POSSIBLE BREAK

As you can see, it has been quite a while since I last posted. In that time, I turned another year older, we celebrated Christmas and the Peanut saw her first every Nutcracker production at the Convention Center downtown. She loved it.

However, I am not running much if at all and therefore do not have much to post in that realm. I cannot post any photos of the girls and I don't really want to start deleting photos off my blog (even though I already have) because I have grand dreams of taking this blog and having it printed (photos and all) into a book format for my girls to have when I am gone. In order to have more photo space, I would have to purchase more web-space from Picasa online which I am already doing for our family site. Sigh.

So it is with a heavy heart that I must say the Trailmomma blog is taking a break. It most likely will not be permanent but at this point in time, I have no idea when I will return. Heck, it isn't like I have the time lately to post and honestly, posting about not running is even more depressing than just not posting at all (to me).

So happy holidays to all my readers. Thank you for sticking with me this far. My Trailmomma email will continue to work so if you need to reach me, you can do so through there (unless you know me and know my (wink wink) real email address).

Happy Holidays

JERSEY WEDDING

The Trailmomma family recently traveled back to New Jersey to visit Jersey Dad and attend my brother’s wedding. This was the first flight for Squeaker, the third trip to NJ for the Peanut and Van’s fourth east coast wedding.

From past experience I knew that flying out on a redeye was the way to go. What I didn’t know was that we would be flying on a puddle jumper from Sacrament to San Francisco. That flight basically sucked. The long leg however to New Jersey was decent. It was long enough that the girls could sleep and not be disturbed by having to get off and change planes. However, the plane was extremely uncomfortable for adults (especially one with two kids sleeping on her).

While in New Jersey we attended the rehearsal dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant, Frank’s. I think Frank’s is pretty much the only reason Vans truly flies to New Jersey. He isn’t a great traveler, especially when flying long distances overnight. I think his meal of spinach filled ravioli and home-made cannoli’s really helped.  

The wedding took place on a Friday and my brother’s fiancée looked like a princess so, from here on out, she will be called Princess Mayra. The Peanut was in awe. This was her first wedding and she has been so excited. We bought beautiful dresses and tights and she could not wait to wear them. She’s is equally excited to wear them again on Christmas Day. Princess Mayra did a fantastic job with the wedding and my brother (Tom Green – not really but he looks like him) looked very handsome. The rumor is that he had a lot to do with the appetizers being handed out after the ceremony. They were super cleaver. Small shot glasses filled with tomato soup with teeny tiny triangles of grilled cheese on top. So clever!

Unfortunately, Squeaker started the trip off with a nasty fall at daycare (literally, 2 hours before take off) and her bad luck continued while in New Jersey when she developed a cold, tummy issues and started teething majorly. Maybe they are all intertwined but needless to say, she was clingy and emotional the entire trip which made things a little difficult.

However, with all her troubles, sleeping (with her sister) was a breeze. The two of them snuggled together for three nights. It was precious and some of my favorite photos.

 

The trip was way too short (as always) for me. I miss my family very much and I miss New Jersey. I know people might laugh and say “really?” Despite the reputation that New Jersey has, the people there are one of a kind and they are honest, tell it like it is people. I admire that.

The devastation from Sandy was evident. So many fallen trees and damaged homes, it was heart breaking. My house is not anywhere near Jersey Shore so I can only imagine what that area must look like.

The weather was cold, the temps were in the low 30s and high 20s most of the trip. I forgot how much that temperature can be both unbearable and yet refreshing at the same time. The girls had a rough time adjusting at first but the Peanut had her heart set on building a snowman. She did the best she could with the snow she had (and no gloves).

Our flight home on Sunday was not overnight. I find this is the best way to readjust to the time change. Despite being stuck on the tarmac in Newark for almost two hours and almost missing our connection in Denver, the flight was okay. The Peanut was completely entertained and is quite a good traveler. Squeaker however, is quite a handful. I can’t blame the kid entirely as we didn’t book her a seat and instead carried her 25 lb body on our laps … when the Peanut flew to NJ at the same age, she sat in a car seat which limited her range of motion. In hind sight, we probably should have bought Squeaker a seat. Next time.

Now we are back and getting into full Christmas mode. Elfie had arrived while we were gone and the Peanut is beyond thrilled. She woke up this morning groggy and fuzzy and instantly searched the house for him.

