THREE THINGS THURSDAY!

1. Allergies are here...my head is swollen....It feels like it may be three times the normal size...which give me three times less energy! I usually get them mid May...I was hoping they decided to skip a year...instead they were just playing with my head! Literally!
Needless to say, I decided to skip the workout... turn off all the lights and go to bed..then I could see my computer light flashing...so I decided to blog about my poor me stories....whaaaa whaaa! =)

3. Can you tell we have recently been to the zoo! I love animals...they instinctively follow natural laws...Like you don't have to eat all the food around you... especially if it is not meant for you! Here this monkey sat in the middle of an ocean of Carps, and completely ignored them! He did not even so much as took a lick! How come I don't have that instinct? I make myself a nice chicken grilled salad, and the kids some mac and cheese with apples! I eat my salad...I feel good! Do I stop there??? NO!! The kids nibble a bit on their food ...SO I EAT IT! If you have one child...this may not be so bad...I have 5! That's my scrambled eggs for breakfast...and 5 pancakes! My salad for lunch....5 bowls of mac! My small perfectly sized bowl of ice cream....and 5 Large over sized bowls of ice cream! EEEK! THIS IS A PROBLEM!

3. I am really trying hard to set and accomplish goals! Especially in the fitness category...since that is the one that slid out of control last year! I think it is good for kids to watch their parents set...and complete goals! Problem is I feel a ton of pressure! It's not such a good lesson if you just set goals...and then....do nothing about them! Tonight when I decided against running, due to my horrible allergies...I could feel 8 blue eyes, and 2 brown eyes watching my every move. It didn't help the matter, when all the kids....everyone, except Brady...who doesn't talk...asked me if I planned to run!

Seriously kids???
We woke up at 7 to go to the Bee farm, and take a tour, and buy some Local Raw Honey! =)
Then had a picnic in the park (where I finished off all the plates...good mommy!)
Then off to the Lake to play in mucky waste high water and call it playing at the beach!
Picnic for dinner
Play at the Park
Ice cream (I didn't order one for me...because I am getting smarter...I know I have 5 to eat~)
Home by 9:30
Face blown up like a blow fish...
"Are you going to run?"

Let me tell you I feel it...those eyes are watching me!

Truth be known...I'm thankful they try to support and help me with running!

*This post contains exaggerations!=)

A Whole New Level Of Running!

On my quest to run 20 miles...I was on a role!
7 miles on Monday
40 min. of Elliptical on Tuesday
5 miles on Wednesday
1 hour spin on Thursday!

12 miles completed going into Friday and Saturday
Where I had planned to run 5 on Friday and 3 on Saturday!

On Friday, I ran all over Omaha Zoo...miles and miles...I just know it!
but I failed to run that night... =(
I woke early on Saturday and ran 7 miles!!!
Giving me a total of 19 miles!!!!

1 miles short...kind of ridiculous to fall 1 mile short!
I thought about counting my zoo running...but I decided it wouldn't really count!
so 19 miles it is!

20 for next week!

New Program!

I have been stuck at the 15 miles a week...
It feels impossible to reach 20!
This week I am on my mission for impossible!

One major problem has been my Saturday Long runs!
It seems like there is all kinds of conflicts that seem to arise on Saturday!
I have decided to rearrange my schedule...I am going to go long on Monday!
That gives me all week of unexpected situations...to catch up and get my long run in!
If Monday fails...just think....I have 5 more days to try!
This week I got it on the first try!
Whooo Hooo!
Love having my long done and over with...now I can just relax and make it through the rest of the week!

Right now long is 7!
And trust me it felt L...O...N...G!!!!

Whoo Hoooo for 20 miles!
I'm cheering ahead of time...hoping that helps me break through!
(I have finished 12 and it's Wednesday...I've got to be able to pull another 8 out by Saturday! ;) )

Boston is a bit WET!

We decided to come to Boston with dad!
Unfortunately we hit a COLD AND WET week!

I missed the cue....we were suppose to look cold and miserable!
The truth is...we still had a BLAST!

The original idea ....
was to come to Boston, get a hotel downtown!
Run around the AWESOME downtown of BOSTON!
BUT....It's the 4 weeks of graduation!
Everything is sold out!

Instead we are outside of the city...back on a treadmill....but we are loving our trip...wet or not!

Tonight we are going for a LONG run outside...even if I have to run on the freeway!
Long for me ....may be short for you! =)

Frantic Friday!

