Three Things Thursday ...

Disney Princess Half - On Sunday, I ran the Disney Princess Half (full recap next week) dressed like this ...

Well, at least for the first three miles. That's when the sweat weakened the adhesive holding on the eyeball and I lost it. For the rest of the race, I ran as a Green Devil.

But, regardless, I had a blast and I finished in 1:59:26 without racing. I didn't even check my Garmin once. I'd say my pre-race goals were a success.

Active Recovery - This week in my 70.3 training, I have an active recovery week. My plan calls for three hours of cardio. Since the half marathon on Sunday, I haven't done a single workout (I am currently dressed to head out for a run though).

However, since Sunday afternoon, we have logged 29.3 miles of walking throughout the Disney theme parks. Someone, please tell me this counts for active recovery.

Seriously, though, we are averaging somewhere between five and nine miles a day and Dizzle, our six year old has walked EVERY.SINGLE.STEP. Yeah, she's a total Honey Badger.

Disney Obsessed - We are having a blast on vacation and I am probably going to move here permanently. Yesterday morning, for One More Disney Day, we woke the kids up at 4:30 a.m. to head over to the Magic Kingdom. Yes, we are obsessed. And no, that is not a form of child abuse.

J and Doodle

Dilly, Dizzle and Me

Me and my sister, Angie Pants

 See? Despite the early wake up calls, we are all smiles.

3TT: Obsessions ...

I'm kind of an obsessive type of person. It's probably not the most attractive trait out there, so I like to reframe my obsessive nature in a positive light. I see it as a "Go Big or Go Home" mentality. It works for me. Right now, my time and focus is pretty much consumed by four things - triathlon, organization, food, and my kids. I ramble enough about triathlon training, so let's focus on the other three.

Organization - Not only am I constantly checking off tasks from this calendar, but a failed kitchen renovation led me to empty and refill my entire kitchen on Tuesday. It was a total pain in the butt which required 42 trips up and down the stairs. My feet hurt and I was annoyed. But, at least it resulted in a downsize of the amount of stuff in our cabinets by about a third. Yes, that stuff is currently sitting in my office, but not for long. It's being donated today.

Food - Yesterday was the first day of the 10 Day Whole Food Challenge, I am participating in. And I have never paid so much attention to what I am eating in my entire life. We eat rather healthy in this house, but a lot of my "go-to" foods aren't allowed during this challenge. Protein bars? No. Pretzels? Nope. Store bought hummus? Not a chance.

It's a good thing I like fruits and vegetables. Oh, and that I can make pretty much anything from scratch.

My Kids - Because I am OCD, I often dress the girls in coordinating outfits without even realizing it. Yesterday was one of those days. When we picked up Dizzle from school, I noticed that everyone was wearing pink and white. So, you know that that means ...

Photo shoot.

I took about 150 photos and got these two that I really love ...

I mean, how could you not be obsessed with these kids? They are so freaking cute.

i am food obsessed ...

I have mentioned once or twice or 8,000 times that I have a slight case of OCD. I need order and structure and I thrive on discipline. I mean, it's not like you run 50 miles a week or reduce your wardrobe down to 35 items without discipline.

It's also through discipline that I managed to get my eating habits in check. And it's how I dropped 70 pounds. When I was in high school, I ate a Burger King Bacon Double Cheeseburger with fries and a Dr. Pepper EVERY DAY. I'm not kidding. We were allowed to go off-campus for lunch and BK is what I chose (Note: You couldn't pay me to eat at BK now.)

At some point, I decided to change my ways and my discipline kicked in. I changed my eating habits and kicked my exercising into overdrive. Eventually, I got to this point. I became a pescatarian, endurance athlete. Or as the people around me would say, "an exercise addict."

The thing is, though, I'm not addicted to exercise. I love running. I love being active. But, it in no way controls my daily activities. I don't sacrifice anything but my free time and sleep to get my workouts in. I don't miss out on anything because "I need to workout." And I most definitely do not freak out if I miss a workout. Yes, I would prefer to complete my entire schedule, but I know it's not the end of the world to skip a few sessions.

I am so NOT obsessed with exercise. But, if we are being honest here, I think I am totally obsessed with food. I am positive that if I wasn't so disciplined with my exercise, I would balloon up quickly. Portion control is not my strong suit. Food is always on my mind. I plan out what I am going to eat for dinner before I've had breakfast. I don't like to share what's on my plate. I calorie count with the best of them. I NEVER eat out without checking the nutritional facts first. I measure or weigh the vast majority of what I eat. I have zero self control when it comes to indulgences. If there is junk in the house, I will eat it. Even if I am already full. And I am 100% aware of this fact.

