Guest Post - Jen - Motherhood & Running

Hey all - I'm out of town for the weekend and wanted to bring you a great post.  Jen is kicking some running butt, seriously I dream of being that fast, and doing it all while raising a family.  My question - How do you balance it all?

*I am a 30 something mom to a toddler, wife to a triathlete, grad student and competitive runner. I work as faculty in a small private college and as a running coach allowing me some flexibility. Check out my blog at http://runnershoe.blogspot.com

Is it possible to be a mother and stay active at the same time? I get asked this frequently and the answer is “of course” but it takes a little work and compromise at times. When I was pregnant with my daughter I often heard the three words “Just you wait” followed by some inevitable change that I was going to make strictly as the result of becoming a parent. These changes often involved some aspect of running or being healthy. I was probably told daily that I would never run as well again, but as stubborn as I am I aimed to prove these people wrong and was quickly back and running PRs and reaching new goals. I find it odd that no one ever says to a pregnant woman “you will never watch TV again” but they are quick to say you will not work out again.

I won’t say there haven’t been changes or that it is always easy, but with work it isn’t tough. I recently saw a sign that said “you would never skip an important meeting with your boss so why skip a workout”.

If you don’t think you have time then figure it out: Okay maybe not so simple, but look at a typical day and write down you obligations. Figure out where you can fit in things; maybe this means walking to the store for groceries instead of driving or hitting the treadmill while you watch your favorite show.

·    Plan ahead: write down your time at the gym, running, biking, etc. in your planner for the coming day, week or month and stick with it. Along with this plan and make meals ahead, I often spend Sunday afternoon naps making a few freezer meals for the week ahead allowing me extra time during the week to go to the gym, play outside with my daughter or just relax on those busy workout days.

·    Get up early: I often sacrifice extra sleep to be up for 4:30 am run, bike or most recently my new 5:30am boot camp. It is a tough routine to get into but you set the clothes out at night, crawl out of bed and go without thinking. I am often halfway through a workout before I am fully awake. This way I am done in time to either spend the day with my daughter or get to work.

·    Enlist help: Whether you are a mom who needs a babysitter or someone needing an extra kick to get moving on a workout, ask someone to help. Join a gym with childcare, this is good for everyone, kids can play while mom has some me time. My husband and I often split workouts while pushing the BOB or days for long runs.

·   Allow yourself this time: As a mom, wife and grad student with a job I deserve me time and for me this is when I work out. I have time to think and de-stress. This short time away from my family (or bringing them along) to go run makes me a better person in all aspects.

·   Know yourself: your strengths and weaknesses and work with it.  I prefer the morning to work out and am much more apt to skip a workout if I save it for after work. 

    Find the things you like: hate running, find a fun spin class.

·   Make a date: Grab a friend, join a group, hire a trainer. Even on the tough days if someone else is counting on you it is more likely to happen.

·   Take advantage of naptime: This has been huge for me on days I am home. The first year of my daughter’s life I spent a lot of time running on the treadmill during naps. I sacrificed a clean house some days to run, but I didn’t care!

·   Accept that it will never be perfectly planned: Even with the best intentions there are days when meetings run late, kids are sick, weather is bad, etc. Roll with these inconveniences and throw in a workout DVD at home, walk at lunch or skip a workout (the world will not end) just don’t let this be the norm!

·   Set goals that are concrete to motivate: Run a 5K, do a triathlon, buy something for sticking to the plans.

Yes, it takes work and good time management but anything is possible. If I can make it work anyone can. In the past couple years since becoming a mom I think my body has gotten stronger and healthier through better workouts, eating healthier through planning and working to be a good role model. - http://runnershoe.blogspot.com

Kicking Negative Nancy's Butt

So last night I went for a run, but instead joined a pity party.  Basically I took about 3 running steps on the treadmill and knew my hamstring wasn't having it.  It was way past that sore pain all the way to that oh my heavens you idiot if you keep running you're going to hurt yourself worse pain.  Since I couldn't run I then had my own personal whine like a brat session on Twitter to all the fabulous people who commiserate with, listen to, and support me.
I whined about:

• How I'd been injured and had to take 3 full months off, had been running again for 2 months and was starting to feel a bit better about myself, and then pulled my hamstring in a rugby game 3 weeks ago. (Crummy luck!)  
• The fact that all this puts me way behind the weekly mileage I am normally at - where I had hoped to start my marathon training.
• My slower than usual running - what used to be 9 or 10 min miles (depending on distance) are now pushing 11 minutes and I am sure the injury has something to do with that.
• Missing out of the first few weeks of marathon training and feeling behind.
• Holding back T, my training partner, who is faster than me when I am healthy and dominating me right now, but patiently waiting while I run very slowly.
• Most of all I whined about how I feel like this is some crazy double edged sword - If I don't run then my distances and times don't improve and I won't be ready for the Marine Corp Marathon, but if I do run when my hamstring is hurting it may never get a chance to heal or even end up worse than it is now.