What am I FRANTIC ABOUT????
Nothing!
I just liked the sound of it!
I'm am at a great spot in my fitness right now!
Still SUPER FAR from where I would like to go...but I am moving along at snail pace...and loving every minute!
I figure....you can't stand still....you either have to improve, or decline..and I have been working out consistently for 8 weeks!
This week is I ran 3 times...and hopefully a 4th....tonight!
I did 1 day of yoga...I would like to get that moved up as well to 3 or 4 times!
I did a spin class...an hour...and it's a tough one!
I love the teacher...it makes me cry...before and after...PERFECT!!!!
(I don't really cry...but it's tough)
Well, I am wishing a great weekend to all of you!
Good luck to those with competitions!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Today was the perfect day!
Perfect weather!

And a great game of volleyball with no rules!!!

Klompen Classic!

Last night was our towns BIG 5k of the year!
I always love to run this race...I love to see everyone...running the actual race is not the most enjoyable part! =)
Above is Robyn Friedman...sorry it's not a good picture!
She is out of this world amazing!
She ran 16:5- something...and was out last year, pregnant with her third child!
She broke her half marathon record at Drake Relays last month!
She is humble....and FAST!

My hubby ran and is is catching me!
This is the only thing I can beat him at....
HELP!
I can not let this wonderful man beat me!

He ran a 25:06...and felt wonderful!
I ran a 23:25 and felt...not so wonderful!

At mile 2 I felt like making a quick turn and running home...I live 1 mile from there!
I'll be honest it was a tough race!
My time was fine...I would have loved to run 15 sec. faster...or more!

My two oldest daughters ran in 27:12....I was very proud of them..and thankful to my fantastic fast friend, LISA, who stayed with them, and helped them run a solid race!

My oldest daughter was amazed how hard it was for Lisa to hold back. She couldn't understand how running slow can be hard! =)

It was a great night of running!

I guess there can be good out of Caos?

I heard some giggling from my sweet innocent kids...
then I heard the older girls scream..."oh no!"
I knew it was bad!
My two little ones had super glued their feet to the bathroom floor, their hands to the counter, except one...which my son helped his sister glue it to her face!
Yup!!!!
Super glue.....EVERYWHERE!
It was an absolute disaster!

That is just the beginning of my week, as my 5 year old son goes through the stage of experimenting...how far can he go????

I hope this stage is short lived...He has put toothpaste in my 3 year olds hair, (lots of it), and then brushed it!
Yuck....

How can all of this be good?

I have needed my workouts more than ever!

My report is this...
I have continued to maintain consistency....and for any of you who have read my blog...I have had a rough year or so with consistency!
I'm going on week 7!
Whoo Hoo!

1st 5k ....of the season!

I love to race!
I actually love to race more than run....
racing is what gets me excited about running!

Yesterday, was my first race of the season...
I have been working out for 5 week...with a small bit of running...here a little ...there a little!
I was hoping to run in the 25 min range!

I was SHOCKED to find out that I ran 23:29!
Not too shabby for this momma!


Even more than the time...I was excited about my mile splits...
Usually I go out way too fast...and then hang on to dear life!
I know better....but I just can't seem to get myself to change the way I race!

This time, I was just looking for a time...so that I would know where I was.
I took off to fast...with the rest of the crowd...but my whole body was shutting down after about 2oo yds...so I decided to wait for my younger daughter and just run with her...
as I was shuffling along, I saw my daughters teacher from last year...and I knew that she ran a 25 min. 5k...and was a consistent runner!

I decided to stay with her, and see how I felt after a couple of miles!
This helped me get into a good pace....

1st mile 7:30...
I quickly did the math in my head and realized that I was not ready to run a 7:30 pace!
I then thought I better slow down a tad....
As I slowed down I thought "Sherri, this is a mental sport and you feel good....so if you talk yourself into slowing down ...then you will not run the correct time!"
So I decided to keep that pace for as long as I could!

7:30 is a 23:10 5k....so I almost ran a perfect split race...(minus 20 sec.)
That is what I am excited about!
I ran a smart race...I felt what it felt like!
It was still hard...but I had my head on the whole time...much better....than praying for ankle to break so I could quit! (which I have done!)

I got 1st in my age group...(which is always an ego booster)
that is what I love about small races...if I ran a big race, I would have just fallen into the crowd...this helped me get excited about racing!
This race was 366 people!

The 2nd medal is from my daughter....7 years old...who ran 26:37!
WOW!!!
I was so proud of her...she ran her little heart out!

Here's the BIG QUESTION!
We have a race here in our town next Wed.
just 10 days after that race!
She is signed up to run...she is young...and untrained!
Is it okay for her to run another 5k...already????
I hesitate...but she insists!!!

