Training update!

Since I have been updating my training for both my half marathon and tri, I guess I should update you all on how my swimming has been going. I didn't think I could do it, but I sped up my time for my 600 yards. Today it was 10 minutes and 30 seconds. I was definitly hauling buns, and was pretty tired by the end of it!

As far as running goes, I ran 6.5 miles this past weekend and had tons of energy and wasn't tired, BUT there was just one tiny little problem... my feet!!! My feet have been killing me, but it's only after I run for 3 or 4 miles. My parents told me that I may be tying my shoe laces to tightly (and I have been!), so I will loosen them for next time. The pain mainly results from my toes going numb. It's weird how I can still feel pain when my toes go numb! hmmm... Anyway, I think I will look into some insoles as well. Pray for me feet! Ack!

I haven't trained for the bike portion yet, but I have elicited the help my my sister in law who is an avid biker. Hopefully I will get a bike and train soon. If not, I will just have to form a relay team, which would be just as fun!

Anyway, that's it for me. I am getting a little sleepy, but of course, mom's don't get much rest. Off to fold some laundry, and bake some goodies... all before my 4 year old somes out of his room for "school time." All in a days work.

Pam

Swim. Bake. Belt it.

10 minutes and 50 seconds (roughly)...That's my 600 yard swim time (24 lengths or 12 laps)! I am really not sure if I can get any faster by the time the race comes, although I hope I can. I wont push too hard though. I may have to do the entire race on my own now because neither of my relay pals will be able to make it. I can either get another team together, or I can suck it up and do it all myself. The only thing holding me back is the bike portion. I don't have a bike and don't want to invest tons of money into one.

I am also thinking, when in the heck will I have the time to train for the bike portion? Riding 13 miles really isn't a big deal, but I don't just want to do it, I want to do it well, and fast! On top of training for this tri, I am also training for my first ever half marathon, taking guitar lessons, teaching at the gym, studying for my aerobic instructor exam, homeschoolingJake for pre-school and taking care of my family. ACK!

I guess I have some things to think about.

In the meantime, I am going to listen to Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" album, which I have been OBSESSED with as of late. Listen to "Long Live." I want to cry everytime I hear it. My other favorites on the album: Mean, Sparks Fly, Speak now.

Off to bake some fresh apple bread while belting it out to Taylor Swift tunes.

Pam

 mom.wife.baking queen.closet pop star wanna be. dreamer.

Rain, rain, don't go away!

This afternoon, I decided to take the boys out to the backyard where I could run around my little yard of rocks, and grass and keep and eye on the kids at the same time. I got a decent "run" in and then over my music, I heard thunder. The skies were gray, and the air, chilly. Before we knew it, rain started pouring from the sky, and the world looked different.

Something magical happens when it rains and a delicious smell begins to swirl around in the air. Growing up in a very wet and humid climate, I really start to miss the moist air that we rarely get where we live now. Rain makes me feel at home. All of a sudden, the pizza baking in the oven smells even better. My socks feel cozier. And being at home just feels so... happy.

Rain, rain, DON'T go away.

I want to buy some rain boots and splash in the puddles now. I think that will be next on my "to do" list.

I LOVE Aveda :)

I just signed up for Aveda's birthday program, where they send you approximately $24 worth of product on your birthday :) Sounds pretty sweet huh? You can sign up here too:
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Pretty Pretty Flowers

My tulips are starting to come up, and I can't wait to get started on my vegetable garden, but that wont happen for a few more weeks. For the past month of so, I have had major "spring fever" and since I couldn't plant flowers outside, I decided to do so inside :)

Having tulips around makes me feel even more cheery... these came from my wonderful hubby:

I know that spring doesn't exactly scream "TIME TO BAKE!" but I have been baking more lately, than I have in the last few months.

Yummy zuchinni bread that my hubby eats for breakfast every morning.

Enjoy the fabulous warmer weather! I know we definitly are!

Pam

Febuary Fun

Here is a precious picture my 4 year old drew for me:

I know I am 2 months late, but I have finally downloaded pictures to my computer. I am just so lazy about things like that, especially since I am taking a break from facebook. Anyway, we had a pretty fun Valentines Day. I had the boys make valentines, cupcakes, and then making cute little goodie bags:

For every holiday, I like to fill canning hars with candy, and decorate it a little bit... here's what I did for Valentines:

Simple, but kinda cute.

Pam

Done!

I started reading Book three of "The Hunger Games" series on Saturday afternoon and was finished by Sunday afternoon. I am completely worthless when I am really into a book. I can't put it down! Anyway, I was a little distraught about some of the turn of events in the book and that's what made me want to finish quicker. I HAD TO know what happened. I wont discuss anything, because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read the entire series. My hubby just finished Book 1, and liked it. Anyway, the ending made it ALL worth reading. I must say that I am happy. happy. happy :)

Can't wait for the movies to come out! Woohoo! They have already cast three of the main characters for the Movie, which is very exciting!


Off to work out now!

                                             Pam

HUNGRY for more!

No, it's not for food.

I just finished "The Hunger Games," and am left wanting more. I have now just purchased that second, and will definitly be reading the third. I didnt' think I would like this book at first for a number of reasons:

1. It's a triology and I'm not much of a trilogy type of girl.
2. It's a bit violent and I am super squeemish!
3. It's Sci-fi

That being said, you'd think that I'd drop the book and run. I am so glad I didnt! If you haven't read it yet, pick it up at your local Library or at Walmart (got mine two bucks cheaper than the cover price :) Gatta love Walmart.

Once the kiddos are down, I will be diving into Book number two and will probably have it finished in a day or two. Can't wait! Look this book up on Amazon and read up on it. Trust me, it is a fantastic read! Just had to share my book of the week! My Hubby will be reading the first book soon, and I know he will be hooked as well!
Update: Just finished book 2 nt even 48 hrs after this post... Ahh.. can't wait to get the third!

Here is Book number 2:

pictures taken from google.com

Training away...

Hello :)

I went to the pool today and here was my workout:

Warm up:
200 yard warm up
200 yard paddle (with paddles on hands... just using arms to swim)
200 kick

100 sprint
50 slow
repeat x4

600 yard at moderate to race speed

Cool down:
100 yard cool down
50 yard kick
50 yard abs

 total: 2000 yards

I did my 600 yards in about 11 minutes. I think my new suit is helping with my speed! I did my 100 yard "sprints" (not really all out sprints, but just a lot faster than usual) in 1 min and 30 seconds. Slowed down towards the end and it was more like 2 minutes.

Just rewarded myself with tator tots. (cringe)

On to other news...

• Bought tickets for home and counting down the days! YAY!
• My almost 2 year old has been sining "Jesus Loves Me." Way to melt a Mama's heart!
• My 4 year old is a definite reader! Yay! Only a little past the half way mark of our program, but it's definitly working!
• Question: How the heck do you keep Hyacinths straight up? They are all leaning and it's bugging me!
• Oh and I promise to start actually writing stories soon :)

XO

Pam