I have not been on here for a few reasons:
1) I have only run ONCE since my marathon last May. I've lost complete interest in running. I'm really not sure why, but since I don't care, I also don't care to contemplate why.
2) I believe fitness has to do with more than working out. Frankly I'm tired of focusing on working out, and I'm tired of hearing that so many women are unsatisfied with their bodies. It makes me sad. I bet your husbands find you super sexy no matter what your weight is. I know my husband finds me sexy when I'm happy. So for me....fitness has become much more mental.
3) Being a fit mom is being the best wife and mother I can be. I need to take the time to be there for my kids. They won't be here forever. I can spend the rest of my empty nest days running marathons. For now, I don't want to spend my time trying to fit it all in. I can do it, I just don't want to.
4) I have also taken a huge break from the computer. I check email, and respond to a few facebook comments, but I really need to pull away from cyber space. My daughter is now 10, and I would rather set the example for her, and not focus on this silly screen. The computer is great for many things, like research and business stuff. But it can also a waste of time. Already they ask me daily if they can play a game on the computer, and it drives me nuts. We need to stay close as a family. I need to be bored and play a board game with them...not jump on the computer.
I know this sounds grumpy but it isn't. This is just where I'm at, and I'm being real.
So until I care enough to get back on the computer you won't hear from me. Keep being your best and doing what your soul needs you to be to be the healthiest in mind body and soul.
If that is running or working out...go for it!! If that is taking a break from it all...do that instead.
Alyson
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Working off Stress
I'm not running. In fact, I have run only once since my marathon in May. Crazy!
I have been a little stressed lately, and laughed at myself when for two days in a row I ran outside to do garden work. It felt SO amazing to dig, pull and sweat. I realized that it was the physical work that I was craving. The exertion calmed my stressed, so when I re entered the house I was happy again.
Ahhhhhhhhh......The stress relief of hard work. I think if I continue not to run, I will get A LOT of work done around this farm. lol
I have been a little stressed lately, and laughed at myself when for two days in a row I ran outside to do garden work. It felt SO amazing to dig, pull and sweat. I realized that it was the physical work that I was craving. The exertion calmed my stressed, so when I re entered the house I was happy again.
Ahhhhhhhhh......The stress relief of hard work. I think if I continue not to run, I will get A LOT of work done around this farm. lol
Monday, October 1, 2012
Running friends are mean..right Sara?? lol
This is a post for my friend Sara. She just ran her first 1/2 Marathon the other day. When I took this picture a few years ago she had just completed her first 8km run and was NOT happy with me :)Never say Never right Sara?? lol
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Checking in
Good Gracious it has been a long time since I posted. I think it is because 'fitness' is just not on my mind these days.
I am not running and don't feel like running. Honestly I think it is because of a few reasons:
1) Running has always been a stress relief for me, and a way for me to have something that is just mine. I don't feel stressed right now.
2) I am happy with my weight and don't feel the need to run to lose weight.
3) I am farming and I've got guns!( muscles that is...not weapons) I get a bit of a work out in every day lifting feed bags, and moving chicken tractors. I feel strong. My workouts happen on a daily basis without putting any thought into it.
I'm in a great place right now both mentally and physically and so getting on track, or keeping on track is just not on my radar right now. Writing and blogging has always been my way of sorting out my thoughts, and I just don't have and sorting out to do right now. I can't tell you how long it has been since I could write words such as these. It is a nice feeling to be 'happy'. Funny how I just don't feel like posting. Could also be because I'm VERY focused on homeschooling the kids and farming right now. I also spend my nights designing the house we are going to build. It is kind of hard to blog about that, and is not related to fitness in any way.
So anyway, I just wanted to check in with everyone and let you know that I'm doing just fine right now.
I am not running and don't feel like running. Honestly I think it is because of a few reasons:
1) Running has always been a stress relief for me, and a way for me to have something that is just mine. I don't feel stressed right now.
2) I am happy with my weight and don't feel the need to run to lose weight.
3) I am farming and I've got guns!( muscles that is...not weapons) I get a bit of a work out in every day lifting feed bags, and moving chicken tractors. I feel strong. My workouts happen on a daily basis without putting any thought into it.