Cooper River Bridge (Bridges = Hills in Charleston)

So I stewed, felt depressed, and whined all last night and I realized it did me no good.  Feeling sorry for myself doesn't make me run faster or farther, it doesn't help me along in my training, and it sure as heck doesn't make my hamstring feel better.
Forget it - I had to stop with the negativity.  No point in dragging myself down.

I woke up early this morning and left my crappy butt attitude in bed.  

I headed to the Copper River Bridge for a little 6 mile route I planned out, but you know what - it just wasn't happening.  However, instead of being a crab about it I very slowly jogged 2 miles and then sat down and stared at the beautiful scenery for a while. I reminded myself - (I'm all about that positive self talk.  Don't worry it is an inner monologue, not out loud, you know because I don't want people to think I am crazy.) I ran 2 miles this morning and while that wasn't my goal it is more than a lot of people can say.  Plus even though it was hard for me to stop I made a really smart decision to take care of my body.   

Then I went to a barre class I had scheduled.  It was a great decision because it was super low impact with some fabulous stretching.  I am horrible about stretching so this is really beneficial for me.  (I pretty much completed all of my first marathon training without stretching, owning a foam roller, or compression socks, or using any type of fuel, food, or hydration on any long runs.  I know.  Crazy right?  However, that is a story for another blog.)   I felt really good after leaving the class especially because I stay after and stretched my hamstring out for a few extra minutes.  I think I am going to use this pain as a reason/proof that I need to stretch and make it my new goal to stretch and foam roll every night before bed.  

Tonight my mom and I headed out to dinner at this amazing Italian restaurant called Al Di La.  If you are ever in Charleston it is a winner for sure.  For her birthday I bought her two Groupons for dinner for 2 so we could have mother/daughter nights which I enjoy because I consider her one of my best friends. (Mom- when you read this don't let it go to your head!)  Our Groupon started off with an appetizer so we split the cheese plate.  It was so good I totally forgot to take a picture - Whoops!  Cheese distracts me.  

I let myself have a glass of Chianti.  I usually don't drink because I am not a huge fan of liquid calories, I'd rather eat them all in delicious food form.  However, an Italian red sounded amazing.

 Mom's pasta which she enjoyed.....

but my gnocchi was 100 times better (she may disagree).  I LOVE gnocchi!  Instead of stuffing the whole plate in my mouth at warp speed to enjoy these fluffy little balls of heaven I was good and took half of it home.  Hello lunch tomorrow.

Now if you all know anything about me by now, from this crazy blog, you know I love running and I have a killer sweet tooth!  While I am trying to reign my sugar cravings in and eat healthier so I can get in better shape (I think this while help my running) I believe you must enjoy life with the occasional splurge.  This tiramisu was outstanding.  So deliciously decadent that when my mom only had a couple bites I ate more than my fair share, I refused to let any go to waste.  It was so good I would have licked the plate (had the restaurant not been full and people nearby to notice).  

Marathon Training Update Vlog

I'm the little guest post queen today:)  Please go check them out:
A post on conquering my running weakness  (hills & speed -Yikes)

& one on controlling a sweet tooth (which is my constant healthy eating battle)   

Marathon Training Update

(Notice how awesome I look, no makeup nasty sweaty workout hair - Keeping it real for you all.

Rough start, but I'm doing it.  Not clicking as well as I hoped it would.  

Coming back from so much time off is tricky.

Do you have a race coming up?  If so what are you training for and how is it going?
What do you do to stay motivated when it isn't going as well as you had hoped/planned?

Mizuno Enigma Review - Mezamashii

As you all know I was ridiculously excited to be chosen as a part of the Mizuno Running Mezamashii Project and feel very blessed that they allowed me to share the Mizuno brilliant run love run with a BackAtSquareZero reader/fellow runner.  

