Less Than a Week

So this is it. It's marathon week. I can't believe how quickly the summer passed and how many hours spent out on the road have been archived in my watch's database.

The road to get to my marathon debut has not been all sunshine and happiness. I was reading my post from when I registered for the marathon a few days ago and reflecting on how this journey met, exceeded and deflated my expectations of how it would go - how does something do all of those things?! It didn't all happen at once. Much like the marathon itself, it's been a long journey of many ups and downs and a lot of even-keel, sweat-dripping moments.

If everything in life could be kept constant, marathon training would fit perfectly into anyone's schedule and not be an inconvenience to any of the runner's family or friends. BUT, such is life. And that's one of the reasons why training for a marathon is HARD. Many times my runs were planned around family events, which happen often in the summer months. This meant setting my alarm for as early as 4am to get my miles in before leaving on day trips, birthday parties, etc. As well as trying to make sure my long runs didn't interfere too much with our "normal" Saturdays. My goal was to try to be back home by 9-9:30am so that our weekends were not revolving around my long runs. This meant on almost every Saturday all summer I was setting my alarm for earlier than I did during the week. This became normal as the weeks passed.

Now that training is practically over (I have one more run and a 2 mile walk scheduled), I can say that I am running a marathon...on SUNDAY! The last few weeks of marathon training cut down on mileage and time on your feet (called "the taper"). I have thoroughly enjoyed the taper (aka the sleeping in), which came at the perfect time considering I started with a head cold the Monday after my 20 miler and was given an inhaler for bronchitis last week. In the runs that I have had since the taper began, I've really noticed a difference with my speed now that my legs have had a chance to recover after building the base that I'll need to push through 26.2 miles. I'm not looking to put that pace to use during my marathon, but it is fun to see the pace drop below a 10 minute mile consistantly and with relative ease (even with bronchitis!).

As I prepare for Sunday, Ive planned some simple meals, cutting out a lot of fats (even the "good" ones), oils and fiber to keep digestion simple and try to prevent any stomach upset and bloat. As the day get closer, I'm focusing on higher, simple carb foods, like potatoes (sweet and regular) and pasta (white, not wheat), oatmeal and yogurt and lean proteins like chicken...and lots of water! Doing this helps to build the glycogen stores that your body uses while running long distances. Once the glycogen stores run out, your body starts to use fat to process as energy, but it's not as efficient and often leads to exhaustion and "hitting the wall". There's no way to absolutely fill the glycogen stores in your body to fuel you all the way through, so that's why it's also important to fuel during the marathon, which I have been practicing during my long runs - thank you Honey Stinger waffles and salty pretzels!!!

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One last push for CHaD Fundraising as well - TDOAY, October 14th at 5pm, the fundraising pages close for CHaD HERO. I am SO close to my $1,000 goal and would love to reach it to help CHaD continue to provide the amazing services that CHaD families so desperately need.
Please, if you haven't yet, a donation of $5, $10 or $25 can help tremendously!
I'll be wearing my CHaD HERO shirt and hat while I run on Sunday!!! I hope to see some of the fundraiser shirts out and about in support! :)
Click here to donate!

20 MILES

Training for a marathon, "they" say, is not for the light-hearted. It takes time, committment from not just the runner, but the family and friends that surround the person. As a first-time marathon trainee, my goal, also as "they" say, should be to "just finish". My goal - "just finish" without wanting to collapse. ;)

About two and a half years ago, I decked out the backside of the mirror which covered our medicine cabinet with words of encouragement as I began my "Five Months to Fitness" preceeding my wedding day. I taped all sorts of pictures, quotes, graphics and my workout schedule on the inside of that miror. For some reason, I also included cut-outs of "5K", "10K", "13.1" and "26.2". At the time, I was training for my first 5K. I had thought maybe some day I'd do a half marathon, but I remember thinking that I was putting the 26.2 up there just to round it out. It hadn't crossed my mind until I was able to draw a big black check mark on the 5K, 10K and 13.1, that checking off that 26.2 is something that I could do, but I didn't really have a reason to.

For the last 18-or-so weeks I have been following a training plan that I created based on a lot of research, going over some other training plans and knowing my own schedule and limitations. What has gotten me across half marathon finish lines in the past is the focus and regiment of a training plan - knowing that I will not be feeling my best if I don't complete the training plan as it's laid out. Now, that's not to say I didn't sleep in and skip a Monday run here or there, or if an injury crept up, I took the bench for some time. In the back of my mind, I always know that if I skip a run "just because", I lessen my chances of crossing the finish line with a smile on my face.

