo good in just a short time.   If he does happen to get his Uncle's height some day, he could be quite good.

I even let him take the ball from me a few times mid dribble and he'd laugh and laugh.....

Hubby left before us and called to tell me he was making dinner since he got home first!  WOW!!! 

Dinner was ready when we arrived, and now both boys are sleeping so I can finish up my work in quiet.

The day was full of treats I tell ya!!  And they were GOOD!!!

EXERCISE SUNDAY

Much like our recent Saturdays have become all about good fresh produce, our Sundays have been full of different ways to exercise.

Today we went to a park, played basketball (as in he dribbles and I make baskets), then played tennis on the courts.

The Vegman is getting so much better with each tennis try.

Then for a walk and nice swing by the lake.

Veg kept saying he needed a jump rope to do some more exercising. A jump rope???

So off we went in search of a Veg size jump rope.

Ended up with a VegMOM size jump rope. And man did I jump.

Forgot how that little rope can kick a person's hiney. Good thing my strengthening the core stuff is working or I surely would have wet the driveway.

But I jumped by myself and with him. We had a pretty good thing goin till hubby came out and suggested we each hold the rope so Veg could jump in the middle.

It worked, he did great and I could stop jumping..

Sheww! Hope you had a great Sunday where ever you are.

RUNNING MORE OFTEN

After the 1/2 marathon I stopped running completely but continued to exercise by walking long distance, biking, tennis, lifting light weights, etc.  A couple weeks ago, I ran just a mile for fun... And realized I missed it.  After all, that activity was a big part of my life for a while.

Talking to a friend the other day, she mentioned a 5K coming up.  I told her I'd run it with them... Which means I have to get my butt back to a 3 mile pace.  I've never been very fast, usually have a couple 100 people still behind me.  And a whole bunch more ahead of me.  But I've always finished without stopping which was usually my goal.

My friend hasn't attempted to run a 5K, So her desire to do so is HUGE!  And the cause is near and dear which is the best part of these things, so of course I will run it... If even just to cross the finish line.. Because if I get to the end, then she has to also!  :-)

Well this week, my walking buddies are all out of commission, so I decided to run again.  I did a little Saturday, and a little today.  Think I can do about 2 miles now comfortably, so the 5K isn't too far off.

I've decided that I'll try to run at least 2 days a week and more the weeks we don't walk.  Between the other exercise days, and continue to lift weights to help strengthen, and continue eating raw for energy, and maybe just maybe, I'll be a NEW ME by the next 1/2 marathon.

Maybe just Maybe, I'll give it another go....  I planned to walk it with some friends, but in the event they can't, I may try to run it.... Could I?  Should I?  Hmmmm?

A DAY OF REPEATS

Wake up --- Exercise by foot

Home before storm

Cool down

BODY BRUSH

Shower....

Afternoon --- Exercise (unintentional) Hubby wanted to go for a walk.. He NEVER asks to go for a walk... Veg was NOT having it... Compromise, we go for a bike ride and Veg gets to lazy daze in the Burly. 

Take Veg in Burly up to the Post Office...  (Me pulling burly with bike)  Drop off mail....

Hubby made a comment about the slowness of said Burly....  So I let him pull on the way back...  Hubby made it half way....  Hubby stopped, put down kickstand and laid in the grass.....

Needless to say, I rode the Burly Up all the hills and back home while Hubby walked his bike up all the hills...

Hubby will NOT ever say a word about slowness of said Burly ride again.

Get home with sky going dark and thunder rolling just before second storm.

Cool down

BODY BRUSH

Shower....

Can anyone guess what my favorite part of this Double Day was???

BACK TO RUNNING

I haven't done any running since March (the 1/2 Marathon)..  Lots of walking and some biking but no running... 

This past week, I've been itching to get back out and try it.  I realized that Fall is coming soon and if Veg wants to do all the 5K's that come to town, I need to keep up with at least a 3 mile run.  He is bigger and stronger this go around, and I think he will kick my hiney.

Not to mention every day on my way home, I see all the old "passing" gang running the trail every day.  They didn't stop, they are like machines. RAIN or SHINE they are out there, I use to pass them or more like they'd pass me all the time.

So this morning I went out for a jog with no end goal in mind.   I don't need to meet a time or a pace or a distance... Just going for a run because I want to...  what a difference!!   I got in the first mile fairly quick, and then lollygagged on the last 1.5 miles.  including some walking...  It was Hot and Humid to the point of a soaked shirt at the first 1/2 mile.  But there was a cool breeze that was blowing in a storm.

All the animals were out grabbing their grub before the storm hits.  Squirrels, Bunnies, Birds..  I even saw the goats out, and it was soo early that the Roosters were Cockadoodledooing.....

I came home and did some weight/strength training, along with some stretches.

Such a great way to start the day!!!

