runner vs. thrower ...

In case you missed it, I wasn't always a runner. In fact, I was the opposite of a runner. I was a thrower (yes, I was beefcake like a thrower too). J was also a thrower. And we have always said that our children would be throwers. Anyway, both J and I competed at Division I colleges (me - shot put and discus, J - hammer). It's how we met. And I am super thankful for that.

I loved being a thrower. But I love being a runner more. And that is why now I REALLY want my children to be multis (track talk for those who do it all, run/throw/jump), instead of strictly throwers. A good multi is hard to come by. Which means that if you are decent, you can usually get some sort of scholarship.

But that is not the point of this post. Instead, the point is to highlight how my children are already weighing in on the runner vs. thrower debate. Yesterday, while driving home from G's, the girls got in a little fight that went something like this ...

Me: "Are you guys going to race with me?"
Dizzle: "No! Doodle is going to be a thrower when she grows up. Daddy said so."
Doodle: "NO! I'm going to be a runner. Not a thrower!"
Dizzle: "Nope! Daddy said you are going to be a thrower!"
Doodle (now crying and screaming): "I AM GOING TO BE A THROWER AND A RUNNER."
Dizzle (in a snarky tone): "Hmph. Well, I am going to be ONLY a runner."

Really, girls? Since when is being ONLY a runner, the superior way to be? And while we're at it, what kind of 3 and 5 year olds fight about this stuff? Oh, wait. I know. The kind who have parents who peg you as an athlete before you are even born ...

what we did in Key West ...

Last night, right before midnight, J and I got back from Key West. And I'd like to tell you about all of the exciting and adventurous things we did while we were away. But I can't. Because we are apparently boring and old. There was no sky diving or bungee jumping or even snorkeling for that matter. Instead, we spent our five days in kid-free paradise relaxing. Sure, we ran. And ate (a lot). And shopped. But mostly, we did a bunch of nothing - in complete peace and quiet. And it was HEAVEN. And we have the pictures to prove it ...

Run U Mother Giveaway ...

Recently, in my never ending search for the ultimate in running apparel, I stumbled upon a "mom-centric" company called Run U Mother and I was instantly in love with the adorable products.

Run U Mother is an athletic wear company that produces athletic clothing and accessories in a fun, cheeky way to keep moms motivated. Created to give moms work out clothes that look good going from the gym to the grocery store (or to a playgroup), their products add style and attitude to the active-minded mom!

But, Run U Mother is becoming more. It's becoming a mantra of moms as they dig into that last mile. And now, you have a chance to sport your very own Run U Mother gear (winner's choice).

Entry is simple. Become a follower of this blog (or let me know that you already are) and in the same comment, tell me your fitness mantra. Entries will be accepted until Sunday, July 4th. The winner will be announced on Monday, July 5th.

To learn more about Run U Mother, you can check out their Facebook page HERE.

8 miles in Key West ...

Yesterday morning (after sleeping in), I ran eight miles. I started outside with views like this ...

But it was HOT. And even with sunblock, my skin was burning. So, instead of suffering in the elements, I met up with J for the last three miles of my run on the treadmill, which could have been horrible. But it wasn't. I got to run with my hubby. In a room with the air conditioning set on 68. With a view that didn't suck ...

It doesn't get much better than this ...

six years ago ...

Six years ago today, I wore this dress ...

To meet this man ...

To say, "I do" ...

In front of all of our friends and family ...

In a moment that was absolutely perfect ...

Happy anniversary to the man I love.

Three and a Half Things Thursday (vacation edition) ...

Once upon a time, there was a girl. A girl who hated Thursdays. A girl who prayed every week for Thursday to not happen. But her wish was never granted. Instead, she was left to deal with all the stress-inducing things that would come her way. Until today. Because, today she is saved by Three (and a half) Things Thursday, Vacation Edition ...

1. J and I are going to Key West for the next five days. It is the FIRST vacation we have taken alone since our honeymoon, six years ago. It has been booked for a year and we are beyond excited that it is finally time to go. (Note: This trip was J's 30th birthday present from me. I turn 30 in two years. He's going to have to try to top this trip. Just saying.)

2. There are a lot of things I am looking forward to during this trip. Swimming without worrying that the people around you might drown. Not wiping anyone else's butt. Taking a nap in the sand. Eating dinner after 5 p.m. (that doesn't happen in my house). Running the streets of Key West with my love by my side. Not waking up because someone is screaming. Going to the bathroom in private. But more than anything, I am looking forward to NOT STRESSING. I won't have to manage my household. Or other people's schedules. I know my kids will be well taken care of. Plus, my life is LOUD. Like sonic boom loud. And five days of peace and quiet is pretty much my idea of heaven.

3. It would be overwhelmingly obvious to anyone who opens my luggage to know that I am a runner. I would say that 15% of my bag is filled with non-running gear. Between my Mizunos, skirts, and socks there is little room for much else. Well, other than my Garmin and handheld water bottle and iPod and GU and Clif Bars and Sweaty Bands ...

3.5. And speaking of getaways and running, yesterday I won a free entry to the Rock 'N' Roll Chicago Half Marathon from Sof Sole. Now, I just need to plan the trip. Anyone else running this?

why my children are going to give me a heart attack ...

Yesterday morning, when I was trying to go to the bathroom ALONE, Dizzle and Doodle stormed in and declared that they needed to brush their teeth because the dentist told them to. Funny? We went to the dentist in May and you are just getting the memo now?

I looked at them and said, "Can't you see that I am going to the bathroom? Fine. Whatever. Go brush your teeth. Just get out of here." When I finished, I heard the girls in their bathroom down the hall. I told them to brush and then come downstairs as soon as they were done. And then I left. I went downstairs, sat down and tried to finish my coffee.

About two minutes later, I hear ear-piercing screams. Dizzle is yelling, "MOM! COME HERE! HURRY! IT'S AN EMERGENCY!" All I can think is someone is dead. They have found a razor and are bleeding to death or they drank all the toilet cleaner. I jump up and sprint up the stairs. When I get there both girls are crying and screaming. I look at Dizzle. And yell (so they can hear me over their screams), "What's wrong?"

"Doodle can't turn off the sink! She might waste water!"

Wait? What? Here I am thinking you are on the verge of death and you are just afraid that you're not being Eco-friendly? Seriously?

Yes, this is my life. Be jealous. Very jealous.