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

(The little one in the green is the one who ran 26:37)

Sometimes a Scooter would be easier!

I am on week 5 of consistency!
I have not had this for a very long time...at least not with working out!
It feels good!
I lost a bit of weight early...but nothing else!
I hope it will just all come together!
I am running a small 5k this weekend with my girls and hubby!
I love to race....even though I am not in racing shape...I love the energy!

Today I am going on a week of not much sleep...and it is catching up with me!
I really need to get my run in...and I am rather tired...plus I have 5 hyped kids!
I thought maybe if I posted I would get excited to get out and run!
I think it's working!

I have noticed that running outside it tough after being on the treadmill all winter.
I enjoy the smells, and the breeze...but the hills are killing me...I feel like I'm moving at snail pace!
At least I'm moving! =)

I'm Not Dying!

Okay...so last week...week #2...I stuck to the progra!
Monday....1 hour body pump...1 mile run immediately following!
Tuesday....1 hour spin class
Wednesday...1 hour body pump...1.5 mile run following!
Thursday...1 hour spin class....3 mile run immediately following!
Friday 4 miles running

This week I could feel a typical week 3 syndrome ....loosing steam...
I am determined to make this the new habit!
Monday....1 hour body pump (intended to run, but day care called me for crying baby! =( )
Tuesday....I got Mastitis...HIGH FEVER...miserable!
needless to say...I did not workout!
I did get on antibiotics right away...
and
by
Wed. I was feeling much better...still sore...but better!
I decided I needed to avoid all excuses and just run!
I ran 3 miles..
and the entire time, 4 vultures circles around me!

Seriously guys???
Don't they only circle dying things???
Well, I've got news for them...
I'M NOT DYING!

Love Treadmill Games...and March Madness!

Last week, I actually did get a couple of runs in! Whoo Hoo!!!
Friday I ran an easy 3miles! Then Saturday, I was going to do the same thing, just an easy 3. Lucky for me March Madness was on, and we were having so much fun cheering on the underdog...that my time flew by...and the miles added up! I played a little game with myself, I put a towel over the dashboard of the treadmill. During commercials I ran 6.0, when the game started I would go up to 6.3, and every free throw I would go up 1! If the game tied up ,then I would do a 1 min. celebration at 7.0! (It tied back and forth often). When I started my run there was 9 min. of basketball time left....I thought that I would be able to get my 3 miles in ...No problem! I was not expecting overtime! I told myself I would not stop running until the game was over! Conclusion I ran 6 miles! That is good for me....right now! I am excited to do the whole thing over this Saturday...and maybe run 7!

I have kept up the body pump and spinning! I can already tell, that my muscles are slowly responding! I knew I had muscles....somewhere???!!!!

My hip is hurting, I have to use my arm to lift my leg! I am pretty sure it is just the muscle tightening up after lack of use! I hope! I am going to get some yoga in today and this weekend!

I have dropped 4 lbs! HOOORAY!
I only need to loose another 15....but that 15 feels like 100!

I hope everyone is having a great day!
Big thanks to all of you super stars who give encouraging stories and quotes, that keep popping in my head...and get me excited! It took a bit to actually get me moving...but I'm on my way! =)

I'm finding it...

This has been along rough year...for running. I have been fighting lack of motivation, time, and balance! During that struggle I have managed to gain weight, lose muscle, and age a bit!

I don't know what happened....but I can tell it happened. I'M FED UP! I decided that the time isn't going to stop...or slow down, while I figure my fitness out! Somehow, I have managed to fit in an hour workout everyday this week! WHOO HOO!

My husband who has been trying to help me find my "mojo", with encouraging words. He is thrilled! We both know that the truth is, if you just take the time to fit in fitness, and scripture time...then the day flows smoother. Suddenly, you may not need more hours, because your able to accomplish more in the hours that we do have!

I'm not going to pretend I am at that point...yet. But I have been there...and know that it is there! Right now I am paying for my lack of exercise! This week is just survival!

I did not run this week! I decided to work on building some muscle. I did 2 body pump classes...circuit weight training! Two days of Yoga! Two days of 1 hour RPM class.....spinning....talk about burn! I'm talking major leg burning...and calorie burning!

I'm excited for next week....it's just a week at a time...and this week was a success!=)

Just Six!

I just need 6 more hours in my day....is that really too much to ask?
It's not like I'm asking for 48...just 30!
I feel like I'm on an all out sprint all day...and still I am behind the eight ball!

If this sounds like I am complaining....I AM!!!!
Not because I don't LOVE MY LIFE!
I do....I just need more time!!!