FOOD CHANGES BODY CHANGES

----Warning this is a long one, and nothing anyone will be interested in, but I'm posting for the purpose of looking back in a few months or years and remembering where I was---- (and maybe if someone sees this while in a slumpy state like me, they can think about ways to change for themselves)

I would say for the past 10+ years I've been eating healthier then many... My Vegetarian diet got me healthy in the first place.  Losing weight at a time I needed to, changing my skin tone, my monthly visits, losing headaches and allergies, dropping my blood levels to safe amounts.... Providing a healthy pregnancy and delivery etc. 

Soon I got complacent... I leveled out...

While I ate lots of Greens, Beans, Nuts, etc.  I also ate a lot of Pasta, Rice, Vegan snacks and goodies.. and my horrible recent weakness would be the Choco Coffee Beverages from a well known coffee chain.

On top of that I developed unhealthy habits of not eating breakfast, sometimes skipping lunch, snacking more, eating a HUGE dinner because I was so hungry from my day, and then snacking through the night while I worked late...

I told myself, all that was OK because I was working late after all and I needed to keep myself awake... I told myself I could eat lots of snacks because they were Vegan and therefore Healthy, and I was exercising several days a week so it didn't matter how many calories I took in.

Never did I count calories because, Who Cared!!  My thought was (and still is) that if I put in my body all natural whole foods that it didn't matter how many went in....  Never did I count Fat grams because anything I ate with Fat was the "Good Fat" and our bodies do need fat.  I had these talks with myself....

I continued to eat cooked Veggies or processed Veggie Meals, and less and less fruits because I didn't have time to wash an apple?  It was easier to grab a bag of chips or a Cliff Bar when I was hungry.

Fast forward to this year...I started training for a 1/2 Marathon, I aged a bit, got less and less sleep, and my eating habits continued to spiral.......... and something happened.  My body Rebelled..Genetics kicked in...... My skin was breaking out worse then ever, all my body parts started changing, my monthly visits got worse, and I gained over 10 pounds while training....  Thought, "I should be losing weight, what is wrong with me?"  But as time went on, I continued to gain weight... 

Now I'm at the highest weight I've ever been!   Seriously, I weigh more now then I did at my highest point of pregnancy... I am exercising more and eating less, why do I keep gaining??.  While I don't look like this anymore:

 

My body has shifted in different ways, I began to look tired all the time, clammy break out skin with wrinkles forming (all over)  Droopy eyes that go with 1/2 my family genes. None of my clothes fit, and I just stared feeling all around Yucky!!

I told myself, I needed a change... I told myself, I had to do something or I'll be bigger then Hubby on my 40th Birthday.. I'll need an entire new wardrobe by Winter because nothing will fit.  And I don't want to be feeling this way!!  Why should I??  When I know soo much now about healthy foods, WHY would I let myself get here? 

So I started the No Junk Food Challenge with my friend....  When I'm held accountable by someone else, I knew I could pull though.  I knew it would be easy for me to follow through with my Bet.  Much like the 1/2 Marathon... it started as an agreement, and I knew I would finish... The No Junk Food Challenge was much of the same...  Started as an Agreement and I finished....

30 days with no junk (vegan or otherwise) forced me to choose Veggies and Fruit for snacks.... And when the challenge was over, I had no desire to eat a Vegan Cupcake or Vegan Peanut Butter cups any time soon.  I was Junk food free... While I still lost no weight, I did feel good about my food choices.  I felt alive again and not draggy.  I stopped snacking at night and going to bed earlier... All changes I didn't expect when embarking on the challenge.

Then the exercise Challenge, some persistent co-workers, a new exercise machine at home, and a Personal Training Session... I'm now exercising consistently 4-6 days a week and LOVING IT!! 

Because it is so much a part of my routine, there is no "Work" involved. Its not "Something I have to do" it is something I want to do!

I'm sleeping better, feeling better, my strength is increasing every day, and I've made the decision that I want this to continue.  I'm making time for me, exercising RIGHT instead of pushing the un-natural.. and its making an impact on my family too.  Veg has done three 5K's now, he likes to exercise with me, and my time with him is High Quality because I feel good.  Hubby is slowly slowly as in turtle slowly considering getting on board as well.

Now there is the Raw Food Challenge, started for the purpose of Raw foods.  Thanks to my recent obsession with Blog Land Recipes, hearing a radio show at the right time, and going to a book fair just when I needed a new book, then seeing how much Good foods are out there, I quickly realized this is the change I've been looking for.  Its what I've been needing...  TO EAT!! 

Not to mention when the signs and tools are in front of you to make a change for the better, choosing not to shouldn't be an option. 

So Eat Well... and Feel Well....is my new motto!  I need breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and snacks.  My Body needs fresh Fruits and Veggies EVERY DAY! 

I need some uncooked meals to mix in with my cooked ones.  My body doesn't have to eat at midnight to stay awake.. It should be SLEEPING!  I do need High energy snacks during hard work out days and that is OK.  I'm thirsty and when I'm thirsty I should drink something.  Don't put it off until a conference call is over or one more issue is resolved....Keep water with me all day, and guess what, I'll drink all day!!  

