Half Marathon Training for Busy Moms

Have you always wanted to run a half-marathon? Well - not to be cliche - but "just do it"! In January 2012 I set a goal to run the Marine Corps Half in May 2012. I successfully trained and ran the MCM Half in May AND the Blue Gray Half in December. I work full time and have two busy boys. I did it - and YOU can, too! Here's how:

1. Commit to a training schedule. (Ours is posted below!)

2. Find a running partner with a similar pace if at all possible. If you work, check in your place of business. You may be surprised who has this on their bucket list. I am so blessed to have my running partner, Mary, who also happens to be my co-worker (and boss!). We have a comfortable pace (about 11 1/2 minute miles). We're able to chat while running - about work, about the kids, about how we're feeling, anything that's bugging us and what we're having for dinner. Mary and I have ran in the rain, snow and heat. There were many days where one of us confessed "If it wouldn't have been for you I wouldn't be running today!" Having a running buddy helps keep you honest and forces you to run on days when you're feeling lazy. If you can't find a friend, co-worker or family member check out a local running club to find someone with similar goals and pace. It makes a huge difference. When we don't run, not only do I miss my run but I miss spending time with Mary.

3. Share your goals with your family. If you have younger children, I'm not gonna lie - your hubby needs to get on board to help you with this goal. (If you're a single momma, share your goals with a close friend or family member and ask if they can help with childcare once a week for your long runs. Try to fit the short runs in while the kids are at school or daycare.) My hubby has been a hero on helping me on my long run days. Once they see you looking in shape with that firm runner's behind, they may gain new appreciation for your hobby.

4. Invest in a good pair of shoes. If you live near a good running store, have them fit you and be ready to drop around $100. It's worth every penny. Justin thought he was helping last spring and bought a pair of sale shoes online that gave me the worst blisters I've ever had midway through my training. They were almost the death of my first half marathon. We affectionately call them the "bear trap shoes". It was a loving gesture. He took me to VA Runner for real running shoes...

5. Eat well and drink LOTS of water! My go-to snack pre-long run is peanut butter Power Bars and my snacks along the way are usually gummies (usually Welch's or Mott's). Your body needs a little sugar boost every 4 miles or so.

Our 5 month schedule (if you start NOW you'll be ready for your first half marathon in spring 2013!):

Week 1 - 2 miles/2 miles/2 miles

Week 2 - 2 miles/2 miles/3 miles

Week 3 - 2 miles/2 miles/3 miles

Week 4 - 2 miles/3 miles/3 miles

Week 5 - 3 miles/3 miles/4 miles

Week 6 - 3 miles/3 miles/5 miles

Week 7 - 3 miles/3 miles/6 miles

Week 8 - 3 miles/3 miles/6 miles

Week 9 - 3 miles/3 miles/7 miles

Week 10- 3 miles/4 miles/7 miles

Week 11- 3 miles/4 miles/8 miles

Week 12- 3 miles/4 miles/8 miles

Week 13- 3 miles/4 miles/9 miles

Week 14- 3 miles/4 miles/5 miles

Week 15- 4 miles/5 miles/10 miles

Week 16- 4 miles/5 miles/11 miles

Week 17- 4 miles/5 miles/12 miles

Week 18- 4 miles/5 miles/5 miles

Week 19- 2 miles/2 miles/Race Day!

Disclaimer: I am not a professional trainer (Lol! Just wanted to make that clear in case some nut who reads this says "Well, Three Men and Becca told me to...") Far from it! I am just a girl who has always loved running for stress relief, fitness and fun. Jeff Galloway websites and books offer great advice and if you're not active certainly be smart and consult with a doc prior to beginning a workout plan.

I just wanted to share this plan because it may help put a goal for someone within reach! It's been said that runners are the most happy, positive people - and I know that's true! Running clears my mind and heart. I've seen my children get inspired by my fitness goals and have watched them work to reach theirs. And - I've had them tell me "Good job, Mom!", buy me flowers for completing my race and stand on the street for a while to catch a glimpse of me as I pass by on the race route.

Next stop for me MAY be the FULL Marine Corps Marathon. We'll see what 2013 brings! Lots of love and best wishes to you as you work towards your goals!

Almost New Year's Day

I always look forward to the beginning of a new year and although I do not make "resolutions" I do set goals for the new year. Part of reaching goals is to set reasonable and attainable goals in the first place. Last year I set three goals for 2012 and I'm happy to say I was able to reach all of them. 1. Train and run a half marathon. (I ran two!) 2. Use less plastic bags. (Done! I can't say I use my own bag EVERY time I make a purchase but I do make a point to carry bags in my van and try to remember to use them - even when it's not the most convenient. I plan to continue with less plastic bag use in 2013 and do even more recycling.) 3. Complete three family hikes. (The first big hike of the year was in April in George Washington National Forest. This hike ended up turning in to a big adventure and we counted it as two. The third one was in Harper's Ferry, WV to Jefferson's Rock where we were able to look at Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia from the peak.) Did you set goals for 2012? Did you reach them? If not - what did you do right? What could you have done better? What are your plans for 2013? I plan to post a very easy training plan for a half-marathon soon that even busy momma's will find within reach. I love the promise of a new year!

