Christmas is Coming, I'm Not Ready and Why Don't I Care?

I cannot believe that Christmas is 26 days away. I have never been this not ready for it before.

I'm a planner. I plan for everything. My family calls it "control issues", I call it being organized. As the years have gone by & our family has gotten bigger (& bigger!) it really is a necessity to plan. I actually enjoy planning. So what's going on here?

I typically decorate for Christmas on Thanksgiving Weekend. I haven't even thought about decorating. (Of course I was a little busy on bucket duty. see previous entries for the full story.)

We usually take our Christmas Family Photo in October & our Christmas cards and newletters (yes, I'm one of THOSE people) go in the mail the 1st week of December. Again, no picture has been taken, no cards selected & now that I'm blabbing our news on this blog -- what do I need a newsletter for?

My Christmas Gift lists for The Kids, Superspouse & relatives are made late in the summer & ALL shopping, except for stocking stuffers, is done by mid-November. I haven't made a list. I don't have a clue as to who is getting what & really don't feel all that concerned about it. Aside from some generic, bought in bulk, gifts for extended family -- I have not purchased anything. I have 4 (count 'em, 4) kids!!! This is bad.

We host & participate in several family oriented parties/events. We plan special nights -- stocking stuffer shopping nights, nights to go look at Christmas lights, cookie baking nights, gift wrapping nights. I haven't sent an invitation, planned a single menu or even written a single thing on the calendar.

So, my dear superhero friends, here I sit & blog. And wonder, where has all this apathy come from? Is it because of the major life changes I've experienced this year. My "real life" friends all know, but those of you in BlogWorld don't -- after 5 years of Home Schooling, my 3 school aged kids are in traditional school this year. So since mid-August, my life has been really different. Strangely quiet & unstructured. You'd think I'd be getting more & more done, but in all actuality I'm very, very behind. As I re-read what I've just written, I believe mild depression might be a good diagnosis!!!

Okay-- so I need a plan. I'm going to get off this computer & come up with one. I'll fill you in later. If you have any superhero suggestions for getting me in the Christmas spirit, please feel free to let me know.

Miles Logged in November

Well, superhero friends, this is a concession of sorts since the month doesn't officially end until tomorrow. But given how I feel at this point in time...I believe my running for the month is officially over.

Week 1 -- 14
Week 2 --16
Week 3 --17.5
Week 4 --8.25 m--plus alot of hiking & biking & puking.

Grand Total: 55.75

Easily double what I was doing last year at this time. I can't wait to see where I'll be next year at this time!!

A Triathamom on the Mend

Well, it's official. All six of us got it. The dreaded stomach bug!!! It's hard to believe this all began a week ago today. Everyone is off to school today & I plan on doing....NOTHING!!! I am so wiped out. Why does it seem like kids bounce back from the same ailment so much faster than an adult? I have no idea what this means for my running this week. I haven't really ever been this sick since I got serious about logging a certain amount of miles each week. As the week goes on & I start to feel better maybe I'll feel up to getting out there.
Until then, superhero friends, you better get out there & do something - let me live vicariously through your endeavors.

Much to be Thankful For -- A Thanksgiving ReCap

This week really was amazing & disastrous all at the same. And this year for Thanksgiving I am most thankful that, so far, I have simply survived it.

The week started off well enough. I made my plan for the fitness realm of my superhero world -- 19 miles to log this week. My Early AM superhero gang (Enviro-man, CamperBoy, Mara'thong Mama & Me!) started the week off on Monday with a nice 2 mile run. The family realm of my superhero world was going to be very busy...my brother was coming in from the West Coast & we were taking the whole family (my parents, Superspouse & the Kids) to Fall Creek Falls State Park. I was so excited, I had made big plans to maintain my running routine, & thankful to be getting away for a few days -- everything was going well until...2am on Tuesday Kid #4 wakes up puking!!!!

ARRGGGHHHHH!! It was a long night.

