Running with Some Rainbows Around the Sun!

Posted on May 20, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

We celebrated Mother’s Day a week later this past Sunday with a trip to Chatham. It was BEAUTIFUL! Chatham always reminds me a lot of Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. There are so many gorgeous old homes, and it’s very “quaint” as we sometimes say of New England towns!

double rainbowWe went out to a great brunch and then headed to the beach and the wildlife center that overlooks Monomoy Island. From the beach that is close by, you could see the seals “hauled out” and sunning themselves. The great whites aren’t up here yet, so no sightings! Winking smile

We also saw something I have never seen before (or never noticed): sun dogs. These are rainbows that circle the sun. While at the beach, we looked up and saw two rainbows circling the sun. It was so cool!

I started the day off right with a run along the beach. I stopped and snapped a pic of one of the two osprey nests I see on my regular running route (see picture to the left). I think it’s so cool that both the males and females take turns sitting on the eggs!

ospreyI love being back on my old running route and getting to see the ocean everyday. It feels so good to be home again, and I cannot wait for summer. I plan on taking the kids down the street to the beach almost every day!

Filed Under: Family, Training

New Running Reads: The Cool Impossible

Posted on May 7, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

I just finished a great new running read: The Cool Impossible. Written by Eric Orton, running coach to Chris McDougall of Born to Run fame, is an easy and very practical running book on how to stay injury free while achieving new PRs.

I have read quite a few books on running, running technique, training plans, etc. and I have to say that Eric’s book is very easy to read and follow. His advice is solid and well-supported.

cool impossibleFor those of you who are familiar with Born to Run, you will enjoy Chris McDougall’s foreword to The Cool Impossible. Facing a potentially treacherous run through the Copper Canyons of Mexico, McDougall was coached by Eric Orton and successfully completed the 50 mile race.

Orton writes as though he is coaching you personally, guiding you as he would one of his many clients looking to push themselves for better athletic performance,

I enjoyed how The Cool Impossible covers all aspects of running performance including strength, diet, performance training, etc. It’s a comprehensive guide for improving your training, complete with suggested plans at the end of the book.

Whether you are looking to run more efficiently or just PR at your next race, Eric Orton’s The Cool Impossible is definitely a worthwhile read!

30 Something Mother Runner received a copy of The Cool Impossible for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% my own! Smile

Filed Under: Reviews, Training Tagged:

Holy Wind Batman!

Posted on April 25, 2013 Written by 3 Comments

Where is spring??? Waah!! It did get a little warmer in the afternoon yesterday, but definitely not as warm as inland! Part of yesterday’s running route went along the beach yesterday, and man– it was HARD!

I wound up hanging a right and altering the route to avoid expending all of my energy fighting the wind. Despite the wind, it was SO nice to get out for a 3-miler at the end of the day.

Yesterday was one of those “Calgon, take me away days.” Sad smile My soon-to-be three-year old had a melt down that lasted about two hours in the morning, while the older one was in school.

I actually had to put him in the front room for a while to take a break because it just wouldn’t stop. I am sure all of the parents out there are very familiar with the moments when you have tried everything and nothing seems to work or make your child happy. I eventually took a mommy time out from sheer exasperation!

The good news is it eventually abated and we had a brief respite for lunch and swim lessons. After swim, it was the soon-to-be five-year old’s turn for a ‘tude. He was in rare form and kept hitting his brother for any minor infraction including approaching him while he was reading!

Thankfully sanity entered with a nice evening run and a glass of wine! I am hoping that today is a much happier day in the Morrison household! The playroom is almost finished, and hopefully the boys will be able to use it soon! Smile

In other news, for those of you running the Cox Marathon or Half Marathon on May 12, come visit me during the expo. I will be working at the ZOOMA Cape Cod booth. Come over and say hi and get some ZOOMA goodies! I will be there both Friday and Saturday!

Filed Under: Family, Training Tagged: ,

Some Happiness, Some Sadness, and a Stitch Fix!

Posted on April 23, 2013 Written by 3 Comments

I didn´t write last week, because I really couldn’t find any words to express the myriad of things I (and the rest of us) were feeling. I kept trying to think of what to write and found no words.

I am constantly reminded of what a wonderful and resilient community we are as runners, and the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings was no exception.

Runners banded together to help each other and to honor the memories of bombing victims and first responders. In the aftermath of the bombing, we have seen the wonderful side of humanity in those that of helped others. This is what I will choose to remember about last week.

In other news, home improvement projects are progressing nicely. I am moving on to the boys’ playroom now. I am almost finished with the painting. I can’t wait to share pics!!

photo (54)I have also been running. Yesterday, I took a VERY windy run up to Falmouth Heights. It was a beautiful sunny day, albeit very chilly due to the wind. To the right is a picture mid-run.

