What's your arch-nemesis?

Mine is clean eating.
I don't eat horrible.  In fact, most of my friends would tell you I'm suffering because I don't eat doughnuts or cupcakes. In fact, I would never even share this with some of them because they think us "runners" are fanatics about health...(well we kinda are?)  They will also tell you that I LOVE candy and once I start eating it....I don't stop. Truly...I love candy. Skittles, milkduds, twizzlers, tootsie rolls, starburst......love candy.  So I try to avoid it at all costs. 
Weekdays, eating is not usually a problem.  I'm on a schedule:

B'fast: Oatmeal (every morning for the last 4years) I like it!

post run or workout: Protein drink

this is what I'm snacking on right now at my desk.

10am: almonds or fruit around at my desk

noon: I usually bring my lunch, fish or chicken with steamed veggies

2pm: protein bar or almonds at my desk again

Problem Area
5pm-10pm: dinner is usually pretty sketchy.  It's a mad dash to get kids to ball, get to church, running group, or whatever extra curricular we have going on. J is really great about grilling enough chicken and fish on the weekend that I can grab something quickly.  If we are out, I'll grab a protien bar and an apple. There are times where I don't eat until the kiddos are in bed around 9:30-10:00pm! I am very aware that this area needs work.


But on the weekends......I pretty much eat anything.  It usually starts on Friday night, I tell myself I'm going to allow myself a free day....and then a day turns into 2 or 3.  Come Monday I feel sluggish and bloated from all the processed foods, sugar, sodium and all the other gross stuff I ingested on my free "day".
I have no problem committing to God, family, church, running, even losing weight! I have no problem losing weight, but when it comes to clean eating I just don't do it!  I start out with great momentum and then once I get sidetracked that's it....if anything I should eat clean as an example to my kids!

I wasn't even going to post today.  So, what got me started on this?  I read this Clean Eating Pt 1: by Mary at Fit this, girl! check out her amazing before and after pics.  She committed to clean eating 3 months ago and was already in great shape. Totally inspiring!

So, I may commit....I may not....I'll let you know Monday. :)

What is your arch-nemesis.....the one thing you can't defeat or commit to?

Grace and peace,

3 Ways to Keep Summer Runs Cool

The heat has been brutal this summer, it seems no matter what part of the country you live in, you are dealing with record heat indexes.
Having northern blood and living in the dirty south has made me look for new ways to keep cool on my runs.

1. Run early before the sun is beating down or late after the sun has gone to bed. The majority of my runs start by 4:30am-5:00am. On the off days when I choose to get sleep or my schedule just doesn't allow, I run in the late evening around 7:30pm-8:00pm.  This seems like a no-brainer, however, I have talked recently to several people just starting out in the running world who have been trying to run outside at 11am or 12pm when the heat index is 105 with 100% humidity; and they are getting frustrated because they give up or can't finish their mileage.  Yes, waking up early takes discipline. No it's not always fun...really it's not ever fun to wake up that early; you need to go to bed earlier and sometimes might even have to have a babysitter come over to sit at the house while your kids sleep(thank God for teenagers who are desperate for $10!) but at least you don't have to worry about a heat stroke. Plus,you get to go through the rest of your day feeling accomplished.

2. Hydrate. This is another no-brainer.  Your body is made up of 60% water if you're a male, and 70% for us ladies. Keeping your body hydrated will prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, headaches. So there are three times you need to hydrate, pre-run, during the run, and post run....pretty much you need to keep the water coming.
Pre-run: if you are planning a long run(anything over 8 miles) you need to push the fluids starting a few days before your run. How do you know when enough is enough? Your pee will be pale-clear.(i know...ick)

An hour before a run try to drink 16oz of water or sport drink. Or if you sweat like a man(like me) drink 20-24oz.