I'm in a great place right now both mentally and physically and so getting on track, or keeping on track is just not on my radar right now. Writing and blogging has always been my way of sorting out my thoughts, and I just don't have and sorting out to do right now. I can't tell you how long it has been since I could write words such as these. It is a nice feeling to be 'happy'. Funny how I just don't feel like posting. Could also be because I'm VERY focused on homeschooling the kids and farming right now. I also spend my nights designing the house we are going to build. It is kind of hard to blog about that, and is not related to fitness in any way.
So anyway, I just wanted to check in with everyone and let you know that I'm doing just fine right now.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Just Go With It
I was mowing the lawn tonight. To say it had been awhile would be an understatement. As I began to mow I realized it was so long, that I was cutting paths in the grass. I get bored pretty easily so I just drive all over the place when cutting our 2.5 acre property. It drives my husband crazy, but it gets the lawn cut!! My son started walking in the path, and it soon turned into a game.
I decided to keep the 'path' going for as long as I could so he could follow it 'think yellow brick road'.
After a while he ran and got Lara, who quickly started at the beginning, and ran to see if she could catch up to me while winding her way around the property. Erin joined in on the fun and before I knew it they were running and laughing and having a great time. (Audrey was busy on the swings with Grandma)
Even when I ran out of space and started cutting up their path, they continued having fun. I turned around at one point and there was my older two girls running around the property in all my running gear. Hat, water belt, and glasses. It was really quite funny.
After I ran out of gas they asked me if they could go for a real run with me sometime. I decided to go with it, and said there was no better time then now. So off we headed down the road (yes them in my running gear), with Peyton biking along side us.
As a fit mom and runner I have to admit that the times I run with my kids are the best runs I go on. There is no greater joy then being able to pass on a love for something to your kids.
Growing up one of my favorite memories was biking after supper with my parents. It was a simple family moment that I cherished because they took the time to just 'be' with us. I loved it, and tonight I got to have a few moments like that and soak it in.
You see, being a 'fit' mom does not mean I have to schedule visits to the gym. It means I need to take advantage of moments with my kids and get my butt off the lawn tractor and go for a run.
That 20 minutes was one of the best 'workouts' I've had in a while.
I decided to keep the 'path' going for as long as I could so he could follow it 'think yellow brick road'.
After a while he ran and got Lara, who quickly started at the beginning, and ran to see if she could catch up to me while winding her way around the property. Erin joined in on the fun and before I knew it they were running and laughing and having a great time. (Audrey was busy on the swings with Grandma)
Even when I ran out of space and started cutting up their path, they continued having fun. I turned around at one point and there was my older two girls running around the property in all my running gear. Hat, water belt, and glasses. It was really quite funny.
After I ran out of gas they asked me if they could go for a real run with me sometime. I decided to go with it, and said there was no better time then now. So off we headed down the road (yes them in my running gear), with Peyton biking along side us.
As a fit mom and runner I have to admit that the times I run with my kids are the best runs I go on. There is no greater joy then being able to pass on a love for something to your kids.
Growing up one of my favorite memories was biking after supper with my parents. It was a simple family moment that I cherished because they took the time to just 'be' with us. I loved it, and tonight I got to have a few moments like that and soak it in.
You see, being a 'fit' mom does not mean I have to schedule visits to the gym. It means I need to take advantage of moments with my kids and get my butt off the lawn tractor and go for a run.
That 20 minutes was one of the best 'workouts' I've had in a while.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Soul fitness
As predicted, I've taken the summer off a regular fitness routine. 5 months of intense training for my marathon was a LOT and I was ready for a little break.
It has been an EXTREMELY hot summer here in Ontario so I'm really o.k with the break. Last year I did the same thing but I made two big mistakes and ended up gaining almost 10 pounds.
1) I didn't watch my diet. I lazed around the pool most days, munching on snacks and ate regular meals.
2) I drank a glass of wine a little too often.
THIS SUMMER I've LOST 7 pounds since my Marathon. How??? I stopped drinking alcohol completely ( Minus one very fun date night...lol) , and I've watched my diet. I'm not 'working out' so I don't need to eat as much. Very simple. I'm eating what I normally eat...just a little less each time I eat.
I've just gone back to my normal weight pre marathon training. (I gain weight when I train). Less training equals a little muscle and water loss.