I abandoned Tuesday's planned 2 mile run thinking I could make it up later in the week & knowing I would need my strength for later in the day. A quick trip to the pediatrician confirmed #4 had a stomach virus. The remainder of Tuesday was spent packing up food, supplies & gear for 9 people for 3 days -- all the while with #4 wrapped around my leg saying, "Hold Me, Mommie, Hold Me!" & puking into a bucket. He did, however, sleep well that night. For that, I was thankful.

Wednesday morning was good. But COLD. After weeks of unusually high temps, it finally decided to feel like November. My brother & I worked out at the Y with 'Thong & had bagels at Panera. I logged 1.25m on the treadmill. We returned to my house in time to see SuperSpouse off for his 1/2 day of work & start loading up the van. #4 was still sick. & clingy. Finally about 3pm, we were off to Fall Creek Falls for 3 days of FUN, FUN, FUN. We got there, got unpacked, & had a great dinner. #4 was perking up...things were on an uphill swing. My dad treated us all to his famous Hummingbird Cake. For that, I was very thankful.

Thanksgiving Day dawned crisp & clear. We were staying in a Fisherman's Cabin & I watched the sunrise over the water. The kids fed the ducks off the deck. #4 woke up feeling great!!! Yea!!! We went for a fantastic 2 hour hike. The scenery was fabulous. We all came back, cleaned up & went to the lodge for a tremendous Thanksgiving Feast. We ran into some old friends from home & had a great visit. When we got back to the cabin we all played games. My #1 Kid won the Monopoly game. The day really couldn't have been more perfect. I had much, much , much to be thankful for until...about 11:30 Superspouse starts PUKING!!!

ARRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!! It was a very long night.

Friday was much cooler than Thursday. My superhero brother & I managed a 5 mile run in the near freezing temp. The run was so nice & probably the highlight of the whole trip for me. This was only the 3rd time in our entire lives that we have run together. Our main run prior to this was the Half Marathon in SanFrancisco in July. (I will blog about that soon, I promise.) It was neat for him to see how much stronger I've gotten as a runner even since then. I set & kept a steady pace & didn't whine once. When we got back to the cabin, all the kids were up & ready to go. SuperSpouse was still yucky. So my superhero brother & I took the kids for a bike ride around the lake. It really is so much fun now that they're old enough to really do stuff. #4 was in a seat on the back of the bike usually reserved for SuperSpouse & my quads burned like heck when we finally got back but it was good. Of course the kids were still raring to go...they hadn't gotten up at the crack of dawn to run...so after lunch we were off for more hiking. We hiked to 2 different waterfalls & we hiked to the base of Fall Creek Falls. By the time we were back at the cabin for the evening I was thankful just to still be moving my legs. SuperSpouse was starting to feel better. He was able to join us for dinner & we all spent the rest of the evening just lounging in front of the fireplace. I was so thankful to have all of my family (extended & immediate) under the same roof. We all went to bed with big plans for our last day at Fall Creek Falls. The night was calm until... Kid #2 AND Kid #3 wake up PUKING!!!!!

ARRGGGHHHHH!!!!!! It was a very, very, long night.

I was not able to run this morning with my brother. I was barely coherent. There is nothing worse, or not many things anyway, than being awaken from a deep sleep by the splat of vomit. Especially dueling splats. I was, and am, very thankful that SuperSpouse is, indeed, the Superhero of all spouses. His valiant efforts in comforting & cleaning up after our sick kids have kept me sane today. With his help, we cleaned up the cabin, loaded up all persons- sick & well, supplies & gear and got back home. It is here I sit & blog. Kids #2 & 3 are still very sick. And, since I began this entry, Kid #1 has started to complain of his stomach hurting. I am, of course, very thankful that this is just a 24 hour virus. By tomorrow night all of this should be behind us. And, sadly, my brother will be on a plane taking him far away. I am very thankful that, as crazy as things were, he got to experience my superhero life for a few days.