While marathon training might seem similar to the training that I have done for the 6 half marathons leading up to this race, it has proven to be vastly different. Surprisingly though, I hadn't felt the true effects of honest-to-goodness marathon training until about a week ago as I was gearing up for my longest and most important run of this training. I sort of felt like everything up until then was really preparing me for this 20-mile run, not the 26.2 miles I will do 3 weeks from then.

If not more important, what's at least equally important in marathon training is mental strength and how well you mentally prepare to cover those miles. I've got to admit that I feel this is my biggest strength through this training. Screw my legs, my mind says I've got to hit 20.00 - not 19.99, not 14.97 on a 15 mile week! I want to see those numbers get higher and I'll keep pushing until I get there. If thoughts of "still 8 miles left" start to creep into my mind, I focus on what's at the end of those 8 miles - rest, a big glass of ice water, an egg and veggie filled burrito (thanks to Shawn!) and usually I'll be able to push right through and the last miles fly by! (Who says food can't be a reward!!?)

As I head into the taper weeks with a lovely head cold (thank you Cam and his kindergarten friends), I'm feeling ready, but nervous. I'm focusing on the finish line and visualizing seeing 26.20 on my watch, getting the medal and celebrating! I'm remembering that I have done the work, the hardest part, the training...it's practically over! Its been a long road, but I know it'll be worth it!

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I was honored to have been invited to the Heroes are Here Tribute on the day before the CHaD HERO event, and am sorely dissapointed that I cannot attend, as I'll be in Lowell, MA preparing for the Baystate Marathon - BUT, I am THRILLED to be representing CHaD as I run. I am continuing to fundraise up until October 15th, when the donor pages close.

Please, if you haven't donated yet, consider a donation of even $5 to support CHaD. Any amount helps. If you haven't read my post about where the donor dollars are used, please read this post.
You can make a donation to CHaD HERE.

Bulu Box Review and Discount Code!

As a Sweat Pink Ambassador, I'm occasionally given the opportunity to sample and review different products on the market. I was recently sent a one month subscription from Bulu Box! I knew around-or-about when the box was scheduled to arrive, but nothing could compare to when I saw the bright, cheerful and encouraging box of goodness awaiting my arrival home after work!

I have no experience with other subscription boxes, so I suppose I set my expectations pretty low. 

SO what is Bulu Box? Well, there are two different types. There is the "Originial" Bulu Box which provides a well-rounded sampling of different health and nutrition products and there is also the "Weight Loss" Bulu Box which provides samples of various weight-loss specific items. Each box comes loaded with 4 to 5 samples. 

As I prepared to open my original Bulu Box, I was expecting rays of sunshine and singing birds to accompany the surprise (comon Bulu!). ;)

No singing or sunshine, but some nice bright orange paper! I was pretty excited about the samples that I got - a full jar of gummie vitamins (hardly a SAMPLE), some Movit energy gummies (which I used on my subsequent long run), some protein chews (yum!), a sample of instant "healthy" coffee, Omega-3 vitamins and a sample of upset stomach relief powder. Overall, after expecting 4-5 samples and receiving 6, I was already excited!

The cool thing about Bulu box is that you can always purchase the full-size version of every product that is in the box - even cooler, you can earn points to get actual money toward the full size products by submitting a review of the samples that you received! Up to 100 points per month, which equals $10! NICE! 

Bulu Box is also super affordable for a subscription box, compared to some other similar boxes (after some brief research). It is $10/month for a month-to-month subscription, a 3-month subscription and a 6-month subscription, but you save some money by jumping to the 12-month subscription, which is $110 for the year! And guess what! If you're interested in trying Bulu Box, but are unsure you want to spend $30 yet on a 3-month subscription, go to bulubox.com use code SWEATPINK at checkout and receive 50% off! 

Overall, I'm happy with the box, and while I fortunately haven't had to use the upset stomach relief, I sampled each of the other products and was really satisfied with the collection of samples I received!

Reflections of a Kindergarten Mom

Last week, my tiny 6lb, 6oz perfect baby boy turned 5 and started Kindergarten, except he’s no longer a baby, toddler or Preschooler. I cannot classify him as anything smaller than a little boy. I have no more excuses for his wacky attitudes or spilled milk, his filthy hair or crying tantrums, because he’s not a baby anymore. In many ways, I’m thankful that his baby years are over. Those were some of the hardest years of my life, and hopefully with those years behind us, we can look forward to a long, bright future for Cam.