I know being obsessed with food is completely crazy. But, I know I can't possibly be the alone in this. We've all got our thing, right? So, what are you obsessed with?

calling it quits ...

Yesterday, my little sister said something that stuck with me. I was trying to convince her to join my running cult ... I mean, running hobby. We were talking about doing a half marathon when she said, "I could never do it." To which I replied, "I didn't think I could either. But now, I run marathons." And then she hit me with it.

"Yeah, but you get an idea in your head and you just do it. I'm not like that."

She's right. When I decide that I am going to shoot for something, I make sure that I accomplish it. Failure is not an option. I've always been that way. But, it got me thinking. Is a drive like that what differentiates runners from non-runners? Or the obsessive runner (like me) from the recreational runner?

I've mentioned it here before, G and I gave ourselves a tag line after a run where we let our drive to finish win out over our common sense.

G and I are "Runinspired: Runners first. Logical thinkers second." (Our shirts are in the works)

I ALWAYS finish the run. If the schedule calls for 10, I am running 10. Not 9.92. It's just how I roll.

My obsessive nature was proven yesterday during my six miler. I had just eaten a HUGE lunch (with dessert) and it was 90 degrees out. Feeling guilty about lunch and knowing I had to get my run in at some point, I headed out without really thinking about how my body was going to handle all that food.

I started running and was feeling fine. Until about mile 1.5. Then it hit me. I was going to vomit. So, I stopped. Sipped some water and composed myself. I started running again and made it another half mile before I was vomiting on the side of the road. This pattern continued until mile three, when I decided I was going to walk a tenth then run half a mile until I got home. It worked, but I was on the verge of vomiting the whole time. It was rough.

The kicker was that I was running a zig-zag course. And even at the three mile turn around point, I was less than a half mile from home. I could have cut the run short at any point. But I just couldn't. I just kept thinking about what my sister said to me. That I decide to do something and then do it, no questions asked. I knew I wasn't really sick. I knew that I had just eaten too much and tried to run too soon. And since I knew that finishing the run wasn't really detrimental, except maybe to the front yards I yakked on, I kept going. I didn't quit. And it will make me stronger. If I can run through vomiting, I can run through mental fatigue and self doubt. Getting through the tough spots is what makes you a champion. But, I'm sure to most people, I just looked like a lunatic puking on the side of the road ...

Like I said, I'm a runner first. A logical thinker second.

food for thought ...

Yesterday afternoon, I was reading the absolutely hysterical blog, If I can't convince you - - I'll at least confuse you, authored by Emz. She posted a challenge to her readers, I'll show you mine FIRST. Will you show me yours?

Never one to say no to a challenge, I whipped out my camera. And here it is ...

Obviously, I live in a house with small children. 101 alphabet magnets. Photos. And Polly Pockets (sitting on top). But those, two pieces of paper on the front - My current training plan and J's. We are a family on a fitness mission.

OK. I've shown you mine. Will you show me yours?

Go. Grab your camera.

Open your fridge door and take TWO pictures. One of the inside ...

And one of the door ...

No tidying. No cleaning. No hiding any guilty pleasures ...

Then, mention the following:

• A few things you like in there: CHOBANI!! In addition to that box, there are another 10 hidden behind things. Banana peppers - I can eat them right out of the jar. Strawberries - mixed in Chobani with a half cup of Wheaties Fuel. Yumtastic!


• What you can't live without: Chobani Greek Yogurt (obviously), milk (I am a cereal addict), hot sauce (it goes on EVERYTHING),


• What you should live without that is currently in there: The condiments. Most of them are past their expiration.


• What you wish were in it: Blue cheese, sauteed onions and diced apples. I really feel like having a turkey burger topped with all of that ...

Well? What are you waiting for? Go take your pictures. And while I am bossing you around, don't forget to enter my Whooha Gear Giveaway. It ends tonight!

coffee anyone?

It has been brought to my attention by my dear and loving husband that I drink A LOT of coffee. (Funny, considering that I wouldn't touch it before I was pregnant with Dilly). I know you're thinking "OK. Well, so do I." But no, that's where you'd be wrong. You are probably not drinking as much as me. I easily consume an entire pot of coffee each day (and on occasion, more). And I am pretty sure that it does absolutely NOTHING for me. I'm never wired. Or energized. In fact, I am still passed out on the sofa by 9:30 almost every night.

So, why do I drink it? Well, let's see ...

I drink too much coffee because run 40 miles a week, cross train with P90X six days a week, manage a household and parent three children 24/7. And I mistakenly think it is going to give me more energy ...