I love this time of year. I wonder where Elfie will show up next?

Happy Holidays from the Trailmomma family!

 

ps: I'd post more photos (I have tons) but I am out of picasa space. :( I still have not figured out a way (other than purchasing more space) to keep the photos I have and post new ones. I think I might have already deleted some past photos to allow the current ones.

THANKFUL

Well once again, blogging has taken a back burner. I think I know what I can make as a New Year’s Resolution huh?

What has been going on lately? Well, Vans and I really struggled for a while missing Jack the Cat. When I say that I miss him, the Peanut calmly tells me that I will see him again someday. She is so wise for a four year old.  Meanwhile, a coworker of Van’s wants us to take her new kitten … who is only 5 months old … and very cute I might add.

However, we did just have our carpets professionally cleaned and I admit that I am enjoying the ability to wear black clothes without having three inches of cat hair on them.
In terms of fitness and running, I am proud that I am continuing my Breakout Fitness Folsom routine five mornings a week! One of those days has been a yoga day which I avoided for as long as possible but my perpetually tight hips, lower back and now hamstrings could no longer stand the pain. Yoga has definitely helped those areas but honestly, I should do it more than once a week.

Running has been happening as well although not as frequently as I would like. I manage a four mile run one or two days in the middle of the week during my lunch hour. Sometimes I run with Vans and sometimes not. I enjoy these runs although they are rushed and I know once my work load increases after the first of the year, they might not always happen on a regular basis.

On Saturday’s I have been either running with TiggerT, doing the Ridge Loop of Death solo OR as was the case last weekend, doing the Ridge Loop of Death WITH TiggerT while there was a monsoon happening around us. Despite the wet and the cold, I really had a lot of fun on that run. I always enjoy running with TiggerT though.

Thanksgiving morning the Trailmomma Family will once again be toeing the line at the Run to Feed the Hungry complete with two jogging strollers. Last year it poured. This year, the weather is looking to be a lot better.

Things have been good. Even though Vans and I feel extremely busy, to the point of being stressed, we are both grateful and thankful for the family we have, our health and our time together.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Trailmomma Family!

 

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

The Trailmomma blog is working on getting back together but we are having technical difficulties ... as in, I have too many photos and no more room! Picasa and Blogger are preventing me from posting anymore photos unless I buy more storage space or delete what I already have. I hesitate to delete anything because after we were robbed and our computer and photos were stolen ... this blog has been godsend capturing moments that we thought we had lost.

So stay tuned while I figure this glitch out. I have a post (and of course photos) ready to go!

JACKY BOY

I moved to California from New Jersey July 4^th, 1999. I had graduated college in May and hopped on a Greyhound Bus (with my best friend & next door neighbor). While I don’t recommend that mode of transportation for a cross country move, it was the cheapest and most scenic for a poor post graduation college student. We left Port Authority New York on a Thursday evening and arrived in downtown Sacramento early Sunday morning.

Pam’s Aunt (my dad’s baby sister) picked us up at the bus station and the rest is history. I have remained in California ever since … it was 13 years this past July.

Fast forward to late January 2000 and I had just moved into my own apartment in mid-town Sacramento. I was ecstatic to finally be living on my own and having a place to call my own. Even though I was over-joyed to finally feel like an adult living by myself, it was also lonely. I had five roommates throughout college and lived with my aunt when I first move out to California so I had truly never been 100% on my own before.

My aunt knew how much I wanted a cat. My landlord allowed pets but required a pet deposit that was pretty steep for a girl who now had to come up with both rent and a car payment … in addition to student loans. One weekend, out of the blue my aunt loaned me the pet deposit and took me to the SPCA to find myself a cat. I will never forget that day.

My childhood kitties always found us by showing up on our door step. I had never been to an SPCA before and was honestly quite shocked and saddened by all the kitties in cages. If I could have, I would have taken them all home with me.

The people at the SPCA let you “pick” a cat and then take that cat into the “get to know you room.”  You were able to spend a little time and then had to put the cat back and had the option of playing with another one … while all the other kitties watched. This made me sad.