During the run: Drink to thirst. When you are thirsty take a drink.  I usually do about 4oz every 20 mins.  If you get cotton mouth and have no spit left..you are dehydrated.
On long runs 90mins I will add in some Gatorade. This replaces the sodium and electrolytes your body loses through sweat.
Here are some ways you can try tokeep your water cold while you run...I say try, because I have never been too successful.
-  Freeze your water bottle the night before-this will also freeze your hand when you are running(unless you have a hydration belt),
-add ice cubes to the bottle before you leave out on your run- mine are always melted by mile 2
-Do what Shelly @It's Just One Foot in Front of the Other experimented with HERE
-or leave coolers of ice water and ice at different locations along your running route(I'm actually going to do it this weekend on my 15miler)
-My favorite thing to do....bum water from someones water hose(always ice cold) and run through the sprinklers while you're at it.  I have never had anyone object to me getting water from their spout...though sometimes I don't ask....;)

Post-Run- After a run rehydrate with 20-24oz of water or sport drink.  If your pee is dark.....keep drinking.

3. It's all about what is ON you. Don't wear cotton. It keeps you wet and you will chafe.  Wear dri-fit, something that will pull moisture away and dry quickly.  Don't wear a lot of clothing!!!....yes you may hate your legs or think your arms wobble too much when you run, but wearing running pants or long sleeves in 105 degree heat will make you look stupid. No one is judging you in your shorts and tank...most people wish they were in your shoes!

Splash water on your head, face, neck, down your shirt/pants, whatever you need to cool off.  I pour water on my head and neck about every 2 miles to keep cool and I run through every sprinkler I can.

These 3 things will make your summer runs so much more enjoyable and effective.

Happy Running!!!

Grace and Peace,

 

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Fetal Hope

There is an issue near and dear to my heart that I have not yet shared with you.  I just wasn't ready to.
I realize now though, that sharing my experience and the experience of so many who have dealt with any type of fetal syndrome can give a voice to a topic that is so unknown to many.
The best place for me to start is at the beginning....let me share...

Our Story
It all started almost 8 years ago in 2003.  The news of twins was surreal. We had been trying to get preggo but never expected this.  Twins don't run in our family. We were over the top with joy.  That joy was short lived.
Our Dr. detected an abnormality on an ultrasound when I was only 10 weeks along. Not sure what it was, if anything, she had me come back the next week for a better look.  I was quickly referred to a local fetal specialist who gave us an official diagnosis of TTTS with and an Acardiac Twin or twin to twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) syndrome.

Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) affects 1 in 7 monochorionic (shared placenta, identical twins) pregnancies and, if left untreated, has a near 100% mortality rate.

An acardiac twin or Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) syndrome is an unusual form of TTTS. In these twins, one twin develops normally while the other twin fails to develop a heart as well as other body structures. The abnormal twin is called an acardiac twin. In these pregnancies, the umbilical cord from the acardiac twin branches directly from the umbilical cord of the normal twin. Blood flow to the acardiac twin comes from the normal twin which is also known as a pump twin. Without treatment, more than 50% of cases of TRAP will result in the death of the pump twin.

Because TRAP can sometimes be difficult to explain or read about, HERE is a link if you want to know more.

He then referred us to one of the top fetal specialists and surgeons in the U.S., Dr. Ruben Quintero in Tampa, Florida. We were the 80th diagnosed case. 
Thankfully, the diagnosis was made very early on in my pregnancy. At 24 weeks we flew to Tampa, FL to see Dr. Ruben Quintero for an umbilical cord occlusion.  At that point, the "pump" twin was almost 30% smaller than the acardiac twin.  Of course, we were given all of the scary statistics of what could go wrong.  They said there was only a 66% chance that either baby would make it and a greater chance of a neurologic injury during the in-utero surgery.
Honestly, I don't remember a lot of the details of the pregnancy I was pretty numb. I think I was emotionally detached because of fear of losing both babies. There was so little information or support regarding TTTS and TRAP. We were even advised 3 times to abort the pregnancy. 
I do remember every detail of meeting Dr. Quintero and his staff for the first time and remember feeling so much relief because they had so much knowledge about what I was going through.
I was awake during the surgery and through tv monitors and a camera inside the womb I was able to see both babies. It was amazing and bittersweet.
We lost Eugene Paul as soon as the surgery was completed.
After flying back home I was on strict bedrest and  monitored weekly with ultrasound.  At 29 weeks I had a rupture in the membrane which caused the amniotic fluid to leak.  I was put in the hospital on strict bedrest for almost 2 weeks.  At 31 weeks I developed an infection of the amniotic fluid and delivered via c-section.  I choose not to see Eugene Paul.  Sebastian Allen was born weighing a hefty 4lbs 8oz.  He only spent 1 week in the NICU.