I drink too much coffee because I am a stress eater and drinking a cup of coffee is FAR FEWER calories than eating a candy bar every time my children test my last nerve ...

I drink too much coffee because on more than one occasion in the last week I have had to clean up fecal matter from Dilly's crib. And I'm over it ...

I drink too much coffee because my laptop is slow as heck. The processor is overloaded and I need something to do while I wait for my email to open ...

I drink too much coffee because sometimes I need a break and my children actually listen when I say, "Give Mommy five minutes so that she can finish her coffee" ...

I drink too much coffee because there is only so much high-pitched screaming one person can take. And if you've ever been to my house, you know that we are over that limit ...

I drink too much coffee because I serve as the VP of Licensing for my children's preschool. I deal with A LOT of bureaucracy and red tape and people who don't return phone calls ...

I drink too much coffee because I am working out the details of turning my passion of running into a business. A business that doesn't negatively affect my family life. Or my bank account ...

I drink too much coffee because I don't drink alcohol. Enough said ...

you might say I'm addicted ...

Hi. My name is Tonia and I am addicted to running skirts. Well, that's not true. I am only addicted to the skirts from RunningSkirts.com. No other skirt will do. I own 16 of them. Don't believe me? Just look ...

It's OK. You can stop drooling now. I know they are a beautiful thing. But please, try to control yourself.

I'm not quite sure how I became the single largest owner of RunningSkirts in the continental U.S. (outside of RunningSkirts owners, Cindy and Christy), but it happened. Oh, wait. Now, I recall how it all started. It was with a single skirt, navy/white. I had been running for five months and was about to run my first marathon (yes, I ran my first marathon with less than a year of running experience). I needed the perfect outfit, because if I wasn't going to run fast then I was at least going to look good. And look good, I did (I know you wish that was your quad).

That was the beginning of the end. I would never look back. In the two years since my first marathon, I have never run a race without wearing a RunningSkirt. And I would estimate that they are my outfit of choice in 98% of my training runs. Basically, I am a walking billboard. And I am OK with that. When you find something you love, you have to stick with it. My skirts have never failed me and for that I am forever loyal. And hey, one day, when I am consistently winning races, I'm sure RunningSkirts will sponsor me. Or maybe, when my kids are all in school, I will work for them. You never know ...

And while we are talking about my addiction, I did get a few questions about my RunningSkirts after my 300th post. Laura asked: "Does your husband ever give you a hard time about the amount of running gear/clothes you have and if so how to you handle it?"

No, he NEVER gives me a hard time. J is very supportive of my running and my RunningSkirt addiction for the following three reasons.

1. He knows that I have a monstrous amount of running clothes, but he also knows that I do not purchase any non-running clothing. Seriously. My entire non-running wardrobe consists of a few pairs of jeans, a couple polo shirts (which I never wear) and race tees. I couldn't dress up if I tried. Well, maybe if I wore the old bridesmaid dress that is hanging in my closet.

2. J is a big guy (6'7) and can't buy a suit off of a rack. Unfortunately, he has to wear a suit everyday to work. Getting one custom-made, or even altered, is WAY MORE EXPENSIVE than any running gear I could buy.

3. Um, have you seen my outfits? I look hot. And what husband doesn't want a hot wife? Just saying.

Cynthia O'H asked: "If you could buy any RunningSkirt.com skirt, what would it be? Does your husband know how much they cost or do you keep that a well-hidden secret?"

Right now, if I could buy any one of their skirts it would be the pink and white dots. I just bought that one for a friend (see, I can give too) and it was beyond cute. It was so adorable that Dizzle was actually upset with me for giving it away. So, if anyone is feeling generous and wants to send me a gift, I wear a size 2 skirt and I'm sure by now the RunningSkirt twins have my address memorized.

As for the cost, J is fully aware of the price tag. And yes, I realize that 16 skirts at $48-58 dollars each can really add up. But in my own defense, I haven't actually spent that much on them (at least not personally). You see, I won two of my skirts. Four of them were gifts. Seven were purchased at half price from the website's sale page and the Stroller Strides National Conference and one was 15% off. Only two (my first skirt and my maternity skirt) were full price. But in the last two years, I have paid a heck of a lot in shipping.

determination ...

"I ran and ran and ran every day, and I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that I would never give up, no matter what else happened," - Wilma Rudolph

After writing about pushing my ginormous triple stroller on my runs, I got a comment that read, "The things you do to get your runs in are amazing." It really got me thinking. I think the things I do to get my runs in are just the things that NEED to be done to get my runs in. Nothing amazing (although, I do LOVE complements). For me, they have become commonplace. Running is not a choice. It is a crucial part of my life. 5 runs a week, sometimes more, NEVER EVER less. Missing a run is not an option.