2011 Book List

My 2011 Book List: "Hamlet's Blackberry" "Stolen Life" by Jaycee Duggard "Wicked" by Gregory Maquire "Miss Perigrine's Home for Percular Children" "Lost in Shangri - La" "Gifts From the Sea" "Blue Orchard" "Water for Elephants" "Mattaponi Queen" "Lowcountry Summer" by Dot Frank "The Help" by Katherine Stockett "Talking to Girls About Duran Duran" "The Pilot's Wife" by Anita Shreve "Hillbilly Women" "Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child" by Dr. John Gottman "Little Bee" "Mama" by Terry McMillan

Tequila Turkey Burgers

Because today is Monday and I'm feeling pretty organized (read: I planned a weekly menu, went grocery shopping on Saturday and am off to a pretty decent start to the week)I am going to share our new favorite turkey burger recipe! 1 pound ground turkey 2-3 Tablespoon cilantro 2 garlic cloves (I press them using the Pampered Chef garlic press) 1-2 Tablespoon of diced jalapeno peppers (you can find these in jars - I like fresh but having a jar of diced jalapeno peppers comes in handy!) 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs 2 Tablespoon tequila (and yes we feed this burger to the kids - the alcohol gives it flavor and it cooks off) 1 teaspoon lime zest 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce Mix all ingredients together and form into about 4 large turkey burger patties. We simply heat the Pampered Chef Grill Pan and Press and cook ours on the stove top. Cilantro-Lime Mayo Stir together 3/4 cup mayo, 1 teaspoon cilantro, 1 teaspoon chives, 1 teaspoon lime zest and 1 teaspoon lime juice. We top ours with the cilantro-lime mayo, onions, lettuce, tomato, whatever we're in the mood for. We usually serve with a side of onion rings (although Luke does not like onion rings - sorry buddy - you have to suck it up on turkey burger night). You can also spice up the mayo a bit by adding some "Slap Yo Momma" seasoning to dip the onion rings. Enjoy! (And we won't tell anyone if you accidentally take a swig of the tequila while you're making the burgers...)

Does a Chicken Count?

You're heard the comment a million times in a million different ways - "children grow up fast". My oldest will be 12 in the fall and starts middle school in September. It's true. Time does fly and we have to make it count. I've always loved adventures and with 11 summers behind us as a family rather than just a couple I took a few moments to reflect on some of the adventures we've had over the years. A few months ago I saw an article about childhood and outdoor challenges. Although my boys now enjoy more than their fair share of TV and video games we have still maintained a pretty healthy balance of outdoor time and free play - especially when they were younger. We didn't introduce video games until later in elementary school and limit TV viewing time during the school year (although the summer becomes a pretty lazy time). This checklist was published in England so some of the language threw me off a bit (What the heck is "conkers" or "abseiling"? Note to self: google those words.) but most of the checklist involved what I see as pretty simple childhood pleasures - like climbing a tree, rolling down a really big hill, camping, running around in the rain, etc. Out of 50 we have only missed 11 (and that includes 3 I didn't understand - umm... "conkers" once again). Some we have done numerous times. How many have you done and what's your plan to introduce your children to these experiences before they hit puberty and the chance for magic is gone? (Not that the teen years aren't a magical time - it's just a different kind of "magic" - hair, hysterics, and hormones.) I printed off the list, sit down with boys and began to go through the checklist asking them about their memories and experiences. I grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and visit at least once each summer. On a few occasions the boys have spent time alone there with their grandparents as well - so many of their responses were "Yes - in West Virginia" - such as eating an apple straight from the tree, getting behind a waterfall and tracking wild animals. Some of their memories involved our own backyard like throwing snow, damming a stream, and hunting for bugs. Others were enjoyed while on family vacation - like rafting, camping and burying someone in the sand. Still others happened while visiting MeeMee - such as feeding a bird from your hand - to which Blake asked "Does a chicken count?" Of course, a chicken counts! Our plans for next summer will include catching crabs (Number 39) - probably during our beach trip. Hopefully that day will end with a big pot of boiling water and spices as well! One we probably won't attempt: set up a snail race. One that will be hard for us: lighting a fire without a match. I really laughed when I read that one remembering the book of matches we went through while camping earlier this summer. We struggled to accomplish setting a camp fire WITH matches! Without? Seriously? The bottom line for me is this: in this fast paced, technology driven world I hope we have given our children a chance to experience life unplugged and I know they'll one day look back on these wonderful memories and hopefully even recreate them for their own little ones someday. Check out the list of outdoor challenges at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2128695/National-Trust-launches-bucket-list-campaign-50-things-children-sofas-wild.html.

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