I had my eye on a few but quite a few kitties came in “pairs” and I wasn’t about to have two cats in my shoe box apartment. Then I passed a cage containing a 5 month old kitten that didn’t really look like a kitty … he looked more like jack-rabbit with his big pointy ears and his orange fur with tiger stripes. He mewed at me and I asked the girl if I could see him. She laughed because apparently he had been seen by lots of people that day and was tired of being taken in and out of his cage. Needless to say, he wasn’t happy to be taken out again.

She put us in the “get to know you room” and he quickly darted under a chair. Hmm, not much personality I thought but still quite cute. Eventually he came out from under the chair and stood in front of both my aunt and myself. He looked at me and I looked at him and I kid you not, what follows next actually happened …. (background – growing up my childhood cat and love of my life was full of tricks; he could roll over on command and was quite a showman during the holidays with this trick) .. Back to the SPCA - I looked at this orange tiger cat with pointy ears who was staring at me with big eyes and said “Well buddy, if you could roll over or something I’d take you home with me right now” …. Bam!! He dropped and rolled over right on cue! No joke. My aunt and I looked at each and laughed and I said “I’ll take him.”  I named him Jack because #1 He looked more like a jack-rabbit than a cat and #2 The SPCA lady had said he’d been in and out of that cage like a Jack in the Box and #3 The name just fit. Jack the Cat.

By the way … no, he never rolled over again. He got me.

 

Jack about 5 months old

 

So with great sadness I write this to say that on Monday, November 5, 2012, Jack the Cat, at age 13 has passed. I can barely write this without sobbing so please excuse any typos from here on out.  Jack had been through a lot in his life.

He was my boyfriend watcher when I lived in my apartment … giving any boy that came over grief. Vans was probably given the most grief. I think Jack knew Vans and I were meant to be and so he gave Vans a really hard time for a long time.

Jack would ride around in my car with me all the time. He was a polydactyl cat or commonly referred to as a Hemmingway Cat because he had an extra toe on every single paw … which made trimming his nails regularly quite the challenge but the vet was fascinated by him. Everyone was.

Jack moved with me back into my aunt’s house when I lost my job with PBS. He moved with me into our first home after I married Vans. He was by my side every day when I was pregnant with the Peanut. Although he was not thrilled when she was born, the two quickly became friends and he looked out for her.

 

Peanut's first Christmas with Jack

Helping her unwrap her gifts.

Our move to El Dorado Hills was a bit rougher on Jack I think. Additionally, I was pregnant with Squeaker and he knew. Once again, he stayed by my side when I was pregnant but after she was born; he kept his distance I think realizing it was a bit harder to compete with two kids.

Jack was an indoor cat and sadly our new home, although filled with lots of windows, didn’t allow him an opportunity to sit on our patio like our enclosed condo.

It seemed like his sickness came on all of a sudden but I often wonder if we perhaps we just didn’t notice because we got sucked into the busy lives of work, kids and house duties. He still had spunk and he still slept by my side. No matter what, every single night, when I crawled into bed, Jack would crawl and snuggle himself right under my right armpit and sleep there. Then, without fail, in the middle of the night, he’d get up and move to the left arm pit. I used to grumble and moan and complain about terrible sleep but last night … without him… was probably the worst night of sleep I have ever had. Instinctively, my arm created a nook but sadly, Jack was not there.

The house is lonely and cold. No one was there to greet us when we came home last night. Jack used to sit on the stairs and watch the girls eat dinner. Last night Squeaker pointed to the stairs with a questioning look like “Where is Jack?”

 

Squeaker and Jack on the stairs a few days ago

 

If you are still reading, thank you. I just felt the need to devote something to Jack. The vet gave him his passport to kitty heaven on Monday and I held him in my arms the entire time. The Jack I knew was long gone but a glimpse of him did return when he got an adrenaline rush upon arriving at the vet’s office. I think he feared being poked and prodded again because for the last few weeks we fought to figure out what was wrong with him.

He was and always will be my only baby boy. He was my best furry friend and he forever remains in my heart which right now hurts and feels empty. Vans is feeling the same way which is touching because despite the rough start to their relationship, Vans and Jack had a bond as the only two males in the house.  It will never cease to amaze me, how much losing a pet can hurt. Jack wasn’t just a pet or a cat, he was family and I loved him as if he was my own biological child. Losing him hurts. A lot.