Superhero friends, while I am disappointed that I only logged 8.25 miles this week, instead of the 19 miles planned, with all the hiking, biking & puking going on ....I really am just thankful to have simply survived it all!!!

Life is so nice.

Superhero friends, I am in the middle of an amazing Thanksgiving holiday & I hope you are, too. My brother, who is a superhero in his own right, is in from the West Coast & we are having a blast. If I ever get around to writing The History of Triathamom, Part 2 - Sprint Tri to Half Marathon, you will get the whole story of his supportive role in my endeavor to get fit & develop a healthy lifestyle. He is an incredible athelete. We worked out at the Y together on Tuesday & he met my superhero girlfriend Mara'thong Mama. Yesterday he got his workout playing with "the Kids" & taking the whole show on the road.
Today we went on a 2hr hike enjoying this fantastic fall weather. He is currently letting me use his super cool laptop computer to update my blog as I was suffering from withdrawals. We are planning to go on a significant run tomorrow--in the 5 mile range & then do some biking with Superspouse & "the Kids" in the afternoon. We should run 10 miles given the amount of food we have consumed today!!!
So, as you can see, from where I sit right now my life is pretty nice. I have much to be thankful for...a SuperSpouse, 4 great kids, my extended family & of course, all of you superhero friends. If you haven't told the important people in your life how thankful you are for them...turn off the computer & do it now. That's what I'm going to do!!!

Rainy Days & Mondays

Okay, superheroes, from where I sit looking out the window it is Rainy AND Monday....eww. And I have alot to do to get ready for company & the week long TurkeyFest, but I would much rather curl up with a good book & cup o'joe. I'm hoping that if I spell out my plans it will help to motivate me. But it's not looking good, at this point! :)

My workout plan for the week:
Run a total of 9 miles for my short runs.
M-2m T-2m W-2m & F-3m
Run a 10m long run on Saturday.
Total Mileage = 19

This may seem ambitious given all the activities in the other realms of my superhero life, but I am really committed to continuously increasing my mileage until I am doing 25 miles a week. At my current rate of progress -- this will happen by the end of December. Then I want to hold that level consistently for at least 3 months. After I accomplish that I am seriously going to consider training for a full marathon.

Wow! Reading back over that makes me feel excited & like puking all at the same time!! I guess that crazy feeling is motivation. or maybe it's insanity. or a little of both.

So, superhero friends, that's my plan. Now make yours & then go live it!! Happy Turkey Week!

Just One of Those Runs

I had a weekend run. Note I didn't say a great weekend run. Just a weekend run. 11 miles in 2 hours. Not too shabby considering that at Mile 7 I literally thought, "I'm going to die!" I hadn't hit a wall like that since, well, never. I know these things are just a part of running. You will have good runs and not so good runs...I had just been on such a upward trend that I was beginning to feel invincible. You know what they say, "pride goeth before a fall". Fortunately, we were running on the Riverwalk & there are plenty of opportunities for pit stops. So after a brief potty stop, some serious stretching & a major pep talk by my fantabulous weekend running partner...I kept going. Of the 11 miles, I probably walked a total of 1 mile. And I kept telling myself, one year ago I couldn't even run 3 miles without stopping -- so I've come along way. A superhero never quits. So, I kept going & managed to finish strong.
All in all, superhero friends, I guess it was just one of those runs.

Call Me Slacker

Okay, superhero friends, today is Friday. And have I done what I said I would do? (drumroll) Well....not really. But mostly.
I did run MWF, logging 7.5 miles total. So that's on track. BUT, I only went to the strength & toning class today AND left early because I'm fighting a cold & basically feel like crap. Enviro-man had also "accidentally" ,or so he claims, whacked me in the face as I passed by his FX (?) machine, so I also had to hurry home to put ice on my lip & call my attorney.
I also did the Thursday Water aerobic class. And plan to do my 10 mile run tomorrow, unless this cold gets worse.
The only thing I really slacked off on was the weights part of my routine, so I guess I can keep the superhero title another week.
So what did you do this week, superhero friends? Let me know. Turkey Day is coming -- you better be ready!!

