Lake Erie, Fatigue, and James Won't Eat...

Jimmy and I took last Friday off so that we could enjoy a short 28 hours at Lake Erie. We stayed at the family cottage in Huron which is a short 30 second walk to a private beach! We go at least once each summer but this time was special because it was James' first beach experience as well as Izzie and Angel's! 

Prior to leaving, J and I went on a 7.4 mile run around our neighborhood followed by a delicious breakfast at Der Dutchman with daddy. This was James' FIRST time to sit in a high chair at a restaurant:

After settling in at Lake Erie, we enjoyed some walks, went out to eat, and went to Mr. Boo's favorite childhood ice cream place...Pied Piper!

James didn't sleep too well that night...new place, different bed. I slept with him in one of the beds which means I didn't really sleep well because I was paranoid about him falling off of the bed. Despite the sleeping issues, we enjoyed our day at the beach. Grandma Griffith put James feet in the water. I couldn't tell if he was a fan:

Our quick trip was a perfect family getaway and a great way to start the weekend!

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This hot and humid weather is really taking a toll on my body. I've been so tired during my runs! I, somehow, have managed to survive the heat while pushing J in the stroller but it hasn't been easy. I'm just straight up exhausted. Mr. Boo and I decided I needed to get some protein in my body right after I finish my run. I'm not a huge fan of protein powder drinks (although I love protein smoothies) so we came up with an idea. I have a recent obsession with chocolate and peanut butter (a.k.a. Reese's). Jimmy ordered me some chocolate peanut butter protein powder that I will mix with chocolate milk. Hopefully it's good and I can suck down 8 ounces worth after my workouts!

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We have been trying solids with James for 4-5 weeks now. We have tried sweet potatoes, carrots, avocados, and bananas. J's been the most receptive to bananas. I'm sure he's still trying to figure out how to eat but, honestly, I don't think he likes it! My plan is just to keep trying different fruits and veggies until I find something he seems to like. If that doesn't happen, I guess it's gonna be breast milk until he can eat finger foods!  

FOR ALL THOSE MOMMAS OUT THERE: DID YOUR BABIES DO WELL TRANSITIONING FROM MILK TO SOLIDS?

Training for My First Post Pregnancy Race and a Workout Update

I really like the running programs off About.com. I've been using this website the last two or three years since I discovered it. This is my plan for the Lady Tutu 5k on March 29th at Easton.

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
1	CT or Rest	3 x 400 IW	2 m run	30 min tempo	Rest	5 m run	30 min EZ
2	CT or Rest	4 x 400 IW	2 m run	30 min tempo	Rest	5 m run	35 min EZ
3	CT or Rest	4 x 400 IW	3 m run	30 min tempo	Rest	6 m run	35 min EZ
4	CT or Rest	5 x 400 IW	3 m run	35 min tempo	Rest	6 m run	40 min EZ
5	CT or Rest	5 x 400 IW	3 m run	35 min tempo	Rest	7 m run	35 min EZ
6	CT or Rest	6 x 400 IW	3 m run	40 min tempo	Rest	6 m run	40 min EZ
7	CT or Rest	6 x 400 IW	3 m run	40 min tempo	Rest	7 m run	45 min EZ
8	CT or Rest	3 m run	30 min tempo run	2 m run	Rest	Rest	5K Race!

I have the luxury of having a husband that loves feeding James with a bottle so he doesn't mind watching him so that I can go workout! Thank you so much, Boo...one of the many reasons I love you so much. I've been able to do my weekly Hip Hop along with trips to the gym to run on the treadmill or indoor track (which I'm not a fan of but I'd rather not run in this crap weather!). The days that I know we have something at night, I find time to do it at home during the day. This can be challenging because my workout is typically broken up into various time increments because James may wake up and need me or the pups think I'm trying to play with them (what about a plank screams "I want to play tug-of-war?!).

Even though I worked out during my entire pregnancy, it amazes me how creating, growing, and giving birth to a human messes up your body! I feel so weak...especially in my core. Almost every workout I do makes my core sore. I did P90X chest/back workout yesterday (which consists of various push ups, pull ups, and row exercises), and it kicked my butt! I am so sore today! I look forward to keeping you all posted on my training. I'm looking at the program above and thinking "I haven't done that many miles since the first trimester of my pregnancy!" Wish me luck!

5 Unique Ways to Burn Calories While on Maternity Leave During Hibernation Periods

Did you guys enjoy my extra long title?

Sure, I'm still getting to the gym or Hip Hop Fitness but what about when I'm home alone with Jamesy and the girls? Here are a few ways:

1. Play with the girls (which is usually just Izzie because Angel just chills all day long). This could be anything from throwing Izzie's favorite toy, "Gopher" (who is actually a hedgehog), to playing tug-of-war with "Bunny."

2. Participate in a James Milkshake

3. Sprint as fast as you can to and from the mailbox or trash can because it's so stinkin' cold outside (taking trash out is preferred because the bag of trash or diapers adds extra weight).