Now, I know that skipping a workout or cutting a run short isn't the end of the world. It's not going to make a lick of difference on race day, just like finishing every last mile on my training plan isn't going to get me a BQ. But I have made a commitment to myself. A commitment to be the best me every single day. On every single run. So, if that means pushing a 140+ pound stroller, exchanging sleeping in for early morning long runs or logging 22 miles on the treadmill, well then that's what has to get done.

It's just about determination. The determination to always strive to be better than you were yesterday. The determination to show your children that you can get pure joy out of something, even if you NEVER walk away as the champion. The determination to prove everyone who has ever doubted you wrong, even if that means proving yourself wrong as well. And although, it may not be the reason I started running, it is without a doubt this determination that keeps me running.

I may never run a five minute mile. Or log 70 miles a week. I'm not going to win a race or even beat all of my friends. But none of that matters. Running is my passion. A passion I want to share with others. It is more than just a hobby. It is a force that has forever changed my life. Running has allowed me to be the best mom and wife and me that I can possibly be. It's not a chore. Or a job (because I am WAY TOO SLOW for that). Or even a requirement. It is just the simple act of placing one foot in front of the other. A simple act that helps define me ...

digested ...

It's taken an entire week, but I have finally digested last Saturday's half marathon. Let's start with the good news. I PR'd. By a lot. 19 minutes and 47 seconds to be exact. And I had a lot of fun (well, mostly. except for those moments when I thought I was going to die). Now onto the bad news ...

I only PR'd by 19 minutes and 47 seconds. I had been expecting to run significantly faster (like 13 minutes faster). And I was even on pace to. Through nine miles my Garmin was reading 9:33 overall pace. At the end of the race, it read 10:33 overall pace. So basically I lost A LOT of time in those last few miles. What happened you ask? Well, simply put, a poorly placed water stop coupled with severe dehydration (we're talking borderline heat stroke) lead to me tweaking an old injury, cramping up and nearly passing out. It was rough. The race pictures don't really show how rough, but trust me, it was bad. (Not to mention my post-race condition, crazy nausea, no appetite, the chills, pounding headache ...)

At first I felt like a failure, I had kept such a strong pace for the first nine miles and I quickly saw my goal time slipping away. All I could think was, "I run this distance ALL THE TIME. Why can't I put it together now?" But a day or two later, I realized I had a huge PR. Sure it wasn't as good as I would have liked, but that will just make it easier to PR next time. And I left everything out on the course. It wasn't pretty, but I know I couldn't have finished that race a second faster on that day. And I can be proud of that. Plus, this disastrous race has really help me mentally and strategically prepare for the marathon. It's cemented in my mind that no matter what, I need to stay with that pace group. It will keep me from going out too fast and dying in the last few miles. And seeing that this will be my last marathon (more on my future race plans another day), I want to enjoy it and if that means running slightly slower than "my potential", I am OK with that. FOR REAL. Plus, that "slightly slower" running (4:20-4:30) will still give me about a 40 minute PR. Which totally works for me.

accidental obsession ...

So, we all know about my little obsession with cupcakes. A certain cupcake store in particular. In fact, I usually pass up other cupcakes. It's really just this place I am obsessed with. They are so good. Knock your socks off good. "Yes, I'll run that extra five miles just to eat them" good.

Up until now, I thought my kids could take them or leave them. Sometimes, 99% of their cupcakes got thrown away. Other days, every crumb was inhaled. But today was different. Today, my kids asked for them.

We were leaving the pool this morning when Doodle turned to me and said, "I want to go to the cupcake store!" How could I refuse? Not only did she ask me to take her to my favorite place, but she knew we were in the vicinity (we were less than half a mile away). I couldn't even lie and tell her that it was too far out of the way. She had me trapped. I had no choice.

(Wait, now that I think about it. I don't think she even knows where our house is located, but she gets within a mile of the cupcake store and it's like a flippin' siren is going off ... huh?)

Anyway, we got our cupcakes. But before we left, Dizzle grabbed a postcard off the counter with a cupcake on it (not some drawing, a photo of one of their cupcakes). Once we got in the car she proved her love for this tasty confection as well. She asked, "Mom, can I hang this picture in my room so that I can dream about these cupcakes?" LOVE IT!

So, basically I have three cupcakeaholics (counting myself, of course) living in my home. I think we need to move. Soon. To somewhere with no baked goods.