There were so many unknowns when Cameron was a baby, toddler and Preschooler. So many times we were left with more questions than answers.  Cameron was a colicky infant, diagnosed at 3 months old, when most babies are getting over their colicky behavior. I still remember his doctor saying that he was “the picture of perfect health”, just a crying baby…but why? At 6 months old he began having “episodes” of what his doctor suspected were constipation issues in a baby who was fairly “regular”. It wasn’t until the episodes worsened and became more frequent that our journey truly began at CHaD. Now, as a Kindergartener, Cam’s journey with CHaD continues.

I recently received an email from CHaD that was sent to all CHaD HERO registrants giving examples of what the fundraising dollars are used for. As I read the email, I was shocked at how many of these examples were moments that we experienced at the many inpatient stays Cameron has had at CHaD. As a CHaD parent, so much is focused on your child’s care that it’s not until later, when you are able to look back, that you realize how much you’ve been given. But it’s exactly because of these services that parents at CHaD ARE able to focus on their child’s needs and not have to think about packing movies for the overnight testing, or bringing snacks because s/he might get hungry after missing a meal, carting toys to the hospital so there are things to do, etc. The dollars raised through CHaD HERO fundraising fill the family kitchen with snacks and drinks, movies for the kids to use in their rooms and a full playroom of toys that can be brought into their rooms or shared with other kids who are also receiving care.

So, what sort of things can a donation to CHaD provide?

$5 - $25 means toys for waiting rooms, playrooms and teen rooms, a book for CHaD kids at their well-child visit and so much more. Being a patient at CHaD is "a children's hospital experience, and not just a medical experience" for more than 60,000 CHaD kids and their families every day. Most often, kids who arrive at CHaD for their first time find their way back, and while it’s not a place anyone wants to be, The Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth is the first place I turn to when Cameron is in trouble.

$50 means 2 CHaD kids who happen to be at CHaD on their birthday, get a birthday party. When Cameron had his brain surgery, he spent Halloween in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at CHaD. The wonderful staff at CHaD brought Cam a load of costumes to choose from and he was given the opportunity to go trick-or-treating around the hospital. When he declined the offer (he was still pretty groggy and sore), one of the nurses went for him and brought him a big goodie bag of Halloween treats from each of the departments. He wasn’t there on his birthday, but it is just another example of the way the CHaD staff go above and beyond to make the children feel welcomed and loved.

$75 helps CHaD's Child Life Specialists prepare 5 CHaD kids for surgery. This was something that was very special when Cameron had his surgery. As so many people are popping in and out of the waiting room (which is full of awesome toys and games) introducing themselves and explaining procedures, we were given a single person to help us remember who the people were, organize our thoughts, answer any questions, get a cup of coffee, anything we needed. The Child Life Specialists are talented people and held our hands through the entire surgery prep, including going into the OR and walking me back to the waiting room, where I met back up with Shawn.

$250 provides 50 CHaD kids, who are managing a chronic illness, a 'care notebook' to keep track of their medical information. Every time we have stepped into the inpatient unit at CHaD, we were given a bag with lots of helpful information, contacts, a notebook and pen. While these things seem little and somewhat unimportant, many questions were written down with that pen and notebook that would have otherwise been forgotten.

$500 or $1,000 helps protect kids through the Child Advocacy and Protection Program by providing clinics with the tools needed to screen patients for exposure to domestic violence, a potential indicator of child abuse.

There are so many ways that your donation can make an impact for CHaD kids and their families. The list goes on, and I’m sure if I sat back I could come up with 20 more ways that our lives were made easier because of the services provided to us through the dollars raised for this incredible organization. My goal this year is to raise $1,000 for CHaD. Last year I exceeded my goal of $500 by $140, so I’m doubling it this time around. Every day families arrive at CHaD, relying on the world-class care and expertise of the physicians, therapists, nurses and the entire staff to guide them and care for their children. No parent wants to be put in the position of relying on doctors to help them make life-changing decisions about their children’s health, but when they do, the support provided through CHaD, funded by donors, makes all the difference.

Please consider a donation to support the children and families of CHaD and help us raise one million dollars! Every dollar counts! 

With love,

Cassie, Shawn and Cameron 

Five Things Friday

Because I have 5 things to share, and it's Friday!

1. The CHaD HERO t shirt sales ROCKED! Thank you ALL who purchased a shirt and supported my campaign! Together we raised $255.86 with the sale of 34 shirts and almost $60 in additional donations! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't wait to see the shirts around! For those of you who chose to have the shirt delivered to me, I was told I should have them by Friday Aug 21st, so I'll be tracking everyone down over the weekend!