In the fall, when we get back to a regular routine, and a jog becomes my 'me time' again, I'll firm up a little. I'm just glad I haven't GAINED weight by being lazy.
I'm pretty sure the crazy farm chores I've been doing around here have helped maintain a little muscle and fitness. I understand why farmers are strong...those feed bags are heavy!!! My pipes are pretty big :) I dare you to arm wrestle me.... lol
Anyway....I've also been working HARD at SOUL FITNESS. I've always said that being a Fit Mom has to do with MIND, BODY, and SOUL.
This summer time is SOUL time, and I do feel so incredibly renewed.
Body time can come later. In fact, when my Mind and SOUL are in good shape, my body catches up MUCH FASTER.
It has been an EXTREMELY hot summer here in Ontario so I'm really o.k with the break. Last year I did the same thing but I made two big mistakes and ended up gaining almost 10 pounds.
1) I didn't watch my diet. I lazed around the pool most days, munching on snacks and ate regular meals.
2) I drank a glass of wine a little too often.
THIS SUMMER I've LOST 7 pounds since my Marathon. How??? I stopped drinking alcohol completely ( Minus one very fun date night...lol) , and I've watched my diet. I'm not 'working out' so I don't need to eat as much. Very simple. I'm eating what I normally eat...just a little less each time I eat.
I've just gone back to my normal weight pre marathon training. (I gain weight when I train). Less training equals a little muscle and water loss.
In the fall, when we get back to a regular routine, and a jog becomes my 'me time' again, I'll firm up a little. I'm just glad I haven't GAINED weight by being lazy.
I'm pretty sure the crazy farm chores I've been doing around here have helped maintain a little muscle and fitness. I understand why farmers are strong...those feed bags are heavy!!! My pipes are pretty big :) I dare you to arm wrestle me.... lol
Anyway....I've also been working HARD at SOUL FITNESS. I've always said that being a Fit Mom has to do with MIND, BODY, and SOUL.
This summer time is SOUL time, and I do feel so incredibly renewed.
Body time can come later. In fact, when my Mind and SOUL are in good shape, my body catches up MUCH FASTER.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Date Night!
Last night we headed to Perth Ontario for the 2012 Perth Kilt run. It was SUCH a fun night for SO many reasons. Those involved know what I'm talking about ;)
There were over 2000 participants and we made the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people running at the same time in a kilt. lol
It was a well organized race and a lot of fun. I've never been to a race that gave out a free beer at the end, and I have to say that for this non drinker.... it made for the beginning of an interesting evening to say the least ;) The beer also distracted me from stretching afterwards which I am paying for as I type this.
It was a reminder that I love to run and push myself to my limits. I do it for the personal challenge and I don't think I have it in me not to give it my all.
This prize makes me smile. After the marathon I said to my husband... " I just want to come in first once. Just once in a race ". Well I certainly did not WIN the race, and they gave a cool bath towel to all the first place finishers in their AGE so there were about 100 1st place prizes... ( I was first overall for 34year old females...just 34year olds...lol)
I don't care. It was fun having my wish come true. It was fun running with my husband and good friends, and it was really fun drinking a complementary beer after the race.
Made for the beginning of a super fun date night. A sweaty good time.
My Stats:
Chip Time 41:16
Overall 211/1727
All Women 54/1001
F20-39 17/311
Age 34 1/22
There were over 2000 participants and we made the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people running at the same time in a kilt. lol
It was a well organized race and a lot of fun. I've never been to a race that gave out a free beer at the end, and I have to say that for this non drinker.... it made for the beginning of an interesting evening to say the least ;) The beer also distracted me from stretching afterwards which I am paying for as I type this.
Running with my husband and friends was the best part. We did not set out to win anything or compete against each other. Everyone just wanted to do something fun with their husbands. I have to admit that I went ahead of my hubby and regretted it. I would much rather run by his side.
It was SUPER hot, and at around the 3km mark I was asking myself why I torture myself with hard runs. Especially since I have no chance of actually winning any races or placing. I was even going to stop and wait for him so we could finish together (he was only a minute or so behind).
THEN!!!
When I finished I found out that I came FIRST in my age!
It was a reminder that I love to run and push myself to my limits. I do it for the personal challenge and I don't think I have it in me not to give it my all.