I have been running in my Mizuno Wave Creations for a bit over 6 months now (when I saw the light and switched to Mizuno) so I thought this would be the perfect time to try out one of Mizuno's many other shoe models.  I called and talked to their experts and explained I wanted to use my free shoe pick (thank you Mizuno!) to try something new, but that I loved the comfort and cushion the Wave Creations provided me one my long runs so I didn't want to get to far away from that.  His suggestion - the wave Enigma - Hello beautiful, come to momma!

He explained to me that just like my go to Creations the Wave Enigma were a great shoe for distance, that they had a similar heel to toe drop compared to what I was used to, and that the main difference would be the sole, actually the heel in particular.  

On the top are my brand new Wave Enigmas, the bottom are my most recent pair of Wave Creations. (Yes, I am going through a purple phase.)  That sales dude knew his stuff.  The only difference I can see and feel is in the heel of the shoe.  The new Enigmas have one fairly connected heel piece (top) where as on my Creations the shoe and sole section are almost separated.  After trying them both out I've gotta say Mizuno did it again, these are both amazing shoes that I feel completely comfortable running marathon style distances in and recommending to you all.  The Enigma (top) seemed to have more cushioning because of it's styling while the Creation (bottom) felt like it absorbed more of the shock from my (sometimes awkward) stride.  I personally am having a really hard time deciding, because I love them both.  However, I think I might go with the Enigma again next time because I am all about soft, cushiony running shoes that protect my feet.

Thanks Mizuno so glad for the opportunity to try something new.  Can't wait for many more brilliant runs.Side note: I had so much fun comparing shoes that I am almost tempted to buy the Mizuno Wave Riders my marathon training partner runs in just to see how they compare.  However, it is so hard when I love the Creation and Enigma so much.   

What shoes do you currently run in?

Have you ever tried Mizuno? 

If not would you be willing to consider them next time you buy shoes?  (You should!)

*Disclaimer - All thoughts expressed in this post are my own.  While I did receive a free pair of shoes from Mizuno that did not affect my review which is my own opinion.    

Don't Stop Believing

First, go check out my guest post on how to enjoy living healthy while saving money (hello, teacher budget here) it gives good ideas (yes, I am prejudiced to its awesomeness because I wrote it) on healthy and money saving alternatives for common everyday activities.  Thanks to Athena at Fitness & Feta for letting me run it.


Another fun fact about me because between learning about how I am easily excited by the little things in life and sing like a maniac (horribly) you just didn't have enough Abby info.
... I am the biggest glass half full type of girl.  This is never more evident than when I am injured.  When I am hurt and can't workout I do get a bit disappointed, but more than that I get so excited thinking about how amazing things will be when I am back to full strength.  Pretty much every crazy fitness bucket list idea I have - like wanting to hike the entire Grand Canyon (in one day) starts on a day when I was not able to run, but could only imagine what it would be like to be back in top shape (well my top shape).  Well this week was no different - I was sidelined with crazy back pain for three days (much better due to rest, pain relievers, a massage, and lots of stretching) and am still having some nagging hamstring issues so what better time than to sign up for another race?!?

I decided I will be healthy, will be running, and do not have enough races on my calendar. While there are tons I dream of doing - New Orleans Rock'n Roll Full, Disney Princess Half, Indy Mini Marathon - travel is not currently in the budget.  So I decided to return to my roots.  My first ever race, did I mention my crazy self ran a half before I ever ran anything else, no 5 or 10Ks to start off here (crazy), and my favorite distance - The Kiawah Island Half.  It is only about a 40 minute drive from me which means no travel or lodging expenses, I haven't run the course in years, and it will be great to see what it feels like when I am not miserable the whole time.  I hated that race and wanted to stop the whole time, now I love running half marathons and regularly run 12-14 miles myself on weekends just for fun.  Fulls, well those on the other hand, I have to push and challenge myself to do.  I am excited, but also feeling brave because I realize that I have never signed up to run a race on my own.  Every single 5K, 10K, half, or full I have done with someone and currently it is just me.  Again, won't be any problem at the race as I love this distance, but waiting at the start might get boring.  Oh well, here is to another race, don't stop believing (hold on to that feeling) you can do it.

What is your next race?  I'd love to know.
Heck- Want to do your first half, but scared?  If you can get to Kiawah I'll run with you (unless you're really fast, then I'll cheer from behind).