4. Practice shimmying with your new-found boobies (no video provided here).

5. Lean back away from James while changing his diaper to avoid being peed on (works core).

What not to do:



I Woke Up Ready To Go!

I think my excitement about the Harry Potter marathon on abcFamily this weekend got me motivated enough to get up and go today! I woke up shortly after Mr. Boo left for volleyball, threw on some running clothes, and went to Hoff Park.

 

My running shirt was cracking me up today because, really, it's too small. It kept riding up my pregnant belly :) I got tired of pulling it down so I just let it all hang out!

 

I jogged a 5k distance (first time I've measured my distance all summer!) and did it around 31 minutes. I was impressed considering I was carrying my running partner ;)

 

When I got home, I wanted to take the girls for a walk. My precious pups and I explored our neighborhood for 54 minutes...good job girls! Here they are post walk:

 

I did a little grocery shopping between my run and going home so I could actually cook for my hubby today. What's for lunch? Breakfast food, of course!

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole...easiest, most delicious meal ever!

 

Now I get to spend the rest of the day watching college football and Harry Potter...and looking forward to the yummy chili I'm cooking in the crockpot! Happy Weekend Everyone!

 



The Dog Jog and Heart Walk

I've been promising a Dog Jog report...so sorry it took me a week! Last Sunday morning, Mr. Boo and I woke up  bright and early to take the girls to the CHA 2013 Dog Jog. The goal was to raise money for the humane society. As most of you know, my beagle, Angel, was adopted. So giving money to this is close to our hearts :)

 

 

After the dogs got over the initial shock of being around the other hundreds of dogs that they weren't allowed to play with, they took in all of the scents around the place.

 

 

 

After 45 minutes of sniffing, they were ready to start!

 

The event was a 5k. The four of us, a.k.a. The Davii, did a combo of walking and jogging. I was so proud of my boo and the girls! They were amazing! Around the end of each mile, they had a plastic pool full of ice...this was Izzie's dream come true!! Angel just wanted water...but Izzie took time to play in the ice and cool off. I'm sure she ate her fair share of ice cubes :)

 

After finishing, we were all pooped! We all came home for late morning naps.

 

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Yesterday, I met my coworkers at Columbus Commons for the Heart Walk. It was also a 5k. I saw so many people from church, old coworkers, my hip hop fitness buddies...it was awesome. I also developed new relationships with my new coworkers.

(from left: Me and Baby Boo, Andrea and her son Landon in the stroller, Tere and her son James)

 

There were a ton of other MacIntosh employees there but we were representing Amity Home Health. It was awesome to walk/run with Andrea. I learned a lot about pregnancy and about her! I might have even recruited her for hip hop fitness!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The Color Run...Yes, I'm Still Running

I don't think pregnancy is limiting my physical activity as much nowadays as this frickin' heat! It has been so intense outside!

 

Baby Boo and I were solo this morning at The Color Run. Mr. Boo had volleyball so Baby and I took the journey to downtown Columbus for some running fun! Unfortunately, since I didn't have my picture taker with me, I could only do Instagram selfies.

 

 

What I did bring was a waterproof disposable camera from our Jamaica trip in January. It still had a few pics left in it. I was afraid to take my phone with me on the run because I didn't really know what to expect!

It was so stinkin' humid outside so I was crazy sweating the entire time...BUT...I was able to run the whole thing. The only time I walked was when we went through the color blast areas where I couldn't seem to get around people.

 

Blue, Orange, Yellow, and Pink!!!

 

I'm hoping to have some better shots when I get the pictures developed. I took a pic in each color blast area :)

 

Next Race: The Dog Jog on August 18th! I'm excited about this one because I get to run with Angel and Mr. Boo is running with Izzie! YAY!

 



My Bird Story and My Day

When I was playing outside with the pups yesterday, I noticed a bird on the ground. I went up to it and it looked like it was in the process of dying :( At the time, I didn't think to do anything about it so I just let it be. A few hours later, I went out to mow the backyard and noticed the bird was still moving a little. It broke my heart. I asked Mr. Boo to help me figure out what to do.

 

We called the Wildlife Hospital in Columbus but they were already closed for the day. We then did some internet research and found something to try until we could take it to the hospital the next day. I picked up the little guy and we put him in a shoebox lined with paper towels. The website said to make sure the bird was upright. The poor thing kept plopping to its side so we had to put paper towels on each side to help keep it upright. We checked on him a couple hours later and he was still plopping over. I felt so sad for the birdie. He looked pitiful. We tried to keep him alive through the night but he didn't make it :( I couldn't help but cry.

 

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My day has been so awesome that I have to share it with everyone. Mr. Boo and I started a new Saturday tradition of volleyball and running in the morning. He goes to Hoff Park in Westerville every Saturday morning to play sand volleyball. I decided that I would start going with him so that I could get in a good Saturday run (P.S. I ran 4.25 miles and felt great!). After finishing my run, I chill out and watch him play :) I also added a donut run into that tradition (Schneider's Bakery in Westerville is da bomb!):

 

 

After returning home, my mother-in-law came to visit for an hour or so. The girls were so excited to see grandma!!! Mr. Boo and I then went on our first Zoombezi Bay trip of the summer:

 

 

Unfortunately, I can't do any rides this year because of the pregnancy :( I guess it will be a lot of reading and lazy river for me! As we were getting our tan on, Mr. Boo said "I really want to eat a lot of fatty food right now!" I didn't feel led to disagree :) We decided to go to Chili's cuz we love their chips-n-salsa.