This prize makes me smile. After the marathon I said to my husband... " I just want to come in first once. Just once in a race ". Well I certainly did not WIN the race, and they gave a cool bath towel to all the first place finishers in their AGE so there were about 100 1st place prizes... ( I was first overall for 34year old females...just 34year olds...lol)
I don't care. It was fun having my wish come true. It was fun running with my husband and good friends, and it was really fun drinking a complementary beer after the race.
Made for the beginning of a super fun date night. A sweaty good time.
My Stats:
Chip Time 41:16
Overall 211/1727
All Women 54/1001
F20-39 17/311
Age 34 1/22
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The 3 F's .....Family, Fitness, and Fun
I am NOT a fan of fancy equipment for kids. In fact I really am all about allowing kids to just play and use things from the natural environment. I believe that because of that my kids have amazing imaginations, and can really 'play' and entertain themselves.
That being said....
My oldest girl just turned 10 and has been asking for a trampoline for a few years now. Her wish came true on her birthday and I am so happy we got it. I figured that if we don't use it, we can always sell it later on. However it is the BEST THING!!!
Talk about Family FUN !!! ..... and talk about family FITNESS !!!
I'll tell y'a, bouncing on that thing for 20 minutes is a sweaty good time.
WARNING.... It's all fun and games until mom pee's herself ;)
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Recovering
I'm taking the week off exercise to allow my muscles to recover from running 42.2kms. I say week off exercise and not physical activity however, since I NEEDED to finish planting my vegetable gardens this week.
I'm moving slowly, but moving. Today is day 3 and my legs are no longer aching. I did however go to sleep at 830pm last night and napped today ;) There is only so much energy I can recoup with good nutrition. I still have 4 kids and a farm to look after.
The focus of my recovery is:
Water,
Glycogen replacement,
and Sleep,
Whether I will run that crazy long distance again is yet to be seen. One thing I do know for sure. If I ever train for a marathon again, my longest run before the race will NOT be 34kms. Instead I would run at least 4-6 runs in the 30's, and one or two in the 40's. I believe that would prepare my body for that distance and make race day more enjoyable as opposed to the most painful thing besides childbirth I've ever done ;)
That brings me to another point. I've come to the conclusion that training for a marathon and childbirth are VERY similar. The pain is not quite as sharp and intense, but everything else mirrors the act of birth. The preparation, the mental readiness, the stamina, and the part at the end when you feel like you just can't go on...but you do, and before you know it it is over.
If and only if a man has run a marathon, will I allow him to say that he knows what it takes to give birth. Of course that is only if he does it without Super strength Motrin and Gatorade ;)
Anyway, I just wanted to check in with everyone and let you know I'm alive and well. I'm busy catching up on my gardens and cleaning a house that has been neglected by me for about 5 months.
I'll check in soon. In the meantime I will be busy finding my happy 'pace' in life.
Finding my Happy Pace,
Alyson
I'm moving slowly, but moving. Today is day 3 and my legs are no longer aching. I did however go to sleep at 830pm last night and napped today ;) There is only so much energy I can recoup with good nutrition. I still have 4 kids and a farm to look after.
The focus of my recovery is:
Water,
Glycogen replacement,
and Sleep,
Whether I will run that crazy long distance again is yet to be seen. One thing I do know for sure. If I ever train for a marathon again, my longest run before the race will NOT be 34kms. Instead I would run at least 4-6 runs in the 30's, and one or two in the 40's. I believe that would prepare my body for that distance and make race day more enjoyable as opposed to the most painful thing besides childbirth I've ever done ;)
That brings me to another point. I've come to the conclusion that training for a marathon and childbirth are VERY similar. The pain is not quite as sharp and intense, but everything else mirrors the act of birth. The preparation, the mental readiness, the stamina, and the part at the end when you feel like you just can't go on...but you do, and before you know it it is over.
If and only if a man has run a marathon, will I allow him to say that he knows what it takes to give birth. Of course that is only if he does it without Super strength Motrin and Gatorade ;)
Anyway, I just wanted to check in with everyone and let you know I'm alive and well. I'm busy catching up on my gardens and cleaning a house that has been neglected by me for about 5 months.
I'll check in soon. In the meantime I will be busy finding my happy 'pace' in life.
Finding my Happy Pace,
Alyson
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