 

We miss you Jack. I miss you.

 

Into my world you came with a flare

Tiny and small with striped orange hair.

Big pointy ears and a wet little nose

And four furry paws with a few extra toes.

 

All night you would play. All day you would sleep.

Not a moment of peace would you let me keep.

Chasing laser pointers and eating hair ties.

You were always protecting me, especially from flies.

 You traveled with me through life’s crazy waves.

You basked in the sun most of your days.

 At night you would sleep in the crook of my arm.

And you stayed there all morning even after the alarm.

 You’d greet us each evening right at the door.

Even after two kids, you’d come back for more.

I love you more than you could ever know.

It pained me so much to watch you go.

In my head and my heart you will always be …

That furry little baby sleeping right next to me.

 I love you Jacky boy.

 

Jack in his prime. King of the patio.

 

A WEEKEND WITHOUT RUNNING

This Trailmomma is sad. Super sad. My week started off well enough. I found a group of guys (and one other girl) who play basketball 2 to 3 times a week over their lunch hour. On Monday I joined them (as the only girl that day). It was great. I was a huge basketball player/fan in high school. I've missed playing and I haven't lost that much of my shot over the years. I realized the aerobic part of me terribly slipping as I was sucking wind play 3 on 3 half court with these guys. I know I have not been running much since I started working (one day a week actually) but man my endurance severely has declined.

Thursday Vans and I made a lunch date. He works directly across the street from my building so we met over our lunch hour for a 3 mile run. He mainly wanted to show me around the work neighborhood should I want to start running on my own. Instead, we realized we both really enjoyed running and connecting over the lunch hour together. I can foresee this 3 mile loop turning into a nice speed work type of run occasionally.

The "bad" part of all this lunch time activity however is that I have to do the activity and then shower and return to work clothes which often include high heels. I don't wear super high heels mind you ... but higher than my summer attire of flip-flops and running shoes. Fast forward to Friday when I could barely walk. The ball of my foot hurts so bad and my second and third two are practically numb.

Of course I've googled my diagnosis ... and there doesn't seem to be much that I can do. I am on the hunt for some work shoes that might be better for my feet but generally those kinds of shoes are ugly.

Saturday I had good intentions of waking up and going for a nice 7 mile run through the Ridge Loop of Death but the minute I put my foot on the floor tears came to my eyes the pain was that bad. I hobbled around all morning hoping that whatever it was would work itself out but when I put on my running shoes and took a few steps I turn around defeated.

I resorted to taking some Advil later in the day because the pain is so bad I can't even drive my car (it is my right foot).

I figured a day of rest would be fine and that maybe we'll see how I do on Sunday ... the Advil did ease the pain but not eliminate it.

Well this morning the pain is worse upon waking and I just got done driving the Peanut to her swim lesson and I was crying the whole way home.

I am not sure what else to do other than ice, rest and Advil (and I hate taking Advil). I am especially sad because next Saturday is the inaugural That Damn Run half marathon. Vans is doing the 10K and I am doing the half and we've arranged for childcare during the race (actually the very awesome race director's family has offered generously to watch the girls while we run).

I've never had a stress fracture but this is what I imagine the pain to feel like. I was so excited because I though I found a way to run twice a week (over my lunch hour) instead of just on Saturdays ...

I guess I just have to wait until this settles and figure things out. Perhaps take a better look at my running as well as my work shoes. Next Saturday's race is not going to be an easy one. I've run most of the course once or twice ... it is going to be long half marathon especially if I have this foot pain (and my usual ankle pain).

The girls keep my spirits up though ... they are so much fun right now and they super excited for Halloween ... as am I!

Also exciting is the Peanut's new (to her) big girl bike. Vans hooked her up the bike trainer last night and she had a blast getting her workout on!

Pedaling fast!

URBAN COW HALF MARATHON RACE REPORT

Yeah, that title is right ... I had a race this past Sunday. It's been in my running cue for a while but to be honest, I haven't run more than 5 miles in a long time.

Since work has started, I've only been able to run one day a week IF that ... but I received a free entry for the Urban Cow Half Marathon and I had to attend in order to promote the UpBeat Workouts Urban Cow Training iPhone App.