I'm currently working on a tank top to sport all of the sponsor's names and chosen miles, for which I'll wear during my marathon! Question for you all - Anyone have recommendations for a screen printing company or local shop that would print just one shirt? I'd love to hear suggestions!

2. The first of two Margaritas Nights was a fun-filled event with great support! We added another $77.23 to the total funds raised while enjoying each others company ...and the 20oz Dos Equis! ;) Night #2 is coming up NEXT WEDNESDAY Aug 19th at the Margaritas in Keene, NH! Please call, text, email, message me, send me a carrier pigeon, whatever! in order to get a flyer to give to your waiter so they put your purchase toward the fundraiser. I will also have some at the restaurant with me. I was told I cannot hand them out - but you can ask me for one!  

Freekeh Review and Giveaway!

A few weeks ago, I talked about some ways that my family and I manage our grocery budget, especially with a marathon training appetite. As I said in my last post, we like trying new foods, so I was really excited when I was given the opportunity to review an awesome new product called Freekah!

So what is Freekah?

From Freekeh Food's website: Freekeh is a process which means "to rub" in Arabic. Freekeh was created by accident nearly 2,000 years ago when a Middle Eastern village was attacked and their crop of young green wheat was set ablaze. Most folks would sulk over their misfortune, but the crafty villagers rubbed off the chaff, cooked it up and "Eureka!" Freekeh was created. Freekeh has up to three times the fiber and protein found in brown rice, and fewer calories than quinoa and white rice. Freekeh Foods makes three different flavor options - there's Original, Rosemary & Sage and Tamari. I chose to review the Original and Rosemary & Sage.

I love their site because it has some great recipes and ideas to get me started in order to use Freekeh. It's basically a mix between rice and quinoa (it is NOT gluten free). When I opened the package, I actually thought it might have been mixed with rice, but no, it's an interesting mixture of shapes and textures. I was eager to get some recipes brewing with this lovely new grain, and to hear what the hubs and child thought of our first (and second) freekah experiences.

Having a mom that runs...

I love asking Cameron questions that clue me into how he's interpreting the things around him.
I saw this questionnaire on Happy Fit Mama's blog the other day and had to get the answers from Cam!

What does Mom eat before a run?
Cam: Yogurt
**I often have Greek yogurt smoothies after a run, but I think I'd pay terribly if I ate yogurt before my runs!**

How far does Mom run every day?
Cam: 66 miles
**That must include the miles I run chasing him and Remy around.**

What is Mom's favorite race?
Cam: Running races.
**He's pretty literal.**

Why do you think Mom runs?
Cam: Because she's beautiful.
**I'm not sure how this answers the question, or if he couldn't think of another answer, but I'll take it!**

What injuries has Mom had from running?
Cam: Your hands and knee
**He's referencing when I fell and walked home with bloody hands...**

Do you like going to Mom's races?
Cam: Yes

Have you learned anything from having a mom who runs?
Cam: Yes. Playing outside, painting and running
**I'm obviously a good multi-tasker.**

Does having a mom who runs make you want to run?
Cam: Yes.

What's your least favorite thing about having a mom who runs?
Cam: Playing with Remy.
**I'm not sure he entirely understood this one...**

Do you think you will run when you are Mom's age? How old is she?
Cam: Yes. 27.
**This question is more fun for kids who don't care to know how old everyone is.**
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Marathon training update and fundraisers!

I ran my first double digit run in marathon training last week, and I'll be doing two half marathons in a row in the next two weeks (not actual races, just 13 miles -- Did I really just write "just 13 miles"...). This is the first time in my training cycle that I really, truly feel like I'm doing more than I have for halfs that I've trained for. Normally once I hit 12 - 13 miles I start to taper in preparation for the upcoming race, but I'm only about half way through training, so this is when the real work begins! After these next two weeks, my long runs will each be the longest run I have done to date. Scary, but exciting!

I'm super excited to have sold 23 shirts already! My small goal is to sell 26, but my larger goal is to sell 50. I can't believe I've already just about reached my small goal and am almost half way to the big goal! The campaign is open through August 7th. Shirts are $15 each and you can make an additional donation with your purchase, if you are able. Click on this link to check it out!

The first Margaritas night is next Thursday, August 6th in Lebanon, NH. Join the event on Facebook and share it with local friends and family!
The second Margaritas night in Keene is on Wednesday, August 19th. Again, join the event and share, share share!