And yet again my family is changing as well.  Veg ate his first Date this week and LOVED it.  Hubby, ate Hemp Seed, Dates and Goji Berries (He is LOVING the Goji berries)...  We are all eating fruit every day, and all having breakfasts now to start our days. 

If what I do positively affects them, imagine how what I do negatively affects them?  I'd much rather stay on the Positive side of that fence...

Its only been 2 weeks since I started down this path and only one Full week of the challenge.  This morning Hubby noticed that my Back had lost all its marks, and my face was "glowing" he said... Really, mentioned that my complexion was a much better color and I had a glow.  I've noticed things tightening up a little bit, even lost about 2 pounds.  My hair is Fluffier (not that I needed it fluffier)  and I just feel good.  Tired when I'm supposed to be (like now) and sleeping well almost every night (soon, I will be)...

My appetite has shifted so much since that first challenge a couple months ago..  And now even more so... Today we spent 3-4 hrs outside mulching our front and back yard flower beds. (5 scoops of mulch) along with filling up a $9 pool for Veg to play...  I had energy to do every bit... and when I was hungry, I didn't want chocolate or sweets, I just wanted a cold refreshing Apple. 

While I always split a cookie with my vegman at our fav. veggie place, now I only have a bite.  Sweets of the Junk food variety do not even Tempt me anymore.  A tiny bag of Vegan animal cookies at work lasted me all week.  And when I didn't finish them, they went in the garbage (wasteful yes.... but I also won't open a bag now for that reason, and save them for my comrades).

Even the Vegan blueberry cobbler that Hubby made last weekend.  I had a small bite each day.  The sweetness was overbearing....

Trying new foods has been soooooo much fun!  I feel like I did when I first became Vegetarian.  This is like a whole new eating world, just when I thought I had it all figured out... I was missing sooo much good stuff. 

Hubby said today "There is just something different about you?"  I'm smiling more, being silly more, I FEEL GOOD!!  I'm rested...... YES work is still stressful, YES I still have a full plate and not always getting it all done, YES, my house is a tad messy, and I'm not doing everything I could be doing.

But I FEEL GOOD, and there is always tomorrow to get the rest done.  If there is NOT a tomorrow, then at least I had a good day today!

Amazed if you actually read this far.....  Stay tuned for your regularly scheduled Vegmom programming (it won't be so serious, I promise)

KEEP MOVING

Ever since changing offices a few months ago, I've realized that I sit way too much... Cube/Office and computer life will do that to a person.  And my hiney, no matter how much exercise or healthy eating, is growing to fit the seat.

Its almost like our plants on the back deck... Veg planted seeds in two pots.. one is a tiny little flower pot.  Another is a 1/2 barrel filled with dirt....  The 1/2 barrel pot now has Gigantic plants growing in it.... They are soooo tall, the tiny pot, has a tiny stem...  it probably will never even bloom.  The tiny potted plant didn't have enough space to root and grow.  Where the Barrel Potted plant had lots of room...

And so goes my rear end!  Big seat, my back side tends to be filling up the space....  And while I've been getting out mid day for long walks and doing exercise at home when time allows... The length of time in the seat is taking over (along with genetics and age)...  And when there is a problem, I must fix it...

So I've decided to keep moving...I started a list of exercises I can do with my legs and arms while still working and not looking like a Buffoon to people passing by.  Everything from Leg lifts, bottom squeezes, to tummy tucks, arm pushes, scissor kicks, etc.  can all be done with little viewing of others.

My new favorite is seeing how long I can sit up straight while in meetings... Because I tend to slouch, this has been a great strengthening exercise.  If a meeting is 30 minutes, I try for the whole thing.  So far, I've only made it about 20, but am increasing each time.  Amazing how in-voluntary slouching has become for me, and how difficult it is to force my self to sit straight.

I also started parking far away... this gives me that added walk in and leaving.. and of course I always take the stairs vs. elevator....

Then at my home desk, I traded the seat completely for an Exercise Ball.  More Strengthening, toning and balance....

And the Bike thing that Hubby brought home is just awesome... While talking to my Mom tonight, I was just pedaling away.... 

I am on a Keep Moving Kick.... While its not officially a "challenge", what can you do more of to keep moving during your average day?

EXERCISE CHALLENGE OVER

 Another Challenge comes to an end... I finished up yesterday with a three mile walk.. stayed off of everything else to rest the annoying Hip thing.

Obviously Consistency is Key... and this challenge forced me to be consistent...  I did win a shirt this go around.. which I haven't purchased yet.. the gift certificate is in my purse pending a shopping day.

But my friend who missed her Four days one week (hense the shirt), has also done more each week then she's done consistently prior... So I think this was still a success...

Stay tuned for my next challenge... I've decided to continue these for myself with the goal in mind of making long term health changes, one thing at a time, is not so overwhelming... And if each becomes a habit with each 30 days then the accountability of posting is worth it.

And as always feel free to join...Or start your own challenge...No telling what you may discover until you go looking.