Ouch!

This hurts, no not making another vlog (although considering how awesome my voice sounds on video you all might be saying Ouch! soon too), my back is killing me and it is ruining my weekly workouts.  Help!

Bam, that's my face, wowza!

Probably should have watched the video before I uploaded it, whoops!  However, I guess that makes it more authentic.  Do I look like I'm in pain or what?  Side note: If I could learn to talk without using my hands I'd probably move around less and be in less pain.

So anyways.... Any tips?  Tricks?  What should me next step be?  

Basically this is making my angry - I want to go run.  Now!  Urrrgggggg....  

Mizuno Mezamashii Free Shoe Giveaway

Contest Over.  See winner at Mezamashii Winner.

I am constantly raving about my love of Mizuno, but about a week ago I shared my excitement about being picked to be part of the Mezamashii project.  Missed the explanation of what the Mezamashii Project is, no problem, check it out here.

Basically, Mizuno is striving to bring Brilliant Runs to more and more people.  Genius idea!

I am ridiculously excited about this... as if you couldn't tell from my video.

Now for the part you've all been waiting for - The Giveaway.
If you win you will receive your own free pair of Mizunos and become part of the Mezamashii Project yourself.  So how do you enter you ask?  
That is the exciting part, you have multiple opportunities:
*Select one entry method, or complete all 5 for five times the chance of winning!


1. Tell me about a brilliant run you have had or about the brilliant run of your dreams. (leave a comment)


2. Follow BackatSquareZero, button on the right hand side, so you can stay up to date on my Mizuno love and all my brilliant runs. 
(leave a comment telling me when you've done this or if you're already a follower)


3. Follow me on Twitter @BackatSquare0 to stay up to date on all my latest news. 
(leave a comment telling me when you've done this or if you're already a follower)


4.Follow Mizuno on Twitter @MizunoRunning 
(leave a comment telling me when you've done this or if you're already a follower)


5. Tweet the following: 
I want to win a #BrilliantRun through @BackatSquare0 and the @MizunoRunning #Mezamashii Project http://backatsquarezero.blogspot.com 
(leave a comment telling me you tweeted it out)


Giveaway starts now and ends Thursday, July 12th at 5:00EST.
I will be using a random number generator to choose the winner.
*Be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry method you use, as each comment will count as a separate entry.  This means you have up to 5 chances to win.  Good luck!

Vacation Recap - Babes, Food, Friends, Family, & a Bit of Running

Sorry I've been MIA for a week.
I flew into Indy and was greeted by my favorite little guy at the airport.
My nephew Jackson is 13 months old
and very unhappy that his daddy forgot his lamby for the car ride.

My run streak was still going, but my brother could tell I didn't want to leave my nephew...
so they all came with.

Amanda, my sister-in-law, was fabulous
and worked really hard to cook healthy food for me.
She figured out the calories and this whole meal had less than 350.

Happy Baby.
Jack in the box!

Guess that would make this a -
Jack Out of The Box

Delicious tapas bar called Barcelona -
I pretty much ruined the healthy eating on my own.
I only go to Indy once a year so I splurged and binged like crazy.
Bad Abby.  Back on track this week.

However, luckily my friend and I took a 5 mile walk along the canal
in downtown Indy (too full to run) afterwards.
The canal was built after I moved so I have never really seen it - Gorgeous!

I spent my days babysitting wild man. 

He would like you all to know that while a mud/obstacle race
 is on my fitness bucket list,
he already dominated the Tough Mudder.
1st in his age group.

Plus, while I have absolutely no flexibility at all,
he rocks some baby yoga.
Downward facing dog anyone?

I made my delicious strawberries for 4th of July.
Find the recipe here.  

And hoped my sister-in-law's family would't think she was beating me up.
Rugby injury - a cleat mark that lasted all week.

On Thursday I took them out to dinner - a great Greek place

with garlic, feta, double cooked fries.  Amazing!

Then we walked along the Monon Trail in Broadripple,
(A very cute area, I suggest you visit.)

and stopped to get ice cream.
They had 36 flavors.  How was a girl to choose...
Lots of samples first ;)

On the way home Jackson showed us a hilarious new trick -
He can stick his toes in his mouth.
He thought he was the funniest guy ever, especially when his mom told him to stop

I woke up early my last day there for a run with Dempsey.

Then we went to the Indianapolis Zoo.

It made someone very happy!