You couldn't beat the weather on Sunday. It was in  the 70s and glorious. Leading up to Sunday however was a tough few days. My work had a team building event in Lake Tahoe. I spent Thursday and Friday in Tahoe doing team building stuff (and consuming a lot of wine) and then came home and tried to motivate to run the race on Sunday. Saturday was spent watching both girls and doing various odds and ends including weighing in for my final weigh in session at Breakout Fitness. I'll do a post on that later.

Sunday morning I had to wake up at 4:30 and leave the house for Land Park so that I could set up the UpBeat Workouts booth. It was going to be only me representing at the booth. I set up the booth the best I could in the dark and freezing cold.

Kraig from Clark's Corner found me and we agreed to run the race together. I think we both could use the motivation and support from each other. My goal was simply to finish and to hopefully finish in under two hours.

The gun went off and we started running. My Garmin beeped at the first mile marker but I did not see the actual marker. I just assumed that I had missed it when Kraig leaned over and told me that he thinks we were not supposed to run that loop around the park ... he thought someone made a mistake. Yup, he was right. As it turns out, the first wave of runners (my wave) followed a lead biker who apparently made a wrong turn and we ended up with about 13.69 miles on our legs when all was said and done.

Most of the runners around us were not angry but they were generally annoyed. I think everyone that I know pressed "stop" on their watches at their own 13.1 mile marker. Eventually the race directors evened out the times and apologized to the first wave runners. Our finish time was 1:55 which is about an 8:50 minute mile. I'll take it. Considering I haven't been running nor have I been racing ... that suited me just fine. My ankle was a bit tender during the race and my left knee is still a bit achy. I am just assuming it was too much too fast too soon.

After the race however was the brutal part. I had to stand for over two hours at my booth. That is where things got painful. My legs and joints were sore, I was freezing and hungry and really, all I wanted was a nice hot cup of coffee. Still, it was nice to socialize and I saw a few friends.

Monday was Columbus Day and Vans was home with the girls while I was at work ... the price he had to pay since I started a new job. He sent me the following photos:

Typical "dad outfit" flowers and animal print

 

Playing in a club house at a local park

Following big sister

You can't follow me up here!

Ta-da!

 

HELLO WORLD

Hello blog world. I am alive. We were away in Lake Tahoe for 8 wonderful days. While we were there, Vans and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. Eight wonderful years with my best friend. I couldn't be happier.

Well, I could have been a tad bit happier if the Peanut didn't wake up on our anniversary morning at 3 am vomiting. It happens. She recovered. We all did and we enjoyed our week regardless. The weather was fabulous.

I didn't do too much running. Mostly just a few 5 mile runs here and there and then one day I did 8 miles. I lifted some weights and did one day of circuit training. I think I needed the lower key week instead of a week filled with long runs.

I also think now that the girls are older, Vans and I have less "adult time" to do stuff like working out and instead had to figure out a way to keep the Peanut and Squeaker entertained.

I think we did okay though ... as a family we did the following ...

We danced at the festival in the village

 

We climbed on big chairs

 

We played on the swings

 

Rode the gondola

 

Bounced

 

and were SUPER cute.

 

I really could go on and on with the photos. We also went on a nice long bike ride with the girls which everyone enjoyed. We visited the KidsZone Kids Museum in Truckee which was new to us and a hit for the girls.

 

Even if they broke the rules a bit.

 

Life has been hectic to say the least. Work is going well but sadly it takes me minimum 3 days to do a proper blog post ... not that I have much to blog about lately since I am only running one day a week right now. I continue to go to my strength training class which has kicked my butt this week. Taking a week off was not smart as I am hobbling today with the kind of muscle soreness that is so bad it aches just to use the restroom!

 

Later this week my new work group is going on a team building retreat to...you guessed it, Lake Tahoe! I will be back up there for two more days later this week leaving Vans with the Peanut and Squeaker. I will (hopefully) enjoy a full night of uninterrupted sleep in a nice big hotel bed ... all to myself .... complete with an uninterrupted shower! Heaven! Although I will miss the family.

 

I leave you with a few more photos from our week in Tahoe as well as a crockpot recipe as requested by Rain!