Yesterday also brought the arrival of my first Stitch Fix. A group of my running friends introduced me to Stitch Fix. I am often challenged to find time to shop for clothes, and I am always wishing I could step outside of my “clothing box.” Enter Stitch Fix.

You sign up and pay a $20 fee (which goes towards your purchase from the fix) and fill out a style profile with your sizes, styles you like, etc. Your fix is scheduled and you then receive 5 items hand-picked by a stylist. The clothing items come complete little cards that show you some looks with the items.

photo (55)I liked the five items I got in my first fix, but decided to keep one—the cute sweater to the left. It’s not something I would have picked to try on, but I loved it when I wore it.

I guess that’s the point of Stitch Fix! Whatever you don’t want, you send back in the pre-paid USPS mailer within 3 days. Easy, huh? For more info, you can click HERE.

How have you guys been dealing with the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings?

Filed Under: Home, Training

Updates, Race Discount Info, and More!

Posted on April 9, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

I know, here I am taking time off from blogging again! I think the next month or so will probably be only weekly posting instead of three days a week.

I have finally finished redoing the boys’ room, and I will do a post with pictures as soon as it’s complete! Since we are knee-deep in home improvement and other associated issues, I am cutting back on posting frequency.

Unfortunately, I have also cut back on running frequency! I am trying hard to squeeze everything in, and I know things will normalize again someday soon!

logo_capecodNow for some cool race discount information!! ZOOMA Cape Cod will be this September again, and I am super psyched to be a race ambassador again! I recently received a promo code to share with you guys:

Use code CCAMB5 to save 10% off the registration fee for the half marathon or the 10K. Grab your running partner or other girlfriends and sign up for a weekend race on the Cape. September is hands-down my favorite month here!

While you’re at it, you can also sign up for a cool sweepstakes ZOOMA is running for their inaugural Chicago race! Check out details HERE.

If anyone is interested in running the Falmouth Road Race this year, and you want to make sure you get an entry (it’s a lottery system for non-residents), the Melanoma Foundation of New England has some entries available for those interested in fundraising.

Raise $1,000 for the Melanoma Foundation of New England, and you get guaranteed entry into the race. It’s a great race AND a great cause! Win-win!

In other news, I am SO glad spring is finally here, and I can’t wait to hit the roads more often! Smile

Filed Under: Racing, Training Tagged: ,

Easter Fun (Run) and Mild Health Insurance Rant

Posted on April 2, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

Easter weekend was a lot of fun. The kids really enjoyed the beautiful weather for their egg hunt. After the hunt, we had a nice and very yummy Easter lunch.

Immediately after stuffing myself, I decided to run over to the long term care facility where my stepfather is recuperating from a knee surgery. Amazingly, I had no problems after consuming a big meal and two glasses of wine!

nasolacrimal ductI had a nice visit with my stepfather and enjoyed the stunning view from the fourth floor there, and no I’m not joking. For those of you that have been to the fourth floor of Royal Megansett—you know what I mean.

If I ever have to go into long-term care, I would be much happier if the place had views like Royal Megansett. You can look out over the ocean for miles.

On a less fun note, yesterday I had to take my almost three-year old to a pediatric ophthalmology appointment at the Boston Children’s Hospital satellite facility in Weymouth, MA.

Collin has had pink eye about 7 or 8 times, and he’s only 3, so we knew something was up. After the last visit to the pediatrician for pink eye and a sinus infection, she suggested we head up to see the pediatric ophthalmologist.

After and eye exam and some drops to determine if his eyes were draining properly, she concluded that the nasolacrimal (tear) ducts on both eyes were blocked. Sad smile

So, with a trip to the ER last week for my older son and this surgery, we are headed towards maxing out our $5,000 deductible for the year. Yes, the only health insurance offered by my husband’s company is high deductible. Sad smile

My gripe with high deductible health insurance is that it’s fine for people without children (who are relatively healthy). When you have kids, it’s inevitable that they are going to have numerous sick visits, and most likely ER trips (especially with boys!).

I am concerned that there are people out there who have to make the decision about whether or not to take their children to the doctor because of the huge out of pocket costs.

For example, if I take my kids to the doctor for a sick visit, I pay the ENTIRE contracted rate for the visit which is usually about $125. I’m not going to lie, there are times I have questioned whether or not my child is really sick before bringing him in—because of the associated cost.

I wonder, what if it’s just a cold? Will it go away in a few days? What if he has an infection? How long should I wait? I just don’t think you should have to ask those questions in regard to pediatric patients. A healthcare decision shouldn’t have to be delayed due to apprehension about the expense. Vent over!

Filed Under: Family, Health, Training

Finding the Time to Run, Why Is It So Hard Sometimes??

Posted on March 29, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

Being between two homes and not having the Y is majorly cramping my running style as of late. This is not a new issue (since we moved down in January), but since the work on my mom’s in-law apartment keeps dragging on, I am finding it harder and harder to deal with the lack of a regular running schedule.

photo (46)I am so thankful that my mother-in-law pitches in to watch the boys occasionally for me to run, but I just haven’t been able to keep a regular routine.