If I wanted to run, how would I start?

Okay, I admit that sounds like a silly question. But you would be surprised in the last year how many times people have asked me that question. I was surfing one of my favorite running websites and found this great plan. Hal Higdon's website is full of alot of other plans. I used his Training for a Half Marathon plan for Novices and was successful with it.
So, superhero friends, now you know.

So what EXACTLY is this blog about?

My dear superhero friends, there seems to be a bit of confusion about what this blog is and/or what it is about. And I'll confess, I'm a bit confused myself. So let's search together for a little clarity. Follow along as I think aloud....

Does a blog have to have a main point?! Do I need a focus audience? I'm not a particularly focused person in my real life, so I'm not sure I can be here in Blogworld.

My primary intent for this blog is to be INSPIRING.

....But to whom? Well, to Me, & definitely to other MOMS. But also to other RUNNERS , and to the AVERAGE JOE who likes a good read, wants the occasional good laugh at someone else's expense, & wants to do just a little more with what God's given you to work with. Who doesn't want to tap into the superhero within?

My secondary intent is to TRACK PROGRESS.

I want to have someplace to say my goals outloud and have a few other superheroes to help hold me accountable. These will always include running goals, but it also may include my list of things to accomplish in my home this week, new year's resolutions & things I want to do by the time I'm 40!

So, here we go, superhero friends,
if you are a MOM, a RUNNER or an AVERAGE JOE this blog is for you.
Bookmark it.
Check in a couple times a week for inspiration.
Leave a comment or two.
See if I'm doing what I say I'm going to do.
And be sure to call me Slacker when I'm not!

What have you done today?

Lyrics to a great song by Heather Small...

I look into the window of my mind,

Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind.

I step out of the ordinary,

I can feel my soul ascending,

I am on my way.

Can't stop me now,

and you can do the same.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

It's never too late to try.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

You could be so many people if you make that break for freedom.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Still so many answers I don't know,

I realize that to question is how we grow.

So I step out of the ordinary,

I can feel my soul ascending,

I am on my way.

Can't stop me now,

and you can do the same.

We need a change.

Do it today.

I can feel my spirit rising,

We need a change,

So do it today.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

So, Superhero friends, what have you done today? Just get out there & do it!

Let Me Introduce You to a Couple of Friends

I have been remiss in not introducing you to two very important superhero friends of mine. Not because of their lack of importance, influence and commitment to my superhero status, but because I simply haven't gotten to it yet. (Triathamom has a lot more on her plate than just writing this blog!) I had planned a grand introduction when I write "History, Part 2 -- Sprint Tri to Half Marathon", but since they seem to be duking it out in the comment section of my very first entry, "A Superhero Born", I guess I better indulge them before they take over!!

My most consistent superhero friend during the last 2 years has definitely been SuperSlacker. The name is used with much affection & sarcasm. He has pushed me & encouraged me all along the way, mostly through "tough love" type tactics. "Come on you, slacker." "What are you, a girl or something?" "You call that running?" "You can do it, you big fat tub o'lard!" Okay, I might be exaggerating a little, but you get the point. SuperSlacker does, though, continue to show up when others truly do slack off...so for that & more, I owe you. -- How about lunch on me at Cici's All You Can Eat Pizza Buffet? NOT!

The flip side to SuperSlacker's tough love training comes from my other superhero friend, Mara'thong Mama. (Disclaimer: Do not be misled by the name...she is no hussy! But a devoted wife, mom of 3 & a committed Believer. She just happens to be into comfort which, apparently, to her, is found in the wearing of thongs. Totally acceptable behavior for a Jesus-loving, monogamous female..or so we are telling ourselves.) Completely nurturing & uplifting, and as into Panera bagels as I am, she is known for her willingness to go along with most anything. So far we've survived 2 bootcamps & 2 5k races together. I've leaned on her for support-- literally & figuratively -- for close to a year. And I haven't killed her yet. If that doesn't qualify you for superhero status, what would?