 

Goofy girls

 

Brave girl

Determined Girl

 

*********************

Crockpot Recipe

 

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Source: My Own

Cook7 Hr

Servings: 4

 

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes diced
• 1 small sweet onion diced
• 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
• 1 (14 ounce) can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 (14 ounce) can roasted diced tomatoes drained
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 lime (for a splash at the end)

 

Directions

Combine everything (except lime) in a crockpot sprayed with cooking spray (or lined with a crockpot liner). Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

 

 

 

 

BAY TO BLISS RACE REPORT

This report has been a long time coming. I am finally getting a chance to sit down and type. The reason is because I started my new job this week. So far things are going well in both the job aspect, the commute, working out before going to work and meal prep. I am literally nonstop moving from the minute I wake up at 4:30 am to the minute I go to bed, which lately has been about 9:30 or so.

The crockpot is my friend. I've prepped two crockpot meals this week. I fill the old pot before bed and then turn it on when I get home. Usually (because my kids are so picky) there is enough to have as left overs (or lunch) later in the week so I get quite a few meals out of it. I've also been pretty organized in planning all our meals this week. Tonight for example, I came home and made dinner for the girls while simultaneously prepping the crockpot (for tomorrow's dinner) AND making an additional meal for us on Friday because I have to make muffins tomorrow night. Catch all that? Are you as exhausted as I am?

But let's talk about more important stuff ... like running and racing! This past Sunday was the Bay to Bliss Trail Run in Emerald Bay. This was the third time I have done this race. I sort of have a vendetta against this race because the first year I ran it, I was pregnant with Squeaker and didn't know it. The second year I ran it, Squeaker was just three months old and I was up all night and nursing. This year, I had nothing holding me back. I wasn't working (yet) and I had basically 9 months of free running time behind me. The stars should have aligned and I should have had an awesome race ... right? Nope. Ugh, this race rocked me to the core.

It all started on Wednesday when we had an intense lower body workout at Diane's. I felt fine after and even ran with TigerT that day. The next day however, I ran with Pigeon and man, could I feel it in my legs. I took Friday and Saturday off from running as well. I felt semi-rested on Sunday morning but once I started moving, I realized that wasn't the case.

When the whistle went off and we raced UP hill to the trail head, my chest seized and I knew instantly this was not going to be easy. I can tell when I am tired from just running up hill and tired from something else. I couldn't catch my breath and my heart felt like it was going to rip out of my chest it was beating so hard.

Here I come, sucking wind!

 

There I go ... sucking wind.

 

Bye bye!

 

That was pretty much it. The entire race my breathing was super shallow, I was wheezing and my heart rate was holding steady at about 166 and topping off over the 170s on the hills. No matter what I did, I could not bring that heart rate down ... even when I walked a few times and I barely walked. I am getting ahead of myself. Let's start with some photos.

The girls

The usual crew came out to cheer me on. Vans likes this race because it ends at Lester Beach and we generally hang out a while and enjoy the private beach. This year however, there was a totally different vibe. The park rangers were gruff right from the start and the park was practically filled so Vans had to drop me off and I had to run and then he had to lug both girls to the starting area. We even left the house two hours before the race started.

Last year at this race Squeaker was just three months old! She couldn't even hold her head up ... now she is climbing on stuff.

So excited to be mobile!

Not so sure about this race stuff last year

Anyway, I started off just sucking wind up the hill but I kept running refusing to walk. I was in the front of the pack. When we entered the single track I pushed it hard and I passed quite a few people by running up the embankment. That was pretty much my theme all race. Race the downhills as much as I could and just try and stay steady on the uphills ... which are hard. There is a lot of stair climbing and hills the first five miles. I had forgotten.

At one point I took a gel thinking maybe I needed some energy or fuel and at the very least, it would be a nice chance to take a small walking break. I didn't carry water as they had two aid stations. I didn't feel like I wasn't hydrated and I didn't feel like I was low on energy. I just felt like I was breathing through a straw the entire race at altitude.

While I was out trying to survive, Vans and the girls were experiment with the self timer feature on our camera.

Wait ...

Wait, wait not yet!

There you go.

At mile 4 you hit Vikingsholm and you start climbing stairs. Mile 5 you just hit some up hill tracks. At this point, two girls and a guy were in front of me. The two girls had just passed me so I was feeling deflated a bit. But at one point I know the rest is down hill.