Let's just go over a typical evening conversation....between my husband and I....if we get one! (wink)
Blue is Mark
Red is ME!
Green is in my head!

Everyday it's the same thing....bills, bills, bills. I go through more checks than anyone else I know!
U HUH!
Everyday it's the same thing....laundry, laundry, laundry. This family goes through more clothes than any other family!

They only time I feel like I have to prepare for the day is late at night and early morning! When I go to the office, everyone wants me, I'm torn a million directions!
U HUH!
The only time I have to prepare for the next day is late night or early morning! When those kids wake up, they all want me, I'm torn in 5 important directions!

I need balance!
You need 6 more hours!
I need 6 more hours!

Please tell me as you read this...your mind is feeling in the blanks with your own busy life????
or
are we just poor time managers???

I know what I'm going to do about it!

GRIN AND BARE IT!!!
and
LOVE IT!!!

Gators!

I woke up early to go running, and as I left my sister said,
"Watch out for the Alligators!"
I was thinking ....
"come on, I'm not swimming in the swamp, just running through your neighborhood1"

It's unbelievable....
they are right in the neighborhood...HUGE....SCARY... alligators!!

As I was running I could see a gator watching me from under the water!

I have to admit, I enjoy seeing them....because we don't have gators at home....but it would take some time getting use to sharing my neighborhood with them!

I took my kids to a trampoline gym....
I planned on just watching and reading....
but I couldn't pass up on all the fun...
WOW!
I think I burned some serious calories...and had a ton of fun!!!

A Little Slice of Heaven!

The only view from my treadmill is a white wall!
I have learned to not see the wall, but to let my imagination run wild!

If I had been asked 10 years ago if I ran on treadmill, I would have said....
NO....NEVER!!!

It's funny how life changes...
now with 5 kids, and a long hour working husband...I have no choice but to run on the treadmill, 90 percent of the time!

It took some time, I had to change my attitude, from...
"I hate treadmills"
to
"I'm thankful for treadmills!"

I never pass up the opportunity to run outside,
even if the conditions are dreadful.....below zero....or over 100!

This last week we took a road trip...
actually we are still on the road trip!

We headed south, and now we are beach hopping!

I am loving every second!
Running on the white sand, with blue green crystal clear water...
temps at 70 with a light ocean breeze!

I'm pretty sure this is close to HEAVEN!

So tell me??????
Why does my husband choose to run on the treadmill????
I run....I tell him how wonderful it is...
then he runs...and he chooses the treadmill and the wall....
over the ocean and cool breeze????
I just can't figure it out???

Let's get this party started!

As I reschedule my calendar for races, I plan to add some fun ones in there!
Do you have any adventure runs planned?

How about the Dirty Dash?
A Mud Obstacle Course, and it even has a kids fun obstacle course....
love it!

or the Warrior Dash?
They are located all over the country, and look like some dangerous fun!

Living History Farms race?
I believe it is the largest cross country race of it's kind...tons of fun, never know what you'll get!

Race for the Rose?
Every participate is handed a rose at the finish line!

Ragbrai?
A week of biking and even some fun music, food and more1

Thank goodness for flexibility....

Not the stretching kind!

Well, I have had a rather exciting 2011....exciting in ....interesting!
I promised a mystery...but I spoke to soon!

We were 12 weeks into expecting our 6th child...
unfortunately, things must not have been quite right...
and so....
back to plan A!

Plan A....
was to get in shape, run some races, and just have a Great year!

It's a Mystery!!!

I may seem to be MIA...
but I am preparing for a special event!
I cant wait to share my little mystery with you...
but in the mean time, don't loose faith in me!
I will post when I can!

A few of my .....

Favorite things are...
1. kids
2. parties
3. weekly dates
4. running
5. yoga
6. art
7. travel
8. road trips
9. baking
10. cooking!!!!

I am trying to enjoy cooking even more...and less baking!
Which is easy...because I truly LOVE LOVE LOVE to cook!
I would attempt healthier baking...but I grew up in a super healthy house, (Love the example), but cookies tasted like biscuits.
I would come home from a date, and my dad would offer my friend a "cookie", the look at the first bite will stick with me forever! I would quickly let them know....they have NO sugar...sweetened with maybe honey, usually dates, and raisins, fresh ground wheat, and applesauce as oil. (Which now has been replaced with coconut oil...much better! =)

Growing up I did not mind at all. My taste buds were trained. Which is a gift!
But my husband grew up in a home with amazing bakers.
Everyone of his aunts is award winning!
It is his favorite memory.
Going to Grandma's and sitting at the table to a cold glass of milk, and a frozen cookie!