His daddy (my brother) even ran, well probably sprinted (he is way faster than me),
over on his lunch break  to see us.

We cooled off with some ice cream.
My healthy eating went all out the window this week.

Saw some more animals.

And wore somebody out.

Then, my best friends from high school came and got me
 and the three of us spent the night at her
unairconditioned, yet gorgeous, house in the country.

My noon, 100+ degree run.  Yikes!
Really peaceful though.  I could count the cars that passed on 1 hand.
Sunscreen soaked Abby among the cornfields.

I was there while Indy set a record for most 100+ days in a row.  Uggghhhhh

And I wonder why I don't have nice things....

Like band aids that look like bacon.

Home safe, back to blogging, how did you all do this week?
Good workouts?
Better 4th of July food?
Let me know.

Runner's World Summer Run Streak -  
Day 35 = 2 miles 
Day 36 = 1 mile (plus 5 mile walk)
Day 37 = 2 miles
Day 38 = 2 miles (plus hour long Piloxing class)
Total Miles Run = 135.5

LosingAMarathon Weight Loss Challenge Update -
Starting Weight 163
Week 1 = 162.8
Week 2 = 161.5 - I didn't get to run lots last week, but when I weighed in Monday morning I was down.  I was actually expecting this because I did great eating all last week and stayed right at my calorie goal.
Week 3 weigh in tomorrow  = This is going to be ugly.  I am sure I gained back all that weight on vacation.  Guess I know when I struggle.  However, I am reminding myself that I can come back stronger, use what I have learned, and still lose 13 pounds in 13 weeks.

*Plus I just found out I am now a SweatPink Ambassador which means more networking with great people.  Time for me to check them out with a blog hop.  Want to look too?  Peak at the blog hop here maybe you'll find more great motivating, inspiring people.

Mezamashii Project - Proof Mizuno is Brilliant!

In truth this blog started out as just a way to keep myself accountable, but when I realized I could reach, motivate, and inspire others to make smart health and fitness decisions I decided to go for it.  Fast forward 2 months later - I have fallen in love with blogging.  Being able to share what I have learned through my journey to get fit is amazing. 

So when Mizuno contacted me about participating in the Mezamashii Project I was beyond excited.  Time to spread the Mizuno gospel to those who may still be nonbelievers.  I cannot wait to show people that Mizuno really is the best way to have a brilliant run.  Obviously I am thrilled to be included and given this amazing opportunity because Mizuno is a brand I truly believe in.  I personally switched to Mizunos about 6 months ago. I had been wearing the same brand of shoes for years, but when I started upping my distance and marathon training I started to get horrible blisters and was losing toenails.  (Not a pretty sight when you live in a state where you can wear flip flop 9 months a year.)  My running partner wears Mizunos and swears by them so I made the leap.  Fabulous decision!  I personally went for the Wave Creations because I like shoes with a bit more cushion to them (minimalism is my nightmare) and have been so happy.  I am about to pick out pair number 3 (Thanks Mizuno!) and am officially a Mizuno addict!

Wow.  Number 598.  Cutting it close.  

Founding Member.
How cool does that sound?!?

Runner's World Summer Run Streak-
I'll update you tomorrow.  About to jump on a plane, but just wanted to share this outstanding news first.  Promise I'll do it.  Not giving up with only 4 days of running left.

Things that are Ridiculous

1. The Temperature -
Notice that I took this at 8:35 at night and it was still 100 degrees.
As disgustingly hot as it was I still had to get that run in -
You could not even guess how many people asked me,
"Why in the world did you just go for a run when you're playing rugby all day?"
However, they said it in much less polite and understanding terms.    

2. Running outside all day-
Not only did I go for a mile run, but I played in an all day rugby tourney.
We had 4 games - started at 9 and didn't leave until 5!
Hydrating with tons of water and fresh fruits was key.

3. This stupid chair -
300 pound weight limit my butt!
Or actually my back fat, since that's what busted through this bad boy.  

Runner's World Summer Run Streak -  
Day 34 = 1 mile 
Total Miles Run = 128.5

LosingAMarathon Weight Loss Challenge Update -
Pretty proud of myself.  I didn't do amazing, but I packed a healthy lunch to bring to the rugby field and then splurged and had the dinner they were serving at the social.  Still came in right under 1,800 calories.  Great for me since back in the day I'd consume way over 3,00 calories on a rugby day.