Once we hit that down hill section I turned on the jets and just started flying down. I was on the heels of this girl but she never offered to let me pass and every opportunity that I had to ask she sped up even more so whatever. I just let it go knowing once we hit the pavement parking lot I'd have a chance. Unfortunately at this point, I looked at my watch and new a PR was out of the question but I could still beat my time from last year.

As I would later find out the girl in front of me was from Indiana and she was having an "ah-ha" moment on the trails with the lake being SO close to her. She was just in awe and I had to smile because really, that is one major reason I do this race, the views and being so close to Lake Tahoe. At one point we hit a really sharp curve and the Indiana girl went flying off the course and almost down the embankment which was steep and would have been really bad. Luckily she caught herself and gave her some grief about making me nervous.

Soon we hit the parking lot opening and I said "I don't meant to be rude but I have a PR I want to try and beat" and I just flew by the two girls and the guy and raced as hard as I could.

The Peanut was watching for me ...

 

And was so happy to have someone to wait with her. ♥

 

This year I came flying down the hill and I jumped the stairs instead of trying to be careful. Vans was too busy fiddling with the camera to catch me. I ran through the finish shoot and straight into the lake without stopping ... shoes and all and it was awesome.

It felt SO good.

I ended up getting fourth in my age group. The first place girl was Gretchen who was also first or second female over all ... she's fast AND she just ran Hardrock. Tough. Go read her race report on that. Wow.

The rest of the time we just had fun on the beach until it was time to go home. This race is tough for the family because we have to load the car and get up early. This year the park rangers at Lester Beach were kicking us out near the end of the race awards. Boo. Still, the girls had fun.

 

 

Even Vans was having fun ...

 

with the free post race Sierra Nevada Beer

 

 

 

**This was not proof read ... no time, so please excuse typos, I will fix ... eventually. :-)

 

 

LONG OVER DUE

Today's post is long over due. I know over the last few years, the Trailmomma blog has changed. What started out as a goofy fun loving "beginner" trail running blog morphed into a "beginner" ultra training blog and eventually a child rearing blog with some running (road and trail) sprinkled in for good measure.

I have been running. I just have not been blogging about it. Most times I forget my camera or the run itself is not that memorable or exciting. Usually I am by myself except for the few occasions when I am lucky enough to run with TiggerT or Pigeon.

However, this last month or so I have been running a lot more. Mostly by myself which has allowed my mind to wander and reflect on the last nine months of my life. I will warn you now, feel free to click away as this post won't be anything but a reflection on what changes my life has gone through lately and where I am now and where I want to be.

Almost nine months ago I was laid off from a very unsatisfying job that left me pretty much self conscious, afraid and honestly, stupefied. I had been with them for five years and even though the last year or so things were "unhealthy" (to say the least), I stuck it out because I thought I was "lucky" to have a job. What I now realize, is that it was a blessing that I was laid off. I would never have left on my own and I would have endured countless negative comments and energy thrown my way.

Of course nine months ago I didn't see it this way. I was nervous, scared and worried we wouldn't survive. I have a wonderful family (both by blood and by marriage) who supported us in more ways than I can list and who I owe a world of thanks.

♥ They thank you too. ♥

I spent the first month of my "vacation" running. A lot. Since TiggerT has a flexible schedule she called me often to run. That poor girl. I can only imagine what she must have been thinking on those runs. I would just rant and rave, complain and talk non-stop about what I had just been through. I would throw out crazy ideas about "trying new professions" and "doing something completely different." I even went and had an interview at a local college to discuss what it would take to change careers. TiggerT was awesome. She listened and told me to be patient. Let things be and who knows what would happen or where life would take me. She never once told me what to do and for that I am grateful.

Over the course of the summer I got to experience some pretty awesome things. I was able to spend some quality time with my two girls twice a week every week while also allowing them to continue going to daycare so as not to completely disrupt their lives.

Peanut at school

 

Squeaker at school

 

At first it was rough. I am not a "stay at home mom" type and I give all stay at home moms many kudos. It is a difficult, selfless job that requires creativity, patience and the ability to tune out a lot. Squeaker was nursing for half the time so in a way, that made our bonding experience much closer because I was able to toss the pump and just be with her. The Peanut learned to be patient and self sufficient because of that as well and she also developed an amazing attitude and relationship towards her sister. I watched their relationship blossom every day together. Peanut is an amazing big sister with an even more amazing heart.