So there you go, Slacker & 'thong, is that enough of an introduction? If it's not, I know you'll let me know!!

Superhero friends, I guess the lesson & inspiration in all of this is: Be sure to let the superheroes in your life know how much they matter to you...or it will come back to bite you on your superhero butt!!! ;)

P.S. SuperSlacker is now known as Enviro-man, a name he chose himself. Only time will tell which name he truly lives up to!! :)

Motivation

Why do you do what you do? Who or what inspires your superhero efforts?

I would have to say that "the Kids" & my Superspouse are my main motivation. The quality of our life has improved DRAMATICALLY since I decided to get fit. I'm happier, they're happier.

So, superhero friends, if becoming (& maintaining) a superhero status for your own benefit (of which there is much!) isn't enough motivation to get you off the couch, then do it for someone that loves you. You'll be glad you did!

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail

...or so the saying goes.

Okay, superheroes, what does your week hold?

Here's what my plans are in the fitness realm of my superhero world this week:

M W F - Run 2.5m & then do a strength & toning class
Thursday - Deep Water Aerobics
Saturday - 10 Mile Run.

I finished out this past week with 16 miles total. (3) 2 mile runs & the big one on Saturday. This week I'm bumping them up to 2.5. I think I'm going to continue this weekly .5m bump until I'm up to 5 miles. This will offset all the holiday eating I'm also planning on doing! (I have a plan for everything!)

Share your superhero sized plans with me...I'll support you...you support me! What are superhero friends for, if not for this?

TicTacToe -- Three Great Runs in a Row

I have a fantabulous superhero weekend running partner!!! I met her while training for my half marathon & was totally intimidated by her. I still am, but am comfortable enough to give her grief. She is really amazing. She is 56 and looks 40. She runs 25 miles a week. I want to be her when I grow up! We started running together on weekends in August. 10 MILE RUNS!!!! Due to injury, vacations, illness, etc., we have never done more than 2 weekends in a row without missing a weekend....until NOW!!!

The last three Saturdays have been amazing! We've run the Riverwalk once & our Levy/CampJordan route twice. 1hr 50 min, 1hr 45 min, & 1hr 47, respectively. I think the temp today when we ran was around 55F, which is ideal for runners.

It was great to see so many other superhero walkers, runners & bikers were out taking advantage of our beautiful fall weather.

So, superhero friends, get off your computers, go outside & do something!!! You'll be glad you did!!

The History of Triathamom, Part 1

Many of you superhero friends who will be reading this blog know the history I'm about to share. You've lived this superheroic journey along side of me -- supporting, encouraging and , at times, even mocking me!!!

You laughed as I recounted the tale of nearly passing out during my 1st aerobic class at the WOW bootcamp (when all the fat girls rallied round me as the instructor shouted, "don't sit down, don't sit down!). Feb. '03

You told me I was CRAZY when I announced that I was joining the YMCA & would be attending the 5:30AM water aerobic class (because of the AM thing, I'm guessing --I don't think anyone has anything against the YMCA). Nov. '03

You supported me when I did my very 1st "real" bootcamp, ran my first mile without stopping. Although at the time, I thought I might die.

Apr. '04

So, for those of you who know, those who may have forgotten & to those who have never heard it before...here is the "rest of the story", or at least, Part 1.

Can we all say, "Ewwww!!" This is my official BEFORE picture. I weigh more than my husband in this picture. Oprah says to own your number, and I do, all 225 pounds of it. Only because I think it can serve as an encouragement to all other emerging superheroes. You have to begin somewhere.