He has never been fond of the healthy version!
Me...being a people please-er...especially a husband please-er...set out to learn to make cookies as good as any he had ever had!
I will have to say...I have mastered his favorite...peanut butter, and snicker doodle!

With that mastery went my healthy taste buds...and my thin waste line!
I believe you can have a few yummy goodies.
I just have to get my metabolism moving again!
So for now I am going to stay away...mostly...from my sweets.
If I want something I will buy it...instead of making a batch....or double batch...and then eating the whole thing!

The other thing I love about cooking is change!
Cookbooks are a favorite around here!
I enjoy making something new almost every night!
With that comes some nights that are awesome...and some that are not so great!
At the end of the night, I always ask...."Is it a keeper?"
They all laugh and give me a "yes, or No".
For a long time I did not understand why they laugh!
Until, Brooke, said, "Why do you ask us if we want you to make it again...if you never do?"

With that said...
here is one I made twice!

Asain Lettuce Wraps

All this delicious fresh ingredients.
I LOVE fresh ginger, cilantro....but I now cook with already minced garlic.
I can never get the garlic off my hands...never!

Delicious!

I serve them wrapped in lettuce with a toothpick, so that they are easy to pick up, and dip in the awesome sauce!


Asian Lettuce Wrap

Heat 2 tsp. of olive oil on med high
Cook about 1-2 tsp of grated ginger and 4 cloves or 3tsp. of minced garlic.
cook for 1 min.

Add 1 1/2 lbs. of ground turkey, 1c. minced mushrooms, 1/4tsp. salt....Cook until meat is done!

Add can of chestnuts (finely chopped), and 1/2 cup of minced green onions.
Cook for a few minutes

Add 1/4 c. soy sauce, 2 tsp. sesame oil , zest from 1 lemon, 1 tsp. hot sauce.
Cook through
Remove from heat...Add 1/3 c. chopped cilantro.

Wash seperated lettuce leaves, wrap in paper towels and put in frig, so they will be cold and crisp.

Dipping Sauce
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/8 rice vinegar
1 TBS. fresh minced garlic
2 TBS chopped green onion

Thirty things Thursday!!!

1. I got my first schedule from my coach!
I was rather pleased! She obviously knows how to coach the "use to be's"...
I am running 3 times a week....3 miles, 3 miles, and 5 miles.
I am running them at 10:00 pace...which is tough...I think my legs hurt more when I go slow...
The idea is to have them last longer...A year would be nice!
I really do think this is exactly where I need to be!

2. My whole house is sick...and it is in our lungs! Including me! My lungs are frying, even when I am just sitting. I hope it does not last long!

3. I am still getting my runs in! YiPPEE! It's miserable with weeeeezzzzyyyy lungs though!
But I am not about to email my coach the first week and give an excuse!!!

4. I plan to count how many times I go up and down the stairs in a day...I'm pretty sure it's 100!

5. I'm not eating after 7! I actually didn't think that I ate much after 7! I am shocked at how many times I have to stop...back away!! No wonder I have weight to lose!

6. That's been my week...it felt like a lot more stuff....your lucky...I'm not going to make it to 30!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Yes!!!!
That would be me...scaring my friends....
Terri's scared face is not an act....I think she was really scared I might eat her!
Look at my trooper friend Melissa...she kept her hat on....
We had a Taco Bar....Crazy Hat party!
It was so fun!!!!

Check out these young ones....I was able to keep them all awake until midnight...
The secret????
Lots of Sugar....Loud Music, with crazy dancing, hyper moms, charades, and few trial runs of running out in the freezing cold night banging pots and pans!

So now it is the 1st of the New Year....2011!!!
I am so excited to ROCK this next year!
I opened the time capsule from last year...and looked at my goals...
I did not accomplish 1 of my fitness goals!
I am rather embarrassed...so going back to the blog survey...an embarrassing moment...
RIGHT NOW!!
This year I am going to set reasonable goals...and I am going to keep on track!
Hows that?????

On a good note...
I accomplished ALL my goals for....

Spiritual
Mother
Wife

Housekeeper...well, not so much....that is going to be better in 2011 too!

Basically I am going into 2011
Chubby...Hyped on Sugar...but Loved by my husband and kids....=)
Could be worse!

Here are my 2011 Fitness goals:
1. 750 miles!
(I should go for 1000....but I am going to open that capsule next year...a winner!)
2. Loose 10 lbs.
(I have 15-20 to lose, but down 10 is better than up 10!)
3. PR in a race...any race!
4. Follow my coaches schedule!
5. Be Injured FREE!!!!

HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR!!!!