He was perfect! Strong, healthy, and beautiful! Nothing like what I had imagined or what the Dr's had prepared me for.

Sebastian had a few cognitive delays and we had a therapist come to the house once a week for a couple months.  By his second b-day he had caught up and is now a happy, healthy, loving boy.

When we went through this there was little information for us.  Now, there are places like The Fetal Hope Foundation that educate and support families who are dealing with similar circumstances.  The donations that people make to the Fetal HopeFoundation go to not only raise awareness, but to help families with travel expenses and treatments.

Now, to the main point.....It took a while huh?

I am running the Rock n Roll Savannah Marathon on November 5th, to raise money for The Fetal Hope Foundation. My goal is to raise $1000.00 by November 5th. I would love it if you would support this cause as well.

Thank you for allowing me to share with you a piece of my heart.

God is good, all the time, even when our circumstances say otherwise.

Grace and peace,

3 Things and a giveaway winner!!

First off, I want to thank all of you (all 12 entries...what the heck) who entered the giveaway for the awesome Auria earphones!  And the winner is:

Rene' from the amherst shuffle

 Congratulations Rene'!!

Email me your mailing address and I will have them sent out asap! You are going to L.O.V.E. them!!

Thanks again to Auria for allowing me to try out their awesome product!

••••••••••••••••••

3 Things

"Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours."
- Les Brown

1.The Rock n Roll Savannah marathon is 15 weeks away. This is full marathon #2 for me. I'm feeling pretty good about my training so far....It's only been 2 weeks. But still.   We have a group of about 20 running. Half of the group that is running came out of the Fleet Feet No Boundaries class I help coach.  I could not be more proud.  When No Boundaries ended, they formed their own little running group and are training for the half together! That is what it is all about folks!! Spreading the love! The love of running. Encouraging each other. Building each other up. And helping others reach their goals.

2. Ultra Fuel: 

How do you carb up before a long run?  I have been experimenting with my pre long run nutrition and I think I found a little gem.....Ultra Fuel by Twin Labs is a powder that you mix in with 16ounces of water and take one to two days before a scheduled long run. For me, cowing down on pastas and breads, and whatever else I can shove into my mouth...just wasn't working.  I would feel heavy and lethargic half way through my long runs.  I tried this the day before my long run last Saturday along with my normal diet and felt better on my long run than I ever have! Seriously, twin labs isn't paying me to say this(though they could in the form of product...hint hint twin labs) ;)  I didn't feel heavy and even when I finished I felt I could keep going and I didn't fall into that post long run haze.

This is what Twin Labs says about Ultra Fuel:

The superior carbohydrate profile contains an advanced blend of 100 grams of high quality carbohydrates in the form of glucose polymers (the ultimate complex carb), plus important carbohydrate and energy metabolizers. Clinical studies show that a balanced ratio of complex and simple carbohydrates, like those found in Ultra Fuel, provides energy and enhances recovery, enabling participants to perform longer and produce greater output.

Now, I got the fruit punch flavor and I will admit I wanted to vomit....it literally tastes like crap.  However, I will eat anything....and I mean anything if I know it's going to benefit me.  I always wanted to do that Fear Factor show where they eat crazy bugs for a million dollars....I could totally do that!  Anyway, maybe next time I'll try the orange flavor but I have a feeling it won't be much different.

I was a little concerned about the calories, it's 400 calories per serving 4 scoops= 1 serving, but I figured it still beats shoveling spaghetti or lasagna into my mouth in the name of "carbo loading".

If you haven't tried it, I recommend it!

3. My kids say some of the craziest things!!  A couple days ago I had a conversation with my 3 year old that went like this:

Maddox: mom do pigs have boobs?

me: yah, I guess they do....mommy pigs have boobs. 

long pause .....

Maddox: momma do you have pig boobs?

WHAT!?

Me: ummm well, I  don't think so, I mean I didn't used to....

Seriously!?

this is probably an accurate description of what I looked like when the boys were little

My life would be so boring with out my boys!

I have something very special to share with you next time.  I will be running for a charity that is very near and dear to my heart....I'll share the details with you soon!

Thanks for stopping by today!!! Leave a comment and let me know what your thoughts are!

Happy Thursday!!

Grace and peace,

Marathon Training: Lessons I've Learned

    We have all been there...you train your mind & body for months to run the Marathon..dedicating hours upon hours running, cross training, eating properly, stretching...etc., then race day comes. You run your race with everything you have in you.  You finish strong and stay high on the endorphins and the joy of your accomplishment for the week(s) after the race.  Then you hit the low.  Maybe it's burn out, maybe it's lack of a clear post-race goal, or maybe you just don't have another race lined up to push your training.  Whatever the case is, we have all been there and getting back isn't always easy or fun.
 Here are a few things I have learned in my own marathon journey that have helped me stay on course.....or get back on course.;)

 INACTIVITY

 Your body starts to deteriorate when you are in an inactive state....I have learned that even aging does not cause the body to deteriorate quite as much as inactivity does.  When you are in motion your body does not deteriorate.  Getting back to running after a long hiatus is painful and not very enjoyable for most.  Whether you need to take a hiatus, have an injury, or are just in a running funk, find something to do that will keep you moving.  Join an aerobics class, ride your bike, or take a karate class.  If you have a leg/foot injury, swim, do ab routines on dvd, take the time to strengthen you upper body and core.
I found myself in a running funk early spring...I knew I had set my goals high this year(to attain the big BQ) but I was just having a hard time getting my booty in gear. What I really wanted to do was chill out and sit around with a bag of coconut toasted marshmallows(avoid these at all cost!!!! I'm pretty sure the devil himself invented them) Instead, I joined a fitness boot camp.  Something I knew would not just keep me active, but would keep me accountable and also benefit me when I got back to real training.  Something that would make my fitness foundation stronger.  We all know running does not just require legs and feet, you need strong legs, strong abs, a strong back.  Do something that will benefit you in your future runs.
Even if you aren't getting in the same mileage but you are staying active; when the time comes to start pounding out the miles again it will be much easier to get through those start up miles.  

I am once again in the start up miles of my marathon training.  This go around has been much easier for me.  I have had more "good" training runs then just ok training runs... last time I felt like I had a lot of "junk" miles...this time I feel like I'm training "on purpose".

Trial & Error
Another thing I have learned is the art of trial and error.  Just because Dr. so and so says it...or it's printed in some book, doesn't make it right for ME.  I have read a LOT of different material on how to properly train for a marathon and the one thing that is clear to me is that there is NO PROPER WAY to train for a marathon.  You have to figure out what works best for you and that comes through trial and error.  If A+B=C for an elite runner, than how come A+B doesn't =C for me?(well for one, I'm NOT an elite runner) but also because I am a completely different person with a completely different DNA make up!  For me, A+B might =P.A.I.N......so I had to figure it out.  I really struggled with this last go around. 
That is what your training period is for. Use your long runs to experiment with what hydration technique works best, pre-race meal, post run recovery, which gels you can stomach and which ones you can't...some of your training runs won't be pretty, but you will discover what works best for you. (*It is always good to know where the closest bathrooms are on a run or at least carry some tissue with you.;)

I'm not an elite runner and I have only run one full marathon so far, so maybe that disqualifies me from giving marathon advice to some.  What I am is a full-time, working, mother of 4, who loves to run and has put in the time to train. Many of you are in the same boat or maybe you're just climbing in...either way it's not easy and it's not always fun but it doesn't have to be confusing or overwhelming. 

Marathon training is rewarding. 

Crossing the finish line knowing that the months you have dedicated to the run has paid off, is very satisfying.

If you haven't already, don't forget to enter my giveaway! One reader will win a pair of Auria Earphones.  Giveaway end 7/18 you can enter HERE

Have a great day and Happy Running!!!!

Grace and peace,

 

Giveaway!!

Don't forget to get in on my AURIA Earphone Giveaway HERE ends 7/18/11!!!

Hope your week is off to an amazing start!!!

Grace and peace,

Auria Review and Giveaway

Finally the day you have all been waiting for!

Ok. Maybe you haven't been waiting for it. 

But I have been looking forward to it. 

A couple months ago, the amazing people over at Auria.com contacted me to try out one of their products.
When my hot pink and black Exceed Earphones arrived I was anxious to try them out.

 I admit I was a little apprehensive when I first saw them.  The earphones looked larger than I expected and  have had earphone issues in the past.
  I have a difficult time wearing earphones when I run for a few reasons:
1. I can't stand the wire bumping against me when I run
2. Ear sweat...ick. 
3. Most earphones hurt my tender, baby ears....

Let me tell you, ALL of my issues have been laid to rest!  

Let's address issue #1- Included in the box was a little clip that clips the earphone wire to your shirt, sleeve, shorts...whatever, but it keeps it in place.  There is no bumping it or pulling it...I love that.  I actually lost mine for a day and started to panic...I found it in the bottom of my cavernous purse.

Issue #2- You don't have to cram it all the way down into your ear canal. It sits loosely in your outer ear so it doesn't feel slimy.;)
What Auria says about the In-the-Ear vs. In Ear:
In most circumstances, it is useful to hear important ambient sounds around you during exercise, training, or working out. Our goal was to deliver high-quality audio while also permitting users to hear car horns, warning shouts or merely friendly banter from training partners.

The Xfit System holds speakers directly at the openings of ear canals without totally blocking all external sounds like in-ear styles. Our earphones strive to introduce music into the ear as naturally as possible. 

Issue #3- included in the pack was 4 different size "eco rings"(small, small-conical, medium, and large) so all I had to do was find which one was the best fit for my ear and VOILA!

Super comfortable! The first time I ran with these I kept expecting them to fall out of my ears because they didn't feel tight and uncomfortable.....they have never fallen out!  These are no foolin', no fussin', no pain, earphones!

A couple more bonuses....they have little personalizers that you can get to customize the outside of the earbuds.  Mine came with the pink running girl personalizers. Super Cute!

The In-Line Control: 

This little guy is auh-mazing.  This controls your volume so that you don't have to take your earphones out or rip your ipod off your arm everytime you need to adjust the volume or talk to someone.

Here's what Auria has to say about the Sleek In-Line Control:

Our finger touch slide control permits easy Volume adjustment. A textured Function button enables Music and Video control (Advance track, Restart track, and Go back one track), Pause and Answer/End call for the iPhone 4/3GS/3G and other iPods as applicable. An integrated Microphone can be used for hands-free calls and Voice control when connected to iPhone 4/3GS/3G and many other mobile phones. The control is slim and lightweight.

Listen:  If you are not happy with the earphones you are using, I highly recommend these!
And more good news to one blessed readers....the fantastic people at Auria want to bless one of you with a pair of your own!

There are several ways to enter this giveaway.

1.Become a follower of this blog or let me know in a comment if you already are.(1 entry)

2.  Follow Auria on Facebook! (Go HERE).  Leave a comment on their page saying that April at Mommy's Fit for the King sent you. Then come back here and tell me in a comment.(1 entry)
3. Go to Auria.com and tell what product you would like to try.(1 entry)
4.  Post this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter, and comment here to let me know.(1 entry for each place posted)

5. Add Mommy's Fit for the King to your blog roll(1 entry)

Remember to leave a comment for each way you enter, as each comment is an entry for the giveaway. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!

The giveaway will end 7/18/11 at 11:59p.m. and winner will be selected by random.org and announced on the 19th.

*Note: I was provided a free pair of Auria earphones to give a personal review. I was not compensated to give a particular opinion.*

Happy Commenting!!

Grace and peace,