I began in an all overweight female environment in the spring of '03. I was weighed & measured & had my body fat estimated. In 12 weeks I lost 15 lbs by watching my diet & doing a combination of strength & cardio exercises. I joined Weightwatchers Online that summer and in November of '03 joined the YMCA. I continued in an environment that I felt safe in ---Water Aerobics with senior adults & fat people. I still had a lot of self esteem issues & was clueless to the fact that within that year I would indeed emerge as Triathamom!

But it's amazing what a little consistent exercise & watching your diet will do. As the weight continued to come off, my confidence level was building.

By Spring '04, I had dropped 25 lbs and was ready to attempt a "real person" boot camp. I literally thought I was going to DIE every day of that 8 week camp. They began each day by having us run. I fell out daily by the time we reached 100 yards. But I didn't quit. My goal was perfect attendance & to finish the workout each day. I succeeded! BUT many mornings found me crying in my van from sheer exhaustion and in aggravation that I had allowed myself to get SO fat. 'This was the hardest thing I had every done at that point. Somedays it was even harder than giving birth!! The boot camp began with 98 students -- we finished with 37. I was the only who had perfect attendance. My prize -- a coupon for an "All You Can Eat Cici's Pizza Buffet". This is not a joke. I was SO mad...but I was SO proud of myself that I didn't care. I tore the coupon up, I wish now I would have framed it!!

The last day of bootcamp was a timed P.T. test. I ran one mile without stopping in 10 minutes 30 seconds. This was milestone for me.

At the bootcamp I met an amazing superhero chick who encouraged me to keep up with the running. She knew I loved to swim & suggested that we train together for a Sprint Triathlon at the end of the summer. She made it sound so cool! I made the decision, paid my entry fee and never looked back. Three months later, an additional 10 lbs lighter, on August 15, 2004, I completed my 1st Triathlon!! Swim .25m, Bike 9m, Run 2m. ROCK ON, Triathamom!!

Behind Every Great Modern Day Superhero is a Superspouse

....or at least behind this superhero there is!!!

I am so blessed to have a husband who so totally & completely supports every crazy adventure I get myself into. From the beginning of this journey until now, my guy has been there to rub sore muscles, to be shoulder to whine on & to keep things running behind the scenes at "Chez Varnell". Every time I have come home from a class, a workout, a run, a superhero costume fitting or a night out with my superhero girlfriends, our home always looks better than when I left it.

For all that & so much more , thank you, Superspouse. I love you with all my superhero heart!!!

So, superhero friends, take time today to tell the Superspouse in your life how much they mean to you. You'll be glad you did!

Entry One -- A Super Hero Born

It all began with the glimmer of a thought, not even a full thought, just a glimmer.
"What lies around the bend, just around the corner? Is there more? or is this what it is?"

I think there is... more..(maybe),

and the possibility, the hope, and emerging reality of Triathamom was born in that instant.

In February, 2003, I was 34, married with 4 (count'em- 4!) kids, carrying around the extra weight of a decade of pregnancy & motherhood, feeling OLD & FAT, when I saw an ad in the paper for a Work Off the Weight (WOW!) Bootcamp at a local women's only gym. It was only for women who had 30lbs or more to lose. I definately fell in that catagory. I took the bait, called & signed up. Little did I know at the time, but that 6 week camp would be the beginning of a new era. A better era. A "life is really good!" era. An "I can do anything I set my mind to" era.

As time goes by, I plan to document the transition from that mom (eww!) to the superhero mom I've now become...TRIATHAMOM (yea!!). We can laugh about the daily trials & obstacles of maintaining this most challenging status, as well as track any new superhero worthy pursuits (like a real, full length, 26.2 mile marathon!! Yikes!). You'll meet my husband, "the kids", my superhero girlfriends & more. And, hopefully, what you'll gain by spending a few moments here will be inspiration & motivation to continue in your own superhero endeavors.

Check back soon!