 

All of this by 6:15. Have a good night friends!

 

 

 



My Week in Pictures

I really want to write a blog post but feel like I have nothing to write about at the moment. So, I decided to take the random phone pics I took this week and tell you about 'em!

 

I bought some new running shorts!

 

We dogsat this cute pup, Gambit. Izzie liked him but Angel wasn't a fan!

 

All three dogs looking out the window. This is the closet Angel got to Gambit without yelping!

 

Angel's birthday was Friday...3 years old! She looks thrilled.

I didn't want Izzie to feel left out.

 

Ok...enough dog pics.

 

We went to my mother-in-law's to get Mr. Boo's car and check on her dog. I saw this horse in her living room and couldn't resist!

On my way to church!

The pretty flowers in front of my house (no thanks to me...whatever blooms is what the previous owners planted!).

 



Hip Hop Fitness Announcement + Randoms

Random #1: I have a new mug and, YES, I'm excited about it! It makes coffee drinking more fun! For future reference, if you ever buy me a mug, make sure it's cute :)

 

Random #2: One of the running blogs I read is MilePosts. In one of her recent posts, she talked about Kind products. I just had to check it out. I bought a bag of the healthy grains (peanut butter) and 2 different bars.

All three are delish!

 

Random #3: I'm reading a book. I RARELY read books. My life group is getting ready to read this book and I am in charge of leading the first session which covers Hosea and Joel. I'm learning so much by reading this!

 

Random #4: I've switched to gummy vitamins! I was getting sick every time I would take my multi-vitamin and my friends gave me some great advice.

 

Final Random: Izzie protects her frisbee by putting her paw on it so no one can take it. It's hilarious to me.

 

M. Nicholson Hip Hop Fitness announcement:

We were informed at last night's session that the next two Mondays will be TWO HOUR SESSIONS!!! I love two hours sessions cuz they kick my butt! SWEAT, SWEAT, SWEAT!!!

 

 

 

 

 



Training Update + Randoms

Random #1: My bracket is sucking...only 20/32 in the 1st (wait...2nd) round.

I've been SO excited about my training this week! Not only did I up my pace for my tempo run and intervals, I did it with minimal to no knee pain! I started the week with a 2 hour Hip Hop Fitness class (I had to take the next day off...2 hours is a lot of hip hop!). I did a 30 minute tempo run on Wednesday and intervals on Friday. I like the interval workout on my current training program. You do 4 minutes at 5k pace followed by 2 minutes at an easy pace. This week, I had to do that cycle four times. The workout includes a one mile warm up and cool down. Because of my recent knee issues, I did a 10 minute warm up and cool down on the elliptical.

Random #2: I had to get up way too early on a Saturday to make Mac-n-cheese for my church's egg hunt...I hope it was worth it when they put it in their mouths!

 (my most recent creamer flavor...Southern Butter Pecan!)

For my final workout this week, I did my "long run." I put that in quotations because the mileage seems so small compared to my marathon training (DUH!). I did a 7 miler! Going into it, I wasn't confident AT ALL.  My back had moderate pain from moving some things around the house last night (getting ready for my family's visit). It was crazy how amazing I felt...especially the first 3-4 miles. I felt fairly tired after that (naturally) but better than I had expected. After I reached 7 miles, I'm pretty sure I did a fist pump or a "cha-ching" move in front of everyone at the gym :)

 

I had a really good stretch session then went home to this:

Ice and thin mint pie!

 

Random #3: Mr. Boo and I met our friend, Jenny, at the dog park (we all brought our dogs, too).

 

A Mommy/Daughter(s) Walk (lots of pics in this one)

What a freakin' gorgeous day in Cbus!!! It gets me excited for the spring! After I got home from work and ate this non-GF meal,

 

I decided to take the girls on a walk! When we say the word "walk," Izzie and Angel go CRAZY! They love walks. Here they are saying to me, "What's the hold up, mom?!"

 

On our walks, each animal has it's own role. Izzie is the protector...she is always looking around for any threat:

 

Angel is the sniffer...I'm not sure of its importance but it's cute:

 

And I'm just there so that the wind can blow through my hair:

 

That's hot. LOL. We made a few discoveries along the way:

A fire hydrant

 

A wooded area with lots of trees and leaves

 

This house (it looked WAY cooler in person but I felt creepy taking a pic of it so I didn't get the whole thing)

 

This street sign. Mimosa? Yes, please.

 

When I figured out where we were, I headed towards our house. We spent about 55 minutes on our adventure. Here's what the girls did when we got home:

 

Love my girls!