 

 

 

 

I was able to go on many trips that I might not have been able to go on before. We had fun in Tahoe (many times), I went to Sunriver Oregon to run a marathon and relax with some great friends and I was able to spend a lot of time with Jersey Dad and Jersey Mom when they came out for their annual visit. Never, never will I have this much time to enjoy so much. I was and am, truly blessed.

At some point over the summer, Squeaker stopped nursing and I started trail running more in my own neighborhood and enjoying it. TiggerT and I started running the Ridge Loop (of Death). I really like this run. It has a mix of everything, some single track (minimal, but some), some fire roads, some pavement and lots of up and down hills with very little shade coverage. It is here that I do most of my thinking.

It was on one of these runs that I decided in July to be part of the Breakout Fitness's Breakout Body session which is 3 months long. It is kind of like a "biggest loser" type of thing without all the competition. This session, Coach Diane decided to do a gluten free and vegan program which is what I wanted. I already am gluten free and vegan so it wasn't a huge change for me in that regard. What was a huge change however was strength training, TRX and core work four to five times a week (in addition to my running). She also requires that I write down everything I eat which really opened my eyes to how much I snack throughout the day. With two kids, that is very easy to do (picking pieces off a kid's plate DOES have calories despite what your brain tells you).

Come on mom ....

 

have some food!

 

I have to say, I am in the best shape of my life right now. I should be when I am able to workout five days a week with Diane and then add an hour to two hours of running on various days as well. This also will not last forever and I am actually very sad to see this part of my summer go away. Working out and running gives me sanity and time to contemplate things going on in my life. This will all change in a week.

Bye bye daily running!

What is happening in a week? In one week I start my new job. Yes, I got a job. I actually secured a job back in early June but they didn't "need me" until mid-September. How is that for awesome? I feel like I am in college again having a job lined up for me at the end of the summer. This new company has been on my "wish list" for years as it comes with a reputation that can't be beat. What is even more amazing is that they found me and encouraged me to apply. I applied in April. Interviewed all through May (they have an extensive interview process) and then was offered the job in June!

I am excited. I am nervous. I am also scared and sad. I have really grown accustom to being a stay at-home wife/mom but financially that is not something we can manage. I jokingly tell Vans that I would make a great "Trophy Wife" for him but he just rolls his eyes. I guess I can't persuade him.

I have spent the summer really turning my family around health wise. It has been wonderful to have the time during the day to prepare and make really healthy meals, grocery shop on a moment's notice and never have a pile of laundry. I am slowly removing all the plastic tupperware containers from our house and encouraging us to use glass containers to avoid the toxins heated plastic can let out. Vans pretty much eats vegan/vegetarian at home and both Peanut and Squeaker have been introduced to all sorts of new vegetables, grains and meals. They may not like it, but they try it (most times).

What are you making for dinner this time mom?

These are the things I am going to miss.  My new commute is not going to be pretty and we will not be getting home until late. Luckily (or unluckily?), the four of us will be commuting together to and from work/school. Sadly, we will be getting home so late that it will literally be dinner, bath and bed for the girls ... which means I am going to have to have something for dinner in mind. Our departure in the mornings will be early as well which means breakfasts to go packed and lunches packed as well. Lots and lots of planning and being organized ahead. Also, I need the ability to just let go if something is not going to go as planned which is most likely going to be the case most some days.

Just chill out mom. Relax.

As for working out, I will be going from two hours a day to realistically (hopefully?) one hour a day. I plan to keep my strength training classes (for now) with Diane because I love them, they are effective and right now it is my only option since it will be too late to run after work. Running will have to happen on weekends and the occasional evening at the track with TiggerT if the evening goes well.

I suspect a rough road ahead full of new adjustments and new routines. I guess just accepting that is half the battle right?

Still, I am excited for the future. This new company is a dream come true and the people I have met there so far are super nice and they seem to really value their employees. I am eager to get my brain functioning again in a way that is not focused around dishwashers, vacuums or baby wipes.

Still, I will miss thinking about baby wipes every once in a while ... these girls are pretty awesome.

One

 

Two

 

Three

 

GO!!

 

Live Life

 

Love Life

 

♥ Thank you to all who have supported us these last nine months. ♥