It’s getting lighter earlier now, so I am going to try to get out early in the mornings on the days that it works with my husband’s schedule. Until then, I am going to try to suck it up and not go completely insane. Sad smile

Although I did not get to run yesterday, I did manage to finish some more painting. We are almost done with the painting! I am so in love with how the room looks—I think I want to live in it!

It’s also getting me super pumped to redecorate the room that will be our master bedroom. I realize I really like interior design, and Pinterest is feeding my addiction. Smile

This weekend will be more home improvement and some Easter egg hunting and DEFINITELY some running. Weekend warriors unite!

Filed Under: Training

Well, We Made It Almost 5 Years Without an ER Visit!

Posted on March 27, 2013 Written by 2 Comments

Just shy of 5 years and 2 boys later we had our first visit to the ER with my older son. I felt so bad that the accident had to occur while my mother was watching him! Thank goodness she´s a nurse!

hand xrayMy oldest and my mother were out for some on-one-one time, and just before the end of the visit James managed to get his right hand stuck in a door (where it attached to the frame). She called me to come meet her, and she already had James’s fingers on ice. We decided it was probably best to take him to the ER for an x-ray in case any of the fingers were broken. Poor guy—I felt SO bad. It really looked horrible. Sad smile

After a few hours at the hospital, we ended up in the ER since Urgent Care was swamped. A quick check of the x-ray and confirmation that James’s fingers were working appropriately sent us on our way. I was proud of how well James handled the situation.

When we were headed home at around 9pm, my mother asked him what he thought of his first hospital visit, and he said it was “Super awesome good!” I guess you can’t ask for much more!

Running-related: I ran Sunday and then took Monday off. Yesterday I did an easy 4 miles in the Lone Peaks. I seriously heart them even more now.

I am in the middle of reading a soon-to-be released book on running injury free/good form/natural running. I CANNOT wait to share my review with you guys a little closer to the book’s publication date.

A lot of the info has really resonated with me and has me focusing on some different form issues on the run. I am hoping to run today, but it’s our super busy day with school and swim, and babysitting scarce, so we will see if I can fit it in. I hope so!

Filed Under: Family, Training

I Finally Got My Birthday Trail Run!

Posted on March 25, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

First off, congrats to Pam who won the Larabar über bar giveaway!

photo (50)Next up, while I wasn´t able to get out for my birthday trail run on Friday, my husband and I got over to the Crane Wildlife Management Area to hit the trails on Saturday afternoon.

It was a beautiful day and we spent almost an hour covering about 5 miles of single track technical trails. My legs got a GREAT workout with all of the hills, and it’s always fun to change up the running terrain.

I managed to fall only once, and it wasn’t a bad one! Winking smileIt’s such a beautiful area to run—we didn’t see anyone else except for the two mountain bikers we saw when we entered the trail.

With only trace amounts of snow remaining, I was happy it wasn’t too muddy or I might have fallen a few more times! I wore the Altra Lone Peaks for this run and loved them!

I definitely had a chance to test out the rock plate, and it worked like a charm. The shoes performed very well and were very comfortable providing just the right amount of support, while at the same time allowing my feet the freedom to move in the toe box area.

We managed to get lost a few times, so thankful that the area isn’t too large and that we had GPS! We emerged from the woods pretty spent and happy to have enjoyed a sunny afternoon on the trails.

Altra Lone Peaks

Altra Lone Peaks

On Sunday morning, my mother and I finished the wallpaper on the second accent wall in the boys’ room and now we just have to finish up the painting and then do the floors. It’s coming together!!

Anyone else hit the trails this weekend?

Filed Under: Training Tagged: ,

Good Morning From the West Coast!

Posted on March 15, 2013 Written by 2 Comments

I slept in this morning—I know, shocking! Usually I would wake up super early, since I am still three hours ahead. However, since I had nothing to wake up early for and no kids to wake me up, I slept in! Woo hoo!

photo (43)I feel like a million bucks after getting 11 hours of sleep. I seriously can’t remember the last time that happened! There’s been a bit of a  marine layer hanging around here for the past day or so, so it’s foggy this morning and probably will be for the balance of the day near the coast.

After having some coffee and breakfast, I am going to hit the road for a run up to Sunset Cliffs and back. It’s beautiful and will give me a bit of hill work. Winking smile

We are still planning what to do for the rest of the day, so we will see. My brother-in-law owns a couple of Floyd’s Barber Shops (they do women’s cuts and color too), and I have yet to see them. I think we are going to go check them out and get some hair services!

I am sure we will go some place fun for dinner, and then tomorrow will most likely be a hike near Black’s Beach. Hope my East Coast buds are not too cold this morning—I will try and bring back some warmer weather!

Filed Under: Family, Training, Travel Tagged:
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