How to Be a Parent...and then some.

Today, I am struck by two different parenting books that have recently come out. I am so curious what other parents think of both styles outlined in these books. One is written by an American mother who moves to Paris and raises her children the 'French' way. 'Bringing up Bebe' by Pamela Druckerman outlines the tres cool life of French parents. Able to raise their children, and have seemingly little impact on their individual and social adult lives. Yes, you can have your cheese and wine while your children play quietly around you. Your children will sit nicely at a restaurant because they are actually hungry rather than snacking all day long on goldfish crackers and juice. The other is a new book written by Mayim Bialik. That's right, by Blossom herself. All grown up, with a PhD in neuroscience, she describes her attachment parenting style in 'Beyond the Sling'. She either carries or wears her babies in slings pretty much at all times, practices diaper less training (also known as elimination communication), and breastfeeds well into the preschool age. Her method requires a heavy amount of parenting throughout the early years of childhood. Children are home schooled, co-sleep with mom and dad in the family bed and always use positive discipline rather than time-outs or even harsher forms such as spanking. French-style parenting focuses on calm and committed discipline simply by using authoritative voice commands. Interesting, non?

After a while Crocodile...

Wow. How long can one go without blogging? I'm happy to report that although it has been such a long time, I did reach the goals I set out to achieve when I started this blog. So now it is time to take her in a new direction. Drawing inspiration from my other blog, which is strictly recipes and cooking, I've decided to combine all interests into one. That being said, this will now be my place for all things related to family, cooking, nutrition, gardening, mothering, fashion, kids and whatever else comes to mind. I hope to look back on this blog one day and think, wow, I learned a lot in my lifetime.

Determination!

I've decided that running never gets any easier. You are always going to be pushing yourself to run faster or further, therefore you can never just say, I'm going out for a run. Light and breezy. Nope. 

My last three runs have totaled 15 miles. I am still using my couch to 10k program and there are still walking intervals included. I still have no idea how I am going to run 6.25 miles in less than a month. The furthest I have run so far is 5.5 miles and it was on completely flat ground. Thankfully, those 5.5 miles were around the same course as the upcoming 10k. I am determined to make this race a success! 

I am starting to feel some of the benefits of running. I can actually run without huffing and puffing and feeling like my lungs might explode. My lungs are becoming conditioned. AND my mother mentioned that I am looking more toned. Yay for progress!

falling off the wagon

Ok, I admit that I fell off the wagon. Note the absence of posts within the last week. Last Monday night I got a phone call from Mike asking me to fly to Alaska the next day to visit him for a couple days. Of course I booked the first flight I could find. I packed lightly, as I was only going for two days, but I did bring my running shoes. Unfortunately for my running, I spent nearly all of my time on the fishing boat. I was fortunate enough for a little town time and was able to go on a couple walks with my hunny :)

After I returned home, I just couldn't seem to get motivated. Finally, on Wednesday this week I put on my running gear and stayed in those clothes all day long before finally going out for a run at 4:00pm. Just as I started my warm-up, my sister called. So I ended up walking only a mile before packing Jacob and stroller back into the car to head home. As I made my way home I drove by the Y and pulled into the parking lot. I decided to finish my run on the treadmill while Jacob was able to play in the child care center. Needless to say, after falling off the wagon for a week, getting back into the swing of things was rough!

Happy Birthday America!

In the past I never thought it was a good idea to exercise on a holiday. It just seemed like it should be a day off from everything but fun, family, friends, and food. Or perhaps that was just another excuse on my long list of reasons why I didn't exercise regularly. Hmm...

But not today. Today I gathered up Jacob and the stroller in the car and drove to the trailhead. From there I set out on a nearly 4 mile run. Today was by far my toughest day. Every step was a struggle, both physically and mentally. About halfway through my run the wind began to pick up and I soon realized that while having a jogging stroller is wonderful, it is still an extra 35-40 lbs. you are pushing. With the wind, my stroller may as well have been a parachute. Something I never considered - wind resistance. I am now thinking that I should probably go to the Y on the days that I think running will be tough, that way I can leave Jacob at the drop-in day care and not be discouraged by the elements.

C210K

Ok, so in light of the fact that I signed up for a 10k, I figured I better start training for one. Today I downloaded the Couch to 10k program and started basically where I left off on the C25k. However...the running time has drastically increased. C25k has a maximum running time of 35 minutes. Today's workout with the C210k was 68 minutes! I was seriously worried about doubling my normal routine. Surprisingly, I was able to complete the routine and manage to have enough energy to get through the rest of the day. In addition, I marked just a little over 4 miles today!

I do have a small issue. For whatever reason, I don't like running along main streets or where there is a possibility of running into someone I know. That's why I stick to the trails and obscure neighborhoods. Today I started on the Cushman trail and before I knew it, the trail had spit me out onto a main road and I had to follow sidewalks and crosswalks through a main part of town before connecting with the other side of the trail. I was instantly self-conscious. I'm fairly certain I remember sucking my stomach in just a bit further and holding my shoulders back more as I lengthened my stride. Maybe on the off chance that someone I know was driving by? I don't know what it is exactly, but I hate the way it makes me ultra aware of my surroundings. At some point, I forgot about trying not to look stupid and just focused on my run.

Would you believe that tonight after I put J to bed and just sat down to watch a movie (I know, a rocking Friday night at the Babich house!) I got a text from a friend that asked me if I was running near her work today, because she was sure she saw me go by while she was on her lunch break. I told her, yes, it was me and she better have recognized my flattened stomach, great posture and gazelle-like stride!

Another successful day!

Week 4 Day 2 of my Couch to 5k program - Complete! This time I did my run while pushing J in the stroller. Wow! What a workout! Much different than just running alone. I'd love all those "runners" out there to try doing what us moms can do.

I read recently that the best way to get into running is to sign up for a race. That way you are putting it out there that you are training and it will hopefully keep you committed to your goal. Therefore, I began looking around for 5k races. Somehow that lead me to a 10k race near my parents house, that two years ago I signed up for the 5k version of and ended up walking most of the way. Not this year folks! I am going to complete that 10k AND do it running! Needles to say, the non-runner in me is laughing her ass off at the aspiring runner in me. Me, run a 10k? Ridiculous!

August 21st is race day. 8 weeks from now. I can't believe I am going to be